About the Statement:

During the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, under Item 4 (Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention), the Union Association for Human Rights delivered an oral statement calling for a comprehensive end to the war in Ukraine, respect for international humanitarian law, and an end to the resulting humanitarian suffering. The statement also praised the UAE’s efforts in humanitarian mediation and its role in facilitating prisoner exchanges between the conflicting parties—an example of balanced diplomacy aimed at reducing the human cost of conflict.

Content of the Statement:

• The statement reviewed the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine for over two and a half years due to escalating military operations and expanding conflict zones.
• It referenced UN Human Rights reports documenting:
  • Widespread violations by both sides.
  • Systematic breaches of international humanitarian law, including:
    • Extrajudicial killings.
    • Torture.
    • Enforced disappearances.
    • Arbitrary detention—especially of civilians, women, and children.
• It called for:
  • An immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities.
  • Full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.
  • Accountability for perpetrators of grave violations.
• The statement praised the UAE’s role in:
  • Supporting peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
  • Mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, including:
    • 7 successful humanitarian exchange operations to date.
    • The release of over 1,700 detainees.
    • Most recently, the release of 230 prisoners last month.

Importance of the Statement:

• Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Ukraine: The statement drew attention to the severity of the crisis and the scale of violations, stressing the urgent need for international action to protect civilians and stop the suffering.
• Advocating for diplomacy and legal responsibility as alternatives to war: It emphasized peaceful resolution through dialogue and accountability under international law.
• Showcasing the UAE’s humanitarian leadership: The statement highlighted the UAE’s balanced and diplomatic approach, and its tangible contribution to prisoner exchange operations as a mechanism to reduce the human cost of the conflict.
• Underscoring the role of civil society in peace advocacy: It reflected a position of solidarity by a civil society organization committed to peace and underscored the important role of NGOs in promoting human dignity.