At the recent Conference at the Council of Europe (CoE) titled “Victims of Enforced Disappearances: how Russia captures Ukrainian civilians and violates international law,” Maria Mezentseva, Chairperson of the Ukrainian delegation to the CoE, shed light on the harrowing reality faced by Ukrainian civilians.
In an exclusive interview with EU Today conducted by Gary Cartwright, Ms. Mezentseva articulated the egregious violations of international law perpetrated by Russia, particularly in the form of enforced disappearances.
Her account underscored the severity of the situation, emphasising the systematic targeting and abduction of Ukrainian civilians by Russian forces.
She highlighted the anguish and uncertainty endured by the families of the disappeared, who are left without answers or closure. Such acts not only contravene fundamental human rights but also constitute flagrant violations of international norms and conventions.
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“The abduction of children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine is one of the many war crimes committed by Russia during the war. The exact number of young Ukrainians separated from their families and taken to the Russian Federation is unknown. At the same time, the Russian Federation is talking about the abduction of children from temporarily of the occupied territories of Ukraine,” – said EU Today contributor Alona Lebedieva.
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Throughout the interview, Ms. Mezentseva conveyed the urgent need for international action to address these grave violations.
She called upon the Council of Europe (CoE) and its member states to exert pressure on Russia, demanding accountability for its actions and justice for the victims.
She emphasised the pivotal role of the CoE in upholding human rights and ensuring adherence to international legal frameworks.
The conference provided a platform for Ms. Mezentseva to advocate for concrete measures to combat enforced disappearances and hold perpetrators accountable.
She underscored the importance of establishing mechanisms for monitoring and reporting such incidents, as well as providing support to the affected individuals and their families.
Her impassioned plea resonated with attendees, eliciting a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
Furthermore, she emphasised the broader implications of Russia’s actions, asserting that they not only threaten the stability and security of Ukraine but also undermine the international order.
She warned against complacency in the face of such flagrant disregard for human rights and called for a unified response from the international community.
In conclusion, Maria Mezentseva’s interview at the Conference at the Council of Europe provided a compelling insight into the plight of Ukrainian civilians subjected to enforced disappearances by Russian forces.
Her plea for justice and accountability serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding fundamental human rights and ensuring adherence to international law.
As the international community grapples with this grave humanitarian crisis, Ms. Mezentseva’s call to action resonates as a rallying cry for solidarity and justice.
