Mister President,
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Estonia fully aligns with the statement delivered by the EU.
We are witnessing an aggression today in the scale that Europe has not seen since the end of the Second World War. One member of this Council is committing grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in front of our own eyes. Estonia condemns in the strongest terms possible the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, who clearly does not live up to the standards of this Council.
These horrific events have already resulted in tremendous human tragedy. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding, as we are seeing destruction and loss of innocent lives on the daily basis. We fear increased suffering in the time ahead with potentially large numbers of casualties. The High Commissioner has already clearly referred to alarming reports from the ground.
Mr President,
We urge the members of the Human Rights Council to vote in favour of the resolution considered at this debate. The urgent establishment of an independent international commission of inquiry is an important step and in many ways the least we can do at the moment. Protection of civilians is a priority number one. All violations should be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice. Only this way can we preserve the rules based international order where human life and human rights are cherished.
I thank you!