Call for submissions by UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
21 August 2023
VIENNA, 14 August 2023 - The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine invites individuals, groups and organizations to submit information and documentation relevant to its second mandate.
In particular, the Commission is interested to hear directly from survivors, their relatives and witnesses who can share information about, for example, transfer and deportations of children, violations or abuses in detention places and negative impact of the attacks on civilian infrastructure.
In order to preserve the security and confidentiality of the information submitted, it is recommended to submit through the specific email address created by the Commission for this purpose: ohchr-submission-coiukraine@un.org
For any questions, including on how to submit information in a different way, please contact the Commission at: coi-ukraine@un.org
Submissions should be submitted before the deadline on 31 December 2023.
The Commission attaches the utmost importance to the protection of sources, notably concerning the respect for confidentiality and the ‘do no harm’ principle in order not to jeopardize the life, safety, freedom and well-being of victims, witnesses and other cooperating persons. It will only disclose the identity of cooperating persons if there is an informed consent from them and will use the information provided in accordance with their stated wishes.
Please note that only cases alleging violations falling within the mandate of the Commission will be considered.
The mandate of the Commission of Inquiry was extended by the Council on 4 April 2023 for a further period of one year.
Background
The Commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2022 and is mandated to investigate violations and abuses of human rights, violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. The Commission is due to submit:
- a report to the General Assembly at its 78th session in October 2023 and
- a comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council at its 55th session in March 2024.
The Commission comprises Erik Møse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover.
Media contacts:
Saule Mukhametrakhimova, Commission of Inquiry Media Adviser, saule.mukhametrakhimova@un.org / +43 676 3493464