Joint Nordic—Baltic Statement: The situation on human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine

Chair,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic and Baltic
States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway
– and my own country, Sweden.

Let me first extend our most heartfelt appreciation to the delegation of
Ukraine for presenting this draft. We have voted in favour of the
resolution and thank all other Member States that have done the same.

Chair,

We meet today after renewed large-scale Russian attacks on civilians
and civilian objects in Ukraine. As we approach the fourth winter of
Russia’s full-scale invasion, we note again how Russia is consciously
targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure, as well as
humanitarian personnel.

We are witnessing a systematic strategy of terror against the civilian
population aimed at fulfilling Russia’s political goal: the subjugation
of Ukraine and/or the annexation of its sovereign territory.

Time and again the Independent International Commission of Inquiry
has described the conduct of Russia in detail. It is a long list of the
most disturbing atrocities imaginable: detentions, unlawful
deportations, forcible transfers, torture, sexual and gender-based
violence, summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian
detainees, and so on. The list also includes the forced deportations,
transfers, and abductions of thousands of children.

If this was not disturbing enough, the Commission of Inquiry has
concluded that the nature of some of the atrocities – especially the use
of torture and enforced disappearances – may amount to crimes
against humanity.

Beyond these harrowing crimes is the methodical silencing of
dissenting voices, the crushing of the Crimean Tatars rights as
Indigenous Peoples, and so on.

Amidst all this hardship, Ukraine and the people of Ukraine have
demonstrated extraordinary resilience. We are in awe of this bravery.

We urge Russia to immediately cease its aggression, and to comply
with International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian
Law. It must protect civilians, humanitarian workers and return the
forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported children. And it must
recognize that Ukraine, just as any other country, has the sovereign
right to choose its own future.

The Nordic-Baltic states support all efforts towards a just, sustainable
and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on International law, including the
UN Charter. We do not recognize spheres of influence or territorial
acquisitions through the use of force. Any solution must fully uphold
Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its
internationally recognized borders.

Accountability for all violations of international law is essential and
we remain committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to
justice.

Thank you