26th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Agenda item 4
General Debates
Statement by the Permanent Representative of Ukraine
Ambassador Yurii Klymenko
June 23, 2014
Mr. President,
The human rights situation on the territory of my country remains alarming because of illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and nonstop terrorist activities in the Eastern Ukraine. This was reconfirmed by the OHCHR in its 3rd report on Ukraine of 15 June.
Bringing stabilization to Eastern regions and stopping vast human rights violations are the main objectives of the recently promulgated President Poroshenko’s Peace Plan. It foresees immediate suspension of the counterterrorist operation and includes disarmament of illegally armed groups, release of all hostages, chance for mercenaries to leave Ukraine and amnesty for those who did not commit serious crimes.
It also envisages maintenance of the all-national dialogue on new Constitution, decentralization of power, early local and parliamentary elections as well as creation of new jobs in the region.
The Plan has already been welcomed by the world leaders and reputable international organizations, including the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe.
We also took note of supportive position of the Russian Federation declared at the highest level. Being vitally keen on successful implementation of the Plan, we call on the Russian Federation to turn words of principal support into practical deeds if it indeed cares on the human rights situation and truly interested in stabilization of the situation in the East of my country. That would be the best way to make the Plan viable and effective.
To improve the human rights situation we are open for cooperation, in particular with the OHCHR. It is in this context Ukraine requested extension of the mandate of the UN Monitoring Mission for another 3 months. In the same mainstream we are promoting our draft resolution under item 10 on cooperation and assistance to Ukraine.
I am confident, with Russia switching from its subversive activities to effectual backing of the mentioned Peace Plan and with appropriate technical assistance provided by the Office, we will soon overcome current challenges and ensure proper protection of all human rights across the whole country, including its temporarily occupied territory.
Thank you.