In a March 1 statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United Nations Human Rights Council must underscore Russia’s obligation to respect international humanitarian law even during its unlawful invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking after attending the 49th session of the Human Rights Council, Blinken described all the responsibilities the council has, in addition to dealing with Russia’s invasion.
"If President Putin succeeds in his stated goal of toppling Ukraine’s democratically elected government, the human rights and humanitarian crises will only get worse,” Blinken said. “Look at Crimea, where Russia’s occupation has come with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary detention, the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities and the brutal repression of dissent."
Reports of human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law are increasing, he said. Russian military strikes are hitting schools, hospitals and residential buildings. They have destroyed critical infrastructure such as drinking water, gas and electricity.
Blinken said they need to keep in mind Putin is trying to "falsely justify this attack as a defense of human rights – misappropriating terms we reserve for the worst atrocities."
He said every member knows there is work to do to advance human rights in all of their countries, as well. Blinken said the human rights crises in Afghanistan, Burma, Cuba, the DPRK, Iran, Nicaragua, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen also demand the council’s ongoing attention.
