• Українською
  • Ukraine welcomes PACE Resolution on Missing Persons, Prisoners of War, and Civilians in Captivity Resulting from russian Aggression
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, posted 02 October 2024 19:56

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the adoption of the resolution titled "Missing persons, prisoners of war and civilians in captivity as a result of the war of aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine" by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

    This significant resolution amplifies the voices of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian captives held by the russian federation and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. It underscores the international community's deep concern for their fate and calls for their immediate release.

    Key points of the Resolution include:

    • Urgent Release and Humane Treatment: PACE emphasizes the urgent need for the russian federation to comply with international humanitarian law and human rights standards. This includes ensuring adequate treatment of prisoners of war and civilian captives, their prompt release, and accountability for war crimes committed against them.

    • Access for International Organizations: The resolution calls for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and relevant UN mechanisms to be granted immediate and unimpeded access to all places where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians are held.

    • Condemnation of Torture and Ill-treatment: PACE expresses deep concern over evidence of systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian captives by russian authorities, which may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    • Accountability and Justice: The resolution underscores the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It calls on all Council of Europe member states to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes.

    • Support for Rehabilitation: PACE highlights the importance of appropriate rehabilitation programs for released prisoners and captives, urging international cooperation to provide the necessary financial and expert resources.

    • International Solidarity: The resolution urges the international community to increase pressure on the russian federation to ensure the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian captives and to support Ukraine in its efforts to secure justice and uphold human rights.

    Ukraine expresses its profound gratitude to the members of PACE for their unwavering support and solidarity. This resolution is a crucial step toward restoring justice, ensuring accountability, and bringing attention to the humanitarian issues arising from the ongoing aggression.

    We call upon the russian federation to immediately adhere to international law, grant access to international organizations, and release all Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian captives.

    Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to defending its sovereignty and protecting its citizens. We urge all nations and international organizations to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against aggression and in holding russian federation accountable for its actions.