UN Commission on Ukraine: Russia’s violations constitute war crimes
In the written statement made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the latest report published by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine was included.
According to the report, Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine include attacks on civilian areas and energy infrastructure, deliberate killings, unlawful imprisonment, torture, rape and other acts of sexual violence, illegal transfers and deportations of children.
The evidence shows that the Russian authorities deliberately killing civilians or non-combatants in areas under their control are war crimes and violate the right to life.
The Russian armed forces also carried out explosive weapons attacks on settlements, ignoring civilians and failing to take necessary precautions.
While attacks in violation of international humanitarian law were carried out in a disorderly and disproportionate manner, the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas was one of the main causes of civilian casualties.
Large numbers of men, women and children were targeted in this way, while establishing a widespread pattern of “illegal internment” in areas controlled by the Russian armed forces.
Those incarcerated throughout Ukraine and in special facilities in Russia were tortured by the Russian authorities.
A former detainee said he was beaten for speaking Ukrainian and not remembering the lyrics of the Russian Federation anthem.
REQUEST TO DO MORE INVESTIGATIONS
The report argued that this pattern of torture could constitute a crime against humanity and should be further investigated.
While survivors shared their losses and trauma, he noted the importance of identifying those responsible and holding them accountable.
One person whose father was executed by the Russian armed forces in the Izium region said: “Innocent people were punished; Now the criminals, if they are still alive, must be severely punished.” he said.
The war crimes committed, the random attacks on infrastructure areas, the systematic and widespread torture also showed contempt for civilians.
The report also documented a small number of violations committed by the Ukrainian armed forces, including indiscriminate attacks and the shooting, wounding and torture of Russian prisoners of war, which are considered war crimes.
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED FOR THE REPORT
While 56 settlements were visited to create the report, 348 women and 247 men were interviewed.
While inspecting the demolition sites, graves, places of detention and torture, and the remains of weapons, the inspectors also consulted many documents and reports.