UN commission of inquiry documents ‘war crimes’
In a report released Tuesdaythe UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reports “reasonable grounds to conclude that a range of war crimes, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed”. His investigations related to events in the regions of kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy, in February and March 2022.
“The impact of these violations on the civilian population in Ukraine is immense. The loss of life is counted in the thousands. The destruction of infrastructure is devastating”said Commission President Erik Mose. His team documented the use of explosive weapons “indiscriminately in populated areas attacked by Russian armed forces”as well as the attack of “civilians trying to flee”.
“Russian armed forces are responsible for the vast majority of identified violations, including war crimes”concludes the committee, considering that “Ukrainian forces have also committed violations of international humanitarian law in some cases, including two incidents qualified as war crimes”.
Specifically, the report cites “patterns of summary executions, kidnapping, torture, ill-treatment, rape and other sexual violence”, committed in the areas occupied by the Russian armed forces. Cases of illegal deportations to Russia and disappearances are also mentioned.
The committee ensures that it “will endeavor to contribute to the identification of those responsible”following investigating 27 cities and interviewing 191 victims and witnesses.
