\n<\/p>\n
Highlighting a wide range of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, the report notes multiple cases of \u201cwillful killings\u201d, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and conflict-related sexual violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cHostilities continue to kill and injure civilians as well as destroy and damage civilian infrastructure\u201d, said Head of HRMMU, Matilda Bogner, indicating that hostilities \u201cnot only endanger the lives of civilians, but also leave them living in degrading conditions and undermine their rights to health, education, housing, food and water<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n Since the Russian invasion of 24 February, the mission has recorded 5,996 civilian deaths, including 382 children, together with 8,848 injured<\/strong>, noting that the actual figures are much higher, as complete information from conflict zones cannot be obtained.<\/p>\n According to HRMMU, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention were widespread in territory controlled by Russian armed forces or affiliated armed groups, as well as cases of torture and ill-treatment of civilian detainees.<\/p>\n \u201cThe prohibition of torture and arbitrary deprivation of life is absolute and applies in conflict and non-conflict settings to all persons,\u201d said Ms. Bogner. \u201cPerpetrators must be held accountable, and victims and their relatives must enjoy their rights to remedy and truth<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n HRMMU also documented cases of rape, including of one girl; sexual violence used as torture or ill-treatment against men; forced public stripping – and other forms of sexual violence, such as forced nudity, unwanted sexual touching, sexual abuse and threats of sexual violence.<\/p>\n The report also found that Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) were subjected to torture or cruel and degrading treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch mistreatment\u2026appears to be systematic<\/strong>, not only upon their capture, but also following their transfer to places of internment both in territory of Ukraine occupied by the Russian Federation and in the Russian Federation itself<\/strong>,\u201d said the HRMMU chief, calling it \u201ca grave violation of international humanitarian law\u201d that Russia must address.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, some Russian POWs were tortured and ill-treated by Ukrainian armed forces as well.<\/p>\n \u201cThere must be timely and effective investigations<\/strong> into all allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including torture, ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and sexual violence,\u201d she continued, adding that \u201cregardless of their affiliation,\u201d perpetrators need to be \u201cduly prosecuted\u201d.<\/p>\n Hostilities have severely impacted the rights of persons with disabilities and the elderly, the majority of whom are women, leaving them without healthcare, adequate housing, heating, water and electricity.<\/p>\n Furthermore, some journalists, media workers, and bloggers have been killed in areas controlled by the Russian military or affiliated armed groups.<\/p>\n The report emphasized that freedom of expression, including access to media, has been restricted in occupied areas.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are concerned that the shrinking civic space and highly restrictive environment in areas occupied by the Russian Federation deter people from reporting the human rights violations they have experienced or witnessed<\/strong>,\u201d said Ms. Bogner said.<\/p>\nLitany of abuse<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Prisoners of war<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u2018Shrinking civic space\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n