1483rd meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
Current Issue “Ten years since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17” (raised by the delegation of the Netherlands)
18 July 2024
Thank you, Chair.
Australia fully aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Netherlands and the European Union on the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
Yesterday, 17 July 2024, marked 10 years since the downing of Flight MH17, a violent, and unlawful act, on a civilian aircraft which resulted in the tragic deaths of 298 people, 38 of whom called Australia home; one of the worst peacetime losses of Australian life.
To honour and remember the lives of those lost in the downing of Flight MH17, Australia held a commemorative service at Australia’s Parliament House for the families and loved ones of the victims. They were joined by officials involved in the response to the downing over the last ten years. This was a sad and sombre day for all Australians, but in particular for the loved ones.
Along with our international partners, we remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking truth, justice and accountability on behalf of the victims and their next of kin, pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2166 (2014). We have made substantial progress in this commitment over the last ten years.
Australia, together with the Netherlands, continues to pursue state responsibility proceedings against Russia in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This case relies on the strong body of evidence presented by the Joint Investigation Team, comprised of investigative agencies from Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine.
Australia and the Netherlands presented compelling evidence of Russia’s responsibility for the downing of Flight MH17 to the ICAO Council at the first merits hearing in June. This is an important step in our pursuit of accountability for Russia’s role in the downing.
Despite Russia’s deplorable decision to withdraw from the ICAO proceedings, the case will continue. The ICAO Council has already given due consideration to all of Russia’s requests in line with the Chicago Convention and the relevant Rules.
On 17 November 2022, the District Court of The Hague sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment for their role in the downing of Flight MH17. Australia has imposed sanctions on the three individuals convicted and on the Commander of the Russian Brigade who provided the missile system that downed Flight MH17. The findings of this same court unequivocally and conclusively establish Russia’s responsibility for the downing of MH17.
Australia maintains that Russia must take responsibility for the role it played in this horrific act of violence. We will not be deterred in our commitment to hold Russia to account.
Australia calls on Russia to cooperate fully with accountability processes and to uphold the international norms that underpin the safety and security of international civil aviation.
I recommit to our ongoing partnership with the Netherlands, which lost nearly 200 nationals, and with Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine.
We must ensure that such an act is never repeated. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, and with their families and loved ones, in the downing of MH17.
Thank you, Chair.