The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the armed separatist groups controlling the MH17 crash site to allow unfettered access to international investigators.
Australia played a lead role, authoring the resolution which was adopted in New York on July 21 (July 22 Australian time).
It calls on the separatists to ensure the bodies of the 298 victims – including 28 Australians and nine Australian permanent residents – are treated with the utmost dignity and respect and returned to their grieving families.
The resolution underlined the need for a full, thorough and independent international investigation into the crash and demanded all military activities in the area cease to allow immediate, safe, secure and unrestricted access to investigating authorities.
It asks all countries to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
Today’s resolution lends the full weight of the Security Council in condemning the attack and extending the international community’s deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of all the victims of this tragic incident.
Australia welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s offer of assistance to the investigation. The United Nations will continue to have a crucial role in the aftermath of the MH17 tragedy.
Australia will continue to do everything in its power to ensure this barbaric act is thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.
22 July 2014