UN Human Rights Council 46: Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Ukraine

The UK thanks the High Commissioner for her update and welcomes the report of the OHCHR Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

Seven years have passed since the illegal annexation of Crimea. Human rights violations and abuses continue and Covid-19 has compounded the suffering. Russia persists with arbitrary arrests, detentions, intimidation of lawyers, illegal deportations of Ukrainians from Crimea and continues to inhibit the right to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. By contrast we welcome Ukraine’s increased investigation and prosecution of alleged torture and ill treatment by law enforcement in Government controlled areas.

We call on Russia to immediately release some 109 Ukrainian political prisoners detained in Crimea and Russia. We are appalled by reports of torture, ill-treatment and denial of medical care, in particular to Emir Usein Kuku. Equally shocking are horrific reports of incommunicado detention, torture and ill treatment in Non-Government Controlled Areas of eastern Ukraine. Freedom of movement has been restricted beyond what can be justified. Russia must ensure international monitoring organisations have unrestricted access there, and in Crimea, including to detainees.

How can the international community support political prisoners held in Crimea and Russia, and their families?

Thank you.