PACE adopts 2 important resolutions for Ukraine: Details
Illustrative photo: PACE adopted two important resolutions for Ukraine (Getty Images)
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has adopted 2 resolutions on human rights in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the release of prisoners of war, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
"These documents are another powerful testimony to PACE's uncompromising support for the fundamental principles of international law, the protection of human rights, the fight against impunity and solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry writes.
Legal aspects and human Rights issues in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine
According to the MFA, the resolution endorses the Assembly's clear legal conclusions, including:
- recognizing the actions of Russia, Belarus, and North Korea as an act of aggression
- fixing the individual responsibility of the political and military leadership of these states
- confirming the Russian illegal occupation of Crimea and other Ukrainian territories as a gross violation of international law
- recognizing Russian deportations, torture, repression, and enforced disappearances as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and in some cases as manifestations of genocide.
This also includes PACE's strong support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine within the Council of Europe and its call for member states to join the relevant Extended Partial Agreement.
Support for political negotiations to ensure the exchange and release of prisoners of war
The resolution, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was initiated by the Ukrainian delegation. It became the first document of the Assembly to record Russia's massive and systematic violations of the Third Geneva Convention.
In particular, the resolution finds Russia guilty of torture, executions, sexual violence, denial of access to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and persecution of Ukrainian soldiers for participation in hostilities.
"The Assembly emphasizes the need to establish a permanent mechanism for the exchange of prisoners of war with the involvement of neutral intermediaries and international organizations," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry says.
RBC-Ukraine reported that in late January, the PACE adopted a resolution on achieving peace through strength in Ukraine.
