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Russia’s attacks on civilians in Ukraine, including systematic and widespread torture and killings in occupied territories, constitute a war crime and possibly a crime against humanity, according to a report from a UN-backed inquiry released Thursday.
The sweeping human rights report, released a year to the day after a Russian airstrike in the theater in Mariupol killed hundreds sheltering inside, was marked by highly unusual condemnation from members of the UN Security Council.
Among potential crimes against humanity, the report cites repeated attacks targeting Ukraine’s infrastructure since the fall that left hundreds of thousands without heat and electricity during the coldest months, as well as the “systematic and widespread” use of torture in many areas under occupation Russia.
“[The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine] has concluded that the Russian authorities have committed many violations of international humanitarian law and violations of international human rights law, in addition to a wide range of war crimes, including war crimes of excessive incidental death, injury, or damage, intentional killing, torture, inhumane treatment, illegal detention, rape, as well as illegal transfers and deportations,” the report said.
Explosion in a populated area
“The commission concluded that Russian armed forces have carried out attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas with complete disregard for civilian harm and suffering,” another part of the report said.
Commissions of inquiry are the most powerful tool used by the UN-backed Human Rights Council to investigate abuses and violations around the world.
The investigation launched Thursday comes amid a heated debate in the immediate aftermath of last year’s Russian invasion. The commission’s three members are independent human rights experts, and its staff receives support and funding from the UN human rights council and office.
A ‘small number’ of violations on the Ukrainian side
The report’s authors noted “a small number” of violations seen by Ukrainian forces, including one that they say is under criminal investigation by Ukrainian authorities, but the majority of the report calls for accusations against Russia.
Russia did not respond to the request for information.
LISTENING | CBC’s Now at The Fifth Estate’s investigation into alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine:
Now10:30 a.mFifth Estate investigation into allegations of Russian war in Ukraine
Alex Shprintsen reports on an investigation by CBC’s The Fifth Estate, which investigates allegations of war crimes in Andriivka, a suburb of Ukraine – and links them to the confessions of Russian soldiers.
Most of the abuses highlighted by the investigation are well known, but the findings are supported by the international community: The experts work under a mandate created last year by the Human Rights Council, which brings together the governments of 47 UN members. country.
Ultimately, the report could improve efforts to increase accountability for crimes committed in war – whether by the International Criminal Court or by some countries that have the right to exercise “universal jurisdiction” to prosecute atrocities, wherever they occur. .
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