Latest news today about the war between Russia and Ukraine
Investigators also note abuses on the Ukrainian side, but applaud the access to detainees and the opening of investigations
November 15 () –
The UN mission that investigates Human Rights violations in Ukraine has verified that the two parties to the conflict, the Russian and the Ukrainian, have perpetrated abuses on the prisoners in their power, despite the fact that there is an “absolute” prohibition of torture or mistreatment of detainees, regardless of whether there is an armed conflict.
The head of the investigators, Matilda Bogner, has taken stock after interviewing 175 prisoners held by the Ukrainian authorities and another 159 imprisoned by the Russian side. In the latter case, the interviews have been carried out after his release, since only kyiv has guaranteed the “confidential access” claimed by the experts.
In the case of the prisoners in Russian hands, the UN has verified beatings, theft of personal belongings and transfers in overcrowded vehicles without access to bathrooms in the first moments after the arrest. The admission procedures in the centers where they are held are equally abusive, to the point that at least one of the prisoners died in this process.
“The vast majority of the people we have interviewed told us that, during their imprisonment, they were tortured and ill-treated,” explained Bogner, who reports on the pressure in search of information or for simple humiliation. In the Olenivka penal colony, in the Donetsk region, at least eight people have died, according to the testimonies collected.
Burns, beatings, mock executions and sexual violence are among a list of systematic abuses, in a context that is already “harsh” as prisoners remain in overcrowded cells, with little hygiene and serious shortages of food and water .
One of the victims interviewed for this report told the United Nations how pro-Russian militiamen gave her electric shocks to her genitals and nose. “They were just doing it for the fun of it, not being interested in my answers to their questions,” she explained.
The abuses also extend to the Ukrainian side, with “credible allegations” of summary executions outside of combat operations and “several cases of torture and ill-treatment”, including beatings, electric shocks or similarly “humiliating” transfers. in the words of the person in charge of these investigations.
The UN does establish differences between the two sides since, apart from the access provided to investigators, it has also been able to confirm that criminal proceedings have been opened in Ukraine to examine the alleged notices about prisoners of war. “We expect progress in these cases,” Bogner warned.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Not surprisingly, “the fundamental obligation of a State is to treat all prisoners of war in a humane manner at all times, from the moment they are captured until their release and repatriation”, as established by the Geneva Conventions that have signed both Russia and Ukraine.
Bogner has also pointed out that “the prevention of torture involves guaranteeing that independent observers have access to detainees” and has advocated guaranteeing accountability in any context, including war, since “it is key to deter and prevent further violations”. “Both parties must do it fairly, quickly and impartially”, she has riveted herself.
