51st session of the Human Rights Council - Item 4 ID with Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (oral update, HRC res. 49/1 and S-34/1)

Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva

Chairperson,

Sweden aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the European Union and of the Nordic Baltic states

As Ukraine successfully continues to liberate areas, we are confronted with brutal images of the cruelty inhabitants of these towns and villages have been forced to endure whilst under temporary Russian control. Bucha, Borodyanka, Izium and the list goes on.

This Council and the entire rules-based international community need to stand up for the UN Charter. Russia’s aggression in blatant violation of international law is a threat to us all. No one can turn a blind eye to Russia’ barbaric actions in direct defiance of International Humanitarian Law in Ukraine.

The role of the Commission of Inquiry is crucial, and we must support the Commission’s work in every way possible. Our efforts to ensure accountability for the heinous crimes committed in Ukraine shall continue unabated.

Chair, we welcome the Commission’s victim-centered approach and would appreciate your comments on the challenges this approach poses, given the vast scope of your work?

Thank you.

Last updated 22 Sep 2022, 2.33 PM