Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto during the urgent debate on the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression 3 March 2022

49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Chairperson,

Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.

Finland stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. We firmly support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, self-determination and territorial integrity.

Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, on which this very Council builds upon.

Russia’s attack puts millions at immense risk. Many civilians have died or wounded; many more have had to flee their homes. There is no justification for this. Neither for the human rights violations committed during 8 years in eastern Ukraine and in Crimea, including violations by Russia against Crimean Tatars.

Civilians - women, children, persons with disabilities and all others - must be fully protected.

Finland supports the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry. It is our duty to ensure that all human rights violations and abuses as well as violations of international humanitarian law will be systematically collected, recorded, preserved and reported to this Council.

This Council must hold Russia accountable. We trust that today the international community will send a strong and united message on the need for Russia to adhere to its international human rights commitments and obligations.

Thank you.