Human Rights Council – 60^th Session

Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Accountability

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Delivered by the Kingdom of Denmark on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine

19 September 2025

Mr. President,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine’.

At the heart of international human rights law lies an absolute prohibition of torture under all circumstances without exception. Torture can never be justified.

Despite this, Ukrainians have endured grave suffering at the hands of Russian forces. Survivors have described beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment which would constitute flagrant violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Distinguished members of the Commission of Inquiry,

Your reporting has been clear. So has the reporting of the Special Procedures of this very Council, most recently of the Special Rapporteur on Torture. You have gathered evidence throughout the years to document this wide range of violations – some of which you have noted amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.  This includes the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of children. 

There can be no impunity for these crimes. Alleged violations need to be further investigated and with Russia’s recent announcement of withdrawing from the European Convention against Torture, your work becomes even more crucial. The victims deserve justice. And the perpetrators must be held to account. 

Our Group reiterate its unwavering commitment to your work. We will continue to work collectively to secure accountability, safeguard human rights, and ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We call for sustained resourcing and unhindered operation of the Commission of Inquiry, including safe witness engagement, forensic capacity, and regular public reporting to this Council.

In light of recent developments, how can we ensure progress on the accountability agenda in order to guarantee that formal oversight by international experts can still be carried out as effectively as possible?