Madam Chair,

thank you – and your co-convenors - for convening this important meeting today. I also thank the Secretariat for its insightful briefing. I extend my special and sincere gratitude to Ms. Umerova and Mr. Garsiya, for their extraordinary courage in testifying about the terrible experiences endured

In countless reports, independent bodies of the United Nations have detailed Russia’s grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law in its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine are well documented. It is not enough to simply repeat calls to “both parties of the armed conflict.” Violations must be registered; perpetrators must be held accountable. To uphold international humanitarian law, it must be made clear that states that do not comply with their obligations will face real consequences.

Ukraine grants the UN and the ICRC unfettered access to prisoners of war. The sheer scale and frequency of their reported activities in Ukraine clearly demonstrate that it can operate and visit detainees freely. This stands in stark contrast to Russia, which does not grant free, unhindered access to independent monitors.

Russia continues to systematically block independent monitors. The profound discrepancy in what international bodies are able to verify and report on the ground speaks for itself.

We call on all member states to face this reality and clearly state their expectation that Russia must comply with international humanitarian law in its treatment of prisoners of war. This means granting immediate, unimpeded, and repeated access to all Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The systematic ill-treatment and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees must stop now.

The role of the ICRC regarding prisoners of war, civilian internees, and other persons deprived of their liberty is of paramount importance in this regard. As a strategic partner and top financial contributor to the ICRC, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude for its tireless dedication to fulfilling its vital mandate under the Geneva Conventions.

Madam Chair,

On every level, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has inflicted immeasurable human suffering – reaching far beyond the European continent. Russia’s illegal practice of luring and coercing foreign nationals into its military exploits vulnerable individuals and brings profound loss to families across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

This abhorrent war must end. Every single member of the Security Council—with the sole exception of Russia—has echoed the Secretary-General’s call for a cease-fire. Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it stands ready to agree to such a cease-fire immediately. We urge all member states to help make Russia’s leadership understand that the only responsible choice, both ethically and politically, is to do the same.

I thank you.