13 stycznia 2025 r. Polska wzięła udział w posiedzeniu Rady Bezpieczeństwa ONZ w formule Arria nt. naruszeń międzynarodowego prawa humanitarnego wobec ukraińskich jeńców wojennych i cywilnych więźniów

Tekst wystąpienia wygłoszony przez Krzysztofa Szczerskiego, Stałego Przedstawiciela RP przy NZ w Nowym Jorku, dostępny jest poniżej.

Madam Chair, Excellencies,

Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

I would like to thank both the UK for organising this important meeting and all the briefers for their insightful, yet disturbing, remarks.

Last year, the international community commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, a testament to the fact that even wars have rules.

As a party to the Geneva Conventions, Russia is legally obligated to comply with all their provisions, including those of the Third Convention concerning the protection of prisoners of war and the humanitarian activities of the ICRC.

Under the Third Geneva Convention, the detaining power is always responsible for the treatment of prisoners of war, regardless of the individual responsibility of those who committed the crimes.

Madam Chair,

We thank the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine for its tireless work in bringing to light the horrific crimes committed by Russia during its illegal aggression.

We are deeply alarmed by the findings regarding the fate of Ukrainian POWs and civilian detainees, including reports of beatings, electric shocks, sexual violence and mock executions. We condemn Russia's widespread and systematic use of torture, a crime against humanity. At the same time, we positively note Ukraine's commitment and efforts in striving to uphold its obligations under international law concerning POWs.

Furthermore, we are gravely troubled by the persecution of the Crimean Tatar community, who face grave human rights violations at the hands of the occupying authorities. This latest report exposes Russian conduct rooted in a wider culture of aggression, systemic violence, and state-sanctioned war crimes. It demonstrates a devaluation of human life and a disregard for international law. Russia’s actions repeatedly place it outside the community of nations grounded in the values of the UN Charter.

Madam Chair,

Poland calls on Russia to end the ill-treatment and executions in occupied Ukrainian territories, allow humanitarian access, and facilitate the release of prisoners. We remain committed to holding all perpetrators of Russian war crimes accountable. Violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must not go unpunished, and justice must be delivered to the victims.

Finally, we urge all nations to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's attempt to strip it of sovereignty and subjugate its people.

I thank you.