Statement of the Lublin Triangle States on violence against women
20 June 2022, 50th session of the Human Rights Council Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences Statement on behalf of Lublin Triangle countries (Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine) delivered by H.E. Ambassador Darius Staniulis, Permanent Representative of Lithuania in Geneva
Mr. President,
The Lublin Triangle countries, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her report, in which she refers to the negative impact of armed conflicts and mentions the situation in Crimea as one of the examples.
Yesterday we marked the International day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts. It was a pertinent occasion to recall that thousands of women and girls still face gross human rights violations and inhumane treatment.
Russia’s brutal and unprovoked military aggression in Ukraine causes yet another humanitarian crisis in the world disproportionately affecting women and girls. Ongoing sexual and gender-based violence, growing numbers of rape testimonials of Ukrainian women are extremely concerning and require special attention of international community.
Unfortunately, sexual crimes are often underreported due to existing fear and stigma. The real numbers of the victims in Ukraine are likely much higher. Widespread sexual and gender-based violence is used as a weapon of war to humiliate, intimidate and terrorize all the population. The perpetrators are still enjoying persisting impunity and continuously cause suffering on thousands of Ukrainian women and girls. This must end and all those responsible must be held to account.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
How can we better protect women and girls in Ukraine and help to ensure justice and accountability for ongoing gross human rights violations and abuses?
I thank you.
