Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian authorities have documented evidence of 128,498 crimes committed during the war. Ukraine: UN expert calls for support for Ukrainian authorities’ efforts to investigate unlawful killings International Law
Ukraine’s real-time investigations into unlawful war-related killings represent a unique model and require full support. This was stated by the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Morris Tidball-Bintz at the end of his official visit to Ukraine.
The UN independent expert praised the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities and investigative bodies to establish the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
“I was extremely moved by the resilience and courage of the victims and their families, including those who shared with me their testimonies of the heartbreaking, random killings of their loved ones,” Tidball-Bintz said.
“I support the quest for justice and recent efforts by the authorities to provide needed support, including psychosocial assistance,” he added.
Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainian authorities have documented evidence of 128,498 crimes during the war, of which 12,353 involved the unlawful killings of civilians and soldiers by Russian troops.
Read also:
UN observers record ‘catastrophic’ impact on civilians from fighting in north-eastern Ukraine
“This is a unique experience in documenting gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as providing justice in emergency situations during an ongoing war,” the expert said.
Tidball-Bintz traveled to Kyiv, Chernigov, Kharkov and Dnieper, where he saw the consequences of indiscriminate attacks on civilians. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur witnessed efforts being made to investigate the killings, including the work of forensic experts in difficult conditions.
“These steps are necessary to ensure the truth, fairness and accountability and must be fully supported. I welcome the initiatives of the Ukrainian government to build the necessary resources and capabilities and call on the international community to support such efforts,” Tidball-Bintz said.
He also called on the Russian Federation to fully comply with its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law and immediately stop the unlawful killing of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers outside of hostilities. Russia must also ensure a full, reliable and transparent investigation of crimes committed by its representatives and bring those responsible to justice, the expert believes.
Special rapporteurs are included in the following called special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN employees and do not receive a salary for their work.