"The Russian Federation has blatantly violated the fundamental rights of Ukrainians" [fr]

Mr. Vice-President,

Since the beginning of this war of aggression in Ukraine, the Russian Federation has blatantly violated the fundamental rights of Ukrainians and international law. It has bombed populations, civilian facilities, schools and hospitals. The images of the atrocities committed in Boucha and other places in northern Ukraine are unbearable. These abuses could constitute war crimes. The Russian army has denied and continues to deny the humanity of thousands of Ukrainian men and women.

It is time for this horror to stop. It is time to give Ukrainians back their rights and dignity.

This Assembly denounced Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on 2 March. On 24 March, at the initiative of France and Mexico, it adopted a resolution on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine caused by this war.

To date, Russia’s only response to the calls of the international community has been contempt, escalation of the war, violence and violation of international humanitarian law. These acts cannot go unpunished and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

Mr. Vice President,

By adopting this resolution today, the General Assembly is sending a clear message to the Russian Federation that its actions are contrary to all the values we have upheld since the creation of the United Nations. Russia must be held accountable for its gross and systematic violations of human rights in Ukraine.

We have a collective obligation to protect human rights and the integrity of the Human Rights Council. Russia is suspended from the Council and France welcomes the courageous decision of this Assembly.

It once again calls on the Russian Federation to listen to reason and to stop the war.

I thank you.