Torture of Ukrainian children: UN investigators find evidence of Russian war crimes

Tortured Ukrainian children
UN investigators uncover evidence of Russian war crimes

09/24/2022 01:14 AM

The move was unusual: the UN Investigators are confirming war crimes charges against Ukraine without consulting a court. There is clear evidence for this. The crimes were a “list of atrocities,” and children were also victims of Russian soldiers.

UN investigators have found numerous war crimes in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. “(…) Based on the evidence gathered, the Commission has concluded that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine,” said Eric Moss, head of the UN Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations in Ukraine. Rights Council.

Moses added that there was evidence of the execution of many children who had been raped and tortured with their hands tied behind their backs. According to investigators, acts of sexual and gender-based violence were committed by Russian soldiers, and in some cases relatives were forced to witness the crimes.

Rapid classification as a war crime without court intervention is unusual. However, according to a three-person independent expert panel, the evidence is clear. However, it is yet to be said whether these acts constitute crimes against humanity.

“Cruel List”

So far, investigators have only investigated cases in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Karkiv and Sumy regions. They visited 27 cities, interviewed more than 150 victims and witnesses, and examined graves, detention and torture sites, and weapons remains.

Moses told reporters that investigators “have also processed two incidents of ill-treatment of Russian Federation soldiers by Ukrainian forces.”

Looking ahead, Moses announced that the committee will expand its investigation into internment camps, forced displacement and alleged transport of Ukrainian children to Russia for adoption.

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had already raised serious accusations against Russia at a meeting of the UN Security Council. Citing UN human rights reports, he spoke of a “list of atrocities”, including “extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, torture and inhuman and degrading treatment of civilians and prisoners of war”. “All these allegations must be carefully investigated to ensure accountability,” the UN Secretary-General said.