Statement by Amb. Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Guyana, at Arria Formula Meeting convened by the UK & Co-sponsors, on “Violations of international humanitarian law against Ukrainian prisoners of war & civilian detainees"

Thank you, Chair, 

Over the past three years, we have rightly placed significant focus on the impacts of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on civilians, recognizing its devastating toll on the lives and livelihoods of millions of civilians and the magnitude of the displacement crises created. Today’s meeting allows us to spotlight one aspect of this conflict which deserves more attention - that is, the abuse and ill-treatment of prisoners of war and civilian detainees in violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Guyana thanks the United Kingdom and its partners for organizing this meeting. We also thank the briefers for their statements.

Chair,
In its assessment of the overall scope and scale of torture and ill-treatment experienced by prisoners of war since February 2022, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has documented reports of prisoners of war, held on both sides, being subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Their latest report for the period September to November 2024, published two weeks ago, indicates that OHCHR has also recorded a significant increase in credible allegations of executions of Ukrainian servicepersons captured by Russian armed forces, involving at least 62 individuals in 19 incidents. 

In addition, OHCHR has documented the death in custody in a transit location of one Russian POW and continues to follow up on credible allegations of the deaths of two other men in the same location resulting from torture. 

In light of these concerning reports, Guyana reminds that International Humanitarian Law is explicit in defining the rights and protections that must be afforded to prisoners of war and other detained persons in armed conflict. Paramount among these, are the legal provisions related to the humane treatment of such prisoners. We demand that the parties to this conflict uphold and fully comply with their obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and ensure Prisoners-of-war and other detainees are not subjected to torture or other inhumane, indecent or degrading treatment. 

Wounded or ill prisoners-of-war must be provided with the same medical care that is given to the members of the armed forces of the Detaining Power, in line with the provisions of Third Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

We further call upon the parties to the conflict to grant unhindered access to all prisoners of war and civilian detainees so that cases and allegations of violations can be assessed and investigated. Parties must meet their obligation under the Geneva Conventions to give the International Committee of the Red Cross  access to all detention sites where prisoners-of-war and civilians are being held.

We underscore that detained civilians are not military combatants and cannot be classified as prisoners of war. International law is clear, civilians should not be detained arbitrarily as a form of punishment or to be used for bargaining.  

Guyana condemns, in the strongest terms, all violations of international law, including with regard to the rights of prisoners of war and civilian detainees. We emphasize the importance of justice and accountability for all crimes committed during this war, and for all those responsible for such crimes to be held accountable for their actions.

Chair,
Guyana commends the recent exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine on 30 December 2024. We note that it was 59th and one of the largest such exchanges since the start of the war. We thank the countries that were instrumental in brokering the deal and urge Russia and Ukraine to continue to pursue and accelerate the release of prisoners of war and civilian detainees. 

In closing, Chair, Guyana reiterates its call for the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine. We remain committed to the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict and insist that this must remain a priority of the Security Council. We urge the parties to pursue dialogue and pave a path to peace by bringing an end to this devastating war once and for all. 

I thank you.