Interactive dialogues on updates from the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Ukraine and Venezuela

excellences colleagues I'd like to call to order the Human Rights Council meeting the intercessional meeting on the oral update from the Human Rights Commissioner before we start I'd like to recall that the length of the two interactive dialogues is one hour thirty minutes each given the number of delegations who are on the list of speakers it may well be that All delegations will not be able to take the floor. Those delegations who have not had an opportunity to take the floor because of a lack of time will be able to upload their speeches, which will be posted on the extranet. We will now start our first interactive dialogue, the oral update from the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the findings of the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. In resolution 59/22, the Human Rights Council asked the High Commissioner to continue to, on an oral basis, provide updates on each of the Office of the High Commissioner's reports on the situation of human rights in Ukraine at each session right up to the 65th session and before the end of 2025 and 2026. These oral updates will be followed with interactive dialogues. It's a great pleasure to welcome Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, who will be introducing the oral update. And the list of speakers will be closed in 15 minutes.

High Commissioner, you have the floor.

Nearly four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the plight of civilians has become even more unbearable. This is confirmed by my office's latest report covering the period from 1 June to 13 November this year. As peace negotiations continue, our monitoring and reporting show that the war is intensifying, causing more deaths, damage and destruction. Over the past four years, my staff have undertaken more than 1,150 missions to areas affected by the war and conducted more than 11,100 interviews about alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The picture that emerges is very disturbing. Civilian casualties so far this year are 24% higher than the same period last year, largely due to the Russian armed forces stepping up their use of long-range missiles and drones in frontline and urban areas. This escalation is a never-ending nightmare for the people of Ukraine. Attacks are occurring nationwide, including in places in the west, far from the frontline, which previously were untouched by the fighting. Between December 24 and November 25, there was a significant increase in the average daily number of long-range drones deployed by the Russian Federation. No part of the country is safe. In one example, on 19 November 25, the Russian Federation launched some 500 drones and missiles across Ukraine. A cruise missile struck a residential building in Ternopil and a drone ignited a fire in another, together killing at least 38 civilians and injuring 99, with some civilians still missing. This was the deadliest attack in western Ukraine since the start of the war. Throughout the year, the vast majority of civilians killed and injured were in territory controlled by Ukraine, and more than 60% were near the front line. Russian Federation reports that 146 civilians were killed and more than 1,150 injured on its territory during the reporting period, but we have not been able to verify these figures. Attacks on energy infrastructure persist across Ukraine, leaving people without heating, water, and public transport for extended periods of time. In October and November, the Russian Federation launched eight large-scale coordinated attacks causing prolonged emergency outages in some areas and forcing scheduled power cuts across most regions for up to 18 hours a day. Winter is closing in, turning every power outage into a cold, frightening ordeal for families, older people and people with disabilities. I would like to shine a light on the anguish of civilians in frontline communities as Russian armed forces press forward. The use by Russian forces of short-range drones equipped with first-person view cameras is causing significant civilian harm. They have struck people on bicycles, in cars, on public buses, killing some 300 civilians during the reporting period. Aerial bombs and other munitions have damaged or destroyed residential buildings, hospitals and schools and triggered more displacement. The hostilities are preventing ambulances from reaching people in need in some frontline regions and aid workers are risking their lives to help. While many people have been evacuated from frontline cities and villages, some have been unable to leave. These are mainly older people, and people with disabilities whose evacuation is difficult because many transit centers lack appropriate facilities and there is a severe shortage of suitable housing. Nearly half of the people killed in frontline areas are over 60 years old. Once again, the most vulnerable, including those who find it difficult or impossible to move from their homes, are bearing the brunt of war. Most food shops, pharmacies and health clinics in frontline areas, including parts of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Sumy regions have shut down. Some frontline communities have not had electricity for more than two years. Residents in some areas of occupied Donetsk reported receiving running water of very poor quality once every three days or less. This is particularly worrying in a region with abandoned mines and chemical plants. Mr. President, the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees remains dire. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, my office has documented the extrajudicial executions of 96 Ukrainian prisoners of war and people out of combat. Since mid-November, we have recorded an increase in reports of executions of Ukrainian service personnel. We assessed as credible the reported killing of 14 Ukrainian prisoners of war after capture by Russian forces, and we are looking into 10 other cases. My team also recorded four executions of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian armed forces, and we are reviewing credible allegations of three additional incidents. We continue to document systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war in detention. Since 1 June 25, my team has interviewed 187 Ukrainian prisoners of war after they were released. 185 of them provided detailed accounts of torture, ill-treatment, and most of them reported being subjected to sexual violence. We also interviewed 127 Russian prisoners of war and 10 nationals from third countries held by Ukraine. Half of them described torture and ill-treatment in transit places before arrival at official places of detention. Meanwhile, people displaced across Ukraine are struggling to find jobs and long-term housing, leading some to return to their homes in unsafe areas. In Russian-occupied territories, our findings include tightening restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, and religion. Internet and messenger services have been further limited, and there are growing concerns about property confiscation by the Russian authorities in occupied territory in violation of international humanitarian law. As of November 25, more than 38,000 homes had been registered as potentially abandoned in occupied regions. Ukrainians reported being unable to verify the status and retain ownership of their private property due to procedural obstacles. International media coverage focuses mostly on high profile peace efforts these days, whereas the daily suffering of the people across the country fades away. And yet, the situation of Ukrainian civilians has deteriorated even further. I again call on the Russian Federation to stop the war, to respect international law and to protect civilians. I urge it to halt all extrajudicial executions, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence against prisoners of war and civilian detainees, and to respect and protect human rights in occupied territory. I urge Ukraine to safeguard prisoners of war from torture and ill treatment. Perpetrators of all human rights and humanitarian law violations must be held to account. I cannot even fathom the exhaustion of the people of Ukraine. They need the silencing of the guns. They need peace in line with the United Nations Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions anchored in human rights. As part of any negotiation for a ceasefire and sustainable peace, I encourage confidence-building measures that can reduce harm and build trust over the longer term. For example, as immediate measures, this would include commitments not to use long-range weapons and short-range drones in densely populated areas and not to target critical energy infrastructure such as electricity and heating. They would include commitments to exchange all prisoners of war and to release and return home all Ukrainian civilian detainees. These are just some of these measures that could be taken and my office is ready to support these efforts. Thank you very much.

Thank you. As per our practice, we will be starting now by hearing from the delegation of the countries concerned. I note that the delegation of the Russian Federation is not in the room. Hence, I will be giving the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine. You have five minutes.

Mr. President, we thank the High Commissioner and his office for the latest report and for their tireless impartial monitoring. The evidence collected by the monitoring mission in Ukraine once again shows the human cost of Russia's aggression and the scale of violations committed on our territory. Since our last dialogue, Russian attacks on Ukraine have sharply intensified, causing maximum harm to civilians. This fall, Russia's main targets have been populated urban areas of peaceful cities far from the front line. As has become tragically routine, Russia wages its war against hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. Winter has only magnified this threat. Russia has resumed large-scale coordinated strikes on energy facilities, targeting electricity, heating, water, and gas infrastructure across my country. These attacks have caused emergency outages nationwide and placed millions of our civilians at risk as temperatures drop. The evidence in this report also confirms the persistent patterns of torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees with no major changes in the hallmark policy of the aggressor, despite numerous demands to stop and refrain from these criminal practices. But the most heinous crime remains the one committed against Ukraine's future, our children. Thousands of them have never known a world without Russia's war. This terrorist state has taken their homes, safety, families, health, and for a lot of them, their lives. High Commissioner, now I want to address the catastrophic situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The report reveals a deliberate and systematic pattern of violations by the Russian Federation. that flagrantly contravenes international humanitarian law, human rights law and the UN Charter. These are not isolated abuses, but a coordinated policy aimed at dismantling Ukrainian identity and suppressing dissent. Since 24 February 2022, OHCHR has verified 182 extrajudicial executions in areas controlled by Russian forces. including children, grave violation of the right to life that may amount to war crimes. Torture, ill-treatment and sham judicial procedures remain widespread, with detainees denied legal counsel, coerced into confessions and prosecuted under retroactive criminal laws, in clear breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention. These abuses are compounded by unlawful deportations and forced transfers of protected persons, including those compelled to obtain Russian documentation or face expulsion. The humanitarian situation is equally dire. Russia has expanded illegal military conscription of civilians while essential services collapse. Water shortages across Donetsk and Mariupol deprive communities of safe drinking water, undermining public health, and the expropriation of homes declared abandoned further denies displaced Ukrainians. their right to return. We also condemn Russia's systematic efforts to erase Ukrainian identity, militarized programs, imposed curricula, restrictions on language and culture, and sweeping limitations on expression, religion, and information target the very soul of Ukrainian society. The recent approval by President Putin of the new national policy strategy through 2036 institutionalize forced Russification of occupied territories. It speaks volumes that instead of protecting civilians, the Russian Federation has formalized a blueprint for cultural destruction and coerced assimilation. But let me be clear, Ukrainians will never agree with eradication of their national identity. Our land is not for sale and our identity is not negotiable. These delegates, these dates, days, the world hears many discussions about how Russia, Russia's war against Ukraine will end and what conditions might bring long-awaited peace. Let me remind you, Ukraine didn't start this war. The Russian Federation did. And Putin statements together with the conduct of his army make one thing clear. Moscow is not seeking peace. It threatens openly to fight through the winter. A state that acts this way is not pursuing peace, but prolongation of the war. We call on all member states to support Ukraine's legitimate request for a just and lasting peace, one grounded in the protection of our people and the freedom of their choices and in accountability for perpetrators and justice for every victim. This is the only path that upholds human rights and the only peace Ukrainians can accept.

I thank you.

Thank you. I'd now open the floor for questions and comments on the oral update. The speaking time is one minute and 30 seconds for each statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark on behalf of the group.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, High Commissioner. I'm delivering this statement on behalf of 46 states who all agree that no one shall be subjected to torture and ill treatment.

All forms of torture are and shall remain prohibited.

At any time and in any place and can never be justified. We are appalled by the extensive and brutal torture and ill treatment inflicted by the Russian forces on Ukrainian prisoners of wars and civilians, as consistently reported by OHCHR. The Commissioner of Ukraine and the Special Rapporteurs on Torture and on Russia have reported similar findings. These findings include severe beatings, electric shocks, suffocations, dog attacks, mock executions, sexual violence, prolonged stress positions, and torture used for extracting confessions. These abuses are systematically perpetrated by law enforcement, security and armed forces, detention officials and even medical personnel. The Commission of Inquiry has reported that torture is perpetrated as part of a coordinated state policy in Russia. There can be no impunity for torture. Even in times of war, torture is prohibited. There are no exceptional circumstances that permit or justify it. Each and every state has a responsibility to prevent and combat torture.

I thank you.

I'd now give the floor to Cyprus on behalf of a group of countries.

High Commissioner, I speak on behalf of 26 countries which are member states of the European Union. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the crimes committed in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We are deeply concerned by the findings of your report. We condemn the killing of over 1,400 civilians and the injuring of over 6,500 civilians in Ukraine during the reporting period and the deliberate Russian campaign against Ukraine's civilian energy facilities essential for survival in winter. We further condemn the killing of civilians, illegal deportations, forcible transfers, extrajudicial executions, sexual and gender-based violence, and executions of prisoners of war, and the use of torture and ill-treatment. We are concerned by the reports from released Ukrainian prisoners of war of torture and deaths in Russian custody, which constitute grave assaults on international humanitarian law. We call for full accountability for all violations of international law. In In line with the newly adopted General Assembly resolution, we call on the Russian Federation to immediately return all forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian children. We support Ukraine to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. High Commissioner, could you elaborate on the torture inflicted by Russian armed forces on Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war?

Thank you.

To Finland on behalf of a group of countries.

Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the substantive briefing and welcome the international efforts and Ukraine's firm commitment to find a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which cannot be negotiated without Ukraine. Any solution must fully respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Russia continues its ruthless attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and energy facilities, demonstrating its unwillingness to seek peace. Russia's massive human rights violations speak louder than words. We welcome the progress in the exchange of prisoners of war, yet we are gravely concerned about the reports of systematic torture and executions of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We are firmly committed to ensure full accountability. Once again, we demand that Russia ensure the immediate and safe return of unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children in accordance with international law. Russia's war of aggression is a manifest violation of the UN Charter. We stand by the Charter and we will continue to stand with Ukraine as long as it takes. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, President and High Commissioner. Australia remains deeply concerned by reports of Russia's violations of the rights of prisoners of war, including harrowing accounts of extrajudicial executions and widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment. We are also gravely concerned by your update on Russia's intensified and continued strikes on Ukraine, including an increase in casualties in urban and frontline areas and systematic strikes on energy infrastructure and residential areas. Recent deadly strikes in Ternopil, urban centers and frontline communities have caused senseless loss of life. Russia's aggressions flagrantly violate international law and exacerbate human suffering. Your report's findings of continued arbitrary detention, sexual violence against both prisoners of war and civilian detainees, enforced disappearances and severe restrictions on freedom of expressions are alarming. It underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for victims. Australia unequivocally condemns Russia's aggression and calls for an immediate end to hostilities. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its right to defend itself and reaffirm our commitment to supporting international mechanisms that uphold human rights and the UN Charter. High Commissioner, what more can we do collectively to strengthen monitoring and accountability mechanisms for Russia's violations and ensure justice for Ukrainians?

Thank you. I give the vote to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Chairman, thank you and thank you, High Commissioner. Chairman, Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. Ireland reiterates its strong condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the egregious human rights violations that have occurred since the start of the war and the violence inflicted by Russia upon the Ukrainian people for nearly four years now. Even as efforts to bring the war to an end continue, Russia has intensified its aerial attacks on Ukrainian towns and cities, causing further death and destruction throughout Ukraine. Russian attacks on civilian facilities such as hospitals and medical centers and highly populated areas, as reported by the High Commissioner, are reprehensible. And we condemn Russia's targeting of Ukrainian energy facilities, which has resulted in power outages with real and damaging consequences for civilians as we enter winter. Ireland deplores Russia's use of violence to inflict terror on Ukrainian civilians in violation of international humanitarian law and reiterates its call for Russia to immediately agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire. We condemn the actions of the Russian authorities of militarisation aimed at children in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and we call on Russia to ensure the immediate safe return of all forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian children. High Commissioner, what steps can the international community take to further support to further support the work of your office in reporting on human rights violations in Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you, I give the floor to.

The distinguished representative of Poland.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. High Commissioner, thank you for the update. We highly value the UN mission dedication and continued presence in Ukraine. Almost every day, the Russian Federation launches drones and missiles targeting civilians and critical infrastructure across Ukraine. In one such attack in November, as you've mentioned, Mr. High Commissioner, Russia struck residential building in Ternopil, a city hundreds of kilometers from the frontline, killing 38 civilians. Among the victims was a seven-year-old Polish girl, Amelia, who died together with her mother in a burning apartment. Their tragic deaths add to the suffering of countless Ukrainian families shattered by Russia's brutal war of aggression. We condemn the horrific treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and rise in summary executions of Ukrainian military personnel. We denounce Russia's intensified strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure and urge the Russian Federation to secure the immediate and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported. Poland is alarmed that Russia continues to violate its obligations as an occupying power, carrying out deportations, expropriating residential property, and imposing its educational curriculum. Mr. High Commissioner, Poland will continue to stand side by side with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace consistent with the UN Charter. I thank you.

Thank you. to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova. You have the floor.

Mr. President, we thank the High Commissioner for the oral update on the situation in Ukraine. The Republic of Moldova condemns the significant escalation of aggression by the Russian Federation and deplores the harm caused to civilians. Intensification of attacks in Ukraine is also posing significant risks to the neighboring countries. The airspace of the Republic of Moldova was repeatedly violated by Russian drones, including in the past month. We deplore thousands of lives lost in Ukraine. More than 1,420 civilians lost their lives in the reporting period, and more than 6,500 were injured, including children and humanitarian personnel. Once again, we're witnessing the inhuman strategy of targeting Ukraine's energy facilities with large-scale attacks before and during the cold season. We condemn these actions and the damage they cause to the daily life of civilians, impacting on essential services such as healthcare. We reiterate the importance of ensuring accountability for all the violations, including for the torture and ill-treatment of civilian detainees, the prisoners of war, which are once again documented in the report. In this regard, we welcome the launch earlier today of the new convention setting up an international claims commission for Ukraine within the framework of the Council of Europe. All the atrocities must end with a peace guaranteeing independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor.

To the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

President, Switzerland would like to thank the High Commissioner for the oral update. We remain seriously concerned by violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law committed in Ukraine and the temporarily occupied territories over the last two months. Russia carried out at least eight waves of attacks targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leading to loss of life among civilians and seriously undermining access to electricity, heating, and drinking water. Parties should respect fully their obligations under IHL, especially protection of civilians and civilian structures in the occupied territories, where civilians are concerned by restrictions on the freedom of expression and movement, as well as the sanctions imposed by the occupying authorities on civilians in connection with the presumed support for Ukraine. We urge the liberation of all persons that have been arbitrarily detained, including three members of OSCE staff detained since 2022. Switzerland reiterates that torture and extrajudicial executions are fully prohibited. We demand the immediate cessation of these practices, and the authors should be brought to justice. Mr. High Commissioner, what priority actions do you recommend to guarantee independent and regular access to persons detained in the Russian Federation and the temporarily occupied territories? Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.

Thank you very much, President. Spain aligns itself with the statements that were made by Cyprus and Denmark on behalf of the numerous group, the group of numerous countries, and we thank the High Commissioner for the oral update. Well, I will not talk about the atrocities committed by the Russian Federation in Ukrainian territory, including the shelling and the systemic use of torture in the occupied territories of Ukraine. I'd like to directly ask the High Commissioner as part of our dialogue, and we see the devastating evidence of the violations of human rights that we are witnessing. I do not know whether the Russian authorities have reacted in any way, but in any case, Russia should put an end to this. war of aggression and to do that as soon as possible and as to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. And we will continue to support any efforts aimed at reaching lasting and just peace in Ukraine. And we, these actions should take into account the position of the legitimate authorities of Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Belarus.

Thank you very much, President. Belarus supports all reasonable regional and global initiatives that bring the settlement of situation around Ukraine closer. An early cessation of hostilities and a real movement towards a sustainable peace will end the suffering of civilians. We are concerned with the contradictory actions of Ukrainian authorities and the countries supporting them, which indicate an interest in escalating military political tensions and expanding their geography. We consider unacceptable the statements of European politicians who whip up fear and tension in societies to justify increased military budgets to the detriment of social spending. We call on OHCHR to respond to such extremely dangerous policies. With regard to the report that was presented today, which is designed to assess the human rights situation and Ukraine's needs for technical assistance, we note that it doesn't correspond to those goals. We note that OHCHR is silent about human rights problems in Ukraine. reports on the holding of training seminars instead of real work with authorities against the backdrop of corruption and abuse of power in the country. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Slovenia.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Slovenia aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive presentation and unwavering commitment to documenting the grave violations of international law arising from the Russia Federation's aggression against Ukraine. The report underscores the urgent and continuing need for full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law and above all, the protection of civilians. Slovenia condemns in the strongest possible terms the reported torture, ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and summary executions of the prisoners of war and civilians, as well as enforced disappearances, unlawful deportations, strikes on critical civilian infrastructure, including water supply, and other grave violations documented. These actions constitute blatant breaches of human dignity and of international human rights and humanitarian standards. We also express deep concerns over the treatment of children in temporarily occupied territories, including their forced displacement, forced patriotic education under foreign curricula, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. In line with the General Assembly resolution adopted this month, we demand the Russian Federation to ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported. Slovenia reiterates its full support for all accountability mechanisms, including the ICC and stresses that those responsible...

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the High Commissioner for his presentation of the latest report of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Russia's disregard for international law and for human life is thoroughly documented in the report. It brings to light what Russia wants to hide, executions and extrajudicial killings, systematic torture, rape sexual violence, destruction of civilian infrastructure and abductions of children. These are just some examples of the inhumane acts committed by Russian forces. The situation is particularly dire in Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation. Mr. High Commissioner, you referenced ongoing peace efforts. Let me stress that Germany, together with its partners and friends, is intensively engaged in finding a negotiated solution to the war unleashed by Russia because Russia's illegal unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine must end now if Moscow wanted to it could end the war today and with that and the massive human rights violations against ukrainians documented by the human rights monitoring mission Mr. High Commissioner what is needed to ensure that any negotiations about peace in Ukraine include a human rights based approach thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Council of Europe.

Ms. President, the Council of Europe thanks the High Commissioner for the update on the situation in Ukraine. We are particularly alarmed by the heavy toll that Russia's war against Ukraine continues to take on human rights. We reiterate our determination to support Ukraine through concrete decisions and actions. In this light, we take note that the report on the human rights situation in Ukraine refers to the developments on the Special Tribunal against the Crime of Aggression and the European Court of Human Rights judgments in the interstate case of Ukraine and the Netherlands versus Russia. If Russia genuinely wants to end the war, it must demonstrate that it takes accountability seriously and implement this judgment by which it is legally bound in line with its international obligations. Let me also recall that through its register of damage and the future claims commission, the Council of Europe will continue to take forward the issue of compensation for Russia's war against Ukraine. Over 80,000 claims have so far been submitted to the register. As we speak, over 50 countries from different regions are convening high level diplomatic conference in The Hague to adopt the open convention on the claims commission forming the second part of the international compensation mechanism. protection of human rights must be an imperative and integral part of peace process, which is based on international law. The Council of Europe remains committed to provide the necessary independent tools that implement this in practice. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you very much, President. We regret once again the fact that this forum is used to promote politically motivated initiative against the third state. This toxic and harmful dynamic deepens the politicization of the work of the Council and fuels a climate of confrontation when this body is called upon to promote genuine dialogue and constructive cooperation between states based on mutual respect. In this regard, we iterate that politicized initiatives, selectivity, and double standards do not contribute in any way to the promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights, nor do they generate real benefits for individuals or groups in vulnerable situations. We deeply regret that Ukraine is being used as an instrument for NATO expansion, putting the human rights of its own people at risk and promoting aggression against the Russian Federation. This situation is reflected, among other aspects, in the increase in Russophobia in Ukraine and in a worrying policy of glorification of the Nazis and their collaborators. This is why we reject the fact that a group of states insist on promoting inflammatory rhetoric against Russia as part of a Western media circus promoted by those who have contributed to fueling this crisis. Finally, Venezuela, as a firm defender of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, will always advocate dialogue as a way to guarantee peace anywhere in the world. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg.

Thank you. Mr. High Commissioner, we thank you for your report and we express our sincere gratitude to the monitoring mission of the High Commissioner that operates in very difficult conditions. We align ourselves with a statement made by Cyprus. We strongly condemn the crimes committed by Russia as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine, representing serious violations of human rights and IHL. Civilian population continues paying a high price for this conflict with a new tragic record of victims this year. We strongly condemn the acts of widespread acts of torture carried out systematically against Ukrainian prisoners. Acts targeting civilian infrastructure represent an alarming escalation. threatening the lives of Ukrainian citizens. The consequences of this war will continue to affect the lives of civilians for a long time after the war. Humanitarian de-mining and the return of children illegally deported to Russia should be at the heart of international efforts. Luxembourg reiterates its continued commitment in these areas and where, together with Ukraine, fight against impunity is essential to bring justice to victims and ensure a future where international law enjoys primacy over force. Mr. High Commissioner, how do you see to use the numerous documental evidence related to violations?

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Thank you, Mr. President. High Commissioner, as I have said, they chose that, unfortunately, after four years, they were stating human rights consequences of Russia's ongoing full-scale military aggression against Ukraine continue to amass. We are gravely alarmed by systematic abuses, including torture, inhuman treatment, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, intimidation and discrimination against civilians, as consistently reported by OHCHR. Particularly disturbing remain kidnappings, forcible transfers and deportations of Ukrainian children accompanied by attempts to erase their identity. There are acts which amount to war crimes. My delegation stresses the critical importance of ensuring full accountability for all violations and bringing perpetrators to justice as a prerequisite for lasting peace and the protection of rights of victims. Georgia welcomes and supports the very recently established International Claims Commission as a second part of a compensation mechanism building on the existing register of damage to Ukraine. We call on Russia to immediately cease its aggression and to withdraw and unconditionally from Ukraine. Georgia reaffirms its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Chile.

Thank you very much, President. We thank the High Commissioner for the update. One of the deepest tragedies the war of aggression against Ukraine was the abduction and forced deportations of children. According to data provided by Ukrainian authorities, many children have become victims of these practices, and only a few of them returned to their homes. This led to devastating impacts. Children and adolescents are separated from their families and communities and facing a process where their identity is being wiped out and they lose their languages. And this violates the Geneva Conventions. The forced transfer of children may represent a war crime. Chile, as a member of the National Coalition to Return of Ukrainian Children, expresses its deep concern related to these facts, as the armed conflict will leave a long-term impact on these children. We need to protect the fundamental rights of children. We urge the Russian Federation to provide information related to the whereabouts of these children, respecting the Geneva Conventions and comply with its international obligations to provide a safe environment to innocent victims in the context of a conflict. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. President and the High Commissioner for his report. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has further intensified, entering an even more dangerous and deadly stage for Ukrainian civilians. We receive daily reports of new attacks on civilian infrastructure, attacks that continue to claim innocent lives. As we enter the winter period, Ukrainians must live in darkness and cold due to the continued destruction of their energy infrastructure. Your report once again highlights the unspeakable conditions Ukrainian POWs and civilian detainees face in Russian-controlled detention. We are gravely concerned by the accounts of extrajudicial executions, torture, sexual violence, and deaths in custody. We are also concerned about the widespread violations of the rights of the child following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally return all forcibly displaced and deported Ukrainian children for their reintegration and rehabilitation with their families and communities in line with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. And finally, If possible, if you could expand further on the long-term impact of children living under these conditions. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Croatia.

Mr. High Commissioner, Croatia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Cyprus. We thank you for the update and we thank the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine. for the report, which reflects the continuation of widespread and systematic violations of human rights and the IHL on the territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Croatia strongly condemns Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine cities and civilian infrastructure, including resilient residential buildings and civilian energy assets. We are appalled by the numerous civilian casualties, massive damage and widespread power outage. Croatia welcomes the recent exchanges of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, releasing more than 3,000 persons from both sides. At the same time, we stay alarmed by the testimonies of the released Ukrainian prisoners reporting torture and ill treatment and summary executions by Russian armed forces. We are equally appalled by the reports of conflict-related sexual violence targeting prisoners of war and civilians. We call on the Russian Federation to engage in a complete exchange of prisoners of war, to release all unlawfully detained persons, and to return all internees and civilians forcibly transferred and deported, including children. Croatia continues to call for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, with respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the High Commissioner for his oral update, and we align with the statement delivered by Cyprus. The findings of the latest report on Ukraine are deeply worrying. The sharp escalation of hostilities, including dramatic increases in civilian deaths and injuries, Widescale Russian attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure, the torture and killing of prisoners, and grave violations in the parts of Ukraine occupied by Russia, such as deportations, denial of access to water, expropriation of private property, are unacceptable. We are particularly appalled by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in populated areas, by the documented torture and sexual violence against prisoners of war, and by unlawful transfers and forced conscription practices described in the report as serious breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Greece is particularly concerned by the impact of this conflict on children. Practices such as the militarization of education, patriotic indoctrination from preschool age and military style training and activities expose children to harm and violate their rights. Greece reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call for an unconditional cessation of hostilities, unhindered access for the UN and the ICRC to all detainees and all occupied areas, the safe return of all forcibly displaced children, and credible independent investigations to ensure accountability.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you very much, President. France aligns itself with the statement made by Cyprus. Mr. High Commissioner, Frans, I would like to thank you for your report, which shows a significant increase in the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine. Last July was the deadliest since April 2022. Your work helps to shed light on the many violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law that Russia is guilty of. of every day on Ukrainian territory. By refusing to grant the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights necessary access to independent monitoring of the situation, Russia is demonstrating, if it were still necessary, that it has absolutely no will to put an end to these abuses. Its war of aggression has cost the lives of more than 10,000 civilian victims, women and children, including nearly 1,500 since last June. In addition to the killed and wounded, there have been arbitrary detentions, deliberate and systematic Destruction of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and maternity hospitals, torture and ill treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and illegally detained civilians, sexual violence. and the deportation of children, breaking up many families. France expresses its full solidarity with the Ukrainian people and authorities. We demand that Russia cease its aggression, its massive violations of international law, and fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. France remains firmly committed to the fight against impunity. The perpetrators of these crimes will be held accountable because no lasting peace can be built without justice.

I give the floor to Czechia.

Mr. President, thank you. Czechia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Denmark and Cyprus. Mr. High Commissioner, thank you for your report documenting systematic violation of international law by Russia. Czechia condemns in the strongest possible terms all crimes and atrocities deliberately committed by Russia in its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as Russia's continuing systematic violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine. We call for prompt, impartial and effective investigation of all alleged violations. Czechia is appalled by the documented findings of systematic and widespread extrajudicial executions, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence against both Ukrainian POWs and civilian detainees, as well as inhuman conditions of detention. We call again on Russia to grant access to the OHCHR to places of detention in occupied territories of Ukraine, in line with the UNGA resolution 79/184. We also urge again and again Russia to provide the ICRC full, regular and unimpeded access to all Ukrainian POWs and civilian detainees. Mr. High Commissioner, could you comment on Russia's repeated refusal to allow the OHCHR and the ICRC access to the occupied territories and on possible consequences for Russia for not respecting these international obligations? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative.

Mr. President, on the question of Ukraine, China has always pursued a position that is impartial and objective, and we have promoted peace through dialogue and committed to a political solution. We have consistently followed the four points proposed by our President Xi Jinping, that is, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter should be upheld, the legitimate security concerns of all parties should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful solution of the crisis should be supported. We believe the Human Rights Council dialogue on the Ukraine issue should help ease tensions and avoid complicating matters. China opposes the politicization of human rights issues, and we call for this dialogue to focus more on strengthening cooperation with Ukraine in the field of human rights and on providing technical assistance rather than use human rights issues to pressure other countries and further aggravate conflicting views. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Eritrea's position is clear. We reject war in all forms. The loss of human life is unacceptable and every nation must work to prevent them. Having fought for our sovereignty, we understand the high cost the protection of national security demands. The current West Ukraine UN trilateral mechanism, however, suffers from significant structural flaws. Its proceedings lack balance and impartiality, often relying on unverified and one-sided accounts. Consequently, a few states dominate the narrative while alternative perspectives and important facts are overlooked. After nearly four years without constructive results, a new approach is needed. We are witnessing references to international law and the UN charter being increasingly invoked selectively serving the interests of a few rather than the common good. This unsettling trend requires careful scrutiny, especially from Western nations. Eritrea affirms that only meaningful dialogue and genuine cooperation can bring lasting solution to this dispute. We also oppose using the human rights agenda for purposes beyond its core mandate. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium.

President, Belgium aligns itself with the statements made by Cyprus and Denmark and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. We continue to condemn Russia's illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and reiterate our call to hold Russia accountable for its ongoing violations of international human rights law and IHL, including the continued systematic and widespread use of torture against civilians and prisoners of war. We are deeply concerned about the recent withdrawal of Russia from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which means the country no longer accepts any independent external oversight of places of deprivation of liberty, including those holding detainees forcibly transferred from occupied Ukrainian territories. The specific targeting of the energy infrastructure of Ukraine resulting in massive power outage and serious disruptions to heating and water supply causes unnecessary suffering to innocent civilians as reminded by the High Commissioner. Once again, it is the children, the sick, the elderly who pay the highest price for these indiscriminate, disproportionate and illegal attacks. The recent Russian drone attack damaging the Chernobyl radiation shield is another horrifying proof that the Russian aggression against Ukraine threatens us all.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Mr. President, this interactive dialogue is being used to advance politically motivated accusations against a sovereign state, disregarding the root causes that led to the current crisis. The origins of the situation in Ukraine lie in the hegemonic policies pursued by the United States and its allies, particularly NATO's eastward expansion, which ignored Russia's legitimate security concerns and the rights of Russian-speaking communities. Meanwhile, serious human rights violations including repression of the Russian language, political persecution, and the killing of the opposition figures, and the destruction of historical monuments have been overlooked or justified. This underscores the political nature of this initiative and reflects yet another attempt to manipulate the Human Rights Council for narrow political interests. The DPRK continues to oppose and reject any practice or attempt to manipulate the HRC for geopolitical interests, including the targeting of sovereign states or political interference in their internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Montenegro.

Thank you, Mr. President. High Commissioner, your latest report exposes the relentless violence, escalating devastation, and profound human suffering that define Russia's war against Ukraine. The reporting period saw sharp escalation in hostilities. Coordinated Russian missile and drone attacks have struck multiple regions at once. Civilian deaths reached their highest levels since early 2022, a shocking 37% increase in just six months. These are not mere numbers. These are lives lost, families torn apart, communities living in constant fear. Destruction is intentional. Russia's strikes in October and November severely shattered critical energy infrastructure. Widespread power outages disrupted heating, water, and other essential services, pushing millions, especially the most vulnerable, closer to the brink of survival. The report further documents grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Released Ukrainian prisoners so far reported torture, ill treatment, including sexual violence, and deaths in custody. The Office recorded new cases of the execution of captured Ukrainian military personnel. The forcible transfers and deportations of Ukrainian children, accompanied by coercive indoctrination, remain of particular concern. We call on the Russian Federation to ensure their immediate and safe return in line with its international obligations and the recent UN General Assembly resolution. Montenegro reaffirms its strong support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace grounded in the UN Charter and international law. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to.

The distinguished representative of Romania.

Thank you, Mr. President. Romania aligns with the EU statement and welcomes the update by the High Commissioner. We deplore having to take note once again of the devastating consequences of the ongoing war perpetrated by Russia against Ukraine and the toll it continues to take on civilians. While we welcome the largest POW swap since 2022, we remain deeply concerned about ongoing reports of systematic abuses and brutality in Russian detention facilities. As winter sets in, Russia's modus operandi remains the same. It continues its massive drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing fires, blackouts, water outages, and disruption to power stations and railway hubs. Upholding international humanitarian and human rights law obligation is not negotiable. As an occupying power, Russia must respect the rights and safety of all citizens. We condemn the continued restrictions on fundamental freedoms and the prosecutions of residents of the occupied territories for perceived pro Ukrainian views. We denounce the imposition of Russian patriotic education on children as young as three. We are also deeply concerned about the deportation of civilians and property expropriations, measures that aim to erase communities in occupied territories. Romania reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and continues to strongly support all efforts to uphold accountability. High Commissioner, based on the mission's monitoring, what actions or guidance could help prevent further civilian harm in frontline and rear areas?

Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of New Zealand.

Thank you. New Zealand thanks the Secretary-General for his report and the High Commissioner for his update today. We welcome ongoing reporting on the human rights situation in Ukraine, given the continuation of Russia's aggression, the heightened risk of violations of human rights during wartime, and to ensure accountability. High Commissioner, your update today in the SG's report detailed that the human rights situation in Ukraine remains severely challenging, and that this is due to the Russian Federation's disregard for its responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. New Zealand remains gravely concerned by the documented cases of executions, deaths in custody, arbitrary detention, torture, including sexual violence, ill treatment, and enforced disappearances in the areas of temporary Russian control in Ukraine. Civilians, including children, continue to be killed by Russian bombardment of densely populated urban areas of Ukraine.

This is unacceptable.

New Zealand calls for the Russian Federation to fully uphold its obligations under international law, including international human rights law. Let us not forget that Russia started this war with an illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Russia can end this war tomorrow by withdrawing its forces. High Commissioner, what more can be done to ensure accountability for the human rights violations in wartime in Ukraine?

Thank you. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update on the findings of the OHCHR report. With the prolonged conflict deepening, the humanitarian toll, we are alarmed by recent reports of a significant escalation in hostilities across Ukraine, resulting in increased civilian casualties. We particularly deplore the deadly attack in Ternopil and continuous strikes in both frontline and urban areas. The large scale coordinated strikes on energy facilities further exasperated the humanitarian situation, causing emergency power and heating outages in several areas. Furthermore, the report present continued torture and ill treatment, including sexual violence of POWs and civilian detainees. deeply troubled by the scale of these violations against those deprived of their liberty, as well as the deportations of Ukrainian civilians in occupied territory. With winter already setting in, amid these worsening conditions, protecting civilians must remain an urgent priority. We therefore call for a swift end to the ongoing fighting to prevent any further suffering. We also underline the urgent need for full compliance with international humanitarian law. The Republic of Korea stands ready to work with the international community in this shared effort. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr President. Bulgaria aligns with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner for his oral update on the latest developments related to the situation of human rights in Ukraine. Bulgaria is deeply concerned by the findings in the most recent report, which show that the Russian Federation's aggressive war against Ukraine continues to generate gross human rights violations and serious breaches of international humanitarian law. We are outraged that the intense hostilities in frontline areas combined with frequent Russian missile and loitering munitions attack in populated urban areas in the interior of the country causing extensive civilian casualties and significant damage to civilian property. Bulgaria notes that between end of May and August 2025 Ukraine and Russia conducted the largest exchanges of prisoners of war and civilian detainees since 2022 leading to the release of more than 3,000 persons from both sides. We deplore the large scale missile and drone attacks by the Russian armed forces against Ukraine critical energy network and civilian infrastructure which are disrupting electricity supply and dependent services in multiple regions ahead of the winter period. Russia must end all forms of patriotic military education and propaganda in schools, violations of the rights of the child as well as the confiscation of property in occupied territory. Bulgaria is unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters, remains steadfast.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Islamic Republic of Iran closely follows development related to this item and carefully considers the relevant report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We believe that constructive, objective and balanced engagement by the Office of the High Commissioner can contribute to tangible improvements on the ground. However, we are concerned that this item, which is intended to focus on technical assistance and cooperation, is increasingly being politicized, thereby further distancing distancing one of the country's concerns from the Council. Such practices risk exacerbating the politicization of the Council and do little to advance the promotion and protection of human rights. We also caution against one-sided and Russophobic narratives that undermine dialogue and exacerbate polarization. The Human Rights Council should remain a forum for genuine dialogue and cooperation based on impartiality and mutual respect. We therefore encourage a return to balance and cooperation-oriented approaches. and call on the Office of the High Commissioner to continue facilitating constructive dialogue and meaningful technical assistance to improve the humanitarian situation.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. President. High Commissioner, almost four years on from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as your report evidences, serious violations by Russia continue at alarming levels. Occupying forces have confiscated thousands of Ukrainian homes, imposed Russian passports under threat of deportation, denied public services and conscripted Ukrainians into the Russian army. Children are subjected to systematic indoctrination, forced to attend summer camps promoting Russian patriotism and military training in weapon handling and drone operation. These actions form a deliberate attempt to erase Ukrainian identity and with it Ukraine's future. Suppressing culture and identity anywhere erodes the rights and freedoms that underpin the international order. Such attacks pose a threat to all of us. As we move further into winter, we see that Moscow has intensified its campaign. Drones and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities continue at an alarming and increasing rate. Since October, mass strikes on energy infrastructure have cut production by 40%, causing blackouts of up to 16 hours daily. This is a deliberate weaponization of winter, leaving millions in freezing darkness and limiting access to essential services. The international community must remain united in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and calling for Russia to end its invasion as the only way to stop these atrocities. High Commissioner, can you update us on your efforts to encourage Russia to cooperate with your office? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Mr. President. Turkey has supported, has firmly supported Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence since the occupation, illegitimate referendum, and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014. From the very outset, Turkey has consistently embraced a humanitarian and principled position on advocating a just, comprehensive, and lasting resolution, one that can only be achieved through diplomacy and negotiations. The three rounds of direct talks hosted in Istanbul served as an important confidence-building measure the parties. At these talks various humanitarian issues were addressed namely the reunification of children with their families, the exchange of prisoners and the safe evacuation of civilians from conflict areas. We welcome the recent diplomatic efforts to prioritize ending the war through negotiations. Turkey stands ready to facilitate dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. For Turkey the safety, dignity and well-being of the Crimean Tatar Turks, the religious people of the peninsula will always remain a top priority. Turkey will remain committed to helping pay the way for a fair, lasting and comprehensive peace through diplomacy. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Andorra.

We thank the High Commissioner for the update and reiterate Andorra's full support for the work in Ukraine of the Office of the High Commissioner. Andorra has taken note of the findings

presented in the report, which document the ongoing human rights violations linked to the war of aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate our clear and consistent support for Ukraine and underscore the importance of sustained efforts through all appropriate channels towards a just and lasting peace in line with international law.

High Commissioner, the convention establishing an international claims commission for Ukraine has been adopted today in The Hague. In this regard, we would welcome your views on the extent to which the establishment of the Claims Commission could positively contribute to the human rights situation in Ukraine, in particular by strengthening victims' access to remedies and reparations.

We would also appreciate

further information on whether the Office of the High Commissioner has engaged in or foresees any form of technical cooperation

with the

Register of Damage for Ukraine, given its potential importance for documenting harm resulting from violations of international human rights. Thank you, Mr President.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.

Thank you, Mr President. We thank the High Commissioner for his oral update on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Since the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, numerous international independent reports have concluded that Russian forces have committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity. The information provided today by the High Commissioner confirms the barbarity of Russia's forces against Ukrainian prisoner of war and civilians. We are extremely concerned by these acts of torture and widespread cruelty and ill-treatment systematically perpetrated by law enforcement, security and armed forces personnel, detention officers and even medical staff. We strongly condemn these grave violations of international humanitarian law and human and remind Russia that torture is prohibited even in times of war. Finally, Albania reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine and calls for an end to Russia's aggression, which is causing so much suffering to the civilian population. It is time for a credible, just and lasting peace. This peace must be based on security, justice and respect for international law. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. The human rights situation in Ukraine remains deeply alarming. Civilian casualties continue to rise as Russian long-range strikes spread fear and devastation along the front line and in urban areas. Ongoing attacks on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure place immense strain on electricity grid, resulting in frequent and prolonged power cuts for families across the country. Conditions near the front line are even more dire. Short-range drones, at times deliberately targeting civilians, cause terror and destruction. In the occupied territories, Russia continues its campaign of deportations attempting to reshape Ukraine's demographics. Aggressive Russification efforts persist through militarized youth programs, so-called patriotic summer camps, and imposed curriculum changes. Russia also seeks to replace the rule of law by the rule by law in the territories it occupies, enforcing its own legal system, prosecuting Ukrainians under Russian law, and enforcing passportization, as well as its rule by fear, by severely restricting freedoms of expression, information, and privacy. Russia must end its war of aggression and be held accountable. We remain committed of supporting Ukraine's path towards accountability and reaching a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. Mr. High Commissioner, how can the international community best provide support to meet the psychological needs of survivors of these severe human rights violations? Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished Cuban representative.

High Commissioner, Cuba defends objectivity and impartiality in the work of the Council against these discriminatory and politicised approaches. Only respectful dialogue and genuine dialogue without interference can produce tangible results in upholding and protecting human rights. useful and effective discussions on human rights in Ukraine and indeed any other nation requires an exercise which doesn't use double standards repeating over and over again the politicised and biased approaches singling out countries because of political aims only exacerbates differences and it doesn't contribute to peace and solving the conflicts and noble cause of human rights, we would restate our support for those initiatives that forge towards a balanced and constructive diplomatic and realistic approach to the Ukrainian crisis, using peace and with the participation of all stakeholders, upholding and guaranteeing peace, security and sovereignty for all and the effective exercise of human rights. Many thanks.

I now go to the floor

to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan would like to thank the High Commissioner and his office for the update of the situation of human rights in Ukraine. We remain deeply concerned over the grave humanitarian and human rights situation in Ukraine as Russia's attack against critical infrastructure continue amid harsh winter condition. Nearly four years have passed since Russia launched its aggression, which is clear violation of international law and shakes the very foundation of the international order. The OHCHR report documents alarming patterns of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture and ill-treatment of civilians in Russian-occupied territory. Such act has a serious violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and must never be tolerated. Japan condemns the strongest term those actions and reaffirm its unwavering support for the people

in the government of the Ukraine.

We hosted the Ukraine Mine Action Conference in October to accelerate efforts towards reconstruction. We will continue to work closely with the international community to achieve just and lasting peace to ensure that human rights in Ukraine people are upheld. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to

the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

High Commissioner, thank you for your report.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians. The report documents the extensive use of missiles and drones by the Russian Federation, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of housing and other critical civilian infrastructure. It also reports an increase in the execution of Ukrainian military personnel and the widespread use of torture in clear violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We condemn the illegal deportations and forcible transfers, as well as the expropriation of allegedly abandoned residential properties. We call on Russia to cease these practices and to comply with its obligations under IHL and IHRL. Cyprus reiterates the importance of the work carried out by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights and underscores the need for unfettered access to all occupied areas of Ukrainian territory to enable comprehensive monitoring which is essential to ensuring accountability. As a country that continues to endure the consequences of foreign invasion and occupation, Cyprus stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Thank you.

Many thanks. That was the last speaker on my list. We will now continue the list of speakers from national human rights institutions as well as non-governmental organisations. I'd like to give the floor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, a video statement.

High Commissioner Walker Turk, distinguished participants, I thank for the comprehensive and vital reports of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation with human rights in Ukraine. The results confirm that the Russian Federation has committed systematic violations of IHL and human rights by unlawfully detaining civilians and systematically subjecting them to torture, cruel and inhuman treatment. It is also important to note that the report documents serious crimes against Ukrainian children, showing a policy approved at the highest levels. The Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine has submitted comments on the report, emphasizing the need to understand the situation on the ground. I call upon the international community to take the following actions: First, support efforts to investigate and prosecute these serious violations and hold those responsible fully accountable. Second, demand immediate and the full access for the ICRC and the UN Human Rights Office to all detention places, including those holding civilians and POWs in Russia and the thought of Ukraine. Third, apply maximum diplomatic pressure to secure the immediate release of unlawfully detained Ukrainian civilians and ensure the safe return of POWs and abducted children. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you, I know good the thought of human rights. Research League video statement again.

Thank you, Mr. President. From the onset of its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian Federation has systematically disregarded the most fundamental laws governing humanitarian law and human rights, a continuation and further aggravation of a policy and conduct displayed already during the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Among the key tenets of the laws of armed conflict pertaining to the protection of the civilian population are a clear distinction between civilians and combatants on the battlefield as well as in detention, the general obligation to respect the laws in force in occupied territory, and the prohibition against deporting persons from that territory. Irrespective of a person's legal status, extrajudicial killings, torture or ill-treatment, and enforced disappearances are prohibited. Russia has violated all those principles. Furthermore, the Russian authorities have persistently denied international monitors access to POWs and civilian detainees, and taken steps to actively exempt Russian soldiers from criminal liability for any abuses which otherwise would have been punishable even according to Russian criminal law. These combined measures indicate they may form part of a systematic and widespread policy amounting to crimes against humanity and should be further investigated by international accountability mechanisms, including the ICC. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Human Rights House Foundation, video.

Thank you. What began with the occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014 has expanded into a broader pattern of violations. Thousands killed or disappeared, widespread unlawful detention, and millions displaced or deprived of their basic rights. Among the gravest crimes is the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. The member organizations of Human Rights House Crimea continue to document the militarization and enforced Russification of children, including mandatory patriotic training, pressure to join military structures, and ideological programs aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity. These organizations also report the continued use of torture, ill-treatment, and politically motivated prosecutions, particularly against Crimean Tatars, journalists, and community leaders. Crimean activist Irina Danilovitch remains imprisoned after a fabricated verdict, her health gravely affected alongside the denial of essential medical care. Human rights defender Amir Hussein Kuku continues to serve a long sentence for his peaceful work, emblematic of the broader persecution against Crimean Tatars. These ongoing violations obstruct any chance of reconciliation, sustainable peace, or recovery, while Russian state propaganda continues to distort facts and undermine global security. They also challenge the ability of the United Nations to uphold its core purposes and values, particularly as we look forward to UN80. President, we ask the High Commissioner if the continued impunity for serious violations committed by the Russian Federation potentially emboldens other states or entities to similarly disregard international laws and norms. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to Maloka International.

We'd like to thank the High Commissioner for the attention brought to this war being waged in Europe, as well as the Commissioner of the Inquiry and the work that it's done, and the welcome with a great deal of solidarity that Switzerland has given to the Ukrainian refugees. According to Professor Jeffrey Sachs from the University of Columbia, the casus belli of the conflict in Ukraine came from the US military industrial complex with a view to expanding NATO to the east, as well as changing the government, which was backed by the US in Kiev in February 2014, which brought to power an openly pro-NATO government. According to Jeffrey Sachs, the key for peace in Ukraine is having Ukraine being neutral. acting as a bridge between NATO and Russia instead of turning into a center of geopolitical confrontation. This most recent situation, and this was something pointed out by Brzezinski in his book, The Grand Chessboard, basically benefits the interest of the United States rather than the interests of Europe. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the International Bar Association, a video statement.

The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute thanks the High Commissioner for the report and welcomes its continued documentation of violations against civilians in Ukraine. IBAR wishes to draw the Council's attention to the ongoing and systematic violations of Ukrainian children's rights, especially the forcible transfer and deportation, forced passportization and illegal adoptions. These acts threaten the children's future and remain among the most enduring consequences of the aggression. IBARI is actively engaged in this area through its work with the Bring It Back Task Force. However, despite international attention and legal proceedings, such violations persist and children remain separated from their families and communities in breach of the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute and international human rights law. The High Commissioner also highlights the militarization of education in occupied territories, where curricula promote military patriotic instruction, armed personnel participate in school activities and school and camps are used to normalize violence and loyalty to the occupying power. Such practices undermine children's rights to education and identity, violate protections afforded under occupation law, and will lead to long-term psychological harm. We urge the Russian Federation to take all necessary measures to ensure the prompt repatriation and family reunification of all abducted Ukrainian children and to immediately cease militarised and patriotic education practices. We call on this Council to demand immediate access for independent monitors to all occupied territories and to all facilities in the Russian Federation where Ukrainian children are kept.

Thank you.

Thank you. That was the last speaker on my list. I now turn to Mr. Volkov just for concluding remarks.

Just perhaps before I start answering some of the questions, just a point that I would like to make. When it comes to human rights, we need to recognize that the charter of the UN was absolutely clear. They are a matter of international concern. So when we discuss the violations, the serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, they are obviously matters that should concern each and every member state because they affect each and every member state in the application of international law. And I think it's important to bear this in mind. And there is a little bit this disconnect between the talk and the reality. And the reality is such that I have described through the documents that we, my office has been putting forward. in terms of the incredible, unbearable toll that wars and aggressions have on civilians. Now, specifically to the questions that you have asked. On civilian protection, we have-- my office has documented that specific weapon systems cause the majority of the casualties. especially long range weapons, missiles and drones in populated areas, short range drones and glide bombs near the front line. So what's the response to this? Well, obviously, in order to mitigate harm, you need to refrain from using such long range weapons, especially in populated areas, refrain from targeting energy infrastructure that is critical to the civilian population and to others and also refrain from attacking civilian objects. Protecting and repairing the energy infrastructure and restricting the use of glide bombs and short range drones near civilian populated areas. I mean these are the obvious actions that are needed when it comes to this. And when it comes to the military response, They need to, in particular, emphasize and focus on the most vulnerable, including children, older people, most of whom, by the way, are women, and persons with disabilities. The other area that you asked about was about torture and ill treatment. My office has interviewed 1,000 released Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians detained by the Russian authorities. And our findings show consistently that they have been subjected to systematic and widespread torture, including sexual violence, while they were held as prisoners of war or civilian detainees. In addition, the conditions of detention are inhuman and degrading. They lack medical care, adequate food, Families do not receive notification on the fate of their loved ones, leaving obviously families in incredible anguish. And we are also, my office is not aware of accountability efforts made by the Russian Federation when it comes to allegations of torture and ill treatment. The next area you asked about access, which is of course related because one of the preventative things when you want to prevent torture, you need to have access to detainees and to internment facilities. So it's very clear your call, the call of the international community on the Russian Federation has to be grant independent and impartial monitors, in particular the ICRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross, but also my office full and unhindered access to places of detention. Then there is the need to promptly share information on the whereabouts and the fate of prisoners of war and civilian detainees. Then there is the issue of regular communications with their families and the establishment of mixed medical commissions. These measures would be a first step, but particularly unfettered access that is absolutely critical and we are in touch, we have been in touch with the Russian Federation's about the access issue and about basically all the reporting that we have done. We consistently share these with the Russian Federation, but unfortunately we haven't seen much progress, in fact no progress in this area. When it comes to children in occupied territory, I mean, we have documented, the Office has consistently documented, especially in the occupied, that the occupying authorities have imposed Russian citizenship, replaced the Ukrainian education system with the Russian state curriculum, implemented Russian military patriotic training in schools and summer camps. And this is clear that this type of policies eradicate or are meant to eradicate Ukrainian identity, they discriminate against children, based on their Ukrainian identity, and they risk perpetuating the conflict. And in a way, also, if you look into the future, they would have a serious impact on social cohesion and reconciliation efforts. So obviously, in line with the legal obligations under IHL and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, this lasting harm must stop. on the international community support for the psychological needs of survivors. I mean, this is very obvious because you would need to strengthen the mental health care services in Ukraine, especially for returning POWs and civilian detainees because survivors of torture, as we know, suffer incredible trauma, especially those who have suffered and been subjected to sexual violence. and the long-term physical and psychological health impacts will also require long-term support. And for us, it's very clear that this requires even more support to the Ukrainian health services for rehabilitation, medical care, and psychosocial support. On accountability, because a number of you asked questions around accountability, it's clear that the work, the meticulous monitoring, documenting, and reporting on what we see on a daily basis in Ukraine is absolutely critical. And we have been there since 2014. That work needs to continue, needs to be supported. But also, of course, the work of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine that was established by the Council. And both, all of these have a very important role when it comes to future accountability efforts. be it at the national level, at the regional level, or at the international level. And again, this is very key work as we move towards hopefully a process of ceasefire and peace that would have to include at some stage also the accountability efforts. On the peace negotiations, we know from experience that peace is only sustainable if it's anchored in human rights. And there are a number of confidence building measures that can be taken, including in initial ceasefire negotiations that would immediately have the positive impact of building some confidence. For example, protection of civilians. There are a number of areas we have identified also through the report that can be done immediately, including the refrain from using certain weapons. the all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war, the return of civilian detainees and forcibly transferred or deported children, the establishment of humanitarian corridors across the line of control, and a significant improvement of the rights of people under occupation. And we think that when it comes to these negotiations, that the human rights base and the centrality of human rights in all stages of the negotiations are going to be extremely critical for the sustainability of any of this. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, High Commissioner. This concludes our dialogue. Colleagues, we will now immediately start our interactive dialogue on the oral update on the Human rights situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In resolution 57/36, the Human Rights Council asked the High Commissioner on Human Rights to present oral updates on the human rights situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela before the end of 2024 and before the end of 2025. And each oral update will be followed by an interactive dialogue. Gives me pleasure once again to give the floor to Mr. Volker to present his oral update. The list of speakers will be closed in 15 minutes. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Since my last update in June, the situation in Venezuela has not improved. We continue to see sweeping restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, as well as acute social and economic strain. In September and November, the government adopted legislation granting itself expanded emergency powers citing external threats. The content of these new laws remains unpublished, shielding them from scrutiny and preventing any assessment of their compatibility with international law. The crackdown on civic space has intensified, suffocating people's freedoms. Public life is becoming further militarized, increasing the risk of violence in a society already grappling with high levels of crime. My office has received reports of coerced enlistment into the Bolivarian militia, including of adolescents and older people. Equally shocking are accounts that authorities are encouraging people to report on their relatives, neighbors, and colleagues through a state-sponsored mobile application. Such policies breed fear, mistrust, and self-censorship. last year's NGO oversight law continues to hinder civil society's ability to work safely and freely. Journalists, human rights defenders, opposition figures, and even humanitarian workers continue to face threats, harassment, and the risk of arbitrary detention simply for doing their jobs. Many are being driven out of the country by intimidation and persecution. When human rights defenders and journalists leave, truth and accountability leave with them. Several journalists remain arbitrarily detained and hundreds of people are imprisoned for political reasons. The recent detention of the Secretary General of the main trade union sent a chilling signal to workers across the country. The use of broad and vague counter-terrorism laws and rhetoric opens the door to serious violations. I remain deeply concerned about detention conditions with persistent lack of food and medicine and the denial of family visits. These conditions cost detainees their physical and mental health and in some cases their lives. My office has documented at least five deaths of people detained in connection with the 2024 presidential elections. All these must be promptly and independently investigated, including the most recent death of the opposition politician Alfredo Diaz, whose health reportedly deteriorated sharply in custody. We have also observed a rise in transfers of detainees to unknown locations, with some amounting to enforced disappearance. In three detention centers, El Hicoide, Rodeo Uno, and Fuerte Yacaypuro, People continue to be held incommunicado without contact with relatives or lawyers in flagrant violation of their basic rights. I note the release of at least 51 people since my last update, including political opposition members, foreign nationals and people in poor health, and that at least 23 foreign nationals have been granted consular visits.

I'm pained to report that the authorities have intensified reprisals against family members of people perceived as dissenting voices, both at home as well as abroad. Since July, my office has documented the detention of at least 17 people, most of them women, children, and the elderly. in connection with the activities of their family members. The whereabouts and fate of 12 other relatives are unknown. I urge the unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained for their activities in civic space, including Rosio San Miguel, Javier Tarazona, Carlos Julio Rojas, Eduardo Torres, Kennedy Tejeda, their families, and four teenagers who remain in custody after the 2024 elections. I also urge the Venezuelan authorities to protect the freedom of expression, ensure a safe environment for the media and civil society, and to ensure that all human rights violations are investigated and redressed. Enforced disappearances, incommunicado detentions and unauthorized transfers must end. Conditions of detention must be humane and compliant with international standards.

I am very concerned. that there are attempts to strip certain opposition figures of their Venezuelan nationality. And I remind the authorities that arbitrary deprivation of nationality is unlawful. Indigenous peoples, their rights, and their territories continue to be targeted. Several indigenous leaders have been killed over the past years, including Virgilio Trujillo, Joaquin Hernandez, and most recently, Cesario Banabera. Many investigations remain unresolved. I would also like to reiterate the disproportionate impact that broad sectoral sanctions have on the most vulnerable, as well as their adverse effects on the work of some human rights and humanitarian organizations, and I call for the sanctions to be reassessed and lifted. Mr. President, while the authorities continue their repression, the Venezuelan people have their own daily battle against poverty and hunger. Inequality and prices race upwards. The International Monetary Fund projects that inflation will reach 270% in 2025. The minimum monthly salary is more than 1000 times less than the monthly cost of the basic food basket. Family must choose between buying food or medication. Many lack access to education and healthcare. And even this is an incomplete picture as the official economic data is scarce. Organizations that provide relief are struggling to navigate vague but strict regulations. Distinguished delegates, I cannot ignore the mounting tensions and challenges facing Venezuelans in a precarious regional situation. I am deeply concerned about the human rights impact of intensifying US military pressure. History has shown time and again that when confrontation escalates, it is often ordinary people who are caught in the crossfire, not criminals, not those in power, ordinary people. I reiterate my call to the United States to use well-established law enforcement methods to counter the serious issue of illicit drug trafficking. And I encourage all states hosting or receiving Venezuelan migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to ensure their international protection given the perilous human rights situation in the country. I have visited Venezuela. I spoke with its people, and I feel for them. I feel for those waiting desperately for news about their loved ones, for parents separated from their children, and for all those whose tables will remain empty during the coming holiday season. Venezuelan society needs healing, it needs justice and human rights to overcome polarization and repair its social and economic fabric. My office has long stood ready to support this process, but I regret to inform you that I no longer have an international staff left in the country. We have made every possible effort to restore our presence, including requesting visas and engaging with the authorities, but unfortunately without success. Excellencies, I do not believe in points of no return. My office is always open to constructive engagement, and I hope the authorities will promptly enable my colleagues to resume all our activities in the country. The suffering of the Venezuelan people must end. Thank you.

Thank you. In line with our established practice, we'll begin by listening to the representative of the country concerned. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. You have five minutes.

Thank you, President. For many years, Venezuela has been saying that the resolution imposed by a small number of countries against our people in part of the policy of maximum pressure led by the United States. The military escalation of the United States in the Caribbean is a reputable proof of this policy. It's important to recall that its falsified resolution of 2019 was approved by a vote of only 19 countries. 18 of them have recognized a parallel government imposed by the United States. And this vote was supported by European countries that obviously imposed sanctions that violate the rights of Venezuelan people. We'll listen to these countries that will say that we have to protect the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. This is cynicism. We see what is happening in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria. This double standards approach here in the Human Rights Council has undermined the so-called credibility of the human rights system, President. The policy of maximum pressures has led to media and diplomatic campaigns to lead a campaign against the revolutionary government of Venezuela to lead to internal destabilization and international isolation. They have failed. And the United States have intervened in Venezuela through financing NGOs, covert operations, undermining the electric systems, terrorism against the petrol industries to create conditions of instabilities, without doubt some countries in this Council and the Office of the High Commissioner were used for this operation to ensure regime change. Mr. Haikiminis, The key to protect human rights is credibility. First, the credibility of people who have the responsibility to represent humanity on an issue that is very sensitive to states, especially where they believe in higher moral authorities without looking at themselves. What you're presenting today negates in the broad sense of the term independence of any public official that hopes to promote human rights. A report based on partial or invented information requires a thorough investigation. determined rejection. And also there's a serious problem related to monitoring. Once again, we see how this is aligned to those powers who have funding, the justified so-called budget for actions that are legitimate against Venezuela. And to artificially expose so-called human rights violations of human rights is something that is simply strange. And the officials know, they say, that the serious situation of human rights, human rights situations in other countries that are not under the radar of the council are even more serious than in Venezuela. So this is yet again demonstration of double standards that is destroying the human rights systems. President, High Commissioner, you have to reconsider whether you wish to continue along these destructive policies. You have to realize that as the highest authority in human rights, that the system has fallen into the trap posed by the powerful of this world and undermining the UN Charter that is simply ignored. Let us provide you With an example, where is the multilateral system to condemn the pirates of the 20th century for the oil embargo? Where is your system? What does… If Venezuela would have attacked a ship just like the United States have done with the theft of the cargo, then it would have been a public denouncement of such an act in less than 24 hours. But we have seen the real situation, and this is why Venezuela rejects your update report and calls for a serious reconsideration. If that does not happen, history will not absolve you. Thank

Thank you. The list of speakers now is closed. I'd like to now invite interested delegations to ask questions and present recommendations on the oral update. I'd like to recall you that the time for speakers is one minute and 30 seconds. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Luxembourg on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam President, I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of Belgium, the Netherlands and my own country, Luxembourg. We thank the High Commissioner and OHCHR for their vital work and the timely update on the increasingly alarming human rights situation in Venezuela. We firmly condemn the systematic repression of members of the political opposition and of all those expressing dissent. We are especially concerned about cases of enforced disappearance and the severe human rights violations committed against individuals in detention, where torture and other ill-treatment have been documented. Today, more than 190 political prisoners remain arbitrarily detained, including minors, human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, as well as members of the opposition. Furthermore, we deplore the recent death in custody of opposition member Alfredo Diaz, the sixth such case reported this year by Foro Penal, and we call for full, transparent and independent accountability. We urge the Venezuelan authorities to unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including foreign citizens and dual nationals. We remain profoundly concerned by the detentions of Javier Tarasone, Dinora Hernandez, Julio Balza, and Rafael Tudares. We further call on the authorities to ensure prompt confidential access to legal counsel and medical assistance for all political prisoners. Mr. High Commissioner, thank you.

I give the floor to distinguished representative of the European Union.

President, Mr. High Commissioner, the European Union thanks you for this update and reiterates its full support for your mandate. All human rights mechanisms on Venezuela are essential, and we urge the authorities to engage constructively. We call for the restoration of the full capacity of the OHCHR in.

Caracas, the return of all staff members, and their unfettered access to all regions and detention centers.

The EU remains deeply concerned about continued and systemic repression against dissenting voices.

We strongly urge the authorities to respect, protect, and fulfill all human rights.

To investigate violations and abuses and hold those responsible accountable. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained, including dual and foreign citizens, as well as the end of enforced disappearances. The EU will continue to work with all Venezuelans, regional and international partners to foster genuine dialogue towards a peaceful and democratic transition. We reiterate our commitment to combating transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, as well as our opposition to the threat or use of force and to any action not in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

Mr. High Commissioner, how to?

Strengthen respect for due process and accountability in cases of arbitrary detention and ill treatment of detainees? I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Russian Federation on behalf of Group of Countries.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter attaches supreme importance to promotion and protection of human rights based on dialogue and cooperation in accordance with the principles of impartiality, objectivity, transparency, non-selectivity, non-politicization, and non-confrontation. We therefore reiterate our categorical rejection of double standards in the field of human rights and express our grave concern about the continued and growing proliferation of mechanisms and reports on Venezuela without the due consent of the State concerned. The mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner is one of the highest responsibilities within the UN system. Therefore, it must avoid being used to undermine the sovereignty of States or to interfere in their internal affairs. We express our deep concern about the severe deterioration of the situation in the Latin America and Caribbean region as a result of the continuous hostile actions and threats by the US government against Venezuela, which have intensified to unprecedented levels. We reject any attempt to impose domination, subordination or interference which are incompatible with the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and we reiterate our absolute and unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Venezuela reaffirming their inalienable right to determine their own political, economic and social system free from external interference, subversion, coercion or the threat of military force. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor the distinguished representative of Canada on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. President.

On behalf of Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Paraguay, we thank the High Commissioner for his oral update.

We remain deeply concerned by the lack of progress in restoring OHCHR's full presence in Venezuela.

And urge the country to allow unfettered access so the office can effectively fulfill its mandate. Repression against real or perceived dissent continues to intensify.

Particularly targeting opposition leaders, human rights defenders, and journalists.

Tactics include widespread arbitrary arrests, short-term enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial executions.

News of yet another human rights defender dying in.

Custody a few weeks ago is alarming and needs swift and independent investigation.

These violations must stop and all individuals arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally.

Surveillance, intimidation, and persecution, including forced phone checks at street checkpoints, are some of the many ways that Venezuela relies on to shrink civic space and restricts freedom of opinion and expression and association. The absence of judicial independence and pervasive impunity remain critical concerns. Venezuela's judiciary continues to serve as an instrument of political persecution with almost no accountability for grave human rights violations.

High Commissioner.

Given the challenging operational environment for OHCHR in country, what tools remain available to ensure effective?

Monitoring of human rights violations.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Mr. President, Switzerland would like to thank the High Commissioner for his oral update. Switzerland remains concerned with the human rights situation in Venezuela. We strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of several hundred people. We call on the authorities to ensure, without delay, respectful conditions of detention in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules for the treatment of detainees, including by ending the practice of incomunicado detention and denial of visits. Adequate access to medical care must be ensured. Switzerland expressed its concern about the military operations carried out by the United States in the Caribbean Sea. We call on all actors to prioritize cooperation in the fight against organized crime and to respect international, especially the UN Charter and human rights, including the right to life. Finally, reiterate our call on the authorities to cooperate with the international human rights mechanisms. We advocate for the Office of the High Commissioner for Venezuela in Venezuela to be operational as soon as possible. Switzerland will continue to be a facilitator. Mr. High Commissioner, do you think that the closure of the Office of the International Criminal Court risks jeopardizing international justice for victims of human rights violations? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President, we're extremely concerned with the escalation of tensions around Venezuela. Deployment of a significant U.S. naval force near Venezuelan territorial waters under the pretext of fighting drug cartels constitutes a threat of force in violation of international, including the UN Charter. The actions of force by the U.S. military, which lead to the death of civilians, raise more and more questions. Drug trafficking is a serious challenge for the entire world community, however, the fight against this criminal activity should not be used as a lever for pressure on sovereign states. It is necessary to work together on measures to counter this evil through cooperation between national specialized agencies as well as during the relevant multilateral platforms. Caracas has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness for dialogue and cooperation with all states in this area, both bilaterally and internationally. It is obvious that the unsanctioned use of force by the United States can lead to a sharp, uncontrollable of the situation in the entire region. We believe it is important to preserve Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. We will continue to oppose the use of political and military pressure on independent states, including the use of the platform of HRC, instead of a frenzied criticism of Venezuela, we propose to focus on providing real assistance to this country and developing its human rights potential, taking into account the needs and requests of the national authorities. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland.

Thank you, Mr. President. Poland aligns itself with the EU statement. Mr. High Commissioner, thank you for the update. We reiterate our strong support for your mandate as well as for the activities of the independent international fact-finding mission. We remain deeply worried by the widespread actions by the government of Venezuela and the persistent erosion of the human rights situation and the rule of law in the country. The recent report of the independent fact-finding mission informed about some shocking cases of torture and ill-treatment which occurred in prisons and detention centers in Venezuela, including psychological torture, humiliation, sexual violence, and denial of access to food, water, and medical care. Poland calls on the Venezuelan government to comply with the recommendations mentioned in the report, We urge the authorities in Caracas to uphold its obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all individuals, especially by ensuring the most fundamental political freedoms. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.

Thank you, President. Spain supports the declaration made by the EU and we restate our support also for the Office of the High Commissioner and Council mechanisms. Their work is key to overcoming the serious human rights crisis in Venezuela. We'd urge the authorities to re establish their cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner. We are deeply concerned to see the recent increase in political repression in Venezuela, systematic persecution against political opponents, dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society as a whole. We condemn the increase in arbitrary detentions of nationals and foreigners, depriving them of consular assistance. Also, we denounce the use of enforced disappearances, the practice of torture. We urge that they should be immediately released and unconditionally released when we're talking about everybody has been arbitrarily detained, including four Spanish nationals and 16 dual nationals. Combating transnational organised crime and the illicit trafficking in drugs requires full compliance with international law. And it's essential that the crisis in Venezuela is resolved peacefully through democracy and dialogue. We're committed to the rights of Venezuelans and the broad number of Spaniards in Venezuela will continue to support Venezuelans who are risking everything to build a Venezuela that is committed to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Many thanks.

Thank you. Give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Thank you very much, President. We regard the latest discussion on the human rights situation in Venezuela as an attempt to exert pressure on the government. Country-specific resolutions, mechanisms and mandates, including selective dialogues, are counterproductive. They violate the principles of international cooperation, interfere in the internal affairs of states and waste resources. Venezuela cooperates with intergovernmental and expert human rights mechanisms in accordance with national human rights priorities. Maintaining such cooperation, developing an interested dialogue is the only effective way to promote human rights in the country. Belarus reaffirms its support to the legitimate government of Venezuela and stands for the preservation of the sovereignty, independence and stability of the Venezuelan state. We are convinced that any contradictions should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means through dialogue without the use of military force or pressure. We welcome the High Commissioner's attention and calls for an urgent de-escalation of the international situation in the Caribbean. We also believe that it is necessary to fully support work towards the cessation of the use of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela, which entail grave negative consequences for human rights in that country. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. President. Venezuela has consistently pursued constructive cooperation with the United Nations, including with the Office of the High Commissioner. Nevertheless, Venezuela continues to face interventionist threats from the United States targeting its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. In this regard, and in line with the statement of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States of 5 September 2025, which expressed deep concern over recent extra-regional military deployment, we call on the United States to stop its provocative actions, and refrain from any threat against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela in order to preserve peace and stability in the region. At the same time, the continued imposition of unilateral coercive measures has had a direct and severe impact on the enjoyment of human rights. Despite these pressures, Venezuela has relied on the support of its people to defend human rights while safeguarding its independence. The negative effects of such measures on economic and social rights are well documented. We therefore reiterate the call for their immediate and complete lifting in full conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor.

To the distinguished representative of Cuba.

President, Cuba rejects the imposition of these punitive mechanisms which are biased, selective, interfering in our countries, as is the case of Venezuela. The Council cannot ignore the institutionality and the sovereignty of Venezuela. If you really want to contribute to the cause of human rights in Venezuela, you should be condemning clearly the hostile actions and the threats of use of force against his country by the US government. The defence of the rights of Venezuelan people to live in peace is not exclusive to Venezuelans. It has to do with all of us who are interested in defending the international charter, which has been violated flagrantly by the US in the case of Venezuela, with total impunity, whilst the country which is a victim of these violations ends up being the person who is in the dock and condemned here, I don't think the hypocrisy can be made clearer, or the double standards. there should be a call for an end to the UCMs against Venezuela, which is such a cruel imposition. We have to promote respectful dialogue, genuine dialogue with Venezuela in line with the principles of impartiality, non-politicization, and non-interference. Many thanks.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Thank you, Mr. President, and we thank the High Commissioner for the oral update. on the human rights situation in Venezuela. Unfortunately, we still have no grounds to declare that the situation in Venezuela became even slightly better. In fact, it continues to rapidly deteriorate.

My.

Delegation is concerned with the role of GNB in the systematic and coordinated repression against opponents, indiscriminate use of firearms, targeted arbitrary detentions, physical violence, are doing arrests, planting of evidence, torture and other ill treatment, and sexual and gender-based violence inside GNB facilities. Perpetrators of such actions must be held accountable by national and international accountability mechanisms. Georgia is also concerned with the new legislation granting further unchecked power to those in control. We're alarmed over recorded acts resulting in loss of life due to lack of timely medical care in custody. and acts of sexual violence against female detainees, including adolescent girls. In this regard, we reiterate our call on those in control to allow the work of the complete OHCHR team in accordance with its designated mandate. In conclusion, Georgia reiterates its support for the Venezuelan people's peaceful pursuit of democracy.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Mr. President, I would like to thank the High Commissioner for his report. We urge the Venezuelan authorities to investigate impartially the alleged violations of human rights which are indicated in the report, and that they comply with international standards in this area and with the recommendations addressed to them. encourage strengthening and deepening cooperation between Venezuela and the Office, as well as with other HRC mechanisms, as well as renewing cooperation with the Inter-American human rights system. We are ready and available to support dialogue between the Venezuelan political forces as the only way of overcoming political challenges, as well as the economic and social challenges that are still affecting the country. We also share the concern expressed regarding unilateral coercive measures imposed on Venezuela. Quite apart from being illegal and ineffective, they have a serious impact on human rights. We would restate our deep concern at reports of extrajudicial executions in international waters close to Venezuela. This constitutes a serious violation of international law.

I now would like to give the floor to the representative of Chile.

Thank you. Chile would like to thank the High Commissioner for this oral update. This is a serious concern for my country. This represents a persistent pattern of state repression, which has stepped up since the 2024 elections. Chile and most of the international community do not recognise those results. More than 25 people have died since then, and more than 2,200 have been detained, including 218 children and teenagers. These are not isolated facts. They reflect a systematic plan, including arbitrary detention, torture, prolonged incommunicado detention, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. We are concerned at the pattern of detaining foreigners, as well as the use of these mass remote hearings without procedural guarantees, which are eroding the rule of law and consolidating impunity. would restate that the way out of this humanitarian and humanitarian political crisis has to be built by putting human dignity at the center as well as the people of Venezuela at the center. There won't be a sustainable solution without having a democratic right to dissent, judicial independence. Our country would make a call to the Venezuelan authorities to put an end to these practices, adopt accountability measures guaranteeing truth, justice, and reparation.

Thank you, acknowledging the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Czechia aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks for the comprehensive update. We support the work of the High Commissioner and call Venezuela to fully restore the OHR office in the country. Last week, the Nobel Peace Prize was formally awarded in Oslo to Maria Corina Machado, honoring her leadership in advancing democratic rights in Venezuela. Her unwavering courage and steadfast determination remind us that the right to political participation remains fundamental to human dignity. Yet the alarming human rights situation in Venezuela demonstrates how fragile this right becomes when democratic institutions are dismantled. Czechia remains deeply concerned about the continued harsh repression and politically motivated persecution of dissenting voices in Venezuela, targeting political opponents, civil society actors, human rights defenders, as well as journalists. Drawing particular attention to the plight of all persons arbitrarily and unlawfully detained in Venezuela, including Czech citizen Jaromir Darmovzal, we call for their immediate and unconditional release and stress the need for Venezuela to fully respect its international human rights obligations and fundamental norms of international conduct. Mr. High Commissioner, What do you recommend to ensure accountability and to secure the release of those arbitrarily detained in Venezuela? I thank you.

Thank you. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. President, China commends the Venezuelan government for its efforts and progress in the promotion and protection of human rights. Regrettably, however, the recent seizure and sanction by a big power of an oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil has obstructed normal oil trade and is a further move to impose UCM and long-arm jurisdiction. This has seriously affected the right to life, development, and other human rights of the Venezuelan people, and has violated international law, including human rights law, and must be abandoned immediately. At present, the security situation in the Caribbean is marked by tension. We have always upheld the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, and rejects the threat or use of force in international relations, and opposes outside forces meddling in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext. We support the proclamation of Latin America and Caribbean as a zone of peace and the declaration of 33 Latin American Caribbean countries on the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zones. We oppose any move to undermine peace and stability in that region and call on that big power to earnestly respect the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin American countries and the rights of their people to self-determination.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

President, colleagues, thank you for convening us so we continue with this ritual without a mass to look at the report on Venezuela. I think the facts don't require interpretation but resolve, decision, justice and courage, something which is conspicuously absent in this room, I believe. The report says, and I quote, in Venezuela there have been enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, suffocation, electrical torture and sexual violence recurrently since 2014. So 11 years imposing discipline on wills and souls, a systematic pattern that has a name now for all Argentines, Nahuel Gallo, who was detained more than a year ago, deprived of liberty without a warrant in Comunicado, accused of an attempt on state security when he hadn't even entered the country in Venezuela. A very convenient accusation, very ingenious and useful and elastic, and yet you can't refute it because there's no evidence. He wasn't detained for what he did. He did absolutely nothing. He was detained just because they wanted to show this. This council now can allege ignorance, claim neutrality, pretend to be concerned and hope that everybody forgets the words that they have said as soon as possible. Because silence or inaction, given documented suffering, involves complicity and a flagrant betrayal of the defenders of freedom. Thank you.

Thank you. I'd like to give the.

Floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea.

Mr. President, Eritrea reaffirms once again its strong opposition to country-specific mandates, as they are inherently selective and confrontational. These mandates single out certain states, undermining fairness and objectivity. It is this disturbing that the same countries pushing for these mandates lack genuine commitments to human rights. They focus on condemning states working to improve the lives of their peoples while ignoring the obvious human rights abuses happening right before our eyes. If this is not double standard, what is? Mr. President, none of these states has the courage to speak up against the ongoing aggression against the government and people of Venezuela, yet they have the temerity to criticize the country for human rights abuses. This is utterly unacceptable. To conclude, Eritrea firmly opposes the military escalation which threatens Venezuela's stability and reaffirm our solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's sovereignty and the right for self-determination. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation expresses deep concern over the continued politicization and selectivity within the Human Rights Council. So-called resolution 57/36 on Venezuela is a politically motivated mandate which clearly undermines the principles of sovereignty and non-interference enshrined in the UN Charter and risks turning this council into a tool for geopolitical agendas. The states supporting this resolution are the ones imposing illegal, unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela that affect the human rights of the Venezuelan people. We are also deeply alarmed by recent hostile actions and international piracy by the United States and strongly condemn them, including the deployment of nuclear-capable military assets in the Caribbean, which violates the UN Charter and the Treaty of Tlatelco and the Declaration of Latin America and Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. My delegation firmly rejects any attempt to politicize the HRC. and calls for an objective, non-selective and non-politicized approach to human rights. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.

Greece aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update. We express our grave concern at the serious human rights violations in Venezuela as documented by human rights mechanisms. Those reports describe patterns of arbitrary detention and forced disappearances, torture and ill treatment in custody, sexual and gender-based violence, restrictions in civic space, and the use of counter-terrorism legislation in ways that raise serious rule of law and due process concerns. Accountability for past and ongoing abuses is essential to prevent further violations and to restore citizens' trust in state institutions. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to ensure prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into all allegations, to end arbitrary detentions, release those held for exercising fundamental rights and guarantee unimpeded access for independent international human rights mechanisms. We further emphasize the need for the OHCHR to operate in Venezuela at full and unhindered capacity, as well as for the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate fully with the Office of the High Commissioner and the fact-finding mission and to adopt measures that promote accountability, reparation for victims, and effective institutional reform. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Thank you, President. President, my delegation takes note of the oral update from the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Venezuela. We restate our country's attachment to the cardinal values of human rights and recall that the responsibility to respect, protect and implement human rights belongs to each and every state. My delegation is concerned at the political instrumentalisation of human rights. Indeed, the imposition of country mandates under item four is a counterproductive practice. It violates the universal principles of respect for integrity, sovereignty, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states enshrined in the UN charter. My delegation hopes that the efforts of Venezuela in the area of human rights be supported whilst respecting sovereignty, its priorities, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of Venezuela. Finally, Burkina Faso would repeat the need to act in line with the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, refraining also from coercion, selectivity and the politicisation of human rights. Many thanks.

Thank you. I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Mr. President, my delegation thanks the High Commissioner for the update. The Lao PDR commends Venezuela for the continued and active engagement with the UN human rights mechanism, including OHCHR, especially the facilitations of visit by the special procedure mandate holder in order to promote and protect human rights in the country. We emphasize the importance of adhering to the principle of impartiality, objectivity, transparency, and non-selectivity. And the elimination of double standards when considering human rights issue allow the world including the Venezuela in order to promote, to improve the life and well-being of its citizens. My delegation firmly advocate for constructive dialogue and cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights. in Venezuela, taking into account national circumstances and priority in line with the purposes and principle inside in the UN.

Charter.

I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I'd now like to get the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.

Thank you, President. Peru wishes to repeat its profound concern the ever-worsening situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Venezuela. Similarly, we restate our appeal to see an end to repression and harassment against members of the opposition and their relatives, as well as arbitrary detentions, the denial of due process, undue restrictions on the civic and democratic space, as well as stigmatisation and criminalisation of civil society, journalists, as well as human rights defenders. My country would also repeat its rejection of the arbitrary detention of four Peruvian citizens by the Venezuelan authorities. We demand their immediate release and that there should be urgent updating information on their situation, guaranteeing full respect for their health and integrity and, indeed, for all their rights, including due administrative and judicial process. Peru would restate its support for the rule of law and a peaceful and democratic transition, reflecting the will expressed by the Venezuelan people legitimately and in a sovereign fashion during the elections. Similarly, in line with our firm support for the rule of law, democracy and human rights in the region, Peru would support the efforts of the international community achieve a genuinely Venezuelan solution to this, rooted in democracy.

I'd now like to give the floor to Colombia.

President, we'd like to thank the High Commissioner for his update and the ongoing commitment to protecting and promoting human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We acknowledge Thanks to the sustained dialogue and bilateral cooperation, we were able to achieve the release of 17 Colombian citizens who were detained in Venezuelan prisons. It reflects the importance of diplomacy and coordination between states to guarantee the fundamental rights of people. However, we are still concerned at the situation of other co-nationals who are still deprived of their liberty. Given this context, we repeat the need to ensure effective consular assistance, decent prison conditions, respect for due process as per the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of '63. We also would urge that there should be independent monitoring guaranteeing the protection of everyone detained. We would like to repeat our readiness to work constructively with the Venezuelan authorities, as the Office of the High Commissioner, to further solutions which place a priority on human dignity. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the High Commissioner for his update and commend the OHCHR for its vital work on Venezuela. The human rights situation in Venezuela remains bleak and of deep concern. 2025 has seen a continuation of systematic intimidation and repression against civil society, opposition figures, and the independent media. Approximately 900 Venezuelans and foreign nationals remain arbitrarily detained. The justice system is failing to uphold Venezuelans' rights, with reports of abuses in custody and denial of due process and legal representation. We note with deep concern the recent death of ex-governor Alfredo Diaz whilst in detention. Mr. President, High Commissioner, the UK strongly condemns the human rights violations in Venezuela and calls for an immediate end to the ongoing intimidation and repression. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to immediately release all those held arbitrarily and to uphold the constitutional and judicial rights of all Venezuelans. The UK remains steadfast in its support for the Venezuelan people. We will continue to work with our international partners to achieve a negotiated transition in Venezuela that ensures the will of all Venezuelans is respected. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

Mr. President, Zimbabwe commends Venezuela for its continued cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and human rights mechanisms. We also commend Venezuela for its commitment towards fulfilling its international human rights obligations. It is regrettable that the positive efforts by the country continue to be undermined by the imposition of country-specific mandates. that lead to duplicity, politicization, and selectivity within Council. We urge the Council to engage Venezuela through genuine and constructive dialogue and cooperation that upholds the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs. Zimbabwe condemns the imposition of UCMs on Venezuela and reiterate our call for the lifting on Venezuela and all targeted countries as a critical step towards the improvement of the lives and well-being of its citizens. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like also to thank the High Commissioner for his oral update and observations and recommendations. Sudan welcomes Venezuela's determination to positively interact with the human rights mechanisms, including the UPR, as well as reporting on main treaty bodies and cooperation with UN mechanisms. At the political level, we welcome the holding of general elections and we encourage Venezuela to continue promoting and protecting human rights and to continue dialogue and confidence building. We also reiterate that Venezuela has the right to determine its own needs and priorities in the field of human rights. We reiterate, Mr. Chair, the importance of the UN Charter principles as well as the objectives of the Human Rights Council And we are deeply convinced that protecting and promoting human rights requires many efforts targeting these rights. We call upon lifting all forms of unilateral sanctions imposed on Venezuela and any other country, given the negative impact of such sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. President, we.

Align ourselves with the statement by the EU and we thank the High Commissioner for his update. Mr. High Commissioner, we share the assessment that the human rights situation in Venezuela remains concerning. This is why we call on the authorities in Venezuela to resume full cooperation with your Office, echoing your own call. This includes granting your Office unhindered access to all parts of the country and to all detention facilities. We remain deeply concerned about the continued restrictions of civic and political space in Venezuela, and we are convinced that this very Council is indeed a good place to talk about it. We are also deeply concerned about persistent reports of arbitrary detentions, due process shortcomings, and allegations of ill-treatment and death in custody. Germany calls for urgent and transparent investigations of these allegations, accountability where violations have occurred, and full respect for legal safeguards, including immediate and regular access to legal counsel and consular services for foreign and dual nationals. In closing, we would like to recall the release of those arbitrarily detained is an obligation under international human rights law.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. President. We took note of the oral update by the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Venezuela. We would like to reiterate once again our, uh, position, which is rejecting, uh, the establishment of mechanisms by the council without the approval of the concerned country, we reiterate the importance of constructive… dialogue and criticism, providing technical assistance, building capacities, because this is the best way to help concerned countries to promote human rights. And this will help secure cooperation with the Human Rights Council, which should accompany national efforts in a framework of objectivity. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Mr. President, Ukraine thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update. We are gravely concerned by the persistent and systematic human rights violations committed by the Venezuelan authorities. The finding of UN mechanisms confirm that arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, as well as extrajudicial killings remain widespread. These violations are carried out as part of a deliberate state policy aimed at suppression intent. This repression marked by intimidation and the criminalization of political oppositions, journalists, and human rights defenders is further inhaled by the absence of judicial independence and a pervasive climate of impunity. At the same time, Venezuela's confirmed refusal to fully cooperate with the human rights mechanisms. further demonstrates its disregard of its international obligations. We also express grave concern regarding cooperation between the Venezuelan authorities and Russian military forces, which raises serious question about complicity in ongoing international human rights violations. Ukraine urges the Venezuelan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained persons, cease repression, and fully cooperate with international mechanisms.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Burundi.

Thank you, President. We take note of the oral report. Burundi remains convinced that the improvement of human rights situation is something that all countries strive for and must therefore be based on constructive cooperation and inclusive dialogue between states. Human rights issues should be addressed with the consent of the country concerned with objectivity, impartiality and transparency in this respect. Country-specific mandates without the consent of the state concerned violates the universal principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and unfortunately to the militarization of the work of this council. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be taken into account. It must be understood that the primacy of the responsibility of states of the promotion of protection of human rights must be taken into consideration. In this regard, we welcome the commitment of Venezuela to cooperate with this council and its mechanism, especially the UPR. something that has always proven its worth and which remains the unique exercise to which all States voluntarily submitted to be evaluated by their peers, but also its cooperation with other UN treaty bodies. In conclusion, I welcome the important tool for the promotion of human rights that this Council represents and recommend that we continue to ensure that its work is not politicized. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay.

Thank you, President. We thank the report, and once again, we express our deep concern for the continuing persecutions, detentions, and repressions on political grounds, and the little disposition of the government to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. We condemn the imprisonment of and we have seen that there are more 18 million arrests since 2014 for political grounds and also to provide full information and about the whereabouts of those who disappeared forcefully. Also since 2024 we have registered 24 deaths resulting from repression, practice of torture and we reckon I recall that states have the responsibility to guarantee the life integrity of persons in custody, as well as respect due process and provide information to family members. We regret the lack of progress in cooperation with relevant international mechanisms, reiterate the importance of investigations on alleged violations of human rights. We celebrate the fact that the Nobel Peace Prize was given to Maria Corina Machado, that stresses the importance of peaceful defense of rights and fundamental freedoms, and strengthen the call for international community to guarantee conditions, make it possible to fully ensure the enjoyment of rights, reiterate the commitment of Paraguay with the freedom, rights, and democracy in Venezuela. urge the authorities to put an end to human rights violations and express our solidarity with the Venezuelan people. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, President. The Dominican Republic takes note of the oral update provided by the High Commissioner and the report. In this respect, I would like to express our deep concern for the continued deterioration of the conditions with respect to human rights, as we see from the findings that were presented, the Dominican Republic encourages the Venezuelan authorities to step up our efforts to comply with their national human rights obligations, guaranteeing the protection and effective enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for the entire population. We reaffirm our readiness to contribute to regional stability and peace, in addition to cooperate with efforts aimed at improving the human rights situation in the country. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Venezuela. Japan appreciates OHCHR's continued engagement, and we thank the High Commissioner for today's oral update. We expect to see the prompt return of all OHCHR personnel to the country and the swift conclusion of the new MOU between OHCHR and the Venezuelan government. Japan has repeatedly expressed its concern over arbitrary detention by the Venezuelan authorities. While we welcome the release of some detainees, we remain concerned by recent UN reports pointing to continued arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance. Japan continues to call for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including foreign nationals. Japan further underscores the importance of guaranteeing the rights of those foreign nationals under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, such as the right to consular access. Japan is also concerned about the consequences of the act on the control, regularization, operations, and financing of non-governmental, uh, non-governmental and related organizations, and calls for the Venezuelan government to preserve space for civil society. We continue to urge the Venezuelan authorities to address the human rights situation in a manner that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people and ensures accountability and to cooperate with OHCHR and other UN human rights mechanisms. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Yemen.

Thank you, Mr. President. Our delegation would like to express its deep gratitude to the High Commissioner for his oral update on the human rights situation in Venezuela. We would like to reiterate the importance of dialogue and constructive cooperation between the Venezuelan authorities and UN mechanisms in order to protect and promote human rights. In this context, we would like to commend the efforts undertaken by the government in Venezuela, as well as taking part in the UPR and submitting their reports to a number of treaty bodies. as well as receiving some visits by mandate holders. We encourage the government to continue this constructive approach. Finally, our delegation reiterates the importance of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs and without selectivity and non-politicization of the UN. Our question, what are the practical steps that the High Commissioner can take in order to make sure that international sanctions do not further the suffering of the civilians, namely when it comes to the right to food and the right to health. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. That was the last speaker on my list. We will now continue with the list of speakers representing non-governmental organizations, and I give the floor to Human Rights Watch.

Mr. President, we share the High Commissioner's alarm over the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The death in custody of opposition figure Alfredo Diaz a few days ago is a stark reminder of the government's brutality. He spent over a year in incommunicado detention and was denied adequate medical care. Nearly 900 political prisoners, including 86 foreign nationals, remain in jail in similar conditions. Many have suffered enforced disappearances, arbitrary and incommunicado detention, and denial of due process. According to Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon, at least 90 suffer from serious medical conditions and have received grossly inadequate treatment. The authorities have consistently refused to cooperate with this Council's FFM and long since disengaged from the Inter-American human rights system. The recent closure of the OHCHR country office and Venezuela's process to withdraw from the Rome Statute are alarming, though consistent with the authorities' efforts to ensure impunity for serious human rights violations. In this context, the mandate of the OHCHR and the FFM remain vital to ensure thorough investigations with a view to supporting justice and accountability. And we urge member states and UN leadership to ensure that they have the support to enable them to carry out the important investigations. States should also intensify diplomatic efforts to secure independent medical care for detainees and release of all political prisoners. High Commissioner, what concrete actions should states take to support the work of your office in the FFM and to advance human rights in Venezuela?

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to United Nations Watch.

Mr. President, Last week, the Nobel Peace Prize honored Maria Corina Machado, the courageous opposition leader from Venezuela. She told the world what happened after the rigged July 2024 election, after independent monitors confirmed it wasn't Maduro who won, but rather her candidate with 67% of the vote. The dictatorship responded with terror. 2,500 people were kidnapped, disappeared and tortured. Homes were marked, entire families taken as hostages, priests, teachers, nurses, students, anyone who shared a voting sheet was hunted down. More than 200 children were detained and beaten into making false confessions of being paid by Machado to protest. Women and girls in prison are right now being abused. I would like also to mention the names of political prisoners Rocio San Miguel, Javier Tarazona, Carlos Julio Rojas, Eduardo Torres and Kennedy Tejera. It is time for this council to act. High Commissioner, will you join us in supporting an urgent special session of this council to address the plight of political prisoners and other victims in Venezuela? High Commissioner, we heard from the group, the Friends of the UN Charter, which includes China and Iran, complaining about, quote, double standards. Venezuela said the same, citing Sudan, Syria, and Gaza. Now, there was a special session here on Sudan. Would you agree that to end double standards, there ought to be a special session here on Venezuela? Ambassador Venezuela mentioned Gaza. Would he agree that there should be a special UN division, a special rapporteur, a permanent COI on Venezuela to end double standards?

Thank you. I give the floor to International Commissioner.

Commissioner, the ICJ appreciates your oral update on Venezuela. We deplore the human rights situation in Venezuela, which has deteriorated after the 2024 presidential election. Widespread repression of human rights defenders, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and the closing of civic space in the country continue in total impunity. It is important that the Council also pays attention to the current grave tensions in the region, marked by the unlawful attacks on vessels and the closure of Venezuelan airspace by the United States, as highlighted by the special procedures of this Council. The ICJ condemns these actions as violations of international law. The ICJ notes that the closure of the ICC prosecutor's office in Caracas occurs in a context of prolonged non-cooperation with multilateral institutions, including the OHCHR and this Council. However, the ICJ underlines that international oversight remains indispensable. The ICJ therefore calls on the international community to maintain close scrutiny of the grave situation with a view to ensuring effective and timely accountability for crimes under international law. The ICJ calls on the Council to ensure that the work of the independent fact-finding mission is enabled by the allocation of adequate resources, as it is the only independent international mechanism exclusively dedicated to documenting gross human rights violations in Venezuela. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Geneve.

This report confirms that in Venezuela we have seen a progressive dismantling of the rule of law marked by the deliberate use of the criminal justice system and security forces to silence political dissent. According to Foro Penal, more than 1,860 arbitrary detentions have occurred since 2014. Currently, there are 897 political prisoners and forced disappearances persist. with no official information regarding their whereabouts. These figures reflect a systematic and selective practice. The mission has established that violations committed by state authorities have fatal consequences, including actions that result in the death of individuals while in custody. Examples include Alfredo Diaz in 2012 and Salvador Franco. Both cases, access to medical care was denied. The report further documents the differentiated impact on indigenous peoples, particularly the Pemon people, which led to precautionary measure 181. The mission concludes that there are reasonable grounds to establish the international legal responsibility of the Venezuelan state, as well as an individual criminal responsibility for repression directed against persons perceived as political opponents. As a human rights defender, conveying the concerns of those not present, including persons detained, killed, and deceased in custody, indigenous people, and members of society. This statement underscores that the repression in Venezuela reflects an institutionalized practice attributed to the state. In the absence of accountability, such violations are likely to persist. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Amnesty International, a video statement.

Mr. President, we remain deeply concerned by the persistent crisis in Venezuela. We regret that the OHCHR is not allowed to return to the country, which is another indication of the authority's intent on avoiding international scrutiny. Mr. President, the government's policy of repression continues, including arbitrary detentions, torture and other ill treatment and persecution. The arbitrary use of state authority affects many aspects of daily life and includes arbitrary restrictions on travel, communications and freedom of expression and association. New findings published by the FFM on Venezuela last week exposed the role of the Bolivarian National Guard in executing the state policy of repression. The report concluded that GNB commanders and officials are involved in the commission of crimes against humanity, and crucially, it highlighted the need for decisive steps towards justice for victims, including those that could be taken by the International Criminal Court and national jurisdictions. Amnesty International calls on UN member states to take urgent action to support these steps, including through universal and other extraterritorial forms of jurisdiction. We further call on States, OHCHR and other UN officials and bodies to take urgent measures to ensure the provision of prompt and adequate resources for all Human Rights Council mandates, including this FFM, to enable it to fulfil its much needed work.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Paola Abierto, another video statement.

Mr. President, members of the council recently saw the announcement of the ICC on the non-renewal of the memorandum of understanding between the office of the prosecutor of the court and the state, the repeal of the law approving the Roman statute by the national assembly, and the non-renewal of the letter of understanding that allowed the presence of the high commissioner for human rights in Venezuela. In addition, a midterm report from the UPR shows that Venezuela has not complied with any of the recommendations it voluntarily accepted. We're facing a systematic record of Venezuela's failure to comply with international commitments. Therefore, it is more than necessary than ever to strengthen the monitoring mechanisms on Venezuela, especially the fact-finding mission to document the current serious violations for the future. Paula Abierto has denounced the continued harassment of the public powers against university students as a part of a state policy since at least 2004, and that in many cases has involved corrupt practices of officials in order to perpetuate themselves in power. In 2025, we've seen the stigmatization, forced disappearance, and detention of professors and students. in everything their participation discussion of public affairs and roaming from academia the state has sought to eradicate critical knowledge dismantling universities and imprisoning their community affecting the production of critical thinking and weakening civic space thank you

thank you I give the floor to the World Peace Council.

Mr. President resolution 57/36 entitled situation of the human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is the result of a mandate imposed by the United States and the European Union. The countries that support the resolution are the same ones that impose or support more than a thousand illegal unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela with the goal of strangling the country's economy, starving its people, and destabilizing the government in an ongoing attempt at a violent regime change. These measures are a flagrant violation of international law in line with the US Monroe Doctrine and the main obstacle to the full enjoyment of fundamental human rights for all Venezuelans, as established by UN special rapporteurs on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights, Mr. Idris Jazayeri and Mrs. Elena Dohan. Also, we call on the High Commissioner to denounce the increased US military deployment in the Caribbean, including a nuclear-capable submarine and the largest US aircraft carrier, as well as the extrajudicial executions of innocent people in fishing boats by the US, and the illegal seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker on December 12, which constitutes an act of piracy. If this body is serious about ending human rights violations in Venezuela, it has to address these issues before it can legitimately address any other concerns regarding Venezuela. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Human Rights Research League video statement.

Mr. President, Human Rights Research League remains deeply concerned about the increasingly shrinking democratic and civic space in Venezuela, including the criminalization and arbitrary detention of dissenting voices, both ordinary citizens, protesting for their rights, as well as members of the political opposition. As has also been documented by OHCHR, among those arbitrarily detained or forcibly disappeared were journalists, human rights defenders and humanitarian workers. Many were arrested on trumped up charges, others were compelled to leave the country or go into hiding for fear of being targeted and persecuted. Recent reports by the International Fact-Finding Mission demonstrated that officials of Venezuela's Bolivarian National Guard were responsible for serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity, including arbitrary detention, torture and persecution. These crimes were not just committed in connection with the 2024 post-election operations aimed at targeting and criminalizing political opponents, but conducted over a period of more than a decade, implicating the highest political echelons, including the presidency. In the obvious absence of adequate domestic justice systems, we urge members of this Council to support other national and international accountability mechanisms, including the ICC, with a view to rendering accountability for crimes of that magnitude and graveness. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Maloka International.

Mr. President, the situation in Venezuela must be analyzed in its true dimension. as a structural test for international law and multilateral human rights system, Latin America was declared a zone of peace, assuming clear legal commitments, non-intervention, peaceful settlement of disputes, and prohibition of the use or threat of force in line with Articles 2.3, 2.4 of the charter. However, these principles have been eroded by the militarization of the Caribbean and acts of extraterritorial force directed against Venezuela. The dangerous situation involving a jet blue plane in Caribbean skies, the seizure of ships in international waters, the confiscation of resources, military operations under unilateral justifications violate international law, specifically the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources recognized by the General Assembly. Washington acts as if international law were selective, and Donald Trump corroborated yesterday by publicly declaring that he supported intervening in the elections in Honduras and Chile violating the sovereignty of both countries. So multilateralism is emptied of content and the use of force replaces the law and human rights become collateral damage. Unfortunately, the report was not focused on this. Defending Venezuela today is not defending a government, but it's defending a norm that protects all states present here. If power replaces law, this council must ask itself what remains of its mandate, what remains of international law and of the United Nations. Thank you.

I give the floor to the International Federation of Human Rights, a video statement.

In Venezuela, human rights defenders are systematically persecuted. Rosio San Miguel, director of the NGO Control Ciudadano, who since 2005 demanded accountability from the armed forces, was arrested in February 2024 on charges of terrorism and treason. She remains imprisoned in El Hicoide. Javier Tarazona warned about armed groups on the border and documented abuses against teachers. After reporting threats, he was arrested in July 2021. He's also in El Helicoide. Eduardo Torres, a lawyer for PROVEA, a defender of workers and political prisoners, disappeared on May 9, 2025. Eight days later, his detention in El Helicoide was confirmed, and today he's imprisoned in the Yaredos prison. Carlos Julio Rojas, a journalist and community leader detained in El Elicoy since April 15, 2024, accused of terrorism and assassination, his health condition has deteriorated. Kennedy Tejada, lawyer for Foro Peral, arrested on August 2, 2024 after attempting to provide legal assistance, spent 20 hours missing and was transferred to the headquarters of the DGCIM without access to lawyers. All of them face judicial processes without guarantees. No one should be imprisoned for defending human rights. Thank you.

Thank you. That was the last speaker on my list. And now I would like to give the floor to Mr. Volker Turk for his concluding remarks.

President, just to mention again, the purpose and the principles of the United Nations are the promotion and protection of human rights and the respect for human rights no matter where and under all circumstances. So I just wanted to make that point because I keep hearing that this is not a matter of international concern. Human rights are a matter of international concern. There are a couple of questions that were asked in relation to due process and arbitrary detention. When we were able to work in Venezuela, we were actually allowed to monitor trials, which was very important because it allowed us to feed back to the justice system our own observations about trial monitoring. Unfortunately, as you know, this is not possible. We also had access to detention in Venezuela, which allowed us to not only monitor conditions of detention, but also to work with the institutions of the state to ensure that the release of those who in our assessment were arbitrarily detained. So the issue is really our presence and I can assure you that we have left no stone unturned in order to be able to negotiate our presence. Unfortunately, Only one international staff member was allowed to go back. That staff member has left because ever since December 24, it was not, we were not able to conduct our work in the way that it was foreseen. I have myself been engaged with the Venezuelan authorities in order to resume our activities, but unfortunately without success. Obviously, we would like to ensure constructive engagement in the future, but at this stage, unfortunately, we are not able to do this on the ground under the current circumstances. This does not mean that we are not going to continue undertaking remote monitoring and documenting and reporting, and we just hope, and as I said, we are committed to supporting the people of Venezuela to advance human rights, but we need urgently clear and concrete steps that demonstrate the commitment to this type of cooperation. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, this brings us to the end of this meeting. I'd like to thank the High Commissioner for his participation, for the information he provided to us this afternoon. Very likely this is the last official meeting of the Council this year. I would like to reiterate my sincere gratitude to all delegations for their commitment, also to the Secretariat, to the interpreters, to security staff, and all of those who, from close or from afar, made it possible to ensure the good work of our Council. and this period that brings us to the end of the year I would like to convey to you my warmest regards and may the festive period be restful and Serene and that 2026 be a year of success inspiration and better respect for human rights I declare close this meeting of the human rights Council have a good evening