Remarks at the Arria-Formula Meeting Convened by Russia on Alleged Violations of International Humanitarian Law by Ukrainian Forces

Thank you Chair,

We have listened with concern to the serious allegations of violation of international humanitarian law in Ukraine.

We also recall the charges of similar gravity during the Arria-Formula meeting on "ensuring accountability for atrocities committed in Ukraine" held last week on 27 April.

Our solidarity is with the people of Ukraine who are suffering from the attacks, atrocities and war crimes underway. We offer their families and friends our deepest condolences.

We also recognise the agony to survivors and families that comes with the deliberate or accidental distortion of their experiences in the public record.

As such, we must observe that there are unprecedented efforts by multiple organised state and non-state actors to shape the information environment. To the extent that charges of human rights violations, rather than being the basis of a ceasefire, mediation and accountability, are part of the strategic conflict.

As individual delegations, we lack the mandate and ability to verify the reports we are receiving from the media.

Fortunately, the United Nations has the credibility and means to undertake a thorough investigation into the human rights violations underway in Ukraine.

To deliver on this responsibility, three actions are required:

First, all allegations, from all parties, should be treated seriously by the Council and relevant UN bodies.

Second, all conflicting parties, including those making allegations of human rights abuses or who stand accused, should agree to prompt, independent, and impartial investigations.

Third, all conflicting parties should cooperate with the UN organs and agencies charged with the responsibility to conduct investigations and abide by the findings thereof.

Chair, we urge the conflicting parties to beware the risk of escalation that may grow in line with the inflamed public mood due to these serious allegations. The combination of angry domestic and global publics, the emerging rhetoric of this war having existential implications, and advanced weaponry can make this catastrophe markedly worse.

We further urge all mainstream media and social media outlets to be extremely careful in their verification processes, and their detection and disruption of organised cyber-operations using atrocities as one more dimension of war.

Finally, we remind the parties of their obligations under article 2(2) of the Charter.

I thank you.