Geneva, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has condemned the severe human toll exacted by the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as the conflict approaches its third year. Türk emphasized the extensive human rights violations and the devastating impact on civilians’ lives and livelihoods resulting from the ongoing warfare.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the conflict has led to 30,457 civilian casualties since its inception on February 24, 2022, including 10,582 deaths and 19,875 injuries. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) suggests that the actual figures are likely much higher. The invasion has also caused widespread displacement, the destruction of homes, and significant damage to medical and educational facilities, severely affecting the rights to health and education of millions.

This February marks a decade since Russia’s illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, further exacerbating the situation. The UN Human Rights Office has documented numerous instances of torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention of civilians by Russian forces, along with summary executions, enforced disappearances, and repression of freedom of expression and assembly in occupied territories.

Interviews with over 550 former Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees have revealed serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws by Russian armed forces, including summary executions and widespread torture. The human rights situation in occupied Crimea has also deteriorated significantly since the invasion, with increased persecution of those opposing the occupation.

While acknowledging the egregious violations by Russian forces, Türk noted that Ukrainian forces are also obligated to adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws. The UN Human Rights Office has documented several violations by Ukrainian military and security forces, though on a lesser scale, and is engaging with Ukrainian authorities to address these concerns.

Türk called for all human rights and international humanitarian law violations to be thoroughly and independently investigated, urging accountability and reparations for victims. He reiterated calls for Russia to immediately cease its armed attack on Ukraine in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, highlighting the urgency of reaching a just peace. Türk also appealed to Russia to allow the UN Human Rights Office and other independent international organizations full access to all detainees related to the conflict.