Oral update by DHC Nada Al-Nashif on Ukraine, 09 October 2023
/
3:35
/
MP4
/
512.8 MB

Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG

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

Tag and share

Twitter @UNHumanRights

Facebook unitednationshumanrights

Instagram @unitednationshumanrights

  1. Exterior shot: Palais des Nations, Geneva.
  2. Wide shot: wide shot room 20
  3. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “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.”
  4. Cut away: Room 20
  5. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “Torture remains a brutal reality for civilians and prisoners of war held by Russian authorities.”
  6. Cut away: Room 20
  7. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “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.”
  8. Cut away: Room 20
  9. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “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.”
  10. Cut away: Room 20
  11. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “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.”
  12. 06/10/2023
    1. Still picture: HRMMU team at scene in Kharkiv center after shelling, As a result of the shelling, 30 people were injured and two were killed, including a 10-year-old boy. ©Yevhen Nosenko OHCHR
    2. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “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.”
    3. 07/10/2023
    4. Still picture: HRMMU team at the site of missile strike killed in the village of Groza, where a at least 52 civilians. ©Yevhen Nosenko OHCHR
    5. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR): “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.”
    6. 07/10/2023
    7. Still picture: HRMMU team at the site of missile strike killed in the village of Groza, where a at least 52 civilians. ©Yevhen Nosenko OHCHR
    8. Soundbite (English)— Nada Al-Nashif, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):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.”
    9. 07/10/2023
    10. Still picture: Improvised memorial at the missile strike killed in the village of Groza, where a at least 52 civilians. ©Yevhen Nosenko OHCHR

Similar Stories

Gaza - Israel war 7 October 2025 - OCHA - UNICEF - WHO

1

1

1

Edited News | OCHA , UNICEF , WHO

Gaza - Israel war 7 October 2025 - OCHA - UNICEF - WHO ENG FRA

Two years of Gaza-Israel war bring ‘indescribable’ pain: UN humanitarians

Two years since the Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel, UN humanitarians on Tuesday reiterated calls for the release of all hostages in Gaza, an immediate ceasefire and an aid surge to alleviate Palestinians’ suffering, as talks on a US-driven peace plan continued in Egypt.

Justice for Syria's disappeared - Riyad Avlar – 06 October 2025

1

1

1

Edited News

Justice for Syria's disappeared - Riyad Avlar – 06 October 2025 ENG FRA

Syria prison survivor seeks justice for the missing with UN backing.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk at Human Rights Council on Ukraine: “This war needs to end”

1

Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk at Human Rights Council on Ukraine: “This war needs to end” ENG FRA

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday warned that three and a half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine has entered an even more dangerous and deadly stage for Ukrainian civilians, under relentless bombardment of their schools, hospitals, and shelters.

30 minutes in a Gaza hospital - UNICEF - WHO - ICRC

1

1

1

Edited News | UNICEF , WHO , ICRC

30 minutes in a Gaza hospital - UNICEF - WHO - ICRC ENG FRA

Quadcopter victims, terror and death: 30 minutes in a Gaza hospital 

UN aid teams on Friday highlighted the disturbing situation in Gaza’s makeshift hospitals, where premature babies cry for scant oxygen and medics attempt to save child survivors targeted by airstrikes in their tents and quadcopter victims reportedly shot while fetching bread.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s Oral update to the Human Rights Council on the situation in Haiti

2

1

2

Edited News | OHCHR

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s Oral update to the Human Rights Council on the situation in Haiti ENG FRA

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday delivered his oral update to the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session on the human rights situation in Haiti.

The High Commissioner welcomed Wednesday’s decision of the UN Security Council to strengthen the Multinational Security Support mission by transitioning to the Gang Suppression Force for Haiti, stating it is a strong signal of international support for the Haitian people.

Gaza aid update - UNICEF, OCHA 30 September 2025

1

1

1

Edited News | OCHA , UNICEF

Gaza aid update - UNICEF, OCHA 30 September 2025 ENG FRA

Gaza: As world waits for US peace plan news, UN aid teams stress need for ceasefire

UN agencies reiterated calls for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday to help alleviate Palestinian suffering, as a new US 20-point plan raised hopes of a halt to the fighting.

Gaza healthcare attacks – WHO

1

1

1

Edited News | WHO

Gaza healthcare attacks – WHO ENG FRA

The ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza City continues to overwhelm the war-torn enclave’s medical professionals, with four more hospitals forced to shut down this month alone, the UN World Health Organization said on Friday.

UN Report: Civilian detainees subjected to troubling patterns of torture and ill treatment since Russia’s full scale attack on Ukraine

1

1

1

Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG

UN Report: Civilian detainees subjected to troubling patterns of torture and ill treatment since Russia’s full scale attack on Ukraine ENG FRA

A UN Human Rights report released today details the dire situation of thousands of civilians detained since Russia’s full-scale armed attack on Ukraine in 2022. 

Sudan cholera update WHO - UNICEF

1

1

1

Edited News | WHO , UNICEF

Sudan cholera update WHO - UNICEF ENG FRA

Sudan war: Life-saving cholera vaccination campaign begins in Darfur

Amid the devastating war in Sudan, UN aid teams are overcoming major obstacles to curb a cholera outbreak claiming lives across the country, with young children particularly at risk.

Afghanistan earthquake response – UN Women 19 September 2025

2

1

2

Edited News , B-roll | UN WOMEN

Afghanistan earthquake response – UN Women 19 September 2025 ENG FRA

Women and girls still reeling from Afghanistan's recent deadly earthquake face even greater suffering rebuilding their lives and livelihoods without much more help from the international community, UN Women said on Friday.

UN report: Sudan crisis deepens amid rising civilian casualties - UN Human rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence and OHCHR Sudan Representative Li Fung

1

1

1

Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG

UN report: Sudan crisis deepens amid rising civilian casualties - UN Human rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence and OHCHR Sudan Representative Li Fung ENG FRA

Rising civilian casualties, growing ethnic violence and the grim humanitarian situation in Sudan underscore how the crisis there is deepening, according to a UN Human rights report published today.

'Not a Target' UN Geneva Protest - 18 September 2025

1

1

1

Edited News | UNITED NATIONS

'Not a Target' UN Geneva Protest - 18 September 2025 ENG FRA

United Nations agencies staff demonstrates on Place des Nations in Geneva to denounce the killing of their colleagues in Gaza.