Comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the adoption by the UN Human Rights Council of a resolution on the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression

On May 12, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution initiated by Ukraine, "On the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression". The resolution emphasizes firm commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and calls on the Russian Federation to immediately cease hostilities on the territory of Ukraine.

The document envisages a special investigation by the independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine to conduct a comprehensive and independent special inquiry of violations and crimes caused by the Russian occupation of the now liberated territories of the Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy regions, and a preparation of the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the critical humanitarian situation and serious human rights violations in the city of Mariupol.

The UN Human Rights Council urges the Russian Federation to provide representatives of international human rights and humanitarian institutions, including United Nations specialized agencies, with unhindered, timely, immediate and unrestricted access to persons who have been transferred from conflict-affected areas of Ukraine and are held on the territory of the Russian Federation or areas controlled or occupied by the Russian Federation, and to share with relevant parties a comprehensive list of such persons.

Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the UN member states, especially the members of the UN Human Rights Council, who supported this document. It is important to ensure the responsibility of those responsible for serious human rights violations and war crimes during Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

For reference: The resolution "On the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression" was supported by 33 countries, abstained - 12, China and Eritrea voted "against".