Statement by: Yunei Kim, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the UN
As delivered

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has inflicted tragic loss of life and catastrophic damage.

Australia welcomes the ongoing investigations of the Commission, including into whether the torture, and attacks on energy infrastructure, committed by Russia's armed forces may amount to crimes against humanity.

We deplore Russia's forcible transfer and deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children. It has torn families apart and we join all those calling for the safe return of Ukraine's abducted children.

We honour the bravery of those reporting the cruel acts they have endured or witnessed. These efforts will underpin accountability and justice: for Ukraine, and the victims and survivors of these crimes.

We honour civil society working to support victims and survivors of war crimes. We recognise that, in addition to physical recovery, mental health and psychosocial support can be lifesaving.

As the UN, we have a responsibility to call out Russia's egregious behaviour. We urge the permanent members of the UN Security Council to continue to pressure Russia to end this war.

Australia asks: What more can the international community do to end this terrible war and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are held to account?