Human Rights Council – 34rd Special Session

12 May 2022

Australian Statement

Thank you, Mr President

Australia condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine. We are appalled by the horrific acts perpetrated by Russian forces in Ukraine including torture, mass executions, rape, starvation and forced deportations, including of children. We are alarmed by reports this week of a Russian airstrike on unarmed civilians sheltering in a school in Luhansk, resulting in the deaths of around 60 civilians. The deliberate targeting of civilians is a war crime.

We are also deeply concerned by the impact of Russian aggression on the global food crisis, particularly its effect on the poorest and most vulnerable in communities across the world.

We call on Russia to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory. Russia must respect its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws and ensure protection and safety for all people, including persons with disabilities, in Ukraine.

The Commission of Inquiry will be critical to investigating and reporting on evidence of abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes (including in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy regions), and to holding perpetrators accountable. 

We strongly reiterate Australia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the people of Ukraine. Australia joins calls for the High Commissioner to report on the situation in Mariupol at the 50th Session of the Human Rights Council.