Hundreds of civilians, POWs suffer sexual abuse in Ukraine war: UN

GENEVA - The UN Human Rights Office has reported that hundreds of civilians and prisoners of war have been victims of sexual violence and torture, primarily at the hands of Russian forces, since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. According to the UN, 89% of the documented cases, totaling 1,004 since February 24, 2022, were attributed to Russian authorities, including members of the armed forces, prison service, and national security service. The remaining 11% were blamed on Ukrainian authorities.

The UN report, based on confidential interviews with victims and official records, reveals a disturbing pattern of sexual violence, torture, and intimidation. Victims include men, particularly those in detention, as well as women and children, primarily in occupied Ukrainian territory. The violations include gang rape, rape, genital mutilation, electric shocks, and beatings to the genitals. The youngest victim was a four-year-old girl, and the oldest was an 82-year-old woman, both raped by Russian authorities.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed deep alarm and fear that such abuses are likely continuing amid the ongoing violence in Ukraine. He called for Russia to withdraw its military forces from Ukraine, urging both countries to promptly investigate and bring perpetrators to justice. The UN investigators were only able to speak with around 10% of released prisoners, and cannot access regions controlled by Russian forces, so the report represents just a fraction of the reality.