Ukraine has now endured over three years of Russia’s illegal war. Throughout this time, we have witnessed a growing body of evidence of atrocities committed by Russian forces. These include relentless attacks on civilians across Ukraine, including the wilful erasure of cultural identity, the forced deportation and indoctrination of children, and the torture and sexual abuse of civilians and prisoners of war.
The latest Moscow Mechanism report details how widespread, systematic and deliberate Russia’s policy to dehumanise Ukrainians has become. This includes the torture and inhuman treatment of Ukrainian Prisoners of War at every stage of captivity. Methods include severe beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, forced nudity and psychological humiliation. It found that Ukrainian Prisoners of War have been arbitrarily killed and executed. The report concluded that these Russian violations may “constitute war crimes and, in some cases, arguably, crimes against humanity”.
This report builds on the 7th interim ODIHR report released in June this year which also documents extensive violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
We have the means – and the responsibility – to hold those behind the invasion of Ukraine to account and to support the healing that must follow. The UK is proud to have championed accountability: as early supporters of the Special Tribunal, as Chair of the Register of Damage, through the establishment of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group, and by leading the largest group referral to the ICC in its history. We will continue to support the Ukrainian government in tracing and verifying illegally deported children and supporting them and their families through their rehabilitation.
The UK’s support to Ukraine remains steadfast, for as long as it takes. We remain absolutely committed in our pursuit of a just and enduring peace.
