HRC59: Human Rights Violations in Ukraine's Temporarily Occupied Territories
The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council
16 June – 09 July 2025
Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of SG on human rights on Crimea
03 July 2025
By Andrea Pantazi / GICJ
Executive Summary
During the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Assistant Secretary-General presented the Secretary-General’s interim report on the human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. The presentation triggered widespread condemnation of Russia’s continued violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).
The report details alarming trends such as the forced conscription of Ukrainian civilians, indoctrination of children, arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, and the systemic repression of Ukrainian identity. Numerous states and NGOs reiterated their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, called for justice and accountability, and condemned Russia’s indiscriminate drone attacks on civilians and infrastructure. The Russian Federation did not attend the dialogue, reflecting a continued disregard for the Council’s mechanisms.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the report and reiterates its concern over the human rights and humanitarian law abuses in Ukraine.
Background on the Human Rights Situation in Ukraine
Since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the human rights situation in the country has deteriorated dramatically. The conflict has caused mass civilian casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and severe displacement, with millions forced to flee their homes. As of 2025, large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, including Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, remain under temporary occupation, where the Russian authorities have systematically imposed their control through legal, administrative, and military means.
In these territories, Ukrainian civilians are routinely subjected to violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. These include arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, religion, association, and assembly. Ukrainian cultural identity is being actively suppressed through the banning of language, the erasure of national symbols, and the imposition of Russian curricula in schools.
Despite multiple calls by the United Nations and international actors, the Russian Federation has largely denied access to international human rights monitoring mechanisms in the occupied territories. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has continued efforts to uphold its obligations under international law, though it too has faced criticism for isolated cases of ill-treatment and detention in unofficial facilities.
The Human Rights Council’s 59th Session represents a critical platform for the international community to assess the ongoing abuses, demand accountability, and reinforce support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights protections in the face of continued aggression.
Summary of the Secretary-General’s Report
The Secretary-General’s 2025 interim report to the Human Rights Council, submitted pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 79/184, provides a detailed account of ongoing and systemic human rights violations by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol, during the reporting period from 1 July to 31 December 2024. The report highlights the Russian Federation’s continued imposition of its own legal, administrative, and educational systems in these territories in violation of international humanitarian law. Ukrainian residents have been increasingly coerced into accepting Russian citizenship through discriminatory policies that limit access to healthcare, social benefits, employment, and property rights for those who refuse. The Russian authorities also carried out forced conscription of residents and promoted militarised education for children, including the introduction of military-patriotic youth programs and combat-related school curricula.
The report further documents widespread abuses against civilians and prisoners of war, including arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence. Detainees described systematic beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and inhumane conditions in facilities in both occupied territories and within the Russian Federation. Freedom of expression and religion were severely restricted: residents were prosecuted for displaying Ukrainian symbols, criticising the war, or practicing their faiths, particularly affecting Jehovah’s Witnesses, Crimean Tatars, and Ukrainian Greek Catholics. Journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders also faced intimidation, detention, and disbarment for carrying out their professional duties.
In the realm of economic and social rights, the Russian Federation confiscated private property under claims of abandonment, often targeting those who had fled or refused to accept Russian citizenship. Ukrainian-language education and cultural expression were suppressed, with the Russian curriculum imposed in schools and parents threatened with losing custody of their children if they refused compliance. The Secretary-General concludes that these actions constitute clear violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and urges the Russian Federation to cease forced transfers and conscription, stop the repression of fundamental freedoms, restore education in Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages, reverse property confiscations, and ensure access to independent international monitoring bodies. The report calls on all Member States to support efforts to uphold legal accountability and human dignity in the face of continued occupation.
Interactive Dialogue
Opening Statement – Assistant-Secretary-General
Firstly, the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Human Rights, Ms. Brands Kheris, reiterated the findings in the report of the Secretary-General, stating that ceasefire talks have been stalled and attacks have escalated with bigger civilian casualties, with peak numbers in the summer months. Drone attacks have become more prevalent, harming civilians, especially the elderly. The ASG called on the Russian Federation to cease attacks in line with General Assembly’s Resolution 79/184, ICJ measures, international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law.
The ASG noted some positive developments, including the fact that ceasefire negotiations facilitated the return of hostages and bodies from the occupied territories. These prisoners of war (POWs) were thus able to escape the inhumane conditions they endured in captivity, as reports of torture, inhumane, degrading violence - including sexual violence against Ukranian prisoners of war in Russian captivity - have been recorded.
Ms. Brands Kheris reminded the Council that POWs must be treated in accordance with IHL.
Moreover, Russian prisoners in Ukrainian captivity have documented torture and ill treatment in unofficial detention places as well. Despite repeated requests, the SG has not had access to the occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea.
Statement of Countries Concerned
As the Russian Federation was not present for the discussion, the floor opened to the Ukrainian representative.
The Ambassador of Ukraine commended the SG report as a foundation of future justice. He then went on to detail the attacks in Kyiv by Russia, where many civilian casualties have resulted from aerial attacks. Ukraine upheld its commitments under IHRL and IHL and reiterated its demands for the Russian Federation to do the same.
The representative also strongly condemned Russia's continued denial of its egregious violations, defining such actions as “terrorism celebrated with impunity”.
The Ambassador then reminded the Council that, in the occupied territories of Ukraine, a systematic erasure of the Ukrainian identity is present. For example, the ban of the Ukrainian language in schools, as well as other means, have the potential to do irreparable harm to Ukrainian culture. Moreover, torture, executions, forced detentions and enforced disappearances are defining parts of Russia’s war.
Finally, the representative of Ukraine called on the international community not to normalise Russia’s actions, and commended the establishment of an international special tribunal to investigate Russia’s violations in the framework of the Council of Europe.
Country and Groups Statements
Canada, Korea, Australia, along with many other EU states, commended the SG report and condemned Russia’s IHL and human rights violations. These countries expressed deep alarm about the unlawful deportation and transport of Ukrainian children, and the treatment of the Tatars of Crimea. Moreover, the systematic torture and executions of Ukrainians soliders and civilians was also mentioned. Many states stated that they must support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The EU representative stated that the civilians killed with use of drones or inexplosions with wide effects in urban areas violated IHL, and he condemned in the strongest possible terms the executions of POWs and widespread use of torture. The representative stated that Russia has committed crimes against humanity through these actions and through their unlawful deportations. The delegate also called on Russia to uphold IHRL and IHL and ensure unimpeded access of the ICRC and human rights monitoring mechanisms to prisoners of war and civilian detainees. He finally urged Russia to stop violating children's rights and ensure the return of children and civilian detainees to Ukraine.
A joint statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States was delivered by Ms. Valtonen. Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, who denounced Russia’s unwillingness to seek peace by continuing attacks against Ukrainian civilians. She then moved on to condemn the aerial strikes across Ukraine, which may amount to crimes against humanity, and the continuous unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. Although she commended progress in the exchange of prisoners, Ms. Valtonen expressed concern for the systematic abuses and torture suffered by Ukrainian prisoners and civilians. She finally called for a sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine, upholding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The representative of the Netherlands, speaking on behalf of the 44-members Group of Friends of Accountability for the Aggression against Ukraine, stated that they commend the OHCHR's continuous documentation of human rights and IHL violations in Ukraine. He also posited that drone attacks by the Russian Federation were conducted in violation of IHL ruels, in particular the principle of distinction and precaution. He then call for the investigation of these crimes by international authorities. He thus offered the group's unwavering support and recognition to the work done by the International Criminal Court, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine to end impunity and bring perpetrators to justice. He finally acknowledged the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, as an important step in this direction.
The delegate of Montenegro showed deep alarm by Russian’s missile and drone attacks in urban areas, as more than 6,000 civilians have reportedly been killed in those operations. This was portrayed as a clear demonstration of Russia’s contempt for international law, a blatant disregard for human life, and a lack of sincere intent regarding a ceasefire. They then stated that there is “no lasting peace without justice”.
The delegate of Japan condemned Russia’s actions. He stated that they shake the foundation of international law and the international order, as they create a dangerous precedent. He then reiterated that international human rights law must be upheld in Ukraine, and was alarmed by the large number of civilian casualties. They support the monitoring and assistance of the OHCHR. Japan stands firmly with Ukraine, and reiterates their respect for the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
The representative of Moldova, a neighboring country to Ukraine, stated that they were highly alarmed by the casualty report. The attacks on civilian areas were deemed unacceptable, as they constituted clear violations of IHL. Moldova affirmed its support to ensure accountability and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The delegate of Romania also stated that they align themselves with the statement made by the EU. Direct attacks on critical civilian areas including hospitals constitute IHL violations, and perpetrators need to be held accountable on the international stage. The representative expressed great concern for the forced deportations of children, which led her to conclude her statement by asking what role the international community can play in the support of Ukrainian culture and identity.
The delegate of Spain also supported the SG report. Acknowledging that many contributions had already been made describing the full range of Russia’s violations, he underscored that the absence of Russia’s delegation in the meeting was a clear show of lack of willingness to contribute to the discussions and a lack of respect towards the Council. He then noted that the credibility of the council is often attacked because of its alleged double standards in its action. Because of this, he asked if the SG could identify patterns of systematic violations of human rights in two contexts of foreign occupation: Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and the occupation by Israel of Palestinian territories.
However, states such as Belarus and Eritrea did not align themselves with these statements.
The representative of Belarus stated that the accusations of the OHCHR do not bring peace closer to the region, and stated that the SG report falls outside the scope of international human rights mechanisms. They asked for support for all humanitarian reports between sides, and called for de-escalation and a rapid settlement of peace.
The delegate of Eritrea then stated that Crimea had legitimate democratic vote to be Russian territory, and the state is deeply concerned that this HRC agenda item is being politicised to undermine the Russian Federation. They called the report biased and politicised.
Statements by NGOs and Civil Society
In the statements delivered by NGOs, many thanked the SG for their important report, and called on the Office of the High Commissioner to continue and strengthen their reports on human rights violations in Ukraine. Some called for an immediate ceasefire and were concerned about the freedom of assembly and association in Ukraine. The necessity of international action was also stated, as the crimes against humanity by the Russian Federation should not be normalised. Some focused on the near total collapse of civil space in Crimea, and its effects on journalists there, as at least 47 new cases of pressure on journalists in Crimea were recorded, and 17 journalists remain political prisoners, some with need for urgent care. Moreover, some were deeply concerned about the prosecution of lawyers in Crimea.
Multiple organisations condemned the Russian authorities’ actions to obstruct the work of the Red Cross, and stated how the Ukrainian identity itself has been effectively criminalised. Moreover, in response to reports of drone attacks in Ukraine, there were grave concerns voiced in regards to the use of autonomous technologies in warfare. These weapons diminish accountability, and are disproportionate in their effects . It was stated that the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) should cover AI and drones.
Concluding Remarks
In the Assistant-Secretary-General’s concluding remarks, she answered many of the questions brought up during the interactive dialogue. She took care to note that during this dialogue, the air raid sirens turned on in Kyiv, exemplifying the urgency of the matter at hand.
Ms. Brands Kheris called on the international community to pursue peace in line with both IHL and international human rights law, and stated that justice and accountability mechanisms to address these should be victim-centered. This also means there is a need to take into account the varying needs of survivors to be looked at during humanitarian aid, especially male survivors. Moreover, the human right mechanisms documenting these violations need the support and the financial funds to do so from the international community, thus the continued engagement with and support for international accountability mechanisms such as the ICC and ICJ is needed.
Although access to the occupied territories is continued to be denied to the OHCHR, they will continue to request access. Also in relation to the occupied territories, reparations related to the illegal confiscation of property should be addressed, as this act is a violation of IHL, and the Russian Federation should refrain from doing so further.
Moreover, the preservation of the Ukrainian identity under the conditions of occupation is a major issue, as it violates IHL, and promotes the destruction of society, fragmentation, and linguistic diversity. This poses a potential long term and inter-generational effect. The ASG encouraged the international community to support all of these issues, including Ukrainian culture and language, and civil society. Furthermore, the international community should continue to engage with the Russian Federation, and to urge their compliance with IHL and international human rights law with both international and domestic accountability measures.
In regards to the issue of the abuse of Ukrainian children by Russia, this will be closely followed, as the fundamental rights for children must be always respected. These allegations of children’s deportations need to be further verified, and the ASG called on the Russian Federation to submit more information about the ongoing situation. Moreover, the diversity of Ukrainian society, including ethnicities such as that of the Crimean Tatars, should also be emphasised, as the Ukrainian path to strengthening the future should be inclusive.
The ASG reminded that she is committed to focus on dialogue with the Russian Federation at all levels and that international human rights law should be at the center of any decision making.
Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) strongly supports the findings of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner. We urge immediate and unhindered access for international monitors, robust support for civil society, and victim-centered justice processes that include displaced persons, children, and marginalised groups. We applaud the creation of a special international tribunal to ensure accountability and investigation for the crime of aggression.
