Title: Unmasking the Atrocities: Findings from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
On 19 March 2025, Erik Møse, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, revealed shocking findings from their report presented to the Human Rights Council. Central to these findings is the revelation that enforced disappearances of Ukrainian civilians, perpetrated by Russian authorities, are classified as crimes against humanity. These detentions spanned numerous provinces taken by Russia, targeting local officials, journalists, and many perceived as military threats.
Victims frequently found themselves transferred to detention facilities in occupied territories or deported to Russia, suffering grave mistreatments such as torture and sexual violence. Families of the missing agonise over their loved ones’ fates, many disappearing for years with no knowledge of their whereabouts, leaving their families in torment. As one anguished spouse highlights, “The despair is killing me. I don’t know what to do or how to help my husband.”
In response to inquiries about missing persons, Russian authorities consistently delivered inadequate replies, neglecting to provide any information that could protect the victims or prevent further violations. This systematic evasion underlines a coordinated state policy behind the enforced disappearances, solidifying the Commission’s conclusion that these actions constitute crimes against humanity.
Commissioner Vrinda Grover shared further evidence of torture and sexual violence, affirming previous reports that these acts are part of a state-coordinated policy. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has wielded immense power in detention facilities, often committing or authorising acts of torture, especially during interrogations. Victims include women subjected to horrific sexual violence, revealing the gendered aspect of abuses in custody. One victim recounted a harrowing encounter with her aggressors, stating, “Bitch, don’t even compare yourself to my mother. You are not even a human. You do not deserve to live.”
Pablo de Greiff, another Commissioner, reported alarming incidents of Russian forces killing captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers, marking a blatant disregard for wartime conduct. Accounts from defected Russian soldiers revealed orders to execute rather than capture, exposing a disturbing policy. Furthermore, drone strikes have targeted visibly injured soldiers, qualifying as war crimes. The Commission also noted rights violations by Ukrainian authorities against those suspected of collaboration, advocating for alignment of Ukrainian legislation with international standards.
In summation, victims face prolonged suffering from severe violations, and their rehabilitation paves a challenging path that demands substantial efforts. The Commission emphasises the dire need for accountability to disrupt the cycle of impunity and promote sustainable peace, advocating for both judicial and non-judicial accountability measures, alongside provisions for truth and reparation.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine revealed that Russian authorities committed enforced disappearances against Ukrainian civilians as crimes against humanity. The report detailed extensive torture, sexual violence in detention, and war crimes related to the killing of captured soldiers. Accountability and victim rehabilitation are essential for achieving sustainable peace and justice in the aftermath of these atrocities.
In this harrowing report, key findings from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine shed light on enforced disappearances, torture, and the extensive suffering endured by victims. The evidence underscores a coordinated state policy behind these crimes, stressing the necessity for accountability and rehabilitation measures post-conflict. By recognising these atrocities and advocating for actions, the Commission aims to ensure a move towards justice and a durable peace process.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
