A recently released report on Ukraine reveals that the consequences of the war will have a lasting impact that will be felt for many generations to come.
In a statement releasing a new report, he expressed concern about the ongoing full-scale military assault by Russia on Ukraine, which has been going on for almost three years without resolution. This attack has resulted in numerous severe human rights violations and has devastated the lives and livelihoods of many.
This month signifies the two-year anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale attack, as well as the 10-year anniversary of Russia’s unlawful annexation of Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes and thousands have lost their lives.
The most recent report from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has confirmed that there have been 30,457 civilian casualties since February 24, 2022. This includes 10,582 fatalities and 19,875 injuries, although the actual figures are likely much higher.
Numerous individuals have been forced to leave their homes, with thousands left without shelter. Additionally, numerous medical and educational facilities have suffered damage or destruction, greatly affecting the ability of people to access healthcare and education.
“The effects of this conflict in Ukraine will be enduring for many years,” stated Mr. Türk.
Serious rights violations
For the last two years, the OHCHR has gathered evidence of systematic use of torture, mistreatment, and unjust imprisonment of civilians by the Russian military.
In the occupied region, there have been reports of summary killings, forced disappearances, and suppression of the rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
Furthermore, the monitoring mission’s interviews with more than 550 former Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees have revealed that Russian armed forces committed grave infringements of both international human rights law and international humanitarian law. These violations include summary executions and widespread use of torture.
Since February 24, 2022, the already severe human rights conditions in Crimea under occupation have deteriorated, as there has been a crackdown on individuals who speak out against the occupation. The United Nations Human Rights Office will publish a report on the Russian occupation that has lasted for a decade next week.
The UN’s human rights chief stated that the current attack by Russia does not release Ukrainian forces from their responsibility to follow international laws protecting human rights and humanitarian efforts.
The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in extensive destruction to residential buildings and public facilities.
Peace urgently needed
Over the last two years, the Office has recorded several violations committed by Ukrainian military and security forces, although they are not as widespread as those carried out by Russian forces. The Office remains in communication with Ukrainian authorities to address these matters.
He reiterated his demand for Russia to stop their ongoing military assault on Ukraine without delay, stressing the importance of reaching a fair resolution and once again urging Moscow to grant full access to OHCHR.
The IOM records significant devastation across a wide area.
In a statement on Thursday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 40% of Ukraine’s population, which is over 14.6 million people, will still require humanitarian aid by 2024. Additionally, 2.2 million refugees in nearby countries are also in need of assistance.
“The destruction is widespread, loss of life and suffering continues,” said International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope.
More than 14 million individuals, which accounts for about one third of Ukraine’s total population, have been displaced due to the complete invasion. As a result, families have been torn apart, children have been left without a home, and communities have been devastated.
Approximately 3.7 million individuals are still displaced within Ukraine and about 6.5 million are refugees worldwide. To date, more than 4.5 million people have returned to their homes from either being displaced within the country or abroad.
IOM has assisted 6.5 million individuals in Ukraine and 11 surrounding countries since the war began, delivering vital assistance to those who are most vulnerable and in danger.
Ms. Pope stated that although the needs are substantial, there is still much more work to be done.
Put an end to the lack of consequences, particularly in regards to Navalny’s passing.
On Thursday, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia urged for responsibility and support for all those affected by the conflict, including Russian activists.
Mariana Katzarova stated on Thursday that the war has caused immense destruction to the Ukrainian population and heightened restrictions on civil and political freedoms in Russia. She also mentioned that it has initiated a conflict against Russian citizens within their own country.
After hearing about the passing of Russian activist Alexei Navalny while in prison last week, she and other United Nations Special Rapporteurs urged Moscow to conduct an impartial inquiry and release all incarcerated individuals in Russia who are imprisoned for their political beliefs.
According to the speaker, the Russian government has aggressively and unfairly arrested numerous nonviolent individuals for placing flowers in tribute to Navalny in over 39 cities throughout Russia since last Friday.
She urged the global community to support all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine, including Russian activists, journalists, and human rights defenders who bravely resist the war despite threats, harassment, imprisonment, and death.
The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council includes Special Rapporteurs and other independent experts on rights. They are not employed by the UN, operate independently from governments and organizations, and are not paid for their services.
Source: news.un.org
