Human Rights Council - 61^st Session
Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine
Statement delivered by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countires
26 March 2026

Mr President,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the update.

Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have devastating consequences for civilians. Despite international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, Russia has shown no genuine willingness to end its aggression and continues its deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy systems. The UN has concluded that 2025 was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022.

Beyond the senseless destruction, thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported or forcibly transferred, separated from their families, subjected to indoctrination and stripped of their identity, language and nationality.

The Commission of Inquiry recently reported that these systemic attempts to permanently separate Ukrainian children from Ukraine amount to crimes against humanity. Further, we are deeply concerned by violations during criminal proceedings, including torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence to obtain evidence against civilians and prisoners of war.

These actions must not go unpunished. Full accountability must be ensured through all available international mechanisms.

Accountability for grave violations of international law, including the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and human rights law is essential to uphold the rules-based international order. Power must not prevail over law.

We call on this Council to act within the remit of its mandate to ensure that those responsible are held to account.

I thank you.