UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Oral Update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, Mr Vice President.
Thank you, High Commissioner, for your update.
We condemn the Russia's treatment of Ukrainian civilian detainees. Civilians are subjected to arbitrary detention, to torture and frequently held in dire conditions.
International humanitarian law is unambiguous: civilians can only be detained on lawful grounds and must be released from detention as soon as the lawful grounds for their detention cease to exist. Russia must cease unlawful detention and abuse of Ukrainian civilians, ensure humane conditions, and release those who have been arbitrarily detained.
They must also ensure the return of all Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. Children must not be a pawn of war.
We recognise that, as a result of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the number of conflict-related detainees has strained the Ukrainian criminal justice system. We welcome the progress the Ukrainian authorities have made to improve detention conditions.
We urge the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that conflict-related civilian detainees are treated in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. How best can the international community support Ukraine in these efforts?
