Mr. President,

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine’. 
Throughout Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine OHCHR’s monitoring mission in Ukraine has continued to document a wide array of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by Russian authorities. 
With this latest report we are again confronted with independently gathered and verified evidence of Russia’s disregard for civilian safety. 

The HRMMU has assessed, inter alia, that the targeting by drone operators has, in practice, violated the rules of international humanitarian law governing the conduct of hostilities, in particular the  principles of distinction and precaution. Furthermore, the HRMMU has found that some incidents may amount to the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against civilians. 
These attacks not only caused death and injury, they exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation by limiting civilian access to essential services, humanitarian aid, and medical care,  affecting a wide range of human rights .

Mr High Commissioner,
These violations, as well as all other violations of international humanitarian and human rights law need to be further investigated. Those responsible need to be held to account.

Therefore, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to supporting efforts aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing further crimes. In this regard, we recognize the work of the International Criminal Court, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Ending impunity is an essential step towards securing justice for victims and survivors of international crimes. We acknowledge that the recent progress made on establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an important step in this direction. We will continue to work collectively to secure accountability, safeguard human rights, and ensure justice and lasting peace for Ukraine. 

Thank you.