OSCE experts have published a report on Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian prisoners of war

An independent mission of experts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has published a report on Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The report by experts of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism is a comprehensive international document focusing on the systematic nature of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The mission found gross violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, including sexual violence, is a pervasive practice, directed or tolerated by the central authorities of the Russian Federation.

The conditions of detention do not comply with the norms: the lack of adequate food, medical care, and basic conditions of detention has led to deaths in places of detention. There have also been numerous cases of killings of Ukrainian prisoners of war and arbitrary executions, in particular after capture.

Access by the International Committee of the Red Cross is severely restricted, and prisoners of war are unable to contact their families. Furthermore, contrary to the Third Geneva Convention, POWs are denied their status and are referred to as “persons detained for countering the special military operation.” Such actions may constitute a war crime and a crime against humanity.

“Ukraine urges the international community to actively disseminate and use the Mission’s findings, as well as to further consolidate efforts to end the Russian Federation’s criminal practices against Ukrainian POWs and to secure their exchange on all-for-all principle”, – calls the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.