Thank you Mr. President,

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

We are deeply alarmed by the latest report of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, presented here today. 

Disturbingly, it confirms what we already knew: 
conflict-related sexual violence is being perpetrated by Russian authorities, including its armed forces, in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine. 

It also confirms that no one is spared. 

Both  civilians and prisoners of war are the target of their abuse. 

Conflict-related sexual violence is unacceptable and requires strong and coordinated international action to ensure accountability and support for all survivors. They must be heard and supported.

This is why the Kingdom of the Netherlands provides bilateral support to Ukraine to enable it to investigate and prosecute these grave violations with a victim-centered approach through its national judicial system. We call on the international community to provide similar assistance and to continue supporting Ukraine and the survivors in its pursuit of justice.

Mr. High Commissioner,

Which additional steps can the UN and the international community take to most effectively contribute to the protection and support of victims of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine, including in the temporarily occupied territories?

Thank you