Interactive Dialogue with OHCHR Report on Casualty Reporting
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As delivered by Jesse Elmore
Human Rights Council – 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President. And thank you, Madame Director, for your invaluable service and commitment to promoting respect for human rights globally.
We welcome your report and your call for input, specifically regarding how casualty reporting has positively affected the national, regional, and international response to civilian casualties.
We are particularly concerned by credible reporting of civilian casualties in Ukraine, as well as reporting of human rights violations and abuses committed by the Russian military and its proxies.
Yet we still do not know the full picture. For that reason, we must advance efforts to create a comprehensive casualty recording system that accounts for all casualties, both civilian and military. And most importantly, Russia’s aggression and continued brutal violence against the people of Ukraine must immediately cease.
The United States applauds OHCHR’s 2019 publication of the Guidance on Casualty Recording, which outlines the methodology to establish a casualty recording system.
We urge all member states that suffer the effects of wide-scale violence to implement a casualty reporting system and contribute to further calls for input regarding the prevention of violence.
What actions can we take to aid the international community in developing a casualty reporting mechanism at the international level to contribute to equal access to justice for all?
I thank you.
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