UN Report on Severe Human Rights Violations in Crimea by Russia

The United Nations Human Rights Office in its new report states that Russian government officials have committed severe human rights violations, including torture, since the annexation of Crimea. The report, published on September 25, indicates that 'since the occupation of this area by Russia,' the human rights situation in Crimea has worsened. It highlights cases of disappearances, violations of the Geneva Convention, and international laws. The report notes that this body has 'documented severe human rights violations including arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, ill-treatment and torture, and at least one case of extrajudicial execution.' Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated: 'An urgent need exists for accountability in cases of human rights violations and abuses, as well as for reparations and compensation for victims.' After the ousting of pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych in Ukraine due to widespread protests, the Russian government sent troops to Crimea in March 2014 and held a referendum that was contested by dozens of countries, annexing the region. In response to this action, many Western countries imposed sanctions against Russia. The UN Human Rights Office states that by replacing Ukrainian laws with Russian laws and imposing Russian citizenship on tens of thousands of residents of Crimea, the Russian government has violated the Geneva Convention and international human rights laws. The report adds that the imposition of Russian citizenship, particularly on 'those citizens who had previously rejected Russian citizenship and government employees who would lose their jobs if they did not accept Russian citizenship, has had a severe impact. As a result of this change, those Crimean citizens who did not meet the legal conditions for Russian citizenship are considered foreigners.' Meanwhile, according to this report, 'education in the Ukrainian language in Crimea has almost disappeared.' The report states that hundreds of prisoners and individuals awaiting trial have been transferred to Russia, a method that 'is completely prohibited under international humanitarian law.' It adds that at least three individuals have died in custody due to lack of medical treatment and attention. Following the ousting of Viktor Yanukovych, the Russian government has also supported rebel forces in eastern Ukraine fighting against the central government. Since April 2014 and the beginning of these battles in eastern Ukraine, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives.