National statement Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Mr President,
Sweden aligns itself with the EU statement.
We are utterly appalled by the findings of the Commission of Inquiry and share its concerns with the number, the geographic spread, and the gravity of the violations of international law that have been documented.
We condemn the widespread and systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy-related infrastructure and the use of torture by Russian authorities that, according to the Commission’s report, may amount to crimes against humanity.
The Commission has found that Russian armed forces have carried out indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, in clear violation of IHL, and war crimes such as wilful killings, rape, forced transfers and deportations of children have been committed.
Mr President,
The primary reason for us having this agenda item today is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We fully support Ukraine’s and the international community’s efforts to ensure accountability for Russia’s crimes in and against Ukraine, including the crime of aggression. The decision by the ICC to issue arrest warrants against President Putin and Commissioner for Children’s Rights Lvova-Belova, for the alleged war crimes of unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of children, sends a strong message on accountability.
Chair, what can the international community do to further support the Commission’s work?
I thank you.
