Human Rights House Foundation statement
HRC63 – Item 10 – Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR – Ukraine
2 October 2026
Background documents:
- UNMMU thematic report: Sexual Violence in the Context of the Russian Federation Full-Scale Armed Attack against Ukraine
- Crimean Process: Characteristics of Judicial Proceedings in Treason Cases in Crimea: Trends and Challenges in 2026
- Zmina: UN Special Rapporteurs yet to respond to appeal concerning Iryna Danylovych
- Crimean Solidarity grass-roots initiative ceases operations
Check against delivery.
Thank you, Vice-President.
The latest United Nations monitoring of the human rights situation in Crimea continues to show severe restrictions on fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to Ukrainian education and protection from forced conscription.
Our partners in Human Rights House Crimea are documenting a further escalation in the use of Russia’s criminal justice system against residents.
New analysis by Crimean Process shows a dramatic rise in prosecutions for so-called “high treason” since the full-scale invasion. Such trials are held behind closed doors and can result in extraordinarily severe sentences. In one recent case, a court hearing lasting just 90 minutes resulted in a 16-year prison sentence.
At the same time, the space for documenting these violations is disappearing. Following its designation as a “foreign agent”, Crimean Solidarity, which for a decade documented political persecution and supported prisoners and their families, was forced to cease its activities.
We also remain deeply concerned for Crimean citizen journalist Iryna Danylovych (top photo), whose rights and conditions of detention continue to deteriorate, including reports of arbitrary searches and other violations.
Vice-President,
We ask the High Commissioner: how can the United Nations strengthen or assist monitoring of closed and politically motivated trials in the occupied parts of Ukraine?
Thank you.
