HRC62 - NB8 Statement - ID on oral presentation of HC on Ukraine and interim report of the SG on human rights in Crimea

Human Rights Council – 62nd Session
Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on oral presentation of High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary General on human rights in Crimea
Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
3 July, 2026

President.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the oral update and the Secretary-General for his report.

The findings presented are deeply concerning and point to continued patterns of blatant disregard for international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

We are extremely alarmed by the ever-rising number of civilian casualties, with conflict-related hostilities causing more civilian deaths and injuries than in the same period of any year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Further, systematic attacks on energy facilities across Ukraine have destroyed critical infrastructure, such as energy facilities and heating systems, affecting all aspects of civilian life across the country.

We condemn in the strongest terms Russia’s efforts to impose patriotic-military education on Ukrainian children, coerce them into swearing allegiance to the Russian Federation and the erasure of the Ukrainian language.

Continued reports of torture and ill-treatment of civilians and prisoners of war, underscore the urgent need for independent investigations and accountability.

We, the Nordic-Baltic States, reaffirm our unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We remain committed to supporting all efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for violations of international law and securing justice and reparation for victims and survivors.

Thank you.