The head of a UN investigative body said this Friday (16), that there were war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, including rape, torture and confinement of children.9879
“Based on the evidence gathered by the Commission, it concludes war crimes were committed in Ukraine,” Erik Mose told the UN Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, Switzerland.9879
The Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine focused on areas previously occupied by Russian forces such as Kiev, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy. Investigators from this commission created by the Human Rights Council in March visited 23 locations and interviewed more than 150 victims and witnesses.
Researchers found evidence of a large number of executions, including bodies with their hands tied, throats cut and head shots, according to Mose. The head of the investigation also reported that victims of sexual violence aged between four and 92 were identified. years.9879
Ukraine and western allies allege a number of rights abuses by Russian soldiers since the invasion of 24 of February, but Moscow defends itself by saying that it is a smear campaign.
Russia was called upon to respond to the allegations at the Council meeting, but the country’s seat was left empty and there was no official response from Moscow. “If unanswered, (Russia’s violations) will drag us into a dark world of impunity and permissiveness,” Ukraine envoy Anton Korynevych told the Council via videoconference.
