A new report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) highlights persistent suffering of civilians and prisoners of war (POWs) while Russia continues to expand its control over occupied territories.
Covering the period of September to November 2024, the report describes intensified Russian attacks on populated areas, deliberate strikes on energy infrastructure, and efforts to restrict fundamental rights.
“Behind each of the facts and figures in this report are stories of loss and human suffering, showing the devastating impact of the war across Ukraine,” said Danielle Bell, Head of the HRMMU.
“September marked the highest monthly toll since July 2022, with my team documenting 574 civilian deaths and 3,032 injured over the three months,” she gravely noted.
93 per cent of the casualties recorded occurred in Government-controlled areas, particularly in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson, where military activity remains intense.
Modified aerial bombs, which can now glide tens of kilometres into large cities like Kharkiv and Sumy before exploding, have exacerbated the devastation.
The bombardment of Zaporizhzhia on 7 November alone killed nine civilians and injured 42, while short-range drones killed 67 and injured 528.
Russian forces have also resumed large-scale aerial attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure.
On 17 and 28 November, strikes further diminished Ukraine's energy capacity as winter approached, disrupting electricity, water, heating, and transportation systems in multiple regions.
The report details continued executions, torture, and ill-treatment of POWs.
Since August 2024, there has been a notable increase in credible allegations of executions of Ukrainian POWs, with at least 62 victims in 19 incidents.
Independent verification of these killings has confirmed the deaths of 15 Ukrainian POWs.
Interviews with 42 recently released POWs, including 11 women, revealed that all of them had experienced torture, including beatings, being subjected to electric shock, and prolonged solitary confinement.
Sexual violence, against both women and men, was also prevalent.
On the other hand, while the report acknowledges mistreatment of Russian POWs, particularly during their initial detention by Ukrainian authorities, it is noted that these instances appeared more isolated compared to the widespread torture of Ukrainian prisoners.
Furthermore, Russia has imposed its laws over occupied regions, in violation of its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the requirement for residents to obtain Russian citizenship to keep their property rights.
Homes that were forcibly abandoned have been confiscated, making it nearly impossible for displaced residents to return.
The Russian authorities have also introduced a new cultural policy aimed at “integrating” children from occupied territories into Russian society.
This policy includes mandatory military training for children, including lessons on grenades, small arms, and anti-tank grenade launchers.
Religious freedom has also been restricted by both governments.
In Crimea, Jehovah’s Witnesses face persecution under Russia’s anti-extremism laws, while a Muslim group has been disbanded for alleged “extremist” activities.
另一方面，关于宗教组织的新法律规定在乌克兰政府控制的领土上生效，限制了信仰自由和宗教表达自由。
随着战争继续摧毁乌克兰，该报告呼吁对国际人道主义和人权法的关键维护。
“对乌克兰的武装袭击持续了近三年。在如此多的苦难中，必须加强努力，维护国际人道主义和人权法。”
随着冬天的到来，战争看不到结束的迹象，这些努力变得更加紧迫。
?联合国新闻(2024)-保留所有权利
