The Diplomat
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares yesterday supported the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into war crimes perpetrated during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in order to hold “those responsible accountable for their actions.”
“Spain condemns the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is not only a violation of the principles of the UN charter and international law and puts global security at risk, but is also a very serious violation of human rights,” Albares said during his telematic participation in the UN Human Rights Council meeting held yesterday in Geneva at Ukraine’s request.
“We will not relent in our efforts to denounce this barbarism,” he continued. “We are witnessing a violation of international humanitarian law with civilian casualties, including minors, and serious damage to schools, hospitals and civilian structures,” he denounced. “UNHCR has reported that the number of refugees as a result of Russian aggression exceeds 600,000 people. Given this situation, we urge Russia to allow unrestricted access for humanitarian agencies and to immediately cease all attacks on the civilian population,” Albares stated.
“We demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally cease its aggression and comply with its international human rights and international humanitarian law obligations,” he said. “For that, it is important that the Council supports the draft resolution presented, which Spain supports and which includes the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry,” the minister said. “The allegations arising from this act of aggression must be investigated as soon as possible in order to hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” he concluded.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also called during her speech for the establishment of a commission of inquiry on Ukraine “to investigate all human rights violations that Russia has committed since the beginning of its military aggression.”
