On 25 February 2026, four years after Russia began its war against Ukraine, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, addressed the UN Human Rights Council, underlining that:
“Russia continues its barbaric aggression deliberately destroying energy infrastructure and trying to freeze millions of Ukrainians to death. These are war crimes and crimes against humanity. Russia still has over 1.6 million Ukrainian children trapped under occupation or forcibly deported to Russia. These kids are subjected to illegal adoptions and militarisation. And it is all aimed at erasing their Ukrainian identity. Russia must immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return of these children to Ukraine. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for all atrocities committed.”
B. Braže called on all countries to apply maximum pressure on Russia, including through sanctions and targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, in order to weaken its war economy and reduce the revenue for continuing the war. “Putin’s regime is war. War economy, war propaganda, war religion, mass repressions, censorship. Even its education system has become part of the war machine. The human rights situation has eroded dramatically, including a vicious assault on civic freedoms within Russia. We must step up pressure on Russia and continue efforts to isolate it and its ally Belarus within international organisations, including within the UN system,” B. Braže urged.
She also urged all countries to maximise support for Ukraine’s self-defence, to mitigate the consequences of Russia’s barbaric attacks on the energy system, and to support civilians.
Addressing the human rights situation in Belarus, the Minister recalled the recent release of political prisoners and expressed gratitude to the United States for its support. At the same time, B. Braže pointed out that more than 1100 people are currently detained on political grounds and called on the Belarusian regime to release all political prisoners. The Minister expressed her full support for the Belarusian people’s aspirations for a free, sovereign, and independent Belarus.
Commenting on the situation in Iran, B. Braže sharply condemned the regime’s brutal repression and expressed clear support for the courageous Iranians standing up for their rights and freedoms. Latvia, together with other EU Member States, fully supports the imposition of sanctions on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and all those responsible for human rights violations in Iran.
Regarding the situation in Venezuela, the Minister called on the authorities to unconditionally release all political prisoners.
“As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Latvia strongly commits to upholding international law, strengthening peace, security and multilateral system. It is in all our interests to uphold the rules-based international order and compliance with international law. My country will continue to support women’s empowerment, gender equality, prevention and elimination of sexual violence in armed conflicts,” said B. Braže in the conclusion of her statement.
Background information
- The statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, was broadcast on 25 February 2026 during the high-level segment of the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
- The 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 23 February to 31 March 2026.