Interactive Dialogue with OHCHR on Ukraine
Statement by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Human Rights Council – 52nd Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, High Commissioner for using your voice in such a powerful way today, and to the Human Rights Monitoring Mission for your critical work.
Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
They have committed execution-style killings of Ukrainian men, women, and children; tortured civilians in detention through beatings, electrocution, and mock executions; committed rape; and, alongside other Russian officials, systematically deported hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians to Russia, including children – children who have been forcibly separated from their parents.
These acts are not random or spontaneous; they are part of the Kremlin’s widespread and systematic attack against Ukraine’s civilian population.
We also condemn reports of horrific mistreatment of prisoners of war.
Russia must stop its war. Russia’s forces and officials must halt their crimes and abuses. All those responsible must be held accountable.
I would like to ask how the international community can help protect the most vulnerable in light of Russia’s attacks on civilians and forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainians?
I thank you.
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