Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update on Ukraine- Statement by Ireland
Human Rights Council 33rd Session (13-30 September 2016)
Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner Oral Update on Ukraine
27 September 2016
Ireland aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and adds the following.
Mr President,
Ireland wishes to express its sincere appreciation for this latest update on the human rights situation in Ukraine and for the invaluable work of the OHCHR and the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
Despite some improvements in human rights, Ireland is concerned about the reported dramatic rise in civilian casualties of the conflict in recent months, the increase in cases of arbitrary detention and forced disappearance, and reports of torture, including by sexual violence, and violence against civilians that continue in the territories of eastern Ukraine. These serious violations are worrying as they occur in a context of impunity, with no accountability or avenues of redress open to victims.
We are concerned that this deteriorating human rights situation risks undermining the Minsk Agreements, whose full implementation is the only viable option to resolve the conflict. Furthermore, the holding of elections by the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s republics” outside the legal framework of Ukraine would be yet another step away from full compliance with the Minsk Agreements.
Ireland is also concerned at the situation in the Crimean peninsula, where the right to peaceful assembly has been increasingly curtailed. We are concerned at the disproportionate targeting of minorities, including the leader of the Mejlis, Ilmi Umerov, as well as the Tatar community.
Ireland is concerned at the difficulties faced by those displaced by the conflict, especially in regard to their economic and social rights and would welcome your assessment of the current situation of IDPs in Ukraine.
Thank you.
