The UN General Assembly adopted a new resolution on human rights in the temporarily occupied territories.

UN Strengthens Monitoring of Human Rights Situation in Occupied Ukrainian Territories

The UN General Assembly adopted a new resolution on human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol, strengthening international oversight of Russia’s actions.

The adopted document condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine, reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that no attempts to change the status of Ukrainian territories are recognized. The resolution demands that Russia cease its aggressive actions immediately and withdraw its troops from Ukraine. The document was supported by 79 countries, 72 abstained, and 16 were against, including China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

The resolution particularly emphasizes the need to prevent torture, inhumane treatment, and other gross human rights violations faced by Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians. The document is based on the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Russia’s crimes, which confirm instances of enforced disappearances and torture.

The UN calls on Russia to grant international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, unhindered access to sites where Ukrainian prisoners of war are held, to ensure medical assistance, and to conduct a full exchange of prisoners. In addition, Russia is urged to release all illegally detained persons, including Crimean Tatars, civilians, political prisoners, and journalists.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha thanked partners for their support, noting that Ukraine has initiated such a resolution annually since 2016. Sybiha’s statement also mentions the adoption on December 4 of a separate resolution on the return of Ukrainian children, supported by 91 countries.