Poland in the UN

On September 1st 2026, Poland participated in the UN General Assembly debate on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

The full statement delivered by Michał Miarka, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the UN in New York, is available below:

 

Madam President,

At the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this crucial meeting today. Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. Now, I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity.

Madam President,

Years pass, and yet we find ourselves in the same position – continuously appalled by Russia’s illegal and coercive actions committed in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine since 2014. Forced russification, deportation, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, as well as severe mistreatment of detainees and prisoners of war are just a few examples of Russia’s policy implemented in Ukraine. Policy aimed at shattering lives, rights, and identity of those living under occupation.

According to the latest UN findings, from 62 formerly detained civilians interviewed by the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, more than 92 per cent reported torture or ill-treatment, while 30 per cent referred to acts of sexual violence. Thanks to the strenuous efforts of the OHCHR, we also know that displacement and property confiscation reinforce one another. People flee because of threats or fear of detention, but upon return they may find their homes declared ‘abandoned’ and confiscated by the occupier. In Donetsk and Luhansk alone, the UN has documented at least 5,557 private properties registered as abandoned.

Equally troubling, yet not surprising, is Russia’s ‘HR policy’ at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant where staff have experienced retaliation after refusing to sign contracts with Rosatom. A stark illustration of how human rights violations can put nuclear safety at risk.

Madam President,

Even facts and figures are helpless when faced with Russia’s inhumane policy towards the children. Transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children continue, just as denying access to education in Ukrainian language and subjecting children to so-called ‘patriotic and military’ education, which is nothing more than yet another effort to erase their national identity. This must end.

To that end, we welcome the conclusion of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry according to which the deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities constitute crimes against humanity as well as war crimes. We hope that every state present in this room today shares this view. Not out of political correctness, but rather out of respect for the facts.

Madam President,

Against this backdrop, accountability must remain at the centre of our response. Russia’s international crimes must be investigated and prosecuted, and victims must be granted access to justice and effective remedies. Even though the recent scale of Russian attacks proves that Moscow is unwilling to end its hostilities against Ukraine, we call on Russia – for the hundredth time – to stop its illegal and aggressive actions, and to ensure unfettered access for independent international monitors to all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Madam President,

In conclusion, let me state clearly: Russia’s provocative posture in the region and recent violations of airspace of Poland, Romania, Moldova, and Latvia by missiles and drones do not bring us close to ending this conflict, even if the Kremlin’s propagandists say otherwise. Maybe a novelty for a country with neo-colonial ambitions, but undermining security architecture does not help restore peace. Complete and unconditional withdrawal from the occupied territories does.

Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia are and will remain Ukrainian territories. We will never recognise them as parts of Russia, nor will we turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by Moscow in Ukraine.

Thank you.