On 2 March 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and underlined the devastating consequences of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine for human rights and the humanitarian situation in the region.
As Edgars Rinkēvičs condemned the brutal violations of international law, he called for exploring all the available legal means and formats to hold Russia accountable internationally. While underlining that the lives of millions of people have been put at risk, the Foreign Minister called on the UNCHR to immediately establish an independent international commission of inquiry in order to document and investigate all violations and abuses of human rights perpetrated by Russia in the territory of Ukraine so that those responsible for them could be held accountable.
The Latvian Foreign Minister reaffirmed Latvia’s support for Ukraine and its people, while calling on the United Nations and its member countries to make every effort and prevent further escalation of conflict and civilian casualties, including those of children. Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed deepest condolences to the victims’ families and everyone else affected by those attacks.
The Minister also strongly condemned the involvement of Belarus in Russia’s armed assault on Ukraine.
The day before, on 1 March, Edgars Rinkēvišs supported Ukraine in a debate held as a side event of the UNHRC session and dealing with the impact of the Russian aggression on the human rights situation in Ukraine. The Foreign Minister underlined the need for initiating a prompt, independent and objective investigation into all the alleged abuses and violations of human rights perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine.