UK’s Statement at UN Human Rights Council 63: Engaging Dialogue on Ukraine’s Human Rights Update

Mr Vice-President,

The latest report from the High Commissioner lays bare the alarming reality of sexual violence endured by Ukrainian prisoners of war. A staggering sixty-three per cent of those interviewed indicated that they had experienced conflict-related sexual violence at the hands of Russian forces. The nature of these violations is harrowing, encompassing acts of rape, genital mutilation, electric shocks, and beatings to the genitals. Additionally, forced nudity has been employed as a tactic to strip prisoners of their dignity, subjecting them to humiliation before their fellow captives and guards, often for extended periods.

Systematic Use of Sexual Violence

Beyond the confines of captivity, the report illustrates how Russia has weaponised sexual violence as a means of control. This tactic serves to enforce its occupation, instil terror within communities, and assert dominance over Ukrainian civilians. The implications of such actions extend far beyond the immediate suffering of individuals, impacting entire communities and fostering an atmosphere of fear and oppression.

Perhaps most chillingly, children have not been exempt from these atrocities. The youngest documented survivor of rape is merely four years old, and numerous women now bear children as a result of these horrific acts. The long-term consequences of such violence are profound, highlighting the urgent need for support and justice that is sensitive to the needs of children and centred on survivors.

The Scale of the Atrocities

These findings offer only a glimpse into the true extent of the crimes being perpetrated. Russia continues to obstruct monitoring missions from accessing occupied territories, as well as prisoners of war and detainees. Furthermore, new legislation has been enacted in Russia that effectively grants service personnel near-total immunity for crimes committed during military service, further complicating accountability for these actions.

High Commissioner, given the evidence available to your Office, to what extent can we view the instances of conflict-related sexual violence in Russian detention as indicative of a systemic practice, rather than merely a series of isolated incidents?

Thank you.