UN human rights chief warns of ‘widespread and systematic’ torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war
in one briefing to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday, United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk emphasized the widespread destruction and violations of international law that have defined the conflict.
He noted that July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022, with a sharp increase in casualties due to large-scale Russian attacks across Ukraine.
From June to August, civilian casualties increased 45% compared to the previous three months, due to missile, drone and air attacks as well as ongoing ground operations aimed at occupying added Ukrainian territory.
“Simultaneously, Covert violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue in places of detention out of sight of independent monitors,” Mr. Türk said.
Mr. Türk expressed deep concern over the mistreatment of prisoners of war (POWs), especially Ukrainian soldiers.
Torture was widespread among Ukrainian prisoners of war
He reported “extensive and systematic” torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces, based on documents recorded from 174 Ukrainian prisoners of war, nearly all of whom described consistent torture experiences. during detention.
“Instances of torture are happening every day or every week. Minimum safeguards to help prevent torture – such as allowing prisoners contact with the outside world, access to independent monitors or regular medical checks – are already in place. use. absent or ineffectivehe said.
“Evidence collected also shows the involvement of facility supervisors and significant coordination between different entities of the Russian Federation – such as the Federal Security Service and the Federal Prison Service.”
He also expressed concern over inhumane rhetoric from Russian public figures calling for inhumane treatment and even execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war, and warned that the amnesty law should be generous to military personnel. Russia is pushing for an exemption.
Violations against Russian prisoners of war
Mr. Türk further reported that some Russian prisoners of war held by Ukrainian authorities also reported cases of torture and sexual violence, mainly during the early stages of captivity.
“In most cases, torture and ill-treatment end when prisoners reach official detention, where conditions generally meet international standards,” he said.
He called on Ukraine to ensure that prisoners of war are treated in accordance with international law “at all stages of captivity.”
‘Evil’ attacks on civilians
Mr. Türk also emphasized Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, with at least four major attacks in the past three months. These strikes, increasingly targeting power generation facilities, have led to widespread blackouts and raised fears of a cold winter ahead.
“This is a cruel way of harming civilians,” he said, stressing that electricity is vital for hospitals, heating, water treatment and daily life in an urbanized country. strong like Ukraine.
“Electricity is nothing less than a source of life.”
In addition, he drew attention to the environmental damage caused by the conflict and the risks posed by fighting near nuclear power plants.
He concluded by calling on Russia to meet its international obligations, grant access to independent monitors and end its military attack on Ukraine.
He emphasized that access to the ground is essential to establish the truth and ensure accountability.
