site.btaUPDATED [Corrected last paragraph] Bulgaria Supports Setting Up of Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations in the Context of Situation in Ukraine

Speaking at an urgent debate on the human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian Federation's aggression, Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Velislava Petrova said: "The unwarranted military attack on Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law and undermines global security," the Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The urgent procedure was launched within the framework of the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council, which started on February 28.

Petrova spoke in favour of the urgent debate in view of the grave consequences of Russia's invasion for human rights and the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. She noted the growing number of victims, including women, children and old people, as well as of refugees, and urged for uninterrupted humanitarian access to Ukrainian territory.

Petrova called on the Human Rights Council to remain committed to the matter and to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in the context of the military actions.

The urgent debate was called at Ukraine's request and was backed by all EU Member States, including Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry said. More than 100 UN Member States and nearly 30 NGOs made statements.

At the end of the urgent debate, the Member States of the Human Rights Council adopted a Resolution tabled by Ukraine on "Situation of Human Rights in Ukraine Stemming from the Russian Aggression," which was backed by Bulgaria as one of the main co-authors, along with 68 other countries. The vote was 32 'yes', 2 (Russia and Eritrea) 'no', and 13 abstentions.

Editor's note: The initial press release by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia and China had voted against, which was later corrected to Eritrea.