Ukraine: Russia systematically violates the rights of the child [fr]

Ambassador,
Dear colleagues,

France regrets this new cynical exercise in disinformation. A lie repeated ad nauseam remains a lie. We condemn the instrumentalization of the issue of the protection of children’s rights.

The intervention of Maria Lvova-Belova during this meeting is proof of this. This intervention is inappropriate. It aims to spread propaganda, a false version of the situation.

It has been recalled that the judges of the International Criminal Court, at the request of the Prosecutor, have issued two arrest warrants, against the Russian President and against, I quote, the "Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights". The Court acts independently. It considered that there was sufficient evidence to establish the involvement of the highest Russian authorities in the deportation of Ukrainian children. These are war crimes. We denounce the cynicism that led Russia to invite to this informal Council meeting a person for whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court.

We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children.

More than 13 months after the start of its illegal aggression, Russia continues to flagrantly violate the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and human rights. Russia is inflicting untold suffering on Ukraine and its people.

Children’s rights are being systematically violated by Russia. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has documented these abuses: killing and maiming, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, deportations of Ukrainian children to Russian-occupied territories or to Russia. So many children are forcibly adopted, deprived of the hope of seeing their country and their family again.

These acts are serious violations of international law, including under the "Children and Armed Conflict" agenda established by this Council. Those who commit these grave violations belong in the list of shame of the Secretary-General’s report on children in armed conflict.

France will remain committed. Along with 45 other States, it invoked the OSCE’s Moscow mechanism on March 30. The mission of independent experts is charged with drawing up a report on acts constituting war crimes, and even crimes against humanity, resulting from the forced transfer of children.

France will continue to support the indispensable work of international justice. Those responsible for all the crimes committed in Ukraine must be held accountable. France reiterates its full support for the International Criminal Court, as well as for Ukrainian courts. We repeat: there will be no lasting peace without justice.

Russia must stop targeting the Ukrainian population and civilian infrastructure. Russia must stop killing, abducting and raping children. Russia must respond to the calls of the international community, stop its aggression, withdraw its troops and transfer back to Ukraine the deported children without delay.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the unwavering courage of the Ukrainian men and women who are acting to protect their children, and to ensure that their country and their people are able to defeat Russia’s aggression. France stands by their side, as long as it takes.

I thank you.