WFUWO Calls for Accountability for Russia’s Systematic Torture and Arbitrary Detention of Ukrainians

October 2, 2024

Dr Kateryna Bondar, WFUWO at the UN, addressed the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine via video statement during the interactive dialogue with the Commission at the UN Human Rights Council on 23 September. The Commission’s update focused on widespread and systematic torture committed by Russian authorities against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, sexual violence as a form of torture in Russian detention centres, attacks with explosive weapons, and the impact of attacks on critical energy infrastructure.

WFUWO’s statement:

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«We thank the Commission for its thorough work and regular reports. We appreciate the increased focus on the human rights violations and war crimes committed by the Russian Federation regarding the prisoners of war and captured civilians, including the widespread and systematic use of torture.

The Russian Federation must be held accountable in particular for its systematic use of arbitrary detention. In the occupied territories of Ukraine, it is a daily occurrence that people are taken as captives, on fabricated charges of extremism, terrorism and espionage, some merely due to their pro-Ukrainian position. Some civilians imprisoned by Russia have spent over 2 years before being released. Many more are still in Russian captivity. According to Ukraine’s unified register, there are over 42,000 missing persons. This is a huge number. The real number is likely much higher.

We call for the condemnation of Russia’s continuous trials against the Azov regiment captives, who are held on fabricated charges of terrorism, as a grave violation of international law. Nine women captives, who worked as cooks with the regiment, are facing up to 19 years in a general regime colony. The men are facing up to 24 years in prison. Over 900 Azov military personnel are still in Russian captivity.

We call for the return to Ukraine of all Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war detained by the Russian Federation. We are not only eager to see their quick release, but also the identification of all perpetrators, with the full accountability of the Russian Federation for its crimes, and the implementation of an international compensation mechanism for Russia’s victims. We welcome all recommendations from the Commission as to the accomplishment of these goals.»