A building damaged during hostilities in Kyiv. (Archive) Experts from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry visited Ukraine International law
Experts from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry visited Ukraine from November 2 to November 6. They reported that during the visit they held meetings with employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, as well as with representatives of civil society and victims of torture.
The visit came shortly after the Commission presented its report to the UN General Assembly, which found that Russian authorities carried out forced evictions and deportations of Ukrainian civilians as part of a systematic and coordinated action.
“The commission concluded that short-range drone attacks on numerous populated areas along the right bank of the Dnieper constitute crimes against humanity in the form of murder and forced displacement of the population. In addition, deportations or transfers of civilians from the occupied areas of the Zaporozhye region are qualified as war crimes,” the press release says. and Poland. During their activities, they published nine reports, and also made a number of oral statements.
“The Commission documented a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as international crimes, predominantly committed by Russian authorities during the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” the press release said. These violations, experts say, were committed against both civilians – men, women, children and the elderly – and military personnel.
According to the Commission, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks with explosive weapons carried out by the Russian armed forces led to widespread destruction and numerous civilian casualties.
“These attacks were aimed at civilian infrastructure facilities that enjoy special protection, including medical facilities. Russian military forces often failed to take necessary precautions to avoid harming civilians, experts say.
The commission also found that “Russian armed forces and authorities committed a number of war crimes against the civilian population, civilian infrastructure and members of the Ukrainian armed forces,” including the deportation of children and adult civilians, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, murder of civilians and prisoners of war, as well as torture and sexual violence.
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As a result of these crimes, according to experts, thousands of people died, many were wounded, maimed, lost their loved ones, and also lost property, housing and means of living existence.
“The conflict destroyed life plans, divided families and destroyed cultural values. The pain and trauma caused by a war of this magnitude will leave deep scars for generations,” the press release states.
The commission also investigated violations committed by the Ukrainian authorities. It found that the Ukrainian authorities were responsible for some violations of human rights and humanitarian law, including indiscriminate attacks. violations committed by Ukrainian authorities, but was unable to complete investigations due to lack of access to the area, risks to the safety of witnesses and lack of response from Russian authorities.
The Commission seeks to facilitate the process of holding those responsible accountable for their crimes and violations in order to end impunity and strengthen respect for international law, they note experts.
The Commission has consistently promoted a broad understanding of accountability that includes criminal prosecution as well as the implementation of victims’ rights. Particular attention is paid to rehabilitation, mental health protection and psychosocial support.
“This armed conflict remains complex and widespread, and much remains to be investigated. Within its capabilities and within the framework of its mandate, the Commission will continue to contribute to the process of bringing perpetrators to justice in order to restore justice and satisfy the rights of all victims,” the experts said.