Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Arria-formula Meeting, "Violations of international humanitarian law against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees"
2025/1/13
(As delivered)
Thank you Chair for convening this meeting, and I express sincere gratitude to the four briefers for their sobering briefings, especially for courageously sharing such painful experiences.
In the nearly three years since Russia launched its unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, the very principles of the UN Charter have been continually and systematically violated.
Japan remains profoundly troubled by and reiterates its strongest condemnation against Russia’s clear and persistent disregard of international humanitarian law including the International Commission of Inquiry’s grave findings on the use of torture.
Japan strongly condemns the widespread and systematic nature of the use of torture, including sexual violence as a form of torture, carried out against both Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war and committed openly with an apparent sense of impunity by Russian authorities. Any acts of war crimes and violations of human rights must be met with accountability.
As the General Assembly resolution 79/184 urges, Russia must provide reliable information on the whereabouts of detained Ukrainian citizens, including prisoners of war, and release all residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine who have been unlawfully arrested or detained. Japan also strongly condemns child abductions by Russia and urges Russia to repatriate abducted children immediately.
Those found to be responsible for human rights abuses and violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be held accountable before an independent and impartial judiciary.
Chair,
In conclusion, Japan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people and will continue to stand by Ukraine.
Japan is firmly committed to supporting the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace rooted in the principles of the UN Charter.
I thank you.
In the nearly three years since Russia launched its unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, the very principles of the UN Charter have been continually and systematically violated.
Japan remains profoundly troubled by and reiterates its strongest condemnation against Russia’s clear and persistent disregard of international humanitarian law including the International Commission of Inquiry’s grave findings on the use of torture.
Japan strongly condemns the widespread and systematic nature of the use of torture, including sexual violence as a form of torture, carried out against both Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war and committed openly with an apparent sense of impunity by Russian authorities. Any acts of war crimes and violations of human rights must be met with accountability.
As the General Assembly resolution 79/184 urges, Russia must provide reliable information on the whereabouts of detained Ukrainian citizens, including prisoners of war, and release all residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine who have been unlawfully arrested or detained. Japan also strongly condemns child abductions by Russia and urges Russia to repatriate abducted children immediately.
Those found to be responsible for human rights abuses and violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be held accountable before an independent and impartial judiciary.
Chair,
In conclusion, Japan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people and will continue to stand by Ukraine.
Japan is firmly committed to supporting the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace rooted in the principles of the UN Charter.
I thank you.