ITEM 4 - Interactive Dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: Statement by Finland, Delivered by Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi, Permanent Representative of Finland, 20 March 2023.

Chairperson,

Finland aligns itself with the EU statement. The comprehensive report of the Commission underlines the importance of the mandate.

The scale of civilian suffering in Ukraine is shocking. The evidence on indiscriminate attacks, systematic torture and ill-treatment is mounting. Sexual violence has affected victims of all ages.

We are alarmed by the evidence of deportations and forcible transfers of civilians, particularly children, to Russian Federation and territories temporarily under Russian military control. These are devastating tragedies for Ukrainian families.

Today, we have heard the Commission - a wide range of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law take place. These violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Russian armed forces are responsible for the vast majority of these violations.

We must pursue accountability. The victims deserve justice. Finland strongly supports the extension of the Commission’s mandate and the work of the ICC.

Russia must immediately end its war of aggression. We continue to stand firmly with Ukrainian people.

Mr. Møse, could you elaborate, how widespread and systematic the forcible transfers of civilians have been?