"The Bleak Human Rights Situation in Ukraine: A Report of Suffering and Devastation"This title effectively captures the gravity and severity of the human rights situation in Ukraine, highlighting the suffering and devastation caused by the ongoing war. It also sets the tone for the rest of the report, which details the numerous violations of human rights and humanitarian law committed by both Russian forces and Ukrainian authorities.

The Bleak Human Rights Situation in Ukraine: A Report of Suffering and DevastationAs we mark nearly three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) paints a grim picture of the persistent suffering of civilians and prisoners of war. The report, covering September to November 2024, highlights intensified Russian attacks on populated areas, deliberate strikes on energy infrastructure, and efforts to restrict fundamental rights.Civilians Bear the Brunt of ConflictThe war has taken a devastating toll on Ukrainian civilians. According to our report, September marked the highest monthly toll since July 2022, with 574 civilian deaths and 3,032 injured over the three months. A staggering 93% of these casualties occurred in Government-controlled areas, particularly in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson, where military activity remains intense.Unconventional Weapons Exacerbate DevastationThe use of modified aerial bombs has significantly escalated the devastation. These bombs can glide tens of kilometers into large cities like Kharkiv and Sumy before exploding, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The bombardment of Zaporizhzhia on November 7 alone killed nine civilians and injured 42.Russia's Aerial Attacks Target Critical Energy InfrastructureRussian military forces have resumed large-scale aerial attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. Strikes on November 17 and 28 further diminished Ukraine's energy capacity as winter approached, disrupting electricity, water, heating, and transportation systems in multiple regions.Continued Ill-Treatment of Prisoners of WarThe report details continued executions, torture, and ill-treatment of prisoners of war. Since August 2024, there has been a notable increase in credible allegations of executions of Ukrainian POWs, with at least 62 victims in 19 incidents. Independent verification of these killings has confirmed the deaths of 15 Ukrainian POWs.Torture, Sexual Violence, and Isolated InstancesInterviews with recently released prisoners of war revealed that all of them had experienced torture, including beatings, electric shock, and prolonged solitary confinement. Sexual violence, against both women and men, was also prevalent. While instances of mistreatment of Russian POWs were noted, they appeared more isolated compared to the widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners.Russia's Control over Occupied TerritoriesRussia has imposed its laws over occupied regions, in violation of international humanitarian law. Residents are required to obtain Russian citizenship to keep their property rights, making it nearly impossible for displaced residents to return. Homes that were forcibly abandoned have been confiscated, and a new cultural policy aimed at "integrating" children from occupied territories into Russian society has been introduced.Restrictions on Religious FreedomReligious freedom has also been restricted by both governments. In Crimea, Jehovah's Witnesses face persecution under Russia's anti-extremism laws, while a Muslim group has been disbanded for alleged "extremist" activities. New legal provisions regarding religious organizations entered into force in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine, limiting freedom of belief and religious expression.A Call to ActionAs the war continues to devastate Ukraine, the report calls for the critical upholding of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is imperative to intensify efforts to uphold these laws, particularly as winter sets in and the war shows no end in sight.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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