A new UN report reveals “widespread, systematic” Russian torture against Ukrainian POWs. The report describes “relentless, violent treatment inflicting serious pain and suffering” over a prolonged period of detention.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine published a report two years after the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine in full force. It highlights the increasing suffering of civilians due to Russia’s disregard of human rights and humanitarian law. The Commission found evidence of new violations and war crimes committed by Russian authorities within areas under their control.
The report states that “new evidence confirms the Commission’s previous findings” that the torture used by Russian authorities both in Ukraine and the Russian Federation was widespread and systematic.
The report describes cases of horrendous treatment in detention facilities across the Russian Federation. It focuses on torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The victims’ accounts reveal “relentless and brutal treatment inflicting serious pain and suffering over a prolonged period of detention”, leading to long-lasting mental and physical trauma.
“In most facilities the prisoners of war were subjected to a brutal “admission procedure” with beatings and shocks. One victim said that she was greeted by the words ‘Welcome To Hell. ‘”
One Ukrainian soldier described his experience of torture at a correctional colony located in Donskoy in Russia’s Tula Oblast. The result was broken bones, cracked teeth, and gangrene. He tried to commit suicide, but was beaten further. The soldier was hospitalized 36 times after his release.
“Russian authorities tortured civilians suspected of cooperating with Ukrainian armed forces to extract information. In the case of prisoners-of-war, torture was used in addition to punishment and intimidation. The Commission found that torture methods were similar in different detention centers. These elements, taken together, confirm that Russian authorities have used systematic torture.”
The report also documents incidents involving rape, sexual violence and torture against women. It describes torture with a sexualized aspect and threats of rape towards male prisoners of war.
“Investigations have found additional evidence regarding the illegal transfer of children to zones under Russian control.”
The UN report on Russian war crimes in Ukraine highlights the continued use explosive weapons in civil areas, confirming that Russian armed forces have a pattern of disregard for possible harm to civilians. Satellite imagery shows widespread destruction in urban areas, and residents describe unbearable suffering from relentless aerial bombardment and shelling.
According to the data obtained by the Commission, at least 58 buildings of medical infrastructure and 11 power plants were damaged or destroyed in Mariupol. The Russian armed forces’ indiscriminate attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, as well as the destruction of civilian objects such hospitals and cultural property.
“The Commission interviewed witnesses who were affected by the attack. They also observed a tank stationed outside the building with the letter ‘Z’, which is used by the Russian armed forces. Report details that “One eyewitness saw a tank firing on the building.”
The Commission condemns any and all crimes and violations, and emphasizes the importance of identifying and holding accountable perpetrators. It emphasizes the importance of other dimensions of responsibility, such as truth and reparations, as well as guarantees of non-recurrence. The Commission will present their report to the UN Human Rights Council at Geneva early next week.
The report’s main findings are:
Report by the UN exposes systematic Russian torture, killings and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine
Please read:
* Russian double missile strike on Odesa kills 14, injures 46 (updated)
CNN
* Bucha massacre – Ukraine charges two Russian soldiers with murder
The smell of death in Izium will not go away
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com