UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Thank you, Mr President, and thank you to the Commission of Inquiry for your work to highlight serious concerns of violations of international law by the Russian Federation.

Since its establishment in March 2022, the Commission on Ukraine has documented the worst of Russia's crimes. Russia's policy to deport, indoctrinate and militarise Ukrainian children is deplorable.

The Commission's report in May this year revealed Russia to be carrying out systematic drone attacks on civilians: innocent civilians intentionally targeted in the street, and ambulances carrying critical medical aid.

At the time of reporting, in riverfront areas under Ukrainian government control, nearly 150 civilians had been killed by Russian drones. And the attacks have only increased in their intensity. Earlier this month, Russia launched its largest air attack of the war, firing 810 drones and 13 missiles into Ukrainian cities, killing five civilians, including a mother and her two-month-old baby. In another, just two days later, a single Russian drone attack killed 25 people as they queued for their pensions. There are multiple such tragic examples which could be cited.

According to the Commission, these attacks, which are designed to instil fear, amount to both war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.

How can we better support the victims of drone attacks and their families, including those who have been displaced following drone attacks?

Thank you.