HRC61 – Oral Statement on the situation in Ukraine

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 61st Session

Statement by Legal Action Worldwide (LAW)

Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

12 March 2026

Mr. Vice-President, Commissioner, Excellencies,

Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are languishing in Russian detention facilities, snatched from their homes and often subjected to torture.  

The Commission of Inquiry and other bodies have brought to light Ukrainian detention condition on many occasions. But let us say it one more time: 

These people are hostages – held without access to fair trial and used as bargaining chips.  

Ukrainian civilian detainees must be released unconditionally, not exchanged. Yet when Ukrainian and international organizations submit complaints and requests on their behalf, Russia remains silent.  

Russia systematically fails to engage with the mechanisms established by States and this very Council.  

What is the use of these mechanisms if they are a one-way street?  

We urge all states to reaffirm thatgood faith engagement with these mechanismsis a crucial aspect of treaty compliance. Without accountability, human rights become an empty promise.  

The Commission of Inquiry’s reports are an essential step to establishing the truth, but they must be supported.  

Mr Commissioner, what steps can the Commission take to ensure the Russian Federation’s engagement and compliance with the Treaty Bodies and other mechanisms?