Kara Eyrich
U.S. Adviser for the Third Committee
New York, NY
October 12, 2023
Remarks at a Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Dr. Alice Jill Edwards
AS DELIVERED
First, I must reinforce that the United States is outraged by and condemns unequivocally the appalling attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza.
Special Rapporteur Edwards, can you share additional initial reactions from your recent trip to Ukraine?
We appreciate your continued calls for States to uphold the absolute prohibition on torture and your reminders of the importance of international human rights law considerations in situations of conflict.
We share your alarm with reports coming out of Ukraine. Robust information indicates that Russia’s forces in Ukraine are consistently and intentionally inflicting severe physical and psychological pain and suffering on civilian detainees and prisoners of war as part of their brutal and illegal invasion. In fact, Russian forces’ widespread and systematic torture informed the determination that Russia has committed crimes against humanity. Russia must end its war against Ukraine and stop committing atrocities, and individuals must be held accountable for their crimes.
Thank you.
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