Joint Statement with the Netherlands on the eight year anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
21 July 2022
Thank you Mr. Chair.
I have the honour to inform you that Australia, Belgium and Germany align themselves with this statement.
Last week marked the eighth anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. This tragedy led to the death of 298 innocent people from 17 different countries. Our hearts remain with those who perished on board, their families and loved ones.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has undoubtedly brought back painful memories for the relatives of the MH17 victims. While we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people against Russia’s illegal aggression, we reiterate that we remain steadfast in our commitment to pursue truth, justice and accountability for the downing of Flight MH17.
In this context we would once again like to recall United Nations Security Council Resolution 2166.
As participating States are aware, the Netherlands has submitted an inter-State application against the Russian Federation before the European Court of Human Rights for its role in the downing of Flight MH17. There is an ongoing criminal investigation. There are criminal proceedings against four defendants and there are legal proceedings before the ICAO Council.
In October 2020, Russia unilaterally withdrew from negotiations with Australia and the Netherlands and has refused to return to negotiations despite our repeated requests. As a result, Australia and the Netherlands have instituted legal proceedings before the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 14 March 2022, against the Russian Federation for its role in the downing of flight MH17.
The goal of all initiated proceedings is the same: establishing the truth, ensuring accountability and achieving justice for all 298 victims and their next of kin.
Australia, Belgium, Germany and my own country the Netherlands once again call on Russia to accept its responsibility and cooperate fully with efforts to establish accountability.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.