Geneva:
A United Nations investigation has found that Russia has committed the crimes of enforced disappearances and torture in its war in Ukraine. The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine stated in a new report that these crimes were part of a systematic, widespread attack against civilians.
The report categorically stated, “The commission has concluded that Russian authorities committed enforced disappearances and torture as crimes against humanity. Both were perpetrated as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population and pursuant to a coordinated state policy.”
According to the report, civilians detained in areas under Russian control were often transferred to detention facilities in occupied Ukraine or in Russia. Many victims have been missing for extended periods, with some dying in captivity.
Russia has been found to have systematically used torture against certain categories of detainees to extract information, coerce, and intimidate. The report also highlighted instances of Russian troops killing or wounding captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers, constituting a war crime.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia began in February 2022, leading to the establishment of the highest level of inquiry by the UN Human Rights Council in March of that year to investigate violations and abuses during the conflict.
The independent report will be presented before the council next Tuesday.
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