UK Statement for the Item 10 Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Mr Vice-President,
The latest update from the Office of the High Commissioner presents a stark and sadly familiar picture of Russian aggression intensifying in both scale and cruelty.
Earlier this week, Russia launched almost one thousand drones in a single 24‑hour period - a wartime record. And in February it set another grim record for total missiles fired (282). Combined with Moscow’s repeated strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which left millions without power or heating throughout the harshest winter, these are not simply battlefield decisions. They are a deliberate strategy to inflict civilian suffering.
We are deeply concerned by the conclusions of the High Commissioner’s Office that Russian occupying authorities have used threats, arbitrary detention, torture, and coercive administrative measures to compel civilians to leave occupied territories. The documented practices constitute serious violations that may amount to forcible transfer or deportation under international law.
We commend Ukraine’s efforts, as outlined in the UN report, to provide documentation, social protection, housing assistance, and specialised support to persons displaced from occupied territories, despite the immense pressures caused by continued hostilities and large-scale humanitarian needs.
The UK stands firmly with Ukraine as it works to uphold the rights of internally displaced persons and ensure accountability for human rights violations.