Today, the ICJ and IBAHRI called on all States to do more to ensure accountability for violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and crimes under international law in the Ukraine conflict, and to significantly support the work of the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry.
The statement reads as follows:
“Mr President,
The International Commissions of Jurists and the IBA’s Human Rights Institute deplore the military invasion by the Russian Federation of Ukraine, which constitutes the crime of aggression and in breach of the UN Charter.
We condemn direct, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks against civilians and civilian objects, which are contrary to international humanitarian law, and which may constitute crimes under international law. Civilian objects across the country are under attack every day of the conflict.
Mariupol is a particularly appalling instance of such attacks. There must be no impunity for any of these crimes.
We are gravely concerned at the reports of arbitrary and extrajudicial executions and torture, including sexual violence, by Russian military forces. Independent, prompt and effective investigation is needed to gather evidence and identify those responsible for such atrocities, notably in Bucha where mass graves were discovered following the withdrawal of the Russian troops.
The ICJ and IBAHRI welcome the findings of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism’s mission Report on Violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Committed in Ukraine. There must be accountability for the violations of international law and crimes which the report exposes.
The OHCHR Commission of Inquiry must be sufficiently resourced to investigate and support effective accountability for the escalating crimes committed during this conflict. In this way, the Human Rights Council can contribute to the restoration of respect for international law.
I thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949