Heartbreaking Situation: Ukrainians Dealing with Intense Pressure and Intimidation from Russia
Over two years since the invasion began, “harrowing stories of human suffering” unfold in the country every day, High Commissioner Türk told the UN Human Rights Council via a video statement, expressing concern that “the world has grown numb to this crisis”.
More than 10,500 civilians have been killed, more than 20,000 injured over the past two years of “immense suffering, bloodshed, loss and grief”, the UN rights chief reminded, noting that actual figures are likely to be “significantly higher”.
Ten years of occupation in Crimea
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The rights violations began 10 years ago with the occupation of Crimea by Russian forces, he reminded citing a recent report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).
“The imposition of the Russian Federation’s legal and administrative systems has resulted in people in Crimea being charged and convicted, sometimes retroactively, for acts that are not crimes under Ukrainian law,” Mr. Turk said.
The occupation has expanded to parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions since the February 2022 invasion.
He also noted the conscription of men in Crimea, forced to fight against their own country.
Generalized impunity
Russian armed forces, the Human Rights Commissioner said, have committed widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention in occupied areas.
Targeting of individuals deemed “pro-Ukrainian” and posing security risks have expanded while Russia has closed down Ukrainian internet providers, mobile networks, TV, and radio, rerouting communications through Russian networks.
“Russian occupying authorities have quashed peaceful protests, restricted free expression, imposed strict controls over residents’ movements, and pillaged homes and businesses”, he said.
“They have actively encouraged people to inform on one another, breeding fear and distrust between neighbors and friends,” he added.
In an atmosphere of “generalized impunity” those actions have created “a pervasive climate of fear, which has allowed the Russian Federation to solidify its control”.
Holding Russian citizenship is increasingly necessary to access vital services, social security, and employment, Volker Türk noted, saying also that people in the occupied territory were pressured to vote in Russian elections.
He highlighted the plight of prisoners of war and Russia’s ongoing abuses: “My Office has recorded allegations of the executions of at least 32 captured Ukrainian PoWs in twelve separate incidents”.
Collaborators facing reprisals
After Ukraine reclaimed territories previously held by Russia, many of these violations ceased. However, some residents deemed to be collaborators have suffered a backlash, he continued.
Some have been prosecuted for performing routine tasks in their communities during the occupation, often under pressure or coercion, said Mr. Türk.
Others have been convicted for actions permissible under international humanitarian law when compelled by an occupying power. Additionally, instances of torture, arbitrary detention, and infringements on fair trial rights were documented by OHCHR against some accused of collaboration.
‘Commence healing’
“The tragedy in Ukraine has gone on for too long. I call – again – on the Russian Federation to cease its armed attack,” Mr. Türk said, imploring the Russian authorities to take immediate action to conduct investigations into each allegation of execution of PoWs, and to take steps to end their torture and ill-treatment.
“It is time to put an end to this war and occupation and to commence healing the deep wounds and painful divisions they have caused,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights underscored.
“History has shown us that the legacy of occupation is painful, complex and long-lasting,” he added, encouraging Ukraine to adopt a comprehensive approach to accountability, based on broad and inclusive consultations.
HRC55 | UN human rights chief Volker Türk reports “harrowing human suffering” in Ukraine
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
Is there any hope for a peaceful resolution to end the suffering of Ukrainians under the Russia-imposed violence, intimidation, and coercion?
With the ongoing violations and oppression carried out by Russian forces in Crimea and other regions, it’s crucial that the international community stands united to pressure for a peaceful resolution and end the suffering of Ukrainians. Diplomatic efforts must be intensified to address the heartbreaking coercion and intimidation faced by the Ukrainian people.
I strongly believe that the international community must take urgent action to address the egregious human rights violations being committed against Ukrainians by Russian forces. The situation in Crimea and other regions is heartbreaking, with civilians suffering immensely under the occupation. It is crucial that the world does not turn a blind eye to this crisis and works towards holding those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
It’s truly devastating to hear about the ongoing suffering and human rights violations in Ukraine. My heart breaks for the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community must step up and condemn these atrocities, we cannot turn a blind eye to such injustice.
It is truly heart-wrenching to see the intense pressure and intimidation that Ukrainians are facing from Russia. The world must not turn a blind eye to this crisis, and we must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their struggle for freedom and peace.
I am appalled by the atrocities being committed in Ukraine. The world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians. It’s heartbreaking to see how Russia’s actions have caused immense pain and grief to the Ukrainian people. The international community needs to take concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable and bring justice to the victims.
It’s truly heartbreaking to see Ukrainians facing such intense pressure and intimidation from Russia. The harrowing stories of human suffering unfolding in the country every day should not be ignored. The world must not grow numb to this crisis. The violations must be addressed, and justice must prevail for the innocent civilians caught in this immense suffering and bloodshed.
I am deeply saddened by the harrowing stories of human suffering unfolding in Ukraine. The world cannot afford to grow numb to this crisis. The violations of human rights committed by Russian forces are appalling, and the international community must take a stand against such atrocities.
How can the world turn a blind eye to the immense suffering and bloodshed of the Ukrainian people? What can be done to help them in this heartbreaking situation?
I cannot imagine the immense suffering and grief the Ukrainians are facing under the intense pressure and intimidation from Russia. It’s heartbreaking to see how the world has grown numb to this crisis while innocent civilians continue to be killed and injured. The human rights violations mentioned in the article are truly disturbing and unacceptable.
As a journalist covering conflicts around the world, it’s devastating to see the ongoing suffering of the Ukrainian people under the intense pressure and intimidation from Russia. The world must not grow numb to this crisis and must continue to shed light on the human rights violations occurring in the region. My thoughts are with the civilians enduring immense suffering, bloodshed, and loss in this heartbreaking situation.
I can’t believe the extent of suffering and tragedy faced by Ukrainians due to the intense pressure and intimidation from Russia. The world must not turn a blind eye to this crisis and take action to stop the violations of human rights and bring justice to the affected individuals.