Today, during the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ukraine joined the following statement of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden on the downing of PS752 by Iran: 

“It is just over a year since the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752. That crash, caused by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles, killed 176 people – many of whom were traveling home for the holidays or returning to school. We continue to mourn this devastating loss. 

In February, Special Rapporteurs Callamard and Rehman released a letter sent to the government of Iran, which outlined a number of very serious allegations. Chief amongst their concerns is that the right to life of the 176 passengers and crew members was violated. It is our understanding that Iran has not responded to this letter.

Iran’s alleged violation of these human rights obligations is extremely troubling. This is compounded by allegations of entirely unacceptable harassment and threats made against family members of some of the victims. 

We call on Iran to: 

• Reply to the letter as soon as possible and certainly in advance of the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur Callamard at HRC47.
• Immediately stop any harassment and intimidation of the victims’ families, both in Iran and elsewhere.
• Ensure a full and transparent criminal investigation and impartial judicial proceedings as part of their obligation to provide justice for the victims of this tragedy, and
• Provide a comprehensive account of the events that led to this tragedy. Iran owes answers to the families and to the world”.