Geneva, United Nations human rights experts have unequivocally condemned the horrific terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which tragically resulted in the loss of at least 137 lives and left 182 injured last Friday. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), a group sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council, has claimed responsibility for this violent act, sparking widespread international outrage.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the experts stressed that such acts of terrorism are egregious violations of human rights, fundamentally undermining the right to life, personal security, and mental and physical integrity. They extended their deepest sympathies and solidarity to the victims, their families, and the Russian Federation, commending the Russian authorities for their prompt emergency assistance to those affected.
The experts urged Russia to thoroughly investigate the attack in accordance with international law and to prosecute not only the perpetrators but also those who orchestrated these heinous crimes. They highlighted the importance of ensuring justice for the victims through fair trials, independent and impartial judicial proceedings, and humane detention conditions. Following the attack, Russian authorities have detained 11 individuals, with four already appearing before Moscow’s Basmanny District Court on terrorism charges.
Concerns were raised regarding the treatment of suspects in custody, with reports of mistreatment surfacing. The UN experts emphasized the need for Russia to investigate all credible allegations of torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment, noting that such abuses could severely undermine the fairness of trials and ultimately the pursuit of justice for victims.
The experts also noted the international legal obligation to protect the right to life, which mandates a thorough investigation into whether any credible warnings of an imminent attack were received and whether all reasonable steps were taken to prevent such an atrocity.
Echoing calls from the General Assembly, the experts reiterated the importance of providing support to victims of terrorism in line with international law. They pointed to the Model Legislative Provisions and the Framework Principles as guiding documents for states in ensuring the dignity, respect, and rights of terrorism victims are upheld.
Offering their technical assistance, the UN experts expressed their willingness to support the victims and aid in ensuring investigations and prosecutions are compliant with human rights standards.