Matilda Bogner, Head of Department UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, speak that, over the past few months, her team interviewed 159 prisoners of war – or prisoners of war – both men and women, held by Russia, and 175 male prisoners held by Ukraine.
Ukraine has given the delegation access to Russian prisoners of war where they are being held. Russia did not, so interviews were conducted with Ukrainian POWs upon their release.
Beating, attacking dogs
Ukrainian prisoners of war said they were regularly beaten, threatened, electrocuted and attacked by dogs. Nine people are believed to have died in such attacks in April of this year.
Female POWs told interviewers that they did not experience physical violence but were described as psychologically tormented by the screams of male POWs being tortured in nearby cells. Both male and female prisoners reported having experienced various forms of sexual violence.
The vast majority of Ukrainian prisoners interviewed said that during their detention, they were tortured and mistreated.
Threats, insults
They said their treatment was not only used to coerce them into providing military information or making statements about alleged crimes, but also to intimidate and humiliate them on a daily basis.
Prisoners described being beaten, including with batons and wooden hammers, kicked and electrocuted with stun guns and a military telephone known as TAPik.
make summary
Russian POWs held by Ukraine told interviewers of brief executions and some instances of torture and ill-treatment, mainly when they were arrested, questioned for the first time, or transferred to camps. transit and detention. In some cases, they said they were punched and kicked in the face and body after surrendering and during questioning.
In some cases, Russian POWs said they were stabbed or electrocuted with ‘TAPik’ phones by Ukrainian law enforcement officers or military personnel guarding them.
accountability key
Ms. Bogner said that countries must always treat all prisoners of war humanely, from the moment they are arrested until their release and repatriation, and strictly prohibit torture and mistreatment, even in times of armed conflict.
She also said that accountability is key to preventing and preventing further violations, adding that the parties to the conflict have a clear legal obligation to investigate and prosecute all violations. alleged violations of international humanitarian law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war within their control.
