Mr. President,

Ukraine is exercising its right to reply with regard to the today’s interventions by the Russian Federation in the Interactive dialogues with special procedure mandate holders. 

First, I would like to remind the UNGA resolutions 68/262 “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”, 73/194 “The problem of militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine), as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov”, resolutions 71/205, 72/190, 73/263 “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and city of Sevastopol (Ukraine)”. 

The last document, in particular, “calls upon all international organizations and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, when referring to Crimea in their official documents, communications and publications, including with regard to statistical data of the Russian Federation, to refer to “the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation”, and encourages all States and other international organizations to do the same”.

Second, the resolution 73/194 as well as others above-mentioned clearly explain the reason for growing ofdefence expenditures in the Ukrainian budget. We have to spend more money to defend ourselves from the Russian aggression. The significant amount of military expenditures will be immediately reoriented to the social needs, as soon as the Russian Federation stops its aggression and withdraws its troops from the Ukrainian soil.

Third, with regard to ID on tortures, the Ukrainian delegation reiterates that the serious deterioration of the human rights situation in Donbas was caused solely by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Russian occupying administration continues using the unlawful interrogation practice, torture and the methods of psychological pressure towards the citizens of Ukraine, in violation of international law.

We urge the Russian Federation to halt the practice of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment on occupied Ukrainian territories and implement the above mentioned and other UN documents on the matter.

I thank you.

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