42nd session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3
Clustered interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons and the Special Rapporteur on the right of development
Intervention by Ukraine
(Geneva, September 12, 2019)
Mr. President,
Ukraine welcomes the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons and the Special Rapporteur on the right of development and thanks for their reports.
We note with appreciation the activities undertaken by the Independent Expert during the reporting period and welcome the in-depth analysis of the human rights protection of different groups of older persons in emergency situations provided in her report.
We share the concerns expressed by the Independent Expert regarding the vulnerability of older persons in emergency settings, in particular in the situations of conflict.
For the sixth consecutive year thousands of Ukrainian older persons remain affected by the on-going Russian aggression.
Many of them have become internally displaced as a result of the conflict. The property they are compelled to leave behind is at risk of looting, arbitrary or illegal occupation or further destruction.
On the other hand, those who chose to remain at the places of their permanent residence become more exposed to hazards and risks caused by hostilities.
Furthermore, mobility difficulties, poor health, disability and other age-related challenges make older people more vulnerable when it comes to gaining access to humanitarian assistance.
The Ukrainian government takes all necessary efforts to mitigate the situation older persons affected by the conflict find themselves in and highly values the support provided by the countries and international organizations to that end.
We call on the international community to increase the pressure on the Russian Federation to make it stop aggression against Ukraine, which brings sufferings to thousands of people, older persons in particular.
I thank you.