UN report: Credible allegations Ukrainian POWs have been tortured by Russian forces
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) issued a new report on Tuesday, revealing a surge in credible allegations of torture and executions of captured Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) at the hands of Russian forces.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) issued a new report on Tuesday, revealing a surge in credible allegations of torture and executions of captured Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) at the hands of Russian forces.
According to the Monitoring Mission, interviews conducted with 60 recently released Ukrainian POWs painted a harrowing picture of their experiences in Russian captivity.
“Almost every single one of the Ukrainian POWs we interviewed described how Russian servicepersons or officials tortured them during their captivity, using repeated beatings, electric shocks, threats of execution, prolonged stress positions and mock execution. Over half of them were subjected to sexual violence,” said Danielle Bell, the head of HRMMU.
“Most POWs also recounted the anguish of not being allowed to communicate with their families and being deprived of adequate food and medical attention.”
Credible allegations
The report documented “credible allegations” of executions of at least 32 Ukrainian POWs, in 12 separate incidents between December and February. HRMMU has independently verified three of these incidents.
HRMMU also noted findings from interviews with 44 Russian POWs in Ukrainian captivity, stating that while the POWs did not make any allegations of torture at established internment facilities, several provided credible accounts of torture and ill-treatment while in transit having been removed from the battlefield.
Violations in Russian-occupied territory
In addition to the findings on POWs, the report detailed continued violence against civilians in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia, citing, among other violations, killings, arbitrary detention and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The report highlighted the Ukrainian Government’s continued prosecution and conviction of individuals for activities allegedly conducted under Russian occupation.
Civilian casualties remained high during the December 2023-February 2024 period, with conflict-related violence leading to the deaths of 429 civilians and injuring 1,374.
A significant intensification of missile and other aerial munitions (such as suicide unmanned aerial vehicles), together with attacks by Russia in late December and January, caused a spike in civilian casualties in areas far from the frontline, while the overall civilian casualty numbers remained comparable to the previous period.
Ukrainian cities under attack
Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Ukraine reported that attacks continued in the south and east of the country on Monday and Tuesday, impacting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Several people were injured in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv, according to local authorities.
Hundreds of thousands of people remain without power, mainly in Odesa and Kharkiv Regions. Authorities estimate that restoring the power to its full capacity will take months. Humanitarian organizations are on the ground, providing emergency aid to people affected.
© UN News (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- South Africa will be President of G20 in 2025: Two much-needed Reforms it Should Drive Monday, May 13, 2024
- General Assembly Strengthens Palestine’s Status at UN — with New Privileges Monday, May 13, 2024
- UN teams dispatch aid as deadly flash floods hit northern Afghanistan Sunday, May 12, 2024
- Gaza: We must prevent a large-scale offensive in Rafah, UN pleads Sunday, May 12, 2024
- Japan: Safeguarding a mother tongue and mother nature Sunday, May 12, 2024
- Madagascar: Coordination, convergence and change from the grass roots up Saturday, May 11, 2024
- The World Must Not Abandon the Mothers of Gaza Friday, May 10, 2024
- Latin America and the Caribbean Hit with Record-Breaking Heat and Other Climate Effects in 2023 Friday, May 10, 2024
- Biden 'Moving the Goal Post' With Threat to Withhold Bombs from Israel Friday, May 10, 2024
- UNRWA staff ‘not going anywhere’ despite forced closure of East Jerusalem compound Friday, May 10, 2024