Ukraine: all light must be shed on "filtration" processes [fr]

I thank Mrs. DiCarlo, Mrs. Brands Kehris and Mrs. Drik for their briefings.

The war of aggression that Russia has been waging for more than six months, in violation of all the principles of international law and the Charter, is having dramatic consequences for civilian populations. When Russia decided to attack Ukraine, it knew what devastation it would bring. If the consequences of this illegal and unjustified war are felt throughout the world, the Ukrainian population is paying the heaviest price. I would like to express once again our solidarity with them and salute their courage in defending their country.

France is very concerned by the information concerning the forced transfer of Ukrainian civilians to areas occupied by Russia or to Russia.

These acts have been documented by various independent bodies. They report Ukrainian civilians, including children, being forcibly transferred to Russian-occupied areas or to Russia when they were only trying to flee hostilities. The Russian authorities also allegedly subjected Ukrainian civilians to deplorable detention conditions and "filtration" processes. All light must be shed on these extremely serious acts which, if proven, could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Since the beginning of the war of aggression launched by Russia, we kept on receiving testimonies of serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. I would like to reiterate this. The crimes committed in Ukraine are being thoroughly documented, evidence is being collected and forensic analysis is being carried out to ensure that they are brought to justice. Nothing will remain hidden. The perpetrators will be held accountable.

The work of the International Criminal Court and the International Independent Investigation Commission created by the Human Rights Council is essential to this effort of documentation, analysis and the fight against impunity. France supports their action as well as the efforts led by the Ukrainian courts in the framework of the investigations they have opened. Alongside its partners, France will continue to mobilize relentlessly.