Ukraine: Russian perpetrators “will be held to account”

On 24 February, the chairs of the respective committees in the European Parliament and in Verkhovna Rada responsible for human rights issued a joint statement.

Statement by the Chair of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), Mounir Satouri, and the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Committee on Human Rights, Deoccupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, National Minorities and International Relations, Andriy Zadorozhny:

"Marking four years since the start of Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, we, the Chairpersons of the committees in charge of human rights in our respective parliaments, want to solemnly recall the appalling human rights abuses and the human suffering inflicted by the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian people, in breach of international humanitarian and human rights law and all international obligations. Ukrainian civilians are living through a terrible humanitarian crisis, having to endure Russian attacks and energy shortages under bitter winter conditions - all attacks on civilians must stop immediately. We pay tribute to first responders, emergency services, human rights and humanitarian activists and volunteers for their immense sacrifice and work.

“War crimes of all sorts, including the horrific unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation, are being documented and the time for accountability will come.

“Those responsible will be held to account and we will continue our work to ensure victims obtain redress, so Ukraine can soon rebuild on solid ground. We call on European states to ensure the creation of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine can proceed, and formalities are completed without further delay. The special tribunal should be supported and equipped with the financial and material conditions necessary to carry out its mandate.

“In four years, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated their great courage and resilience, while remaining attached to the prospect of their country joining the European Union. Let us stand firm on our shared values grounded in a rule-based order, continue fighting for the rule of law and human rights to remain upheld even in times of war, and support all international institutions and courts, including the International Criminal Court, that will ensure that justice will be done."