Ambassador Neil Holland reaffirms the UK's commitment to the
humane treatment of prisoners of war, highlighting the IHL
obligations, improving oversight mechanisms, and the training of
personnel deploying on operations. Russia must be held
accountable for the documented inhumane treatment of prisoners of
war in Ukraine.
"The United Kingdom thanks France for convening this important
discussion. We fully support today's focus on the protection of
prisoners of war, an obligation that lies at the centre of
International Humanitarian Law and at the core of the OSCE's
politico military commitments.
Madam Chair, as the panellists have rightly highlighted, Article
4 of the Third Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I are
both very clear. The humane treatment of prisoners of war is a
legal obligation, a fundamental standard of military
professionalism, and a prerequisite for stability and trust among
States.
The United Kingdom takes these obligations extremely seriously.
There have, regrettably, been instances where UK personnel have
fallen short of the high standards we set for ourselves. These
incidents were thoroughly investigated, including through
independent inquiries and judicial processes. Where wrongdoing
was identified, individuals were held accountable. But,
crucially, the UK used these experiences to drive significant
reforms: strengthening training on international humanitarian
law, improving detention policies and oversight mechanisms, and
embedding clearer guidance for personnel deployed on operations.
This process of transparency, accountability, and continuous
improvement is essential. It reinforces discipline within our
armed forces and demonstrates the UK's determination to meet its
IHL obligations in full. We encourage all participating States to
take a similarly rigorous approach.
Madam Chair, today's discussion once again highlights that
responsible states train their armed forces, enforce discipline,
and uphold their legal commitments. Russia's ongoing war of
aggression against Ukraine shows the profound consequences when a
state deliberately chooses not to do so. ODIHR's recent reports,
as well as the findings of the latest Moscow Mechanism mission,
document a pattern of torture, ill-treatment, and inhumane
conditions inflicted by Russian forces on Ukrainian prisoners of
war. These are serious and systematic violations. They demand
accountability.
Russia is bound by the same rules as every other participating
State around this table. Its continued disregard for its
obligations undermines not only the safety of POWs, but the very
foundations of the OSCE's security order.
Madam Chair, the humane treatment of prisoners of war is not
simply a legal requirement. It is a test of credibility,
professionalism, and commitment to the rules-based order. The
United Kingdom will continue to uphold these standards ourselves,
to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, and to press for
full compliance by all participating States. Thank you."
