One year since the start of Russia’s brutal war we have been horrified by Russia’s blatant violation of the rules–based international order. Russia must immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Ukraine is not only defending itself and its people in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ukraine is also defending the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The Czech Republic stands with Ukraine as long as it takes and remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s wish for a just peace in line with the UN Charter.
Since the beginning of the war, we have been incessantly hearing about arbitrary detentions, ill-treatment, killings and forced abductions. Mass graves and torture chambers have been found in almost all towns liberated by Ukrainian army. Russia’s massive airstrikes, deliberately conducted in densely populated areas, are destroying civilian infrastructure and innocent lives. The findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry are shocking – documenting cases of summary executions, unlawful confinement, sexual violence and torture. There is no excuse for the terror, there is no excuse for Russian military invasion, there is no excuse for war crimes and human rights violation.
Full accountability for war crimes and all other crimes in connection with Russia’s war must be ensured, including accountability for the crime of aggression. Czechia is a strong proponent of creating a special tribunal for the crime of aggression in Ukraine, even though it is a complex endeavour.
We also shall not forget about all Ukrainian political prisoners, including those in occupied Crimea. Recent death of chronically ill activist Dzhemil Gafarov in Russian prison is a worrying signal.
Thank you for your attention and Slava Ukraini!
The speech was held on 27 February 2023 at the Ministerial side-event on the margins of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.