20th Meeting - 60th Session of Human Rights Council Human Rights Council Date: 22 September 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/hrc/60/20 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- HRC · Chair [0:01]: Excellence, distinguished colleagues, I declare open the 20th session of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. Good morning. I call to order the 70th meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, and we will start the interactive dialogue on the oral report presented by the Commission of Independent Inquiry on Ukraine. It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Erik Moos, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes, and I give the floor to Mr. Mulls to present his report. COI on Ukraine · Chair [0:36]: Distinguished President, Excellencies, on behalf of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, I am pleased to provide an oral update on the investigation during its fourth mandate. The armed conflict in Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on the civilian population. Attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas remain the leading cause of casualties among civilians. Earlier this month, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that the total casualties increased by 40% in the first eight months of this year compared to 2024. The Commission is deeply concerned by the continuing civilian casualties due to relentless attacks with long-range weapons that have intensified during the country. It is also alarmed at this escalation in attacks against civilians with short-range drones in frontline areas. In May 225, our conference room paper, the Commission documented widespread and systematic attacks with short-range drones by Russian armed forces targeted civilians in Herson province. We concluded that these acts have been committed pursuant to a coordinated state policy and amount to crimes against humanity of murder, as well as war crimes of attacking civilians. The Commission also determined that these crimes had the primary purpose of spreading terror among the population in violation of international humanitarian law. Russian armed forces have been carrying out attacks from positions on the left bank on the Dnipro River with drones that allow real-time observations and tracking of targets. They pursued victims with drones and dropped explosives on them, causing deaths and injuries. Drones have also struck ambulances and other emergency services, preventing them from reaching the victims. Telegram channels run by the perpetrating units of the Russian armed forces themselves, or by persons close to them, have disseminated hundreds of videos of civilians being killed or injured, which amounts to the war crime of outrages upon dignity. They have posted threatening text announcing further attacks and exhorting the population to leave. As regards allegations made by Russian authorities of drone attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces, the Commission has been unable to conclude its investigations due to lack of access to the territory, concerns relating to the safety of witnesses, and in the absence of response to our questions addressed to the Russian Federation. Distinguished President, Excellencies, The Commission's current investigations demonstrate that drone units of Russian armed forces have carried out attacks on civilians and civilian objects, not only in Kherson province, but also in the Dnipropetrovsk and in Mykolaiv provinces. The evidence now confirms that the targeted localities span over 300 kilometers on the right bank of the Dnipro River, which is under Ukrainian government control. In addition to attacking civilians while walking or using transport, Russian armed forces have targeted a wide array of civilian objects, including residences, critical infrastructure, and other buildings. Drones had been directed also against first responders, ambulances, and fire engines bearing distinctive marks, preventing them from intervening after the attacks. The circumstances of the attacks show the perpetrators' intention to kill, harm, and destroy. As a result, whole localities suffered damage and destruction and became unlivable. Essential services and shops have been unable to operate. A woman from a frequently targeted locality stated, "Drones chase us, we hide from them. Drones sit on the rooftops, and if they see something, there will be consequences." The terror instilled in the population has compelled thousands to flee. In the Commission's view, the conduct of the Russian armed forces may amount to the crime against humanity of forcible transfer of population. The Commission will return to this point in its upcoming report to the General Assembly. Turning to another topic, the Commission is currently investigating a pattern of deportations and transfer of adult civilians from the areas of Zaporizhzhia province that are under Russian control. The investigation on drone attacks and deportations revealed coordinated and organized efforts by the Russian authorities to further capture territory, as well as to consolidate their grip over areas they already controlled in Ukraine, while compelling local populations to leave. Distinguished presidents, excellencies, The violations and corresponding crimes documented have inflicted unspeakable suffering and hardship on the affected populations. Recurrent attacks have gradually destroyed entire localities. Many of the victims suffer from the loss of loved ones or of their homes and livelihoods, and feel that they have lost everything. close to the front lines, Older persons have been particularly affected, as many are unable to flee, making them vulnerable to risk of attacks. It bears reiteration that during armed conflicts, it's imperative for states to respect the obligations to protect civilians, given the heightened risk to which they are exposed. A report from 224 notes that there were 580 victims of landmines and explosive remnants of war in Ukraine in 2023, placing it as the country with the fourth highest number of casualties recorded in that year. The Russian Federation has never been a party to the Landmine Convention. Recently, Ukraine and five other European countries decided to withdraw from this treaty. The Commission reiterates the importance of judicial and non-judicial accountability as one of the means to fulfill the rights of the victims. Avoiding impunity and holding perpetrators to account is key to securing sustainable peace. Thank you. HRC · Chair [8:15]: Thank you. In keeping with practice, we shall start by hearing from the delegations of the concerned countries. I note that the delegation of the Russian Federation is not present in the room, and I therefore call on Mr. Ruslan Kovchunov distinguished representative of Ukraine video message. Ukraine [8:38]: Esteemed members of the Commission, representatives of states and civil society, colleagues and partners, allow me to express my deep gratitude to the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for its unwavering commitment and tireless work in documenting and investigating grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. As of September 10, 2025, more than 181,000 episodes of war crimes have been registered in Ukraine. Russia's aggression has claimed the lives of at least 15,500 civilians, including 653 children, while more than 35,000 others have been wounded. The killing of civilians is a deliberate choice by Russia. A telling example is the recent strike on the village of Yarova in Donetsk region. On 9 September, Russian forces dropped a guided bomb on the very center of the settlement. At the precise moment when people were standing in line near a mobile post office unit to receive their payments, ordinary citizens were simply waiting for their pensions. The enemy deliberately chose civilians as a target. As a result of this heinous crime, 25 Ukrainians were killed and another 18 were wounded. This atrocity once again demonstrates that Russia has turned deliberate attacks against civilians into a method of warfare because its army is incapable of fighting armed Ukrainians on the battlefield. In addition, crimes involving the use of FPV drones are on the rise. Since the beginning of 2024, more than 5,200 such attacks have been recorded. which have killed over 315 people, wounded more than 2,600, and destroyed thousands of civilian infrastructure facilities. Local residents of the Kherson region say They are hunting us. And this is not a war fought on the battlefield, but a deliberate campaign of terror against the civilian population. At this point, I wish to thank the Commission for its work and its conclusions regarding the presence of elements of crimes against humanity in these attacks. Your report, issued in May, has been included in the materials of the pre-trial investigation, and for the first time, following amendments to the national legislation, a criminal case has been registered in Ukraine under the article of crimes against This investigation is ongoing. Regarding forced deportation, I have to say that Russia has deported at least 27,700 Ukrainian citizens, including more than 11,000 children. This is Russia's strategy of forcibly separating children from their families and assimilating them into Russian society. At the same time, it has been established that the victims of this category of crimes are most often people with an active pro-Ukrainian position, those who refuse to cooperate with the occupying authorities, to accept Russian passports or to recognize the imposed regime. I also want to draw attention to the executions of Ukrainian soldiers. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and has already become a systematic phenomenon. At least 200 81 defenders are confirmed to have been summary executed, including the mass killing of 49 prisoners of war in Olenivka in July 2022. The executions of disarmed soldiers are war crimes that have no statute of limitations. At the same time, even under these circumstances, justice is possible. Nearly 1,000 Russian servicemen have been notified of suspicion for commission of war crimes, and more than 700 cases have been brought to and 200 persons have already been convicted. This sends a clear signal. Impunity will not prevail. Justice for victims and their families is an integral part of a just peace. The systematic nature of Russia's crimes demonstrates the urgent need to preserve the unity of the international community. In supporting Ukraine and defending the international legal order, a crucial component of countering Russia's international crimes must be the demonstration that accountability is inevitable and unlimited in time. This applies first and foremost not to ordinary perpetrators, but to those who give orders, encourage or justify such crimes. I extend my sincere appreciation to the UN Commission and your team for your tireless dedication and devoted work. The results of your work bring us closer to justice and will have a lasting and significant impact on ensuring a just peace for Ukraine and the whole world. I deeply appreciate your attention to this matter. Thank you. HRC · Chair [13:25]: Thank you. I now call on the Human Rights Commissioner of the Ukrainian Parliament for a second video message. Ukraine · Human Rights Commissioner [13:33]: Distinguished members of the Commission, the Russian aggression against Ukraine has continued for over 11 years. The aggressor state is committing mass human rights violations in Ukraine. As a result, nearly 14,000 civilians have been killed and over 35,000 have been injured. More than 650 children have died and nearly 2,200 have been wounded. The youngest victim was just 2 days old. On August 28, this year, Russia attacked the heart of Europe, Kyiv, again. 25 people were killed, including 4 children. These are not all the crimes. Russia is deporting Ukrainian children. This is an act of genocide. Russia is unlawfully detaining civilians and subjecting them to torture. Russia is executing prisoners of war and torturing them. Since February 24, 2022, Russian forces have killed over 270 Ukrainian POWs. Violations of international humanitarian law are part of Russia's systematic policy. I urge the Commission To document these crimes and highlight gaps or outdated norms in international humanitarian law. To support efforts to identify mechanisms for accountability. To emphasize the root cause, Russia's aggression and disregard for international humanitarian law. Thank you for your attention. HRC · Chair [15:25]: Thank you. I now call on interested delegations to ask questions of the Commission of Inquiry and make comments regarding the oral report. The speaking time is one minute, 30 seconds for all, and the list of speakers is now closed. I call on Maria Molner Selberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, for a video message on behalf of a group of countries. Sweden · Nordic-Baltic states · Minister of Foreign Affairs [15:56]: On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states, This summer marked a grim milestone. July saw the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine since May 2022. This tragic loss of innocent lives, including children, could immediately end if Russia agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards meaningful negotiations. However, Russia's recent attacks have made it clear that they are not interested in peace. While Russia stalls negotiations, the reports on human rights violations continue to grow. We are alarmed by the situation in the temporarily occupied territories, by the forcible transfers and unlawful deportations of children, and by the torture and executions of prisoners of war. Among many other grave violations. We thank the Commission for its vital work in documenting these violations. Their deeply disturbing reports only strengthen our unwavering support for Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace. We call on Russia to stop its war of aggression against. Ukraine, respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and agree to a full and comprehensive ceasefire. The Nordic-Baltic states stand and will continue to stand fully behind Ukraine. HRC · Chair [17:27]: Thank you. I call the distinguished representative of the European Union. EU [17:31]: President, the EU thanks the Commission. We express deep concern over the increasing number of civilians killed and injured due to Russia's use of drones and explosive weapons, including in urban areas. According to the Commission, Russian armed forces perpetrated war crimes by intentionally directing attacks against civilians. The EU strongly condemns the atrocities committed in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including arbitrary detentions, unlawful deportations, forcible transfers, extrajudicial executions, sexual and gender-based violence, and summary executions of civilian detainees and prisoners of war held in Russian captivity. According to the Commission, Russian authorities have acted pursuant to a coordinated state policy and have therefore committed crimes against humanity, including by systematic and widespread use of torture and enforced disappearances. The EU reiterates its call on Russia to end the unlawful practice of child deportation, forcible transfers, and illegal adoptions, and to ensure their immediate return. We reaffirm the EU's commitment to ensuring full accountability. We remain committed to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. We strongly condemn Russia's drone incursions into the EU airspace. The EU demands that Russia cease its aggression, withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The EU joins Ukraine and international partners in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire. Thank you. HRC · Chair [19:06]: Thank you. I call on Albania on behalf of a group of countries. Albania · Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine [19:12]: Thank you, Mr. President. I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine. At the heart of international human rights law lies an absolute prohibition of torture under all circumstances. Despite this, Ukrainians have endured grave suffering at the hands of Russian forces. Survivors have described beating, electric shock, mock executions, sexual violence, torture, and ill-treatment, which could constitute flagrant violation of human rights and humanitarian law. Distinguished member of the COI, you have gathered evidence throughout the years to document this wide range of violations, some of which you have noted amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. This includes the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of children. There can be no impunity for these crimes. Alleged violations need to be further investigated. And with Russia's recent announcement of withdrawing from the European Convention against Torture, your work becomes even more crucial. Our group reiterates its unwavering commitment to your work. We continue to work to secure accountability, safeguard human rights, and ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. How can we ensure progress on the accountability agenda in order to guarantee that formal oversight by international experts can still be carried out as effectively as possible? I thank you. HRC · Chair [20:41]: Thank you. I call on the Republic of Moldova. Republic of Moldova [20:45]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Commission for the oral update. Republic of Moldova condemns recent intensification of aerial and especially drone attacks on Ukraine. The brutal and massive attacks continue to cause death and injuries among civilian population, including children. Homes are reduced to rubble ahead of approaching cold season. As stated also earlier by the High Commissioner, civilians continue to be arbitrarily detained by Russia. We condemn the reported widespread and systemic torture and ill treatment during interrogation and detention of civilians and prisoners of war. The committed cases of sexual violence, willful killings, and unlawful confinement and transfers are appalling. We reiterate our call on Russian authorities to provide families with complete information on the whereabouts of those detained, as well as to return all Ukrainian children forcibly abducted and transferred to areas under Russian control. Accountability must be ensured. In this regard, Moldova reiterates its support for the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry, as well as for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Mr. President, we support and welcome all the recent efforts aimed at paving the way for just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Regretfully, they have not resulted yet in much expected results. We look forward to the next steps with hope while standing firmly alongside Ukraine. Let me affirm Moldova's unwavering support for Ukraine independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. I thank you. HRC · Chair [22:07]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of France. France [22:13]: Thank you, President. France. thanks the Commission for the oral report, which recalls the mass violations of international law by Russia in Ukraine. France strongly condemns these violations. Russian strikes targeting residential areas have intensified in recent months. Those crimes, in addition to the enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence and deportations, stem from a systematic and deliberate stance by the Russian authorities to break Ukraine's resistance. Thousands of Ukrainian children have been illegally deported and transferred by force and are still in Russia. Given the ongoing war crimes, France will pursue, with its partners, its efforts to coordinate within the international coalition for the repatriation of Ukrainian children. There will be no lasting peace in Ukraine without justice. Russia's crimes must be documented so that its perpetrators are not left unpunished. France supports the Commission of Inquiry in this crucial work to combat impunity. President, France expresses full solidarity with the people and authorities of Ukraine. It recalls its unflagging support to Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. and reaffirms its determination to support Ukraine for the long haul. Thank you. HRC · Chair [23:34]: Thank you. I call on Georgia. Georgia [23:37]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for its continued efforts and their latest update. Every single day for more than three years, Russia's unprovoked and unjustified full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine brings nothing but unbearable human suffering and immense scale of destruction. The Commission's findings once again confirm the pattern of systematic and widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by Russia, many of which amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We strongly condemn Russia's continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, which deepen the humanitarian crisis and deliberately target the most vulnerable. Such actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the principles of international law and the rules-based international order. Now, we underscore the importance of the Commission's work in documenting these violations and contributing to future accountability efforts. Ensuring justice for victims and ending impunity remain essential to achieving lasting peace. Finally, Georgia reaffirms its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. HRC · Chair [24:52]: Thank you. Thank you. I call Albania. Albania [24:59]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Commission of Inquiry for its comprehensive report and its continued commitment to truth and justice. The Commission's findings are clear and alarming. Russian armed forces have committed war crimes, including intentionally targeting civilians, as well as crimes against humanity, including murder and forcible transfer of population. The report of COI continues to tell us that Russia is illegally detaining civilians, hereby violating the rights to liberty and security of persons. The Russians are responsible for the forced and illegal transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia. We strongly condemn these practices and reiterate our call on Russia to immediately ensure the safe return to Ukraine of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully expelled or transferred. Albania calls for the calls for the continuation of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry so that these crimes are not forgotten and those responsible are identified and held accountable. We are for justice for victims and reparation. Finally, Albania reiterates its unwavering support to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine with its internationally recognized border. I thank you. HRC · Chair [26:18]: Thank you. Michael on Austria. Austria [26:21]: Thank you, Mr. President. Austria aligns with the EU statement and welcomes the update by the Commission of Inquiry. Austria remains gravely concerned over the growing body of evidence of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including torture, extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, forced transfers, and deportations. We're also very concerned by the reported systematic use of torture, including sexual violence, against certain categories of detainees to extract information, coerce, and intimidate. The widespread and systematic drone attacks targeting civilians, civilian objects, and infrastructure, all means of transport, and emergency and rescue services is not only terrorizing the population. The damage and destruction of houses, the absence or limitation of services, essential infrastructure, and transport have rendered the affected areas unlivable and left many residents with no other choice than to seek safer locations. We call on Russia to stop these dangerous attacks immediately and withdraw all troops from within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. We also call on Russian authorities to increase efforts in returning forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. Uh, Chair, we underline the importance of the continued independent and impartial reporting of the Commission. and confirm our support to all efforts to seek full accountability for these violations and crimes under international law. HRC · Chair [27:48]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on Romania. Romania [27:52]: Thank you, Mr. President. Romania aligns with the EU statement. We thank the Commission of Inquiry for its continued work in documenting the extensive and grave violations of international human rights law committed in the context of the war of aggression conducted by Russia against Ukraine. We stress that accountability for all crimes is imperative, and your findings will play a vital role in supporting future judicial processes and mechanisms, as impunity must not prevail. Withdrawal from international legal frameworks does not absolve a state from its obligations under international law, nor does it shield it from accountability. We remain deeply alarmed by the persistent reports of targeted attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. One of the latest aerial bomb attacks, the one on Yarova in the Donetsk Oblast, is yet another among many, the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine having reached a three-year high during the summer. The systemic nature of these human rights violations, which may amount to crimes against humanity, carried out as part of a coordinated state policy, is profoundly concerning and demands urgent justice. We deplore the devastating impact the conflict continues to have on the population. Romania will continue to support all independent monitoring mandates that seek to document and investigate human rights violations and to promote justice for victims. Romania remains unwavering in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. HRC · Chair [29:18]: Thank you. I call on Greece. Greece [29:22]: Thank you, Mr. President. Greece aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its oral update. We express our serious concern for the continuous widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed by Russia in connection with its war of aggression against Ukraine. Numerous cases of such violations have been reported, while high numbers in civilian casualties from systematic attacks by Russia have been recorded. We are also alarmed by reports of military training programs and prospects of future military service for children in the temporarily occupied by Russia territories of Ukraine. We strongly condemn the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, and we underline the urgent need to ensure their immediate and safe return and family reunification. Greece supports a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in full conformity with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions, and in full respect of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. An immediate ceasefire is imperative as a first step towards meaningful peace negotiations. We call on Russia to fully comply with its obligations under international law, while underlining that accountability must be ensured. HRC · Chair [30:51]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Montenegro. Montenegro [30:57]: In months, Russia has markedly intensified missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, inflicting immense human suffering, heavy loss of life, and widespread destruction. Its drones have even violated the airspace of EU member states, underlining the gravity of this aggression. Through the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas, Russia has made Ukraine the deadliest country for cluster munition casualties for the third consecutive year. While the international community pursues peace efforts, the Russian Federation responds with continued violence and terror. Its refusal to accept a full and unconditional ceasefire as a credible path to meaningful peace negotiation shows that Russia has no genuine interest in peace or a just resolution consistent with the UN Charter and international law. Commissioners, your reports have repeatedly documented war crimes by the Russian armed forces, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as crimes against humanity, such as torture and enforced disappearances. The human toll is immense, the forcible transfer and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, the erasure of their identity, and the systematic torture, sexual violence, and inhumane treatment of civilians and PoVs in Russian captivity. Montenegro reiterates that there can be no lasting peace without justice, nor impunity for Russia's war of aggression. We call for full accountability and reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, firmly rooted in the UN Charter and international law. Thank you. HRC · Chair [32:24]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Slovakia. Slovakia [32:28]: Mr. President, Slovakia aligns itself with the EU statement. Allow me to make some additional comments in my national capacity. Distinguished members of the Commission of Inquiry, thank you for your valuable work on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Ukraine, resulting from the unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Slovakia strongly condemns arbitrary detentions, torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence, forcible transfer, particularly of children, and any other widespread violations of human rights your report highlights. We are alarmed by the continuing massive attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. It seems that the Russian Federation has no intentions to fully comply with the international monitoring and investigative bodies and to respect the international human rights obligations and treaties, including UN Charter and its principles. Hence, we welcome the initiative of the international community to hold the perpetrators account to their action and avoid impunity. Let me stress that we believe that the work of the Commission of Inquiry represents an indispensable contribution to the process of achieving peace and restoring justice. I thank you. HRC · Chair [33:34]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. Bulgaria [33:38]: Thank you, Mr. President. Bulgaria aligns with the EU statement. We thank the Commission of Inquiry for their update, in the light of which we note with deep concerns that the Russian Federation's illegal, unjust, and unprovoked aggressive war against Ukraine is entailing further serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Bulgaria is outraged by the continuing reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and persecution of civilians, including members of ethnic and religious minorities, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We strongly condemn the forced displacement, deportation, and militarization of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation, and demand their immediate and safe return to Ukraine. For this reason, Bulgaria is part of and supports the work of the International Coalition for the Repatriation to Ukraine of Illegally Deported and Forcibly Displaced Ukrainian Children. We reiterate our call for full and unhindered access of the OHCHR as well as of international and regional human rights organizations and mechanisms to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We also reiterate our call for accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Bulgaria supports all ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war against Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We encourage inclusive dialogue as the only viable path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace agreement that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the right of its people. HRC · Chair [35:13]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Ireland. Ireland [35:19]: Thank you, Mr. President. Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks the Commission for their update. We reiterate our condemnation of Russia's unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. We further condemn Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territory and the violations and abuses of human rights that have taken place since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. We deplore Russia's continued attacks on civilian targets and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine during ongoing international efforts to bring about an end to the war. Russia's attacks continue to bring untold pain, misery and suffering to the Ukrainian people. Ireland stands in full solidarity with Ukrainians in their quest for justice and accountability. We remain concerned by reports of enforced disappearances and torture and the inhumane treatment of prisoners. We deplore the use of sexual violence as a form of torture against both male and female detainees. Ireland once again condemns the forcible transfer or deportation of Ukrainian citizens, including children, by Russian authorities, which is a clear violation of international law. We reject Russia's efforts to alter the demographic composition of occupied territories of Ukraine. Commissioners, what steps can the international community take to defend the rights of civilians in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine? I thank you. HRC · Chair [36:48]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Germany. Germany [36:53]: Thank you, Mr. President. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks, of course, the Commission of Inquiry for their vital work and today's update. Once again, we are appalled by the findings of the Commission. Time and again, we have reiterated our deepest concern about the grave violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by Russia in its illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. According to your reporting, Russian authorities have committed enforced disappearances and torture amounting to crimes against humanity. Russia has been targeting Ukraine's civilian population through widespread and systematic attacks with disastrous consequences, especially for the most vulnerable groups. And these crimes will not go unpunished. We support the necessary work of the Commission to ensure accountability for Ukraine. Germany stands with Ukraine and its people. We join them in striving for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. We reaffirm our support for Ukrainian independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Commissioners, how can the international community support Ukrainian civilians who are scarred by the human rights violations committed by Russia in the long term? I thank you. HRC · Chair [38:19]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Slovenia. Slovenia [38:25]: Mr. President, Slovenia aligns with the EU statement. We thank the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for its comprehensive report. We commend the Commission for its impartial and evidence-based approach, which is essential in ensuring that the truth is established. The finding of the Commission, including evidence of widespread war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law, are deeply alarming. attacks against civilians, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and credible reports of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and the forcible transfers of children, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. Slovenia is particularly concerned about the new cases of rape and sexual violence amounting to torture against detained women, in addition to inhumane conditions that female detainees are subject to. Slovenia reiterates its full support for all accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court, and stresses that those responsible must be held to account. Slovenia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity with its internationally recognized borders. We will continue to stand for protection and respect of human rights of all civilians unjustly swept into this war of aggression. Thank you. HRC · Chair [39:56]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Czechia. Czechia [40:01]: Thank you, Mr. President. Czechia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Commission for their update and valuable work. Once again, the COI provides impartial documentation of the continuous gross violations of international law stemming from Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Scaling up indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilian infrastructure, intentionally directing such attacks against civilians. Russia is killing and wounding even more civilians, including children, in the fourth year of the conflict. We strongly condemn arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and systematic torture of prisoners of war and civilians by Russian authorities, as well as forced transfers of population in the occupied territories, including Ukrainian children. According to the COI, Russian armed forces perpetrated war crimes and crimes against humanity, and we repeat our call for accountability for these crimes under international law. Commissioners, How could we best support accountability for the documented crimes and achieve justice for victims and survivors? Thank you. HRC · Chair [41:13]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of the Netherlands. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [41:17]: President, the Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its oral update. Commissioner, indiscriminate drone and missile strikes by night and in broad daylight are a daily menace to Ukrainians. The images of their aftermath are devastating. Civilians killed, homes destroyed, and families torn apart. Beyond the fear of the skies, people living in the occupied territories endure a relentless series of grave violations. We are deeply concerned by your previous findings of widespread and systematic use of torture, as well as ill treatment by the Russian authorities. Testimonies from released Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees reveal a reality of severe beating, sexual violence, and electric shocks. That is, if survivors are able to recount them at all. These flagrant violations must end and perpetrators must be held accountable. Ukrainians deserve justice. Without it, there can be no lasting and just peace. And therefore, we will continue our steadfast support for the Ukrainians' path toward accountability. And we commend Ukraine's unrelenting national endeavors to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate international crimes. Commissioner, how can the international community best support Ukraine and its people in adopting a comprehensive approach to accountability, and how can global and regional initiatives complement each other in this regard? I thank. You. HRC · Chair [42:45]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Portugal. Portugal [42:49]: Thank you, Mr. President. Portugal aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update. We strongly condemn Russia's brutal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and its serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The documented patterns of torture and forced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary detention, forcible transfers, and summary executions of prisoners of war and civilians are appalling and amount to crimes against humanity. We urge Russia to end the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children, guarantee their safe return, and stop indoctrinating and militarizing children. Russia continues to flout the principle of distinction by deliberately targeting civilians and civilian objects, namely schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure, which amounts to war crimes. Portugal will continue to advocate for full accountability and supports the Commission's mandate to ensure justice truth and redress for all victims. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Commissioners, what measures can the international community take to strengthen the protection of evidence and to support future accountability mechanisms? I thank you. HRC · Chair [44:14]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of North Macedonia. North Macedonia [44:21]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Commission of Inquiry for its tireless efforts and work in documenting grave violations. We remain deeply concerned by the continued suffering endured by Ukrainians. Reports of torture, sexual violence, and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment are appalling. Along with unlawful deportations and the forcible transfer of children, they constitute serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Some of these violations may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. We are also alarmed by the sharp increase in civilian casualties caused in large part by the Russian forces' intensified reliance on long-range missile strikes and unmanned aerial systems. Equally concerning is the documented pattern of deportations and transfers of adult civilians from occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Accountability is imperative. Victims deserve justice and perpetrators must be held to account. North Macedonia strongly supports the Commission's mandate and reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring accountability, safeguarding human rights, and working towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. I thank you. HRC · Chair [45:38]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of New Zealand. New Zealand [45:46]: Mr. President, New Zealand thanks the Commission for this oral update. Ongoing reporting on the human rights situation in Ukraine is essential to ensure accountability for human rights violations. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they endure a fourth year of full-scale Russian aggression and occupation. 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 as a result of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The established pattern of these violations and crimes is shocking, and we must continue to highlight and condemn Russia's blatant disregard for its human rights obligations. We have also observed in 2025 a sharp and concerning increase in Russian missile and drone attacks in densely populated urban areas of Ukraine. We call on Russia to end attacks on civilian infrastructure and fully comply with international humanitarian law. Let us not become inured to the human toll of Russia's destruction in Ukraine. Let us not also forget that Russia started this war, and Russia can end it tomorrow by withdrawing from the sovereign territory of Ukraine. We ask the Commission what more can the international community do to guarantee the human rights for the people of Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [47:13]: Thank you. I call the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein [47:17]: Thank you, Mr. President. Liechtenstein thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its oral update. The recent escalation and intensification of Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Drone attacks on civilians, abductions of children, and state-sanctioned sexual violence continue to characterize the Russian Federation's conduct of war. Numbers cannot capture the immense human suffering that the Russian aggression has brought onto Ukraine. Vulnerable civilians like children and older people are forced to spend hours in shelters in their areas of residence during indiscriminate Russian attacks with explosive weapons. We strongly condemn the Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity that are perpetrated in the context of the war of aggression. We express our continued solidarity with Ukraine and its people and our strong support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We condemn Russia's airspace violations against Estonia and Poland as clear breaches of sovereignty and international law, particularly the UN Charter, threatening regional stability and security, as well as the enjoyment of human rights. Russia must immediately stop its aggression against Ukraine and its provocation of other states in the region. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [48:34]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Poland. Poland [48:39]: Thank you, Mr. President. Poland aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Commission for the update. We fully support your work. Poland condemns the escalation of Russia's attacks, killing civilians, destroying infrastructure, and undermining hopes for peace. Recent weeks saw some of the biggest and deadliest aerial attacks since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. At the end of August, 23 people lost their life in Kyiv, including four children, killed in their sleep. In early September, Russia struck government buildings and residential areas in Kyiv, killing a mother and an infant. Just two days later, an aerial bomb attack killed 24 and injured 19 people in the village of Yanova. Most of those killed were pensioners. In a clear sign of escalation, Russia also tried to target Polish homes. Last week, 19 Russian military drones breached Polish airspace, endangering civilians, infrastructure, and aviation safety. We know that this was not a mistake. Those ceaseless violations of international law reinforce our determination to support Ukraine. Only full respect for human rights, the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, can lay the foundation for the just and lasting peace. I thank you. HRC · Chair [50:07]: Thank you. I call on Belarus. Belarus [50:12]: Mr. President, Belarus has repeatedly stated its position regarding the work of the Commission of Inquiry. The update today once again forces us to wonder about the effectiveness and purpose of its existence. While continuing in the same vein of criticising just one party, the Commission discredits itself while making no progress in resolving the crisis. The root causes are once again ignored by the Commission, but it is a critical, objective analysis and removal of the root causes that would lead to long-term settlement. Belarus continues to support initiatives to reduce military and political Tension and confrontation, however, we see that many countries are seeking increased militarization and, uh, not seeking, uh, discussion while closing their eyes to increases in the spiral of conflict. We call countries and international organisations to take real steps to move back from confrontation and support efforts to reduce military activity and seek detente and progress towards sustainable peace. HRC · Chair [51:16]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Croatia. Croatia [51:23]: Thank you, Mr. President. Croatia aligns itself with the EU statement. We would like to thank the members of the Commission for their oral update. France condemns in the strongest possible terms the atrocities committed in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The reports of drone attacks targeting civilian populated areas of Ukraine are truly shocking. Moreover, we are appalled by the findings of torture and sexual assault of civilians, which include rape, beatings, and other depraved conduct. We are deeply concerned that these acts, as reported, represent a part of Russian Federation's deliberate and systematic policy of torture. The reports on enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention additionally raise our concerns. All violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Ukraine need to be further investigated and those responsible need to be held to account. We reiterate our unwavering support to efforts aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing further crimes. In this regard, we recognize the work of the International Criminal Court, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry. Croatia strongly supports a just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, as the only acceptable outcome for Ukraine and Europe. I thank you. HRC · Chair [52:54]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. Luxembourg [53:01]: President Luxembourg would like to thank the Commission of Inquiry for its observations, and we endorse the European Union statement. For three and a half years now, the Commission has been meticulously documenting the large number of daily violations of international law. Evidence in your reports is vital for holding perpetrators of these crimes accountable and ensuring justice for victims. Your commission has found there have been serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including enforced disappearance, deportation, acts of torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. We deplore the fact that the Russian army is systematically targeting urban areas and civilian infrastructure such as energy networks, hospitals and ambulances. Luxembourg reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine and firmly condemns these violations, which, according to the Commission of Inquiry, are war crimes and perhaps even crimes against humanity. Luxembourg is deeply concerned about the fate of Ukrainian children and adolescents who have been victims of illegal deportations. As a member of the International Coalition for Returning Ukrainian Children, Luxembourg calls upon Russia to stop this illegal deportation and ensure the immediate return of these children to their families. Thank you. HRC · Chair [54:26]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea [54:30]: The Republic of Korea thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its oral update. We remain deeply concerned about the continued reports of civilian casualties resulting from expensive drone and missile attacks in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The deliberate targeting of energy systems and other civilian infrastructure further highlights the severity of the situation under international law. We are particularly disturbed by the Commission's report of widespread and systematic torture against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, including beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and sexual violence. We also note with alarm the recent incident near Poland's eastern border, which serves as a stark reminder that the war's devastating consequences could spill over beyond Ukraine. In this regard, we underline the urgent need for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, full compliance with international law, and accountability for violations. The Republic of Korea reaffirms its solidarity with the international community and stand ready to work closely with all partners to support efforts to end this war without further delay. I thank you. HRC · Chair [55:47]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Canada. Canada [55:54]: Thank you, President. Canada expresses its gratitude to the Commission of Inquiry for its work on Ukraine. Canada remains deeply concerned at human rights violations and the violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, particularly those that affect children. Illegal deportations and forced transfer of children are serious violations of Geneva Conventions. Thousands of children have been separated from their families and have been subjected to indoctrination and militarization. The nature of these violations reflects a deliberate strategy aiming at eradicating Ukrainian heritage and is a threat to future generations. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against high-ranking Russian officials in line with the seriousness of this situation. Canada is the co-chair of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and as such, we continue to support Ukrainian efforts and all members of the coalition are calling for the immediate return of these children to their families. Children should never be used as a weapon of war. Their human rights and security and integrity must be guaranteed. Canada stands in solidarity with Ukraine as it seeks to... Speaker 63 [57:29]: And the speaker is interrupted. HRC · Chair [57:32]: I call on Spain. Spain [57:35]: Spain endorses the EU statement. We'd like to thank the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for the work that it's been undertaking tirelessly since 2022. This report finds that the Russian Federation has been attacking Ukraine, and once again we see that the delegation is absent from the room, which shows disdain for the United Nations Human Rights Council and its member states. so Russia continues to carry out what could be considered crimes against humanity. So Spain calls upon the Russian Federation to halt its war of aggression and to leave Ukrainian territory. Russia must release unfairly detained civilians and treat all prisoners decently. There must be the return of deported Ukrainian children to their families. Those who are responsible for the crimes being perpetrated must be held accountable, and we must ensure that there is rehabilitation, reparation and reintegration of victims into their home societies. Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders must be respected, and we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as is necessary. Thank you very much. HRC · Chair [58:59]: Thank you, and I call on the distinguished representative of Switzerland. Switzerland [59:06]: President, Switzerland thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its oral update, and we pay tribute to its vital work of documentation and fact-finding. We are alarmed by the Commission's conclusions, according to which the Russian authorities are committing in forced disappearance in a systematic and widespread fashion, and they are tantamount to crimes against humanity. Switzerland is also seriously concerned at the conditions of detention in the temporarily occupied territories. which include systematic practices of torture and other ill treatment, including sexual violence. These practices, which are crimes against war and possible crimes against humanity, must be halted and the perpetrators brought to justice. Switzerland supports the Commission's call for judicial and extrajudicial mechanisms to ensure accountability, establishing the truth and providing reparations to victims. We reiterate our call to all parties to respect international and human rights law to ensure unfettered access to humanitarian aid and access to detained which is a requirement of the Geneva Conventions. Commissioners, how do you ensure a holistic approach to future judicial proceedings, including preserving evidence, protecting victims and witnesses, and effective access to reparations? Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:00:36]: I call on Uruguay. Uruguay [1:00:38]: Thank you, President. We thank the International Independent Commission of Inquiry for the update. We express severe concern at the serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, at the humanitarian situation and the abuses and crimes committed in Ukraine, which affect all civilians and, in particular, children and teenagers. We are concerned that the suffering that arises from interruption of essential services and displacements over more than three years of conflict, which turned children into refugees. We call for the best interests of the child to be guaranteed. We are concerned at the observations and conclusions of the Commission regarding the crimes against humanity, enforced disappearance, torture and sexual violence perpetrated as part of a generalised, systematic attack against the civilian population under a coordinated state policy. We emphasise the need to guarantee accountability for the serious crimes under international law committed in Ukrainian territory. Lasting peace means victims must have access to justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence. We reiterate our firm support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and calling the Russian Federation to end the hostilities and fulfil its international obligations in line with international law and international humanitarian law. Thank you. Thank. HRC · Chair [1:02:10]: I call on UN Women. UN Women [1:02:13]: Mr. President, Excellencies, UN Women commends the Commission of Inquiry for its crucial work documenting grave human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence, in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine. Sexual violence is a gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. And must be addressed with full accountability for perpetrators and comprehensive redress for survivors. UN Women works alongside Ukrainian authorities, civil society, and survivors' networks to advance a survivor-centered, rights-based response to conflict-related sexual violence. We supported the development and adoption of legislation establishing urgent interim reparations. This is an important achievement that requires further support and funding to ensure reparations can be paid and accountability served. Close partnership with survivors networks remains central to these efforts. Recognizing Ukraine's highly digitalized environment, UN Women has leveraged technology to expand access to rights and protection. This includes a pioneering online platform enabling survivors to provide feedback on state institutions, service providers, and UN actors, enhancing accountability and improving responses. UN Women will continue working to ensure that conflict-related sexual violence efforts in Ukraine and globally remain firmly anchored in advancing the women, peace, and security agenda and grounded in international human rights obligations. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:03:42]: Thank you. I call on Australia. Australia [1:03:47]: Thank you, President. Australia thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update and its tireless efforts to document Russia's grave and ongoing human rights violations. We are deeply concerned by findings regarding Russia's widespread and systematic use of torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and summary executions of Ukrainian prisoners. These acts are abhorrent and demand accountability. Russia's continued attacks on critical and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, are especially alarming amid ongoing discussions to end the war. Any deliberate targeting of civilians is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities is deeply disturbing, undermining family unity and violating core international legal protections. Australia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine's defence is also a defence of our shared values enshrined in the UN Charter. We support all meaningful efforts, including those led by the United States and our European partners, towards a just and lasting peace, with Ukraine at the table. We call on Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations, engage in good faith, and end its war of aggression. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:05:11]: Thank you. I call on Belgium. Belgium [1:05:15]: Thank you, Mr. President. Belgium aligns itself with the EU statement. Over the past years, the Russian Federation has committed a chilling number of human rights violations in Ukraine. Extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, grave violations against children, including forced deportations, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and more. Every year, that list gets longer. The COI has concluded that some of the violations they have documented amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Special Rapporteur on torture has recently documented a wide pattern of risks of torture, whereby torture is used in order to intimidate, instill fear, and control civilians in occupied territory of Ukraine. But instead of stopping this practice and holding the perpetrators to account, Russia decides to go in the opposite direction. Its recent decision to withdraw from the European Convention against Torture will lead to even less scrutiny and less accountability. We call for an immediate end to these illegal practices and support all efforts to ensure justice and reparations for victims. Members of the Commission of Inquiry, what measures are being taken to strengthen the reporting and the follow-up of cases of Ukrainian POIs and civilians, including children, who have been detained, forcibly displaced, transferred, or deported by Russia, particularly through. A victim center approach. HRC · Chair [1:06:50]: Thank you. I call on Malta. Malta [1:06:54]: Mr. President, Malta aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update. We remain gravely concerned by the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, together with the serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law documented by the Commission. Recent abuses include summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, systematic and widespread use of torture, as well as other forms of ill treatment. We call on Russia to end the unlawful practice of child deportation and forcible transfer, to stop the illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children, and to ensure their immediate and safe return to Ukraine. Malta stresses that those responsible must be held accountable for all international crimes and human rights violations committed, as well as victims of as victims' rights to justice. We express appreciation for the work of the Commission of Inquiry, whose documentation is vital to ensure accountability. Finally, we reiterate our demand for Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine and to fully respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We thank you. Speaker 78 [1:08:11]: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you to the Commission of Inquiry. Speaker 79 [1:08:16]: For your work to highlight serious concerns of violations of international law by the Russian Federation. Since its establishment in March 2022, the Commission on Ukraine has documented the worst of Russia's crimes. Russia's policy to deport, indoctrinate, and militarize Ukrainian children is deplorable. The commission's report in May this year revealed Russia to be carrying out systematic drone attacks on civilians, innocent civilians intentionally targeted in the street and ambulances carrying critical medical aid. At the time of reporting, in riverfront areas under Ukrainian government control, nearly 150 civilians had been killed by Russian drones. And the attacks have only increased in their intensity. Earlier this month, Russia launched its largest air attack of the war, firing 810 drones and 13 missiles into Ukrainian cities, killing five civilians, including a mother and her two-month-old baby. In another, just two days later, a single Russian drone attack killed 25 people as they queued for their pensions. There are multiple such tragic examples that could be cited. According to the Commission, these attacks, which are designed to instil fear, amount to both war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. And how can we better support the victims of drone attacks and their families, including those who have been displaced following drone attacks? Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:09:46]: Thank you. I call on DPRK. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [1:09:52]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The DPRK delegation expresses grave concern of the update of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, which is based on distorted facts and serves the political purposes of Western countries. Commission ignores atrocities and abuses of human rights committed by the Ukraine's military and leadership, including killing of innocent civilians, torture, and eliminating of prisoners of war and so-called collaborators, and systematic oppression of Russian minorities. It is an undeniable reality that Western countries are using the human rights agenda as a tool to slander and isolate the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation has been making legitimate efforts to safeguard the security of its people and defend peace and stability in the region. We resolutely oppose any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states under the pretext of human rights. We strongly urge the Western countries respect the sovereignty and independence of Russia and ensure that discussion on this matter are conducted in a fair, impartial, and non-politicized manner. HRC · Chair [1:11:11]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on Japan. Japan [1:11:17]: Thank you, Mr. President. We'd like to thank the Commission of Inquiry for its important work and its oral update. We remain deeply concerned over the humanitarian and human rights situation in Ukraine. More than three and a half years have passed since the start of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which we reiterate. Is a clear violation of international law and shakes the very foundation of the international order. We once again condemn in the strongest terms the action of the Russian forces, which have led to large number of civilian casualties in Ukraine. We appreciate investigation being conducted by the COI. The work is important in identifying those responsible for violations or abuses of human rights in holding them accountable. Japan fully supports the work of the COI and its mandate. We also express our respect for the. Ukraine people, who have demonstrated immense bravery in standing up against Russia's aggression day after day. Japan will continue to stand firmly with Ukraine until the just and lasting peace is achieved in the country. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:12:33]: Thank you. I call on Venezuela. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [1:12:40]: Thank you, President. Venezuela reiterates its grave concern at the Ukraine conflict, which arises from years of human rights violations in the Donbas region and the tragic loss of human lives. With the root cause in the violation of the Minsk agreements at the instigation of the USA, the ongoing expansion of NATO towards Eastern Europe and the growing hostility towards Russia since 2014 led to threats to regional stability with an arms race that involved mass provision of weapons to Ukraine, a clear act of provocation against the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The European countries, instead of turning their efforts to a ceasefire and progress to peace, instead in prolonging the war, threatening direct deployment of troops by land, sea or air. They must reconsider history. The Council's priority must be to facilitate detente, which leads to an immediate end to the mass provision of weapons to Ukraine by NATO's hegemonic countries, which are responsible for a strategy that leads to ongoing confrontation with terrible consequences. We reject this insistence by a group of states on incendiary rhetoric against Russia as part of their of Western media circus driven by those who fueled the crisis. Finally, Venezuela reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy to preserve life, human rights, and peace in the region. HRC · Chair [1:14:01]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on Colombia. Colombia [1:14:07]: President, we welcome the information presented by the Commission on Ukraine. We express solidarity with the victims of the war and reiterate our call for the principles of international law to be complied with, including international humanitarian law and the UN charter. We reaffirm the need to guarantee the safety of all and full respect of the human rights of the populations of Ukraine and Russia. Attacks on civilians, displacement, enforced disappearances, sexual violence and deportation of children and teenagers are completely odious acts. They must be subject to independent investigations and the perpetrators brought to justice. It is unacceptable to violate territorial integrity or political independence of states. This is a direct violation of fundamental international obligations. Colombia reiterates its rejection of the use of force. It reaffirms its conviction that the solution to this conflict can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomatic channels. We urge the parties to agree a ceasefire leading to a negotiated, peaceful, sustainable settlement to achieve a rapid and permanent end to the conflict. Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:15:31]: Thank you. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate for this meeting. We will continue now with the list of speakers from NGOs, and I call on the Human Rights Research League. Human Rights Research League · NGO representative [1:15:50]: Thank you, Mr. President. From the beginning of its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian Federation has committed grave violations of the most fundamental laws governing war and human rights, and the attacks on the civilian population have never been more encompassing. Investigations by the Commission of Inquiry, OHCHR, the ICC and others have documented widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Survivors have testified to brutal beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, and prolonged deprivation of food and water. These actions constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and amount to war crimes. Equally abhorrent is the targeting of Ukrainian civilians in occupied territories. Activists, journalists, community leaders, and ordinary citizens have been abducted, detained without due process, tortured, and in some cases, murdered. These atrocities committed by the Russian Federation are not the result of battlefield chaos. They are deliberate instruments of a campaign aimed at destroying the Ukrainian people, erasing their culture, and undermining the principles upon which the United Nations were founded. These acts violate the Geneva Conventions, constitute crimes against humanity, and in some instances, may meet the threshold for genocide. These atrocities must not remain unchallenged. We ask the international community to support and expand independent investigations by UN bodies, the ICC, and other mechanisms to ensure accountability. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:17:22]: Thank you. I give the floor to Human Rights House Foundation. Human Rights House Foundation · NGO representative [1:17:26]: Thank you, President. New documentation from our Ukrainian partners at Zmina shows how practices of the Russian Federation have evolved since 2022. Shifting from suppressing active resistance to systematically attacking any civilian perceived as disloyal to the occupation. Their report records at least 572 civilian criminal prosecutions, many on fabricated charges such as terrorism or espionage. These prosecutions happen alongside unlawful and incommunicado detention, torture, and intimidation of victims and their families. Zamina's analysis shows how Russia has extended its legal system and courts into the occupied regions, thereby creating a facade of legitimacy for what are, in fact, grave breaches of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity. This situation is set against further reports of atrocities by Russia's armed forces. The recent UN expert dossier, published on 21st of August and compiled by the UN Special. Rapporteur on torture, confirms the deliberate and systematic use of sexual violence as a tool of torture and intimidation. President, the Commission has previously underlined the relevance of the International Criminal Court through the accountability process. We ask the Commission how its ongoing investigations, alongside the documentation of civil society, could further strengthen the evidence base for ICC proceedings concerning crimes against humanity in Ukraine. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:18:57]: Thank you. I give the floor to the International Bar Association for an intervention by video. IBA/UBA · NGO representative [1:19:04]: The International Bar Association and the Ukrainian Bar Association commend the work of the Commission of Inquiry, and we keep condemning the ongoing widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity in the course of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. We condemn the ceaseless attacks on civilians and civilian objects, indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, forced deportations, coordinated, widespread and systematic use of torture, incommunicado detention and forced disappearances by Russian forces. We once again condemn the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-occupied territories and their subsequent indoctrination and militarization. We recall that in March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, finding reasonable grounds to believe that he bears individual criminal responsibility for crimes under the Statute in connection with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We urge all State Parties to the Rome Statute to fulfill their obligations under the Statute and to support the ICC in ensuring accountability for atrocity crimes committed in Ukraine by Russia and support the work of the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression. Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:20:25]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Institute for Human Rights. Institute for Human Rights · NGO representative [1:20:30]: We would like to raise the strongest alarm over Russia's another act of barbarity, the deliberate missile and drone strike on Kyiv on 28 August 2025. At least 25 civilians, including children, were killed and many more injured. For me, this attack is not abstract. It took the life of my family member, Dr. Oksana Protuk, a civilian and a renowned rehabilitation physician and neurologist who dedicated her life to restoring the health of others, including war-wounded soldiers and civilians. While her death is a personal tragedy, it is also part of a much larger one: the suffering of millions of Ukrainians who have been torn from their families, their homes, and their future. Each life destroyed is a stark reminder that this war spares no one. Justice for Dr. Pritukh and for all the victims is not just a legal requirement; it is a moral duty owed by this Council to humanity itself. Her killing is emblematic of the indiscriminate inhuman nature of this assault and underscores the extreme vulnerability of medical personnel, individuals explicitly guaranteed protection under international hu-… humanitarian law. We call upon the Commission to investigate this atrocity for violations of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. The deliberate killing of doctors and civilians is a war crime. I speak not only for myself, but for every Ukrainian who has lost a loved one. We call upon the Human Rights Council to act decisively and to strengthen international monitoring of attacks on civilians, as well as to enforce accountability mechanisms against perpetrators. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:21:58]: Thank you. I give the floor to Legal Action Worldwide. Not here. I give the floor to United Nations Watch. United Nations Watch · NGO representative [1:22:10]: Thank you, Mr. President. United Nations Watch welcomes the Commission of Inquiry's update and is gravely concerned about human rights in Ukraine. Russia's relentless bombardment across Ukraine, deliberately targeting critical infrastructure and indiscriminately killing civilians, has escalated in both scale and brutality. Since this Council's last session, Ukraine has endured its deadliest month since Russia's invasion began, with 286 civilian deaths recorded in July. Only last Wednesday, Russia launched a drone attack in the Poltava region, killing six civilians and striking a gas station. The very next day, a wave of strikes hit substations powering Ukraine's national rail network, disrupting infrastructure essential for civilian life and the country's defense. Russia has waged this brutal offensive not alone, but with the backing of UN member states. The Islamic Republic of Iran has fueled Russia's war in Ukraine by supplying Shahed drones and transferring technology that enables Moscow to manufacture them domestically. North Korea is sustaining Russia's offensive by deploying an estimated 14,000 troops to Ukraine. Even children are not spared from Russia's aggression. Since 2022, more than 6,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia and occupied Crimea, held in over 200 facilities where they are subjected to political indoctrination and, in many cases, military training. This Council must speak out for these stolen children, protect Ukraine's civilians, defend its sovereignty, and ensure accountability for Russia and its supporters. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [1:23:42]: Thank you. I give the floor to International Federation for Human Rights Leagues. FIDH/OMCT · NGO representative [1:23:47]: Mr. President. FIDH, OMCT, the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group and the Center for Civil Liberties wish to thank the Commission of Inquiry for its important update, highlighting the extent of the international crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. We remain alarmed about the widespread arbitrary detention and severe ill-treatment of civilians in the territories occupied by the Russian Federation, which might, in numerous cases, amount to the crimes against humanity of unlawful imprisonment and forced disappearance and torture. The Tribunal for Putin initiative has documented more than 1,000 cases of torture against formally detained Ukrainian civilians, with thousands more remaining in Russian prisons. Additionally, hundreds of interviews conducted with released prisoners of war indicate that those detained by Russia endure severe torture, including beatings, electric shocks, fake executions by shooting. Human rights should be at the heart of any peace negotiations. We therefore urge all UN member states to call for the immediate release of all Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia, the repatriation of all prisoners of war, and the liberation of Russians repressed for supporting Ukraine. We also call on all UN member states to ensure justice by supporting all ongoing accountability efforts, including the investigations of the International Criminal Court, the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and all ongoing investigations based on extraterritorial jurisdictions. Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:25:12]: Thank you. I give the floor to Amnesty International. Amnesty International · NGO representative [1:25:17]: Mr. President, we thank the Commission of Inquiry for its update and ongoing work. Ukraine's civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the war. Children have been particularly affected, both by direct attacks and by the destruction of housing, schools, and other civilian infrastructure, as have been numerous other civilians. In the occupied regions, children are compelled to study under Russian curriculum and exposed to indoctrination, while Ukrainian teachers are forced to work in schools and teach the curriculum or face threats and violence. Arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances, torture, and other ill treatment in custody are widespread. In the context of Russia's wider attacks against the Ukrainian people, this amounts to crimes against humanity. Russia has also continued to suppress Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar identities and culture and sought to change demographics of the occupied territories. At the front line, reports of execution of prisoners of war by Russian military have been persistent. Numerous Ukrainian prisoners of war have faced torture and other ill treatment, enforced disappearance, prolonged incommunicado detention, and unlawful trial and imprisonment solely for taking part in hostilities. We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately end its war of aggression against Ukraine, its attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and its other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Commissioners, how can the international community ensure that all victims of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine receive justice and have full and effective reparations? Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:26:42]: Thank you. That was the last speaker on my list, and I will now give the floor to Mr. Eric Moos for his concluding remarks. You have seven minutes. COI on Ukraine · Chair [1:27:02]: Mr. President, distinguished members, let me first say that I want to thank the members of the Young Rights Council for their comments, observations, inputs, and also their words of appreciation for the work of the Commission. The discussion centered on a couple of main issues, and I will start with the issue of judicial accountability. As we all know, there are many ways to ensure judicial accountability, both international and national. And starting at the international level, I just want to reiterate first that the Commission has always pointed out the importance of the International Criminal Courts, which whose investigations are, of course, ongoing. And we have also noted the recent setting up of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression, and we are now following to what extent and in what time span it will be established on the ground, practically. At the national level, we have just heard from the Ukrainian representative this morning that several hundred trials have related to war crimes and that they are underway, and also that many of them have resulted in convictions. It follows from the Commission's mandate that it shall collect evidence with a view to ensuring that the responsible are held accountable. And our Commission has been in contact with the ICC and with Ukrainian authorities. And we remain available to assist the special tribunal, once it is established, and other national authorities to ensure accountability relating to the conflict in Ukraine. And when I talk about the national authorities, I'm of course mainly referring to prosecuting authorities exercising extraterritorial jurisdiction. Our evidence and information are also useful for other entities. I mention this since references were made to human rights entities by several representatives, for instance, human rights treaty bodies and special procedures. And we also noted that the European Court of Human Rights recently handed down a judgment about an important interstate case involving Ukraine, the Netherlands, and the Russian Federation, where our findings were used actively in the judgment drafting and in reading the judgment. Turning now to the non-judicial accountability issue, we have always again stressed that aspect of the accountability discussion. We have previously recommended that Ukraine continue to comprehensively address mental health and psychosocial needs resulting from the armed conflicts by ensuring access to the relevant services. And in this context, we think that the international community can assist in providing financial and professional resources to support the national endeavor by Ukraine. And another important Non-judicial accountability mechanism is, uh, the registry of damages for Ukraine, which is now collecting, uh, claims established in 2023. And we have noted that this registry has launched various categories of claims from individuals who have been most affected by the war, as well as claims related to the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. And that can also be of a certain interest to the question raised. The issue of transfer and deportation of civilians was mentioned in our oral update. I'm only saying that this is something we are dealing with and we will come back to it in our GA report. When it as regards the issue of what can be done with respect to the rights of people in the occupied territories. This is of course a complicated matter as the Commissioner has no access to these territories, but we have indeed been following the situation and you will in principle, you will in particular have noted that we dealt with this in our first conference room paper. And it is important to continue to establish the facts in this territory which may have a bearing on accountability. and also peace negotiations. The drone attacks was mentioned by one delegation and the rights impact on victims there. Let me simply at this stage say that we have now First, have this CRP on drone attacks and the impact on the individuals. And this will also, as mentioned during this oral update, be an important part of the GA report, which we are going to deliver in October. Finally, let me stress on behalf of the Commission that it is always very inspirational to form part of this interactive dialogue with the members of the Commission. I want to thank you, Mr. President, distinguished representatives, for your interest. Our Commission is following this closely, even online now, and it serves as an inspiration for the work ahead. Thank you. HRC · Chair [1:33:57]: Thank you. This is the end of this interactive. Thank you. This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. I would like to thank the members of the commission of inquiry for taking part in this debate. Excellencies, we are a little bit behind schedule, so we will move swiftly on to the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, it's now my pleasure to welcome the members of the mission up to the podium. They are Ms. Marta Valinas, Mr. Francisco Cox Vial, and Ms. Patricia Tapata Valdez. I would now like to give the floor to Ms. Valinas to introduce the report. The speakers list will close in 15 minutes. Madam, you have the floor. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [1:36:55]: Thank you. President, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela hereby presents its sixth report to the Council pursuant to resolution 57/36. This report and the additional documentation covers the period between September 2024 and August of this year. A year ago, when the mission presented its previous report, Venezuela had just gone through some days of intense institutional violence. There were street protests at the results of the presidential elections, which were never published, as it's supposed to be done under Venezuelan law. So the government activated its harshest methods of repression. The mission presented partial conclusions of an investigation which had been undertaken in just over a month. Today, despite limited resources, the mission is supplementing and confirming the initial conclusions based on 12 months' investigation. As part of the conference room paper, we are presenting an annex with 19 illustrative cases. Furthermore, the mission will be publishing a report with detailed conclusions in the next few weeks on the liability of the Bolivarian National Guard in human rights violations and international crimes, which the mission has documented over the past few years. President, the mission has concluded that 25 people arbitrarily were killed between the 28th and 30th of July of last year. The prosecution service states there were 28 victims, 22 of which are the same ones as we found. The six additional people presented by the report did not lose their lives in the same electoral context, according to our investigations. The state has attributed deaths to the opposition through their activists, hired criminals or criminal gangs, and at the same time has cleared security forces from any implication. The mission's investigation, nevertheless, has not found any evidence to suppose that the opposition would be involved in the death of protesters. On the other hand, we found reasonable grounds to believe that security forces were involved in the incidents leading to the deaths. We have investigated 14 of the 25 deaths and concluded that 12 involved members of the security forces. For example, security forces and military officers took part in breaking up the protest in Maracay, Aragua state, on 29 July last year, and we have reasonable grounds to believe that they were involved in the arbitrary killing of six protesters. With regard to other incidents we've investigated, in the protests on the 29th and 30th of July 2024 in the capital and in the states of Carabobo, Miranda and Zulia, the mission has found evidence that six people were killed by shots from security forces on the 30th of July in a protest in Carora, Lara state, in front of the Socialist Party headquarters, we found reasonable grounds to believe that the victim was shot from inside the building. At that time, the building was occupied by party activists and sympathizers, some of whom were armed. A year on from the events, the state has not provided any updates on the criminal investigations which it said it had launched. No punishment has been handed down for these incidents. In addition to the 25 deaths, a further five who had been detained following the 2024 electoral crisis died in state custody. The mission investigated three cases in which they died because they didn't have timely and effective access to health care, which is arbitrary deprivation of life attributable to the state. In both cases, these people suffered cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Prison managers, the prosecution service, the Ombudsman's Office and Public Defender's Office had been informed in a timely fashion on many occasions that these people were suffering and had medical issues, but they did not respond with due diligence to protect their lives. The other two people, according to the authorities, died by hanging in Tokoron and Tokuyito prisons, one of them one day after having spent 15 days in solitary confinement. In addition, the mission has identified that three people detained following the elections in 2024 died after having been released because their health conditions deteriorated while they were in detention. The authorities have not provided the victims' families with the autopsy reports, they are not allowed to make public statements about the cases, and public vigils and funerals have been prohibited. President, as mentioned during the oral update in March, state repression was stepped up during the electoral crisis in 2024 and has continued this year. There has been politically motivated repression and persecution. This was particularly severe during the presidential inauguration in January and the elections held in May, through mass detentions, many of them under the well-known argument of foiling national and international plots against the government. According to the prosecution service, 2,006 out of the 2,220 persons detained in the post-election protests and Tun Tun operation were released in March of this year. The people who are still in detention have had swiftly fabricated charges of terrorism and incitement to hatred brought against them. That is because the temporary detention centres no longer have the capacity to hold more detainees. There are alarming patterns. In over 30 cases, we have reasonable grounds to believe that the authorities consciously kept people in incommunicado detention because they are political opponents. Prolonged incommunicado detention is torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, according to international standards. We have found that at least 200 people have been detained since the end of August, and in the first half of September, a further 14 were detained. They are often accused of being mercenaries or plotting against the government. We have documented 84 foreign citizens from 29 states Twelve of those states taking part in the council have had nationals arrested. A further 10 foreign citizens have been arrested after we closed our report, from two new nationalities. All of them are still in detention, and most of them are subject to strict incommunicado detention. We've documented the release of 19 foreign nationals, mainly US citizens. Most were released as part of negotiations between Venezuela and the United States, with El Salvador taking part on one occasion. Persons who have been released, diplomatic sources and others have informed us that detainees do not have access to consular assistance. In one case, we corroborated that a person was never brought to a court during their detention. In other cases, it takes three months from the time of arrest before being brought to court. We found that another five people had to wait two and a half months to be brought before a court. President, the Commission has confirmed that at least 220 children and adolescents were detained during the electoral protests and two during the presidential inauguration in January of this year. Such detention does not consider their age nor best interest. Four adolescents continue in detention today. Children and adolescents have been victims of arbitrary detention as well as serious due process violations, enforced disappearance lasting several days, torture, cruel treatment, and serious acts of sexual violence and gender-based violence. Two people who died during the 2024 protests were minors. After we closed our report, we recorded that another 17-year-old was arrested. His case is being checked, simply because the authorities haven't found the person they were looking for. We've also documented extortion-related detention, in which security officers demand money either to not arrest or to release people. In one case, there was one person who was detained just because he'd been helping the opposition with logistical tasks on the day of the presidential elections. That person was forced to pay $3,500 to military counterintelligence officers in order to be released. The mission has also documented the arrest of family members of political opponents as a reprisal or pressure against the person who is the real target of the state policy. There have been seven such cases at least. On 12 occasions, we have reasonable grounds to believe that there have been enforced disappearances. In two cases, the disappearance lasted for several months, in the other 10 for days or hours. If we have a broad interpretation of enforced disappearance, then we can increase the number of cases. And there were five persons who have been disappeared forcibly for months. The mission has also documented cases of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment through threats, beatings with blunt objects, electric shocks in different parts of the body, including genitals, or being asphyxiated with plastic bags. These methods are used against detainees during their questions or as a punishment for their political affiliation to the opposition, whether it be real or perceived. We've also documented other forms of punishment in detention centers, which is torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, such as being locked in isolation cells. Sometimes they're only one meter squared. In other cases, people have been strung up by their wrists and beaten. Detention conditions in Tocoron, Tocuyito, Rodeo One and Crisalida prisons are tantamount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The mission expresses concern about the health conditions of detainees, particularly in line of deaths during state custody. In the same detention centers, we've documented cases of sexual violence and gender-based violence against detainees or their family members when visiting them. Most victims are young women or adolescent girls, but they also include men and LGBT community members, with documented acts such as coerced transactional sex, invasive searches with forced stripping and acts that could constitute forced prostitution. In temporary detention centres, adolescent girls were victims of constant acts of sexual violence in exchange for cleaning products, just to keep a minimum of cleanliness in the prison. Access to food brought by family members or phone calls is also subject to coerced sexual acts. Victims continue to suffer the consequences of the acts after they've been released, whilst perpetrators remain in their positions with total impunity. President, during the period under investigation, the NGO Funding Act and the Simon Bolivar Act have been enacted. The law against fascism is still awaiting adoption. These laws restrict funding and the rights and freedoms, so there is an increase in repression, criminalisation and a breakdown of the NGO fabric. A number of civil society organisations have had to limit or close down their operations. Others work outside Venezuela. The effects of this oppressive environment affects those who benefit from the work of human rights defenders and the defenders themselves. It is important that These mechanisms like ours speed up their action. We will continue to work in conjunction with all those who have been working on the Venezuelan case. Thank you very much for your attention. HRC · Chair [1:51:10]: Thank you. Pursuant to our habitual practice, we will now listen to the concerned country, and I would like to give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. You have five minutes. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [1:51:29]: Thank you, President. Against the backdrop of the UN financial crisis, today Unusually, we're here to discuss one of the 10 activities the Council has imposed on Venezuela, the cost of which now rises to almost $10 million. If we were examining Israel, then the number of activities investment would be wholly justified. Venezuela has not attacked anyone or killed children, women and men, let alone with smart missiles. We've not deliberately demolished buildings or bombed hospitals with families, doctors and UN staff inside. We've not launched missiles at negotiating However, it's Venezuela the Council intends to single out. And let's be clear, under the influence of the US and its European satellites, President, the severe human rights crisis faced by today's world demands consistency. The Council cannot send contradictory messages on human rights. as it's doing, and much less so for geopolitical reasons. I wonder what's the Council been saying about the barbaric violations of the human rights of Venezuelan migrants? Very little or nothing. Similarly, the inaction and silence on Gaza have led the peoples of the world, who are now outraged, to ask themselves, what's the purpose of the UN? What's the purpose of the Human Rights Council? President, the genocide in Palestine has shown that there's an attempt to impose the irrelevance of international law. There is the cowardice of those who have a responsibility to act but do not, and that is being rewarded. There have been rewards, weapons and funding shamelessly accepted in exchange for complicity. There is the hypocrisy and audacity of those who claim to defend freedom, democracy and human rights but who veto resolutions for peace. and we're deepening double standards and politicization in favor of the aggressors. On this path, the UN will suffer the same fate as the failed League of Nations, but the intended resulting hegemonic international order would be a hundred times more violent and catastrophic than that sought by the Nazis. President, for over 20 years, there's been hybrid aggression against the people of Venezuela by global hegemony, which has tirelessly sought regime change in our country. We're aware of the attempts at destabilization and false narratives against President Hugo Chavez. There was a coup d'etat in April 2002 and the oil strike in December. He was accused of violating human rights, supporting Colombian guerrillas, engaging in an arms race, and destabilizing the region of being a drug trafficker and even of supporting international terrorist movements. But none of this could be proven, and the same script has been deployed with even great virulence against President Nicolas Maduro. In 2015, the Obama administration designated Venezuela as an unusual and extraordinary threat. And in 2017, the failed Lima Group was created to attack Venezuela from within the region. In 2019, an attempt was made to establish parallel governments as a basis for another attempt to alter the political regime. It's this framework of external interference that this that led to this irritating mission being created. Is there any doubt that it's something to do with human rights, but instead with regime change in Venezuela? It delegitimizes the existence of a null and impractical mission, but its novel performance discredits itself. on its own. It cites dubious sources, it uses fabricated, unverified testimonies, it employs statistics without methodological rigor. It's proven political motivation. It's not set foot, nor will it ever set foot on Venezuelan territory. As a nation, we sincerely believe in human rights and uphold them in accordance with our constitutions and national laws, but will not lend ourselves to validating such a parody. President, we once again denounce before the council the attempt to implement the old plan to change the Venezuelan political regime, to threaten our people, with the use of force in flagrant violation of international law, to intimidate us with a war in the region, in contravention of the 2014 Declaration of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, which was reaffirmed in a communique reissued on September 4. President, Venezuela has deployed all its diplomatic capabilities, Bolivarian diplomacy for peace, to prevent armed conflict in the Latin American and Caribbean region. And at the same time, the people of Venezuela, faithful to their historical tradition, will defend their territory and their oil wealth with all available means if an unjustified aggression is imposed on us that we do not want, that we do not promote, but that we are prepared to face with the dignity of a people who liberated America. Thank you very much, President. HRC · Chair [1:56:18]: Thank you. I'd now like to invite interested delegations to ask questions and make comments on the report. The speaking time is one minute and 30 seconds for all. The speakers list has now closed, and I would like to begin by giving the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway on behalf of a group of countries. Norway · Nordic-Baltic states [1:56:39]: Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states. We thank the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela for the update and reiterate our full support for its important work. We remain deeply concerned with the human rights situation in Venezuela. The State continues the repression against political opponents. We echo the FFM's concern about continued detentions on political grounds. Furthermore, we are worried about the complicity of the judiciary and the Ombudsman's Office with the political authorities in the commission of human rights violations. We call on Venezuela to comply with its international obligations, to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and prevent irreparable harm to victims. Political violence must cease immediately. The Venezuelan people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful political participation must be respected. Venezuelan authorities must take decisive action towards ending impunity for committed crimes. We urge the government of Venezuela to collaborate effectively with the United Nations mechanisms and with the International Criminal Court. And here comes my question. Could you please elaborate on the level of cooperation between the FFM and the Venezuelan government and the recommendations on how to proceed to ensure future cooperation between Venezuelan government and the UN? I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:58:01]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Belgium on behalf of a group of countries. Belgium · Benelux [1:58:07]: Thank you, Mr. President. I deliver this statement on behalf of the Benelux countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. We align ourselves with the EU statement and thank the fact-finding mission for their excellent report. We are profoundly concerned by the ongoing repression by the Venezuelan authorities. Currently, more than 820 political prisoners remain arbitrarily detained, including minors, human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and members of the opposition. These practices often amount to enforced disappearances, and there is a widespread lack of effective judicial protection. Venezuelan authorities must fulfill their obligations under international human rights law and uphold the rights of all Venezuelans. We call on them to unconditionally release those arbitrarily detained, including dual and foreign citizens. We are deeply concerned about the detentions of Juan Pablo Guanipa, Fredo Superlano, Ronald Careño, Perkins Rocha, Nakari Mena Ramos, Rocio San Miguel, and many other cases. We also urge the authorities to guarantee prompt access to private legal and medical assistance for those detained. Mrs. Valinas, what is your assessment of the revolving door effect, where political prisoners are released, but new detentions occur simultaneously, as a tactic to intimidate civil society and human rights defenders. I thank you. HRC · Chair [1:59:38]: Thank you. I call on the European Union. EU [1:59:41]: The European Union would like to thank the fact-finding mission for this report and reiterate its support for their mandate. All human rights mechanisms on Venezuela are essential, and we urge the authorities to engage with them constructively. This includes the restoration of the full capacity of the OHCHR. The EU is very concerned about the acts of repression mentioned in your report, including excessive use of force and harassment against dissenting voices, opposition members, civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers as well as journalists. We urge the authorities to respect, protect and fulfill all human rights, to investigate human rights violations and abuses. To hold those responsible accountable and to restore the independence of the judiciary. We also call for the severe restrictions on NGOs to be lifted. The EU expresses deep concern about reports of torture and other forms of ill treatment against detainees, including sexual. And gender based violence, and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all those. arbitrarily detained, including dual and foreign citizens, and the end of enforced disappearances. Together with partners, the EU aims to foster a Venezuelan-led dialogue towards a peaceful and democratic solution. Ms. Valenius, what should be the top? Priority of the international community to find a solution to the protected crisis in Venezuela. I thank you. HRC · Chair [2:01:04]: Thank you. I call on Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe · Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter [2:01:11]: Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter. The full statement will be posted on Extranet. We reiterate our categorical rejection of double standards and the politicization of human rights. We express our serious concern about the continued and increasing proliferation of reports on Venezuela without the consent of the concerned state. We reaffirm our strong condemnation of the sustained and increasing application of unilateral coercive measures for political purposes, which dramatically impact the human rights of the Venezuelan population. Moreover, the group echoes the deep concern of a large number of states from the Latin America and Caribbean. regarding the recent deployment of US military forces to that region, including assets with nuclear capability, in a direct escalation of hostile actions and threats against Venezuela. We reiterate our condemnation and categorical rejection of the threat of use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Venezuela. The Group reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Venezuela and urges the government of the United States of America to de-escalate its actions and rhetoric in Latin America and the Caribbean region, including against Venezuela, and to respect its obligations under international law scrupulously. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [2:02:36]: Thank you. I call on Argentina. Argentina [2:02:40]: Thank you. On behalf of Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and my country, Argentina, we thank the FACT Funding Mission for this report. We reiterate our concerns over Venezuela's ongoing repression of real or perceived dissent. Since the 2024 presidential election, opposition members, human rights defenders, journalists, and others expressing dissent have faced persecution and arbitrary detention, often amounting to enforced disappearance. Detaining people is designed to spread fear. It must end. We call for the immediate, unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained persons. We condemn Venezuela's attempts to restrict civic space. Several NGOs have been forced to cease operations or relocate abroad because of harassment and unfeasible requirements. We urge Venezuela to cooperate fully with the OHCHR and the fact-finding mission and grant them immediate, unfettered access to the entire country. Finally, we strongly condemn the practice of arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals and holding them in prolonged incommunicado detention, which often amounts to enforced disappearance. In this regard, could the Mission elaborate on how the detention of foreign nationals fits into the broader patterns of repression that it has documented And what accountability avenues exist in such cases? Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:04:11]: Thank you. I call on Chile. Chile [2:04:16]: Thank you, President. Chile, thanks VFFM for presenting its rigorous report. We note the ongoing state repression in Venezuela. The conclusions are alarming. They confirm a state policy which seeks to silence and cancel out the opposition. It documents how the 2024 elections, whose results Chile and most of the international community do not recognize, have killed 25 people and over 2,000 people were imprisoned, including at least 200 children and young people. These are not abstract figures but the result of a systematic plan with summary executions, arbitrary detentions, incommunicado detention, torture and enforced disappearance. It is particularly alarming to see a pattern of detention of foreigners and selected groups without adequate procedural guarantees. This must be addressed, as well as the shrinkage of civil space and the ongoing impunity in flagrant violation of international obligations of the Venezuela state. We urgently call on Venezuelan authorities to cease immediately these practices, resume international cooperation, and provide adequate accountability. The victims and their families cannot continue waiting. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:05:50]: I call on Switzerland. Switzerland [2:05:55]: President, Switzerland welcomes the work of the first fact-finding mission. Thanks for its report. We're concerned that the systematic repression of dissidents, which has been intensified, particularly in connection with May's elections. We condemn the arbitrary detention, the enforced disappearances and all other human rights violations. Members of the opposition, journalists, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens are targeted. Switzerland is concerned at the bad detention conditions and non-respect of due process. We call on the authorities to end these repressive practices and free all persons arbitrarily detained. Switzerland regrets that access to the country is still refused to members of the mission. We reiterate our call on the authorities to cooperate with international human rights protection mechanisms and implement their recommendations. We advocate that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should be allowed fully to operate in Venezuela. Switzerland is convinced that inclusive dialogue among all parties is crucial to find a solution to the situation in Venezuela, and we stand ready to act as a builder of bridges. Distinguished members of the Commission, how do you believe the authorities could be encouraged to improve conditions for access to persons arbitrarily detained? Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:07:20]: Thank you. I call on Brazil. Brazil [2:07:24]: Thank you, President. Brazil thanks the mission for its report. We continue to follow the situation in Venezuela and call on the country's authorities impartially to investigate the alleged human rights violations. We call for a strengthening of cooperation between Venezuela and the Office and other human rights mechanisms, as well as a renewal of cooperation with the Inter-American human rights system. The report points to a rise in restrictions on civic space, with arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances. We are concerned at the reported politically motivated detentions. We call on the authorities to comply with international human rights standards in this connection. We reaffirm our concern at the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Venezuela, which have a considerable impact on human rights. We also call for the human rights of migrants and refugees from Venezuela to be respected. Finally, we express strong concern at the reports of summary executions in international waters near Venezuela. If confirmed, these are grave violations of international law and human rights law. HRC · Chair [2:08:41]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on Argentina. Argentina [2:08:46]: Thank you, President. Like a ritual without a mass, Argentina once more out, as has been done over the years, to denounce the systematic human rights violations, which have become a habit and a shady and painful practice in Venezuela, almost a driving force in policy. We don't even need to turn to the past, since this is part of the present. The present doesn't require us to remember, like a capricious time machine. Venezuela has not only shed doubt on the future, but also on the past. For example, the Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gayu, who arrived in Venezuela in December 2024 and became invisible, materially invisible, a victim of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention, but present in the hearts of all Argentinians, and not only in the report of the mission. His life and his freedom are part of our most fervent desires. We're in high season for complaints of human rights violations. If we change the scene, nothing changes Venezuela. The situation seems just to repeat itself, and yet we continue to hope, almost naively, that it'll listen to us and have a bit more humanity, that it'll think about its own people. people that all of Latin America cares about more than they cared about in their own land. We also hope that Venezuela may rapidly catch a marvelous virus, that of democracy and freedom. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:10:21]: Thank you. I call on the Organization of American States for a video statement. IACHR · Rapporteur for Venezuela [2:10:26]: Council, I address you in my capacity as rapporteur for Venezuela of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. More than a year has passed since the presidential elections, yet the Electoral Council has not released the tally sheets needed to verify the results declared in favor of Nicolas Maduro. This undermines the credibility of the process. Meanwhile, state repression has escalated. Reliable reports confirm that 808 people remain arbitrarily detained, including four children. Many families have received no information about the whereabouts of their loved ones, circumstances that may constitute enforced disappearances. Furthermore, no one has been held accountable for the 25 killings, acknowledged by the state itself of men who protested electoral opacity. The Venezuelan crisis is rooted in the lack of legitimacy of Maduro's regime. Lacking independence, state institutions operate primarily as instruments designed to secure the regime in power. HRC · Chair [2:11:55]: Thank you. I call on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:12:03]: Mr. President, the Human Rights Council is once again examining the report of a mechanism established without observing the principles set out in its founding resolutions. As highlighted by Venezuela, this mechanism has failed to respect independence and impartiality. Venezuela has consistently pursued constructive cooperation with the United Nations, particularly in the field of human rights, yet today faces serious interventionist threats from the United States. Iran reaffirms its solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela. Despite years under unilateral coercive measures, Venezuela has relied on the support of its people to defend human rights while safeguarding its sovereignty and independence. Such sanctions have not weakened its determination. We call for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures, which remain the main cause of human rights violations in sanctioned countries. Instead of politically driven monitoring, the Council should address grave violations committed by those imposing such measures that undermine the rights of entire nations. It is regrettable that country-specific mechanisms, such as the fact-finding mission on Venezuela, pursue unconstructive approaches, discouraging developing countries about the Council's future. I thank you. HRC · Chair [2:13:33]: Thank you. I call on Spain. Spain [2:13:38]: Thank you, President. Spain. aligns with the EU statement and thanks the mission for its report and the assessment of the human rights situation in Venezuela. It documents intensifying severe human rights violations since the 2024 elections, with a significant rise in arbitrary detentions and political repression, including persecution of dissidents and opposition, civil society members, human rights defenders, and journalists. Spain calls for the immediate unconditional release of all individuals held arbitrarily, including dual nationals and foreign citizens. Spain has four nationals detained and 16 dual nationals detained arbitrarily in Venezuela, who cannot obtain the due consular assistance We call for an end to the enforced disappearances and the ending of all practices of, of the, of the practice of torture and hu- and inhuman or degrading treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence. Spain joins its voice to the call by the mission to end the state practice of isolating opposition members detained and denounces the grave lack of judicial guarantees. Our question is what mechanisms for reparation and justice victims of disappearances, torture, cruel and human degrading treatment and arbitrary detention in Venezuela currently have. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:15:11]: Thank you. I call on Portugal. Portugal [2:15:13]: Thank you, Mr. President. Portugal reiterates its unwavering support for the fact-finding mission and thanks Mrs. Valinhas for her update. We call on the Venezuelan authorities to cooperate with all human rights mechanisms and to restore the OHCR presence in Caracas with full operational capacity and unrestricted access across the country. We remain deeply concerned by persistent reports of arbitrary arrests, ill treatment of detainees, including sexual and gender-based violence and enforced disappearances. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arbitrarily detained, including dual and foreign citizens. We are alarmed by the suppression of political opposition and the targeting of journalists, media workers, and human rights defenders. Finally, the ongoing funding gaps affecting UN agencies and programs, as well as NGOs, pose further risks for civil society and the human rights defenders. Senora Valinas, like Norway, I would like to ask what is the mission's assessment of the Venezuelan state's response to previous recommendations from this council and the fact-finding mission? I thank you very much. HRC · Chair [2:16:28]: Thank you. I call on Paraguay. Paraguay [2:16:31]: Thank you, President. We welcome the Fact-Finding Mission's report and its efforts to carry out the mandate despite the limits and obstacles. It is regrettable that we have to reiterate that the human rights situation in Venezuela has got worse after the elections of 2024, as pointed to by the High Commissioner. The reports show the systematic patterns of human rights violations. We are concerned that these repressive mechanisms have been intensified as habitual practice against dissidents and indeed foreigners held for political motives, as well as the alarming situation in prisons, the rise in deaths in custody, the deprivation and lack of medical attention for prisoners with severe illnesses. The international community has committed to protecting and promoting respect for human rights throughout the world, and thus my delegation reiterates its call on Venezuela's authorities to respect standards and commitments for human rights and ensure democracy and the will of the Venezuelan people. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:18:02]: Thank you. I call on Peru. Peru [2:18:07]: Thank you, President. We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for the report. Peru once more expressed its grave concern at the alarming levels of repression and harassment against the opposition and their families, dissidents, with enforced disappearances, restrictions on peaceful assembly, persecution of journalists and human rights defenders. We are also concerned at the lack of due process and undue restriction on civil, civic and democratic space. We reject the arbitrary detentions of two Peruvian citizens by Venezuela's authorities since 2024. unlawfully detained. We call on Venezuela's authorities to respect their rights and provide information on them. Peru, like other States in the region, remains committed to efforts to a genuinely Venezuelan solution with peace, well-being, democracy and the rule of law, justice and development for the people of Venezuela. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:19:19]: Thank you. I call on Georgia. Georgia [2:19:22]: Thank you, Mr. President, and we thank the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the latest updates on the human rights situation in Venezuela. We are appalled by the reported deaths caused by repressions, and we continue to be alarmed over recent documented cases of the detention of family members of political leaders or activists under persecution. Our delegation remains deeply concerned with the findings of the report, which show that policies of silencing and quashing opponents by any means necessary, continue to be implemented by those in control of the situation in the country. Report also states that there is a reasonable ground to implicate persons representing the justice system in playing a crucial role in suppression of opponents. Furthermore, it is also alarming that they learned how to adapt repressive policies in accordance with the level of political tension. Since 2020, The fact-finding mission has communicated over 100 recommendations related to the bringing justice to the victims of political oppression and aimed at alleviating a dire human rights situation. Since they are not fulfilled up to this day, we call on Maduro to comply with the foresaid recommendations and stop the gross violations of human rights. In conclusion, Georgia reiterates its support to Venezuelan people in their peaceful pursuit of democracy. HRC · Chair [2:20:39]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on Eritrea. Eritrea [2:20:45]: Thank you, Mr. President. The people of Venezuela have endured years of hardship, economic pressure, political interference, and repeated attempts to undermine their sovereignty. Yet instead of recognizing their resilience and progress, some Council members' selective and confrontational approach undermines genuine dialogue and has once again brought us to this discussion. Despite facing an unjust campaign of economic warfare, Venezuela has continued to strengthening its institutions, advancing social justice, and upholding rights. We reject any form of interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, including the disregard for its institutions and attempts to undermine the sovereignty and political independence of the Venezuelan people. We are equally concerned about the treatment of Venezuelan migrants, who must be guaranteed due process and full respect for human rights. Finally, Mr. President, we reject the recent military escalation in the region, which poses a direct threat to Venezuela's sovereignty and stability. We call for a cease to all hostile actions and reiterate our solidarity with Venezuela in defending their sovereignty, self-determination, and fairness within the UN system. I thank you. HRC · Chair [2:21:53]: Thank you. I call on Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka [2:22:00]: Mr. President, Sri Lanka's position on country-specific initiatives is that without the consent of the country concerned, they are unproductive and are not able to contribute in any substantive manner to the promotion and protection of human rights in the concerned country. Whereas the Human Rights Council is supposed to help countries to improve their human rights situation, naming and shaming is not helpful. Venezuela has consistently engaged with the OSCHR and its regular human rights mechanisms. Venezuela has also facilitated visits by special procedure mandate holders and fulfilled their treaty body reporting obligations and engage in the universal periodic review most recently in 2022. This Council should adhere to its founding principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, and be guided by constructive international dialogue and cooperation. Furthermore, cooperation with the United Nations system must always be governed by respect for the sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states as per the UN Charter. Therefore, Sri Lanka urges the Council to engage with the Government of Venezuela objectively, with a view to safeguarding the human rights of the Venezuelan people, including their right to development. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:23:23]: Thank you. I call on the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Lao People's Democratic Republic [2:23:31]: Mr. President, my delegation takes note of the Fact-Finding Commission's updated information. The laudea comments the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela for the commitments towards fulfilling the international human rights obligations and the continued cooperation with the Council and the mechanisms including facilitate visits by the special procedure mandate holder. My delegation literate that country specific mandates without the concerns of the continued concerned countries are ineffective and do not contribute to any substantive outcome for the promotion and protection of human rights in any country. Finally, the Lao PDR calls upon the Council to fulfill its mandate to promote and protect human rights based on constructive dialogue and genuine cooperation in line with national parity of the country in question and guided by the principle of universality, impartiality, non-selectivity, respect for sovereignty and non-interference inside in the UN Charter. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [2:24:43]: Thank you. I call on the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:24:49]: Thank you, President. Russia continues consistently to call for an objective, impartial, non-politicized work in the Human Rights Council. We are categorically against the use of this United Nations human rights body for political pressure on Venezuela. At the same time, we call for a focus on the achievements of Azerbaijan's leadership in upholding its citizens' rights and freedoms, the free choice made by the people in the elections, with participation by opposition representatives, the authorities' consistent work to develop civil society institutions, improve the legislation and improve the judicial system. A key challenge to stability in Venezuela is foreign-directed activity of radicals using terror methods. A serious threat to human rights in the country is the external pressure in the form of unlawful, unilateral coercive measures. Over 1000... limitations have been imposed on Caracas with a direct humanitarian effect. The greater the sanctions pressure, the worse the situation of Venezuela's citizens and the bigger the migration flows, as well as hindrance of its human rights protection potential, which is what deserves to be fostered. Lao People's Democratic Republic [2:26:11]: Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:26:13]: Thank you. I call on Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe [2:26:19]: Mr. President, Zimbabwe commends the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its commitment towards fulfilling its international human rights obligations and continued cooperation with the Council and its mechanisms. It is regrettable that some of these positive efforts continue to be undermined by the imposition of country-specific mandates that lead to duplicity, politicization, and selectivity within the Council. We deplore the establishment and continuation of the fact-finding mission without the consent of the Government of Venezuela. The move is counterproductive in terms of encouraging and supporting the country to meet more effectively its human rights obligations. We urge the Council to engage Venezuela through genuine and constructive dialogue. and cooperation that uphold the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs. Zimbabwe condemns the imposition of UCMs on Venezuela and reiterate our call for their lifting on Venezuela and all targeted countries as a critical step towards the improvement of the lives and well-being of citizens. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [2:27:23]: Next issues on the ballot. Thank you. I call on Mozambique. Mozambique [2:27:31]: Mozambique welcomes the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. We wish to reaffirm Mozambique's unwavering commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the foundational principles of the Human Rights Council. Mozambique emphasizes that the promotion and protection of human rights must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of States, while ensuring that international mechanisms remain impartial and non-politicized. We reiterate our belief that sustainable progress in human rights is best achieved through genuine dialogue, mutual respect and international cooperation, rather than through approaches that may deepen division and dissension. We encourage continued engagement between Venezuela and relevant UN mechanisms in accordance with the country's commitment and the principles of cooperation. Mozambique stands ready to support efforts aimed at ensuring that the Human Rights Council remains a platform of consensus-building and support. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · Chair [2:28:43]: Thank you. I call on Turkey. Czechia [2:28:49]: Mr. President, Madam Chair, Czechia aligns itself with the EU statement. We appreciate the fact-finding mission efforts and insights provided in this report. We reiterate our call on Venezuela to engage meaningfully with the fact-finding mission. The current findings have little room for optimism. Human rights in Venezuela are not just under threat, they are being systematically dismantled. We are deeply concerned. about the widespread repression, including intimidation, arbitrary detentions, torture, sexual violence, and targeting of civil society, journalists, and other dissenting voices. Restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly persist, while the access to justice remains limited. These practices violate fundamental rights and also undermine the prospects for meaningful dialogue. Czechia wishes to draw particular attention to the situation of unlawfully and arbitrarily detained persons, including Czech citizen Jan Darmovzal. We urge the Venezuelan authorities to unconditionally release all those deprived of liberty without due process. We emphasize the importance of Venezuela adhering to fundamental norms of international conduct, notably those enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Madame Valenas, given the systematic denial of diplomatic access to detainees, what mechanisms does the fact-finding mission recommend to ensure accountability and international oversight in cases of arbitrary detention? I thank you. President [2:30:21]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Cuba. Cuba [2:30:26]: President, Cuba categorically rejects this hostile and interfering exercise against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. This arbitrarily imposed mechanism is part of a political agenda that uses human rights as a pretext to meddle in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. If you continue to endorse measures which undermine Venezuela's institutions and sovereignty, then you're going to harm human rights and undermine the Council's credibility. You can't use this body as blackmail against countries from the global South. The Council must explore mechanisms of genuine cooperation with Venezuela under terms which are mutually agreed. If you want to contribute to defending human rights in Venezuela, then the inhuman and illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Venezuelan people must be lifted immediately. We reiterate our solidarity with the Venezuelan Government and people in view of the US Government's escalation to justify military aggression against Venezuela, which is against international law and the UN Charter. We urge the international community to stop the aggression and preserve Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Thank you. President [2:31:59]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Austria. Austria [2:32:03]: Thank you, Mr. President. Austria aligns with the EU statement and welcomes the report by the fact-finding mission. We fully support the mission's important work in documenting human rights violations in Venezuela. We are deeply concerned about the repression and harassment against dissenting voices, members of the opposition, civil society, human rights. Defenders, journalists and other media workers, as well as the lawyers. The continued reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and deaths in detention are alarming and unacceptable. Austria calls on the Venezuelan Government to cease all forms of repression of the civic and democratic space. Including the censorship of independent media, as well as to immediately release all political prisoners and arbitrarily detained, including dual and foreign citizens. We further reiterate our call to take immediate steps to effectively end and prevent acts of torture and. Ill-treatment during detention, and to ensure access to adequate medical care for everyone in detention. We reiterate our call on the Venezuelan Government to restore the cooperation with OHCHR and to grant access to international human rights mechanisms. Madam Chair, could you elaborate on the state of civic space in Venezuela? And what are your recommendations to address this? HRC · Chair [2:33:09]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Ukraine. Ukraine [2:33:15]: Mr. President, Ukraine thanks the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for its report, which documents grave and systematic human rights violations in Venezuela. We are deeply concerned that serious abuses remain widespread and systematic, reflecting governance practices that erode fundamental rights and freedoms. The 2024 presidential elections, marked by irregularities and intimidation, were followed by mass arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances and repression of political opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders. The mission's findings of torture, including sexual and gender-based violence, as well as excessive force leading to extrajudicial killings, point to a deliberate state policy of silencing dissent. The absence of judicial independence and the climate of impunity further entrench authoritarian rule. Ukraine deplores Venezuela's continued attempts to justify Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including the deliberate targeting of civilians. Such positions are morally indefensible and reveal contempt for international law and human rights. We call on Venezuela to release all arbitrarily detained persons, end repressions, and fully cooperate with international human rights mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:34:39]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Turkije. Türkiye [2:34:45]: Mr. President, We reiterate our wish that Venezuela embarks on a road towards a prosperous future so that the people of Venezuela will reach higher standards of living and fully enjoy their human rights. We maintain our strong belief that any issue, including those in the field of human rights, can only be solved through encompassing dialogue and cooperation among the Venezuelans themselves. The reestablishment of the presence of the OHCHR in Venezuela is important. Turkey, as a matter of principle, does not join unilateral sanctions. Unilateral coercive methods have negative impacts on the daily life. Of Venezuelans, as well as on companies and citizens of other states. Turkey, we continue to stand by Venezuela for its stability and prosperity. Thank you. President [2:35:29]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia [2:35:37]: Thank you, President. My country's delegation has carefully studied the report on the human rights situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We hail the efforts deployed by the Venezuelan Government in this area, and we also appreciate its regular cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner. Saudi Arabia reiterates the importance of dialogue and cooperation, which is free from selectivity, because this is the best way of promoting and protecting human rights. We have to take the challenges faced by different countries into consideration. And so we would like to insist on the fact that tangible progress can only be made when there is sincere dialogue and cooperation with the country concerned, which is constructive and takes national priorities into consideration. I thank you. President [2:36:38]: I call on distinguished representative Belarus. Belarus [2:36:44]: Thank you, President. The fact-finding mission in Venezuela, established without the agreement of its government, continues to show a biased approach to its work, using clearly one-sided and arbitrarily selected sources. Such mechanisms by nature cannot be objective and do not help international cooperation on human rights. Currently, the international situation in the Caribbean and Latin America is one of extreme tension. Belarus condemns any aggressive acts motivated by unfounded and politically motivated accusations against sovereign states, including Venezuela. In international relations, it is crucial strictly to comply with the UN Charter above all the principles of non-use of force or threat of use of force, and any disputes must be settled peacefully through dialogue without armed force and political or sanctions pressure. Venezuela confirms its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and its support to the lawfully elected government in efforts to protect sovereignty and independence, we call on the human rights system to stop the pressure based on speculation regarding the internal political situation or to make a true contribution to the human rights of the people of Venezuela. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:37:57]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Yemen. Yemen [2:38:06]: Thank you, President. The delegation of Yemen has taken note of the report from the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. We hail the Venezuelan government's measures to cooperate with human rights mechanisms. It has successfully concluded its Universal Periodic Review and has presented its periodic reports to a number of different treaty bodies and has accepted visits from special procedures. We encourage the Venezuelan Government to pursue this constructive approach with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In this context, we would like to reiterate the importance of respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in their domestic affairs, which is in line with the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter. We must refrain from unilateral measures which could exacerbate the suffering of people and undermine efforts to promote and protect human rights. Thank you, President. HRC · Chair [2:39:18]: Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of New Zealand. I call on the distinguished representative of Sudan. Sudan [2:39:37]: Thank you, President. We have taken note of the report on the human rights situation in Venezuela and the recommendations contained therein. We hail the efforts to promote and protect human rights in Venezuela, particularly the holding of elections in that country. We also pay tribute to Venezuela's cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review treaty body and special procedures mandate holders. We would like to encourage Venezuela to pursue its efforts in all areas of human rights. We respect Venezuela's national choices and priorities. We would like to ask the fact-finding mission what are the consequences of the unilateral coercive measures on Venezuela. Are they harming Venezuela's development? And what are your recommendations to move beyond this? Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:40:41]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [2:40:47]: Thank you, Mr. President. The delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea shares the deep concern of a large number of states from Latin America and the Caribbean regarding the recent deployment of United States military forces to the region. We reject, in the strongest terms, the threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In this regard, we call upon the United States to refrain from further military escalation and hostile actions against Venezuela, which only heighten tensions and threaten regional stability. Such actions are in flagrant violation of the principles of the UN Charter, including the sovereign equality of states, the prohibition of the threat and use of force, and the principles of non-interference. We further express our concerns over the continued imposition of politically motivated resolutions and unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela, and reaffirm our full solidarity with the people and the government of Venezuela. We urge all the parties to respect the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela and call upon the United States to cease the destabilizing actions so that Latin America and the Caribbean may continue to remain a region of peace. I thank you. HRC · Chair [2:42:15]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Poland. Poland [2:42:20]: Mr. President, Poland aligns itself with the EU statement. Poland thanks the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela for presenting the report. We highly appreciate work of the all UN mandated parties focused on the protection, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, combating violence and restoring democracy in the country. We remain deeply concerned by the findings of the report, in particular by the scale of prosecution of the human rights defenders, activities and independent voices. Poland urged the authorities of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to take immediate measures to halt, remedy and prevent all human rights violations in the country. We echo EU's calls on the Venezuelan government to cooperate actively and genuinely with United Nations human rights protection bodies and mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:43:23]: I call on the distinguished representative of Burundi. Burundi [2:43:28]: President, we have taken note of the report. Burundi remains convinced that all nations strive to improve the human rights situation and thus The basis for this must be constructive cooperation, inclusive dialogue between States. With this in mind, country-specific mandates without the consent of the concerned country violate the universal principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Regrettably, this leads to politicization of the Council's work. States' sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The primacy of state responsibility regarding promoting and protecting human rights must be taken into consideration. With this in mind, we pay a warm tribute to the Government of Venezuela's commitment to cooperating with the Council and its mechanisms, particularly the Universal Periodic Review. which shows that it stands ready to be assessed voluntarily by its peers. But it's also cooperated well with other UN treaty bodies. Lastly, we believe that this Council is an important tool for promoting human rights, but we must strive constantly to ensure that its work isn't politicized. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:44:51]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Ireland. Ireland [2:44:55]: Thank you, Mr. President. Ireland aligns with the EU statement and would like to thank the fact-finding mission for its report. Ireland is deeply concerned by the widespread perpetration of human rights violations against opposition members, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, LGBTIQ+ persons, and indigenous peoples in Venezuela. The continued censorship and repression of dissenting voices is deeply concerning, particularly in the lead-up to, during, and following the 2024 presidential elections, as documented in the FFM's report. We urgently call for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling civil society space in which civil society organisations can operate free from harassment, intimidation, threat or reprisals. Ireland strongly condemns the reported acts of torture, including sexual and gender-based violence, and deaths of detainees in state custody. We reiterate the mission's call on the authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of arbitrarily detained prisoners. including those arrested before the electoral period, and for the provision of adequate and timely medical care to all detainees. We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate all human rights violations and abuses and hold those responsible to account. Ireland remains fully supportive of efforts to facilitate a Venezuelan-led dialogue to restore democracy and rule of law, respecting the will of the Venezuelan people. Ms. Valinas, what steps can the international community take to support civil society actors and victims of this protracted human rights crisis? Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:46:22]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Japan. Japan [2:46:28]: Thank you, Mr. President. We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Venezuela. In this regard, Japan appreciates the efforts made by OHCHR to continue its engagement in Venezuela under challenging circumstances. At the same time, we expect to see the prompt return of all OSCHR personnel to the country and expeditious conclusion of the new memorandum of understanding between OSCHR 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 reports from OHCHR pointing to continued arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance. Japan continues to call for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including foreign nationals. Japan is also concerned about the consequences of the Act on the Control, Regularization, Operations, and Financing of Non-Governmental 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 the country in a manner that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people. I thank you. HRC · Chair [2:47:47]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Ethiopia. Ethiopia [2:47:53]: Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia's position is grounded in the principles of respect for sovereignty, noninterference in the internal affairs of states, and the promotion of peaceful dialogue and cooperation while addressing human rights challenges globally. We firmly believe that any action in this regard must be based on a balanced, impartial, and objective approach, free from double standards and politicization. Ethiopia maintains that country-specific mechanisms established without the consent of the state concerned are counterproductive. Such approaches undermines trust, politicize the council's work, and hinder meaningful cooperation. We advocate for constructive engagement based on dialogue, mutual respect, and nationally driven solutions. Ethiopia advocates for capacity building and technical assistance that is constructive, non-coercive, and respect of state sovereignty. We also remain committed to the UPR process as a valuable platform for enhancing human rights through dialogue and cooperation. To this end, we acknowledge and appreciate Venezuela's constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process, including its commitment to the implementing accepted recommendations. Furthermore, we support and encourage it is a strengthened engagement with the OHCHR and other relevant UN bodies. I thank you. HRC · Chair [2:49:17]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Bolivia. Bolivia (Plurinational State of) [2:49:23]: Thank you, President. Bolivia doesn't support the imposition of mandates that don't have the support of the country concerned. If you don't have constructive dialogue, then you won't achieve genuine progress in the area of human rights, nor achieve progress. These mandates don't work with the authorities, they're not on the ground, and they don't get plural sources of information to reflect the real reality of the country. These mandates just promote division and enhance polarisation, as we've seen in so many cases. We also reject the instrumentalization for exerting political pressure and which try to isolate some states as well. So we raise our concern and rejection of mobilization of US forces in the region and the use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Venezuela. President, we reiterate our support and solidarity for the Venezuelan people who've resisted a number of attacks on them, such as the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, which have a deleterious impact on the human rights of Venezuelan people. We urge the Council once again to launch a genuine dialogue cooperation with Venezuela. Thank you very much. HRC · Chair [2:50:56]: Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic [2:51:01]: Thank you, President. The Dominican Republic would like to thank the International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its report. We have taken note of Venezuela's efforts to meet its international obligations. Nevertheless, we must express our concern at the report's conclusions. In this light, the Dominican Republic would like to encourage the Venezuelan authorities to step up their efforts to fully meet their international human rights obligations by ensuring civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for the entire population. The Dominican Republic reiterates It's solidarity for the fraternal people of Venezuela, and we remain ready to support you in this process in the firm belief that respect for human rights is the bedrock for shared peace and prosperity. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:52:02]: Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso [2:52:07]: Thank you, President. My delegation would like to bid a warm welcome to the delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We've taken note of the report. We hail the holding of presidential and legislative elections, which have helped strengthen Venezuela's institutions. progress has been made in promoting and protecting human rights through, inter alia, the implementation of the national human rights plan, active cooperation with the Council and its mechanisms, and treaty bodies. My delegation hopes that Venezuela's human rights efforts will be supported and recognised in strict respect for Venezuela's sovereignty and independence. Venezuela repeats that we must urgently act in line with the principles and goals of the UN Charter without resorting to coercion, selectivity and politicization of human rights. Thank you. HRC · Chair [2:53:17]: These were the last speakers that we could accommodate. So we're now going to turn to the list of speakers from non-governmental organizations. And I would like to give the floor first of all to Aula Abierta by video. Aula Abierta · NGO representative [2:53:31]: Thank you. I speak as a survivor of a clandestine torture center in Venezuela reported by this fact-finding mission. Today, we've recorded at least 70 people who are seriously ill in prison. Four of them are adolescents, 12 human rights defenders, there are 133 women, almost 100 foreign citizens, and over 12 university teachers, and over 130 people who've been forcibly disappeared. Using data from the NGO Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón, we've identified 92 places of detention. This is unprecedented. It shows how serious the situation is. Corruption compounds the situation of prisoners. because families are facing extortion when they visit prisons and try to take food, medicine and water. We call upon the Council to strengthen the mission's mandate to preserve evidence and analyse command change and fight corruption. We call upon the Council to cooperate actively with the mission, share information and publicly publish any obstacles to its work. work and to drive full cooperation with the Office, Special Procedures and the Red Cross so that they have access to places of detention, and also coordinate on accountability, using the mission's findings to support the prosecution service, the ICC and other courts. There's a lot to be done. HRC · Chair [2:54:58]: Thank you. Thank you. I call on the Centre for Justice and International Law by video. CEJIL · NGO representative [2:55:07]: We denounce that following the elections on 28 July 2024, there's been a new wave of repression against human rights defenders in Venezuela. HRC · Chair [2:55:20]: The interpreters would like to inform you that the sound quality is too poor for interpretation and interpretation is suspended. CEJIL · NGO representative [2:55:29]: Ninguno tuvo base legal ni notificación. Las personas se enteraron al viajar o revisar el sistema oficial. En algunos casos, hubo detenciones en aeropuertos, interrogatorios y confiscación de documentos, incluso anulaciones a familiares, entre ellos niños, y dobles anulaciones tras renovar el pasaporte. Este patrón arbitrario e ilegal que continúa ocurriendo ha sido la antesala de ataques más graves, como criminalización, desapariciones forzadas y detenciones ilegales. El caso de Eduardo Torres, defensor de PROBEA y beneficiario de medidas cautelares de la CIDH, lo ejemplifica con claridad. Tras la anulación de su pasaporte en 2024, Eduardo fue desaparecido forzadamente en mayo de 2025 y hoy sigue detenido, incomunicado y sin un debido proceso. Venezuela se encuentra al borde del cierre total de su espacio cívico. Exhortamos al Consejo a actuar con urgencia para evitarlo y a exigir la liberación inmediata de Eduardo Torres y de todas las personas defensoras de derechos humanos detenidas arbitrariamente. Gracias. HRC · Chair [2:56:29]: Thank you. I call on Engineer Dumont for a joint statement. Engineer [2:56:38]: This report confirms what Venezuelans know only too well. Nicolas Maduro hangs on to power through systematic repression, torture and electoral fraud. Venezuela is not an imperfect democracy, it is a power structure which has destroyed the rule of law, collapsed the economy, caused a complex humanitarian crisis leading to the displacement of a third of the population. It's this structure which is at the heart of the current crisis, as we can see from today's report, documenting enforced disappearance, torture against detainees, imprisonment of children on charges of terrorism. Venezuelans are only too aware of this situation. Ten years ago, I was sentenced to 14 years in prison because I denounced Maduro as being corrupt and a drug trafficker. And this is what has been proven by this report. Let's be clear, Venezuela has a political problem and a problem with organized crime. In 2020, the United Nations recognized that there was a cartel. It's not just a clandestine outfit, it's a state which is drug trafficking and which is extorting people and money laundering. Venezuela's president has gripped to power through the support of Russia, China, Iran and Cuba, even though Edmundo Gonzalez won the elections. We must call on the Council to support a democratic transition. HRC · Chair [2:58:09]: Thank you, and I call on the next speaker, which is Asti Oier. Asti Oier [2:58:15]: President, I come to this as Council representing Aste Oier, I represent thousands of Spanish citizens who denounce Zapatero's collaboration with Maduro, followed up by today's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. They have been importing the same policies of Maduro attacking dissidents and killing freedom. And the net around, uh, Sanchez is tightening. They, he and his family are accused of cooperation, uh, corruption. So we have too many Secretary Generals of the Socialist Party who are in the hands of the justice system. Pedro Sanchez is known as the corrupt one. Zapatero and Sanchez and others are denouncing journalists seeking truth and judges who are impartial. Spaniards are not going to put up with this. They've had to flee because of accusations against them. So, we must make sure this network linking Spain and Venezuelan leaders be investigated. There are those also who have failed to defend freedom and they're part of the problem. HRC · Chair [2:59:52]: I invite you constantly to refer to governments and members of government in a language that is usually used in the UN context, a language that is respectful, and also to focus your contributions and interventions on the issues on the agenda. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, that brings us to the end of this meeting. 00 p.m. to continue the interactive dialogue with the fact-finding mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and start the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Russian Federation, followed by the interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. That brings this meeting of the Human Rights Council to an end. Have a pleasant lunch.