Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Delivered by New Zealand Permanent Representative, Lucy Duncan.
Mr President,
Aotearoa New Zealand thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its update, which is deeply concerning. We strongly support the mandate of the Commission.
While we are located more than 17,000km from Ukraine, as a small state New Zealand is acutely aware that Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine and ongoing war of aggression affects us all. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
We are appalled at reports – supported by the Commission’s findings - of serious human rights violations that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. We are shocked at evidence of arbitrary detention, torture, summary executions, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence. The accounts of crimes against children are deplorable. We continue to be particularly concerned about the impact of war on women, children, persons with disabilites and other groups in vulnerable situations.
We also condemn the use of weapons in violation of international law and norms, and categorically reject all threats to use nuclear weapons, which would have devastating effects for humanity.
Accountability is critical in upholding international human rights and international humanitarian law.
New Zealand would like to ask the Commission, how does your work complement other UN mandates working in Ukraine?
Thank you, Mr President.