UK Voices Alarm Over Reports of Systematic Abuse of POWs and Civilians by Russian Authorities at UN Meeting on Ukraine

The United Kingdom expresses profound concern regarding reports of the systematic mistreatment of prisoners of war, civilian detainees, and vulnerable foreign nationals at the hands of Russian authorities amidst their ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We extend our gratitude to the briefers present today for sharing their invaluable testimonies and expertise.

Upholding Humanitarian Standards

International humanitarian law and human rights law are unequivocal in their stipulations. Prisoners of war and civilian detainees are entitled to humane treatment. Practices such as torture, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and extrajudicial killings are strictly prohibited. These principles are not optional; they represent binding obligations under international law.

This is why the findings presented in UN reports, as well as the testimonies we will hear today, are particularly alarming. Documentation from the UN has highlighted instances of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture inflicted upon civilian detainees by Russian authorities and military forces in territories they control. Furthermore, there are grave concerns regarding the use of civilians as bargaining chips in exchanges, which constitutes hostage-taking, also prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Disturbing Evidence of Torture

The situation regarding prisoners of war is equally distressing. UN reports indicate a systematic and widespread pattern of torture and ill-treatment experienced by Ukrainian prisoners of war who have been released from Russian custody. Notably, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has revealed that 96% of these released prisoners reported experiences of torture or ill-treatment.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has documented harrowing accounts involving stress positions, electric shocks, suffocation, and mock executions. Broader investigations, including those conducted under the Moscow Mechanism, corroborate these findings, suggesting that such actions may constitute widespread and systematic violations of both international humanitarian and human rights laws. Reports also highlight denials of the right to a fair trial, unsafe conditions during detention and transfer, and arbitrary killings.

Exploitation of Foreign Nationals

Additionally, we are troubled by the findings of the UN-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, which has raised alarms regarding the deceptive and coercive recruitment of foreign nationals to fight alongside Russian forces. This issue has implications for many countries worldwide.

The Commission’s investigations, involving nationals from 17 different countries, have uncovered instances where individuals were misled or enticed from abroad with promises of civilian employment, only to be transported to Russia, coerced into military contracts they did not comprehend, and subsequently deployed to perilous frontline positions. The findings reveal patterns of mistreatment and enduring trauma among these individuals.

Russia’s Obligations Under International Law

It is crucial to emphasise that Russia is subject to the same legal standards as any other state engaged in armed conflict. The country bears the responsibility to ensure that prisoners of war and civilian detainees are treated humanely, as mandated by the Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions.

The United Kingdom calls upon Russia to cease these abusive practices, permit meaningful international oversight, facilitate exchanges and family contact, and fully adhere to its obligations under both international humanitarian and human rights law.

The matters we will discuss today are yet another manifestation of the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, I implore Russia to commit to a comprehensive ceasefire and to engage in negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.