Chair,

Please let me add my voice to those expressing condolences to Australia and the United States, and condemning antisemitism.

Chair,

The Netherlands would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the recent adoption of the Convention on establishing a Claims Commission for Ukraine, at the diplomatic conference in The Hague, on 16 December.

The Convention was adopted and signed by the EU and 34 States, many here around the table, and will deal with compensation for damage inflicted during the war.

At the diplomatic conference, a resolution was adopted requesting the Netherlands to host the Claims Commission. The Dutch government sees this as a logical next step and confirmed its host state offer. For some time now, we have been working with Ukraine, the Council of Europe and other countries to achieve justice for Ukraine. In addition, we are hosting the Register of Damage.

This Tuesday, a very clear message was sent from The Hague: Russia must be held accountable for its committed international crimes. Justice, the fight against impunity, and compensation for damages suffered are essential components of a lasting and just peace. Russia must bear the legal and financial consequences of all its internationally wrongful actions, including compensation for all damage caused.

Thank you, Mr. Chair