Commission Chair Erik Møse Addresses Russian Armed Forces’ Violations
Commission Chair Erik Møse, speaking in Kyiv, has drawn attention to the persistent patterns of violations committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine. These violations include wilful killings, unlawful confinement, torture, rape, and illegal deportations, many of which meet the criteria for war crimes.
Challenges Faced by the Ukrainian Legal System
According to the Commission, Ukraine’s legal system confronts “immense challenges” in providing accountability and justice to victims and ensuring comprehensive redress for survivors.
Reparations Program: Addressing the Consequences
Mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate violations since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Commission has been closely monitoring discussions regarding reparations. Commission member Pablo de Greiff emphasizes that reparations programs should be developed in close consultation with victims.
Prioritizing Victims’ Voices
De Greiff underlines that establishing a comprehensive reparations program is a long-term process, separate from but coordinated with national reconstruction programs and property restitution and repair initiatives. He stresses the importance of involving victims in the design of these programs.
The rights experts emphasize that providing urgent mental health and psychosocial support to victims remains a challenging task.
Commission’s Extensive Involvement in Ukraine
The Commission has conducted over ten visits to Ukraine. The latest visit began in the Cherkasy region and continued to Kyiv, where experts engaged with authorities and civilians affected by the war.
In late August, the Commission released a report outlining its findings, including the widespread and systematic use of torture by Russian authorities, which may constitute crimes against humanity upon further investigation. The report also notes a pattern of summary executions in areas near the frontlines, where Russian armed forces frequently interacted with local residents.
Prior Violations and Indiscriminate Attacks
In a previous report from March, the Commission documented various violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by Russian authorities in Ukraine and Russia. The report highlighted indiscriminate and disproportionate strikes and a failure to take precautions, all in violation of international humanitarian law.
UN Commission’s Mandate
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine operates independently and is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. Furthermore, its tasks encompass investigating alleged human rights violations, violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
In pursuit of its mission, the Commission aims to establish facts, examine circumstances, and uncover the root causes of these violations. It also actively gathers and rigorously analyzes evidence, with special attention to their gender dimension, in preparation for potential future legal proceedings.
Attacks Impact Global Food Security
Denise Brown, Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine at the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, has expressed alarm over multiple attacks on ports in Ukraine.
She highlights the humanitarian consequences and their impact on global food security, emphasizing the devastating effects on Ukrainian farmers and the rising food costs affecting families worldwide.
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Sources: THX News & United Nations.
