Thank you Mr. President,

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. 

The latest OHCHR report again exposes horrifying testimonies: beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, and deliberate deprivation of food.

These are not isolated incidents. They reflect Russia’s systematic use of torture and ill-treatment against civilians.

Russia has instilled a climate of fear and repression by its policy of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and denial of information to families. 

Civilians are locked away without cause, while their families are left in the dark, uncertain of their loved ones’ fate. 

These violations must end. Impunity must end. Above all, Russia must stop its war of aggression. 

We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s path towards accountability and reaching a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

We strongly echo the High Commissioner’s call: the protection of civilian detainees must be central to any future peace process. Our unwavering goal is clear - to ensure that every arbitrarily detained civilian is returned to Ukraine. 

High Commissioner,

How can the international community most effectively support the release, repatriation and rehabilitation of arbitrarily detained civilians – and ensure this issue is firmly embedded in  discussions about peace?

Thank you.