Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Arria-formula meeting on “violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law investigated by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.
 
I would like to thank the UK, Albania, and US Missions for convening this important meeting. I also thank the members of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for their briefing.
 
Japan is deeply concerned that the Commission has found various violations of human rights and humanitarian law and related crimes by Russian authorities in various regions of Ukraine and in the Russian Federation.
 
The report discusses evidence of a large number of war crimes committed in Ukraine, which include willful killing, torture, rape and other sexual violence, and the deportation of children. The Commission also concluded that Russian armed forces committed indiscriminate attacks on civilians using explosive weapons.
 
The report also shares many painful testimonies of victims and survivors. One survivor shared how their co-detainees passed away following severe torture. Others shared how they were told that their children will not return to them.
 
These findings and testimonies are distressing and heart-wrenching. The pain and suffering of victims and survivors in Ukraine are immeasurable. These violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law cause not only immediate suffering, but also long-lasting pain and trauma for civilians. We will continue to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors, and with the people of Ukraine as a whole.
 
Japan will not tolerate impunity for those responsible and perpetrators of such acts must be identified and held accountable. Japan attaches great importance to the rule of law, and we closely monitor with grave interest the development of the ICC investigation in Ukraine, and findings from the Commission and the OHCHR Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
 
Innocent civilians would not have suffered if it were not for Russia’s war of aggression. We already see too many cases of human rights violations, and we cannot tolerate even one more. We urge Russia to withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, and not to cause further atrocities.
 
I thank you, Mr. Chair.