UN Human Rights Office’s latest report on the human rights situation in Ukraine, 09 October 2023

The report says that within a span of just six months, from 1 February to 31 July 2023, another 4,621 civilians fell victim to this conflict, with 1,028 killed and 3,593 injured.

“One and a half years after the Russian Federation's full-scale armed attack on Ukraine, we continue to bear witness to blatant and unabated violations of human rights. Documented abuses range from widespread torture and arbitrary detention to conflict-related sexual violence and denial of the right to an adequate standard of living” she said.

The Deputy High Commisisoner noted that most of these documented casualties occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine. The actual figures are likely higher, as many reports of civilian casualties are still pending corroboration and the UN Human Rights Office does not have access to the occupied territory of Ukraine and limited access to the areas close to the frontline.

The findings of the report are the result of 117 field visits, 27 inspections of detention centres, 28 visits to care institutions or shelters, the observation of 23 trial hearings, and invaluable insights gained from 1,226 interviews, including with victims, witnesses, relatives and legal representatives. As the Russian Federation continues to deny access to occupied territory, the Office had redoubled its remote monitoring efforts to ensure robust findings.

“Torture remains a brutal reality for civilians and prisoners of war held by Russian authorities,” Al-Nashif highlighted.

“The testimonies of survivors describe a cruelty that is difficult to imagine, including terrifying accounts of electric shocks, sexual violence and severe beatings, which in some instances led to broken bones and smashed teeth. Countless detainees were also forced to praise the Russian Federation, learn and sing Russian songs, and suffered severe beatings for failing, or speaking Ukrainian. Appalling detention conditions, including food and medical shortages, poor living conditions, and sleep deprivation, persisted,” Al-Nashif said.

In territory controlled by Ukraine, the Ukrainian authorities have opened nearly 6,000 criminal cases for collaboration activities and continued to render a high number of guilty verdicts.

“OHCHR is concerned that many of those arrested and even convicted were targeted for conduct that could, in principle, be lawfully compelled by the occupying Power under international humanitarian law,” the DHC stated.

“OHCHR remains gravely concerned that there is no established system to return Ukrainian children who were transferred to other regions in Russian-occupied territory or to the Russian Federation. Among the children who reunited with their family after relatives travelled to the Russian Federation to retrieve them, some described experiencing or witnessing psychological or physical violence by educational staff there,” Al-Nashif said.

“Accountability for violations and crimes is crucial to prevent their recurrence and provide justice for victims. The deaths of 51 Ukrainian prisoners-of-war in a penal colony near Olenivka in July 2022 is just one of many incidents that demand a comprehensive and impartial investigation, including necessary access by international investigators to the site,” she said.

Al-Nashif noted how the situation in Ukraine threatens the right to food worldwide, particularly in developing countries – making international action to address this challenge all the more urgent.

“Devastating long-term effects will also be felt by the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Following its withdrawal from this lifeline agreement, we have seen an increase in the number of attacks by the Russian Federation that affect infrastructure related to grain export. Some of these attacks also caused damage to surrounding civilian infrastructure and Odesa’s historic buildings,” she said.

The Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine continues to deploy teams across the country, including in high-risk areas, to document violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The urgency and gravity of the situation in Ukraine is undeniable. With each passing day, the toll on human lives and rights escalates, painting a somber picture of a conflict that continues to erode the foundations of dignity and humanity.

“It is imperative for the international community to heed these findings and recommendations, and act decisively to halt the violations of rights and protect those caught in the crossfire of conflict,” she said.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Geneva

Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org or

Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org or

Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org

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