By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Thursday told a conference in Kiev called Ukrainians must unite and keep faith in democratic institutions despite Russia’s continuing full-scale invasion.
Turk was addressing the conference in Kyiv on reclaiming human rights and preserving dignity, voiced his “full solidarity” with the Ukrainian people and concern over the latest wave of attacks on energy facilities as temperatures plummet.
“Children, older people and those with disabilities will suffer most,” he added.
“From relentless drone attacks to the occupation of territory, from the suppression of culture to the abuse of prisoners of war – the human rights of Ukrainians are under siege. And this must end.”
He said it was more important than ever for unity, “moment to recommit to human rights and human dignity, and to build and maintain trust in each other and in democratic institutions.”
Turk added that the UN human rights office he leads, OHCHR, is doing its part to ensure accountability and justice by creating a public record of rights violations occurring during Ukraine’s war of national survival, which has already informed cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice.
“I commend Ukrainians for coming together around human rights and around human dignity and assure you of our full commitment and support,” he concluded.
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