30th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Agenda item 3
Clustered interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
Intervention by the Permanent Representative of Ukraine
Ambassador Yurii Klymenko
16 September 2015
Mr. President,
Let me commend the activities of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances on all the issues of critical importance.
Occupation with further illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and Russia’s subversive activities in the southeast of my country made enforced and involuntary disappearances a serious problem in Ukraine, which is clearly reflected in the recent OHCHR report.
The dire situation is being faced by Crimean Tatars in the temporary occupied territory of Crimea. Having pro-Ukrainian views and refusing to accept the annexation of the peninsula they often become victims of such crimes. To our grave concern, the disappearances of the Crimean Tatars have become a strategy of the de-facto authorities to spread terror within the Tatar society.
There is also increase of involuntary disappearances in the territories of Luhansk and Donetsk regions controlled by Russia-backed illegal armed groups, which use such methods for intimidating locals.
Having in mind that no circumstances may be invoked to justify enforced disappearances, the Government of Ukraine is focused on strengthening the joint efforts with the Working Group to prevent and eradicate this phenomenon in my country within its internationally recognized borders.
Ukraine has stepped on the path of comprehensive reforms with human rights at their core. Last June, President of Ukraine signed the Law on accession to the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance. Currently relevant authorities are carrying out necessary procedures to make it come into force for Ukraine.
We are grateful for all the support that has been provided by the Working Group and count on future fruitful cooperation to overcome challenges Ukraine faces nowadays.
Thank you.