Statement of Lithuania on human rights situation in Mariupol, Ukraine
16 June, 2022 Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Oral Update on Mariupol Delivered by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Darius Staniulis
Thank you, Mr. President,
Lithuania thanks the High Commissioner for her oral update and aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.
After heavy bombardments and death of thousands of civilians, the ruined city of Mariupol became a symbol of brave and courageous Ukrainian people, defending their right to exist as a nation, as an independent sovereign state.
Mariupol and its residents have suffered from targeted killings and executions, sexual and gender based violence, torture, forced deportations, including of children, and their illegal adoption in Russia.
Thus, the international community must seek full accountability for all human rights and international humanitarian law violations, war crimes, bloodshed of 22 thousand innocent people of Mariupol, including women and children, committed by Russia.
Moreover, we strongly condemn any attempts by Russia to replace democratically elected and legitimate administration and to set up illegitimate alternative administrative structures in Mariupol. Such steps are in violation of international law and of Ukraine’s Constitution. They undermine sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and will not be recognised.
Madam High Commissioner, war prisoners from Mariupol, mostly from the Azovstal steel plant, who surrendered and were taken to Russia, now are tortured, ill-treated, and facing proceedings there. How to protect their human rights?
I thank you.
