“The world sees what Russia is doing and an expansionist power carrying out an unprovoked, unjustified and brutal aggression against its neighbor,” — claims Anne-Marie Callan

At the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, after the MIHR side event “Civilian hostages: hidden behind bars. How I-DOC could help reveal patterns of crime and lead to perpetrators” Anna-Marie Callan — Permanent Representative of Ireland to the OSCE, who moderated the MIHR’s event — made an official statement.

Below we publish the text of this speech:

“Ireland fully aligns with the statement made by the EU and I would like to add some comments in our national capacity.

Ireland condemns in the strongest possible terms attacks against civilians and civilian objects, which are prohibited by international law. We are appalled by past week’s attack on civilians in the village of Hroza and further tragic attacks overnight in Kharkiv. The scale of human suffering unleashed by Russia’s war of aggression on families and communities across Ukraine is indefensible. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the victims. Those who order and carry out such attacks will be held accountable for their actions and the devastation caused.

This week [during MIHR’s event], the Permanent Mission of Ireland heard the testimony of a Ukrainian mother who was arbitrarily detained by Russian Armed Forces, kept in captivity in appalling conditions, denied urgent medical treatment and forced to listen to her son being tortured.

We also heard the plea of a mother whose son, a civilian, was shot at whilst taking his stepmother shopping in Bucha. Some days later, he was taken captive and, more than a year later, remains in detention in a Russian prison. He, like thousands of others, is being held hostage by the Russian Federation and used as a pawn in its despotic campaign.

Ireland commends the bravery and fortitude of these women, who traveled to the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference this week to bear witness to Russia’s war crimes.

Anna-Marie Callan. Photo: Permanent Representation of Ireland to the OSCE

The world sees what Russia is doing. The world sees an expansionist power carrying out an unprovoked, unjustified and brutal aggression against its neighbor. The world sees Russia inflicting terror on Ukraine’s civilian population including the most vulnerable – children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

No amount of historical distortion, no amount of obstruction in this forum or in other fora, and no amount of cynical accusations of the bad faith of others can justify or change the reality of what is happening in Ukraine.

The world sees what Russia is doing and Ireland will continue to work with international partners to ensure that Russia is held accountable for its actions.”

MIHR’s event has been produced with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED). Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of EED. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in this publication lies entirely with the author(s).