I appreciate it, Chair.
The respected experts who put together the second Moscow Mechanism report on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Ukraine will address us later today.
Only a small portion of the stories of those who were victimized by Russia’s unjustified aggression are told in the report.
Both Moscow Mechanism papers detail sexual assaults committed by Russian Armed Forces personnel.
The courage of survivors, who by sharing their experiences, help to reduce stigma and advance justice, is what made this evidence possible.
Their bravery stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of their assailants, who conceal themselves behind misinformation released by Russian government officials, including statements made in this Council.
It is equivalent to defending sexual assault offenses to deny their existence.
Colleagues, let me reiterate what the UK has said time and time again: using sexual violence as a weapon is a war crime.
The international community will put an end to sexual violence’s impunity and prosecute those accountable.
Conflict has a disproportionately negative impact on women, who also face a much higher risk of gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence.
Despite this, women frequently act as first responders in times of war, stepping up to help their communities.
This is especially true in Ukraine, where women have played a crucial role in the humanitarian, political, and security efforts to defend their nation.
I’d like to spend the remainder of my message to emphasize how important their contributions have been.
Women labored to create a free and democratic Ukraine.
They now play a crucial role in the government’s response to Russia’s threatening criminal conduct.
Iryna Vereshchuk, the deputy prime minister, has been working nonstop to organize the evacuation of civilians to secure areas.
Olha Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister, is working to provide assistance to the most needy.
According to the United Nations, many Ukrainian women have assumed leadership roles at all levels, directing the nation’s humanitarian response, enlisting in the military, or overseeing the provision of public services.
Women’s organizations on the ground are in charge of humanitarian aid, advocacy, and public outreach to help their communities, and female health workers and business owners are giving the war-affected populace crucial services and goods.
As a result, the UK has established a fund to assist Ukrainian women leaders and women’s rights organizations that are resolutely assisting their communities and concentrating on the pressing needs of women and children.
The tenacity and determination of the Ukrainian people are exemplified by the bravery of the women of Ukraine in the face of Russian atrocities and war crimes.
We applaud the work of Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, who has led Ukraine’s response to these heinous crimes, as well as the female members of law enforcement, civil society, and human rights advocates who continue to do their jobs honorably in spite of the challenges they face on a daily basis.
We must recognize the enormous contribution made by Ukrainian women journalists in informing the world about Russia’s heinous activities in their nation.
I commend, for instance, Olga Rudenko and the Kyiv Independent staff, who have worked tirelessly since the invasion to turn their news organization—which had only been operating for fourteen weeks when the first Russian rockets hit Kyiv—into one of the most trusted English-language news sources in Ukraine.
In what are for many people inconceivable conditions, these mothers, daughters, sisters, and protectors of Ukraine show courage, empathy, and integrity in support of the defense and governance of their nation, their people, and their ideals.
Along with all of Ukraine, we support them. The ruthless imperialism of President Putin can never succeed.
Dear Chair, Finally, I reiterate the critical need for the quick release of all detained OSCE SMM personnel.
Russia will be held responsible for its actions, which show disdain for this organization and its international obligations.