UNGA80 3rd Committee
Resolution tabled by Ukraine on the Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol
NB8 Explanation of Vote delivered by DPR of Sweden
19 November 2025
Chair
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic and Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway – and my own country, Sweden.
Let me first extend our most heartfelt appreciation to the delegation of Ukraine for presenting this draft. We have voted in favour of the resolution and thank all other Member States that have done the same.
Chair,
We meet today after renewed large-scale Russian attacks on civilians and civilian objects in Ukraine. As we approach the fourth winter of Russia’s full-scale invasion, we note again how Russia is consciously targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure, as well as humanitarian personnel.
We are witnessing a systematic strategy of terror against the civilian population aimed at fulfilling Russia’s political goal: the subjugation of Ukraine and/or the annexation of its sovereign territory.
Time and again the Independent International Commission of Inquiry has described the conduct of Russia in more detail. It is a long list of the most disturbing atrocities imaginable: detentions, unlawful deportations, forcible transfers, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, and so on.The list also includes the forced deportations, transfers, and abductions of thousands of children.
If this was not disturbing enough, the Commission of Inquiry has concluded that the nature of some of the atrocities – especially the use of torture and enforced disappearances – may amount to crimes against humanity.
Beyond these harrowing crimes is the methodical silencing of dissenting voices, the crushing of the Crimean Tatars rights as Indigenous Peoples, and so on.
Amidst all this hardship, Ukraine and the people of Ukraine has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. We are in awe of this bravery.
We urge Russia to immediately cease its aggression, and to comply with International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. It must protect civilians, humanitarian workers and return the forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported children. And it must recognize that Ukraine, just as any other country, has the sovereign right to choose its own future.
The Nordic-Baltic states support all efforts towards a just sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on International law, including the UN Charter. We do not recognize spheres of influence or territorial acquisitions through the use of force. Any solution must fully uphold Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Accountability for all violations of international law is essential and we remain committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Thank you