62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Interactive dialogue - Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression
Statement by the Lublin Triangle States – Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine – delivered by the Permanent Representative of Lithuania in Geneva Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Lublin Triangle States – Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report. Freedom of opinion and expression is vital for protecting all human rights.
While the words "new frontiers" in the title of your report evokes AI and rising new technologies, for most Ukrainians, residing in temporarily occupied territories, “new frontiers” (with inverted commas) has a brutal, literal meaning. People once living peacefully in their hometowns now face systemic silencing, censorship, digital surveillance, and the prohibition of usage of the Ukrainian language. Speaking out against Russia’s war of aggression results in severe penalties.
Near the “new frontiers”, or rather frontlines of Russia's war, local journalists have been forced to become war correspondents or direct targets. Since the 2022 invasion, at least 21 journalists have been killed, 53 injured, and 26 remain detained by Russia.
We welcome your new guidelines on the protection of journalists working in armed conflicts. They are as relevant as ever. We commend the courage of those who continue to report from Ukraine and other war zones worldwide, providing truth and preserving the historical record.
Madame Rapporteur, what measures are most effective in ensuring accountability for crimes against journalists and ending the persistent culture of impunity?
Thank you.
