Russia and Ukraine Both Torture Prisoners Separately

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has pointed out that Russia and Ukraine, who are at war, are each committing torture against the other's prisoners of war. However, the UN issued stronger criticism of the prisoner abuse involving Russian government agencies.

According to the UN Human Rights Council on the 11th (local time), Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, raised the issue of prisoner abuse occurring during the Russia-Ukraine war at a Human Rights Council meeting held at the Geneva office on the 8th.

He stated, "After interviewing 174 Ukrainian prisoners of war, most provided detailed and consistent accounts of torture or abuse during detention by Russian forces at all stages of captivity," adding, "The collected evidence also suggests significant cooperation among various Russian federal government agencies, including the Federal Security Service."

Commissioner Turk also addressed the management of prisoners by the Ukrainian military, saying, "About half of the 205 Russian prisoners interviewed reported being tortured or abused by Ukrainian authorities, and 10 prisoners reported sexual violence," urging, "Ukraine must ensure that prisoners are treated in accordance with international law."

However, Turk criticized Russia for blocking UN access related to human rights compared to Ukraine, calling it "regrettable." He emphasized, "We urge the Russian Federation to once again fulfill its international obligations and to immediately cease all military attacks."