The Committee of Ministers gravely concerned about the Human rights situation in territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia

05-10-2023 

Sofía Medina Sánchez 

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

On the 5th of October, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted a decision expressing grave concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in the Ukrainian territories temporarily controlled or occupied by the Russian Federation. This includes the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, where there is clear and compelling evidence of numerous serious breaches of both international human rights and international humanitarian law.

The Committee of Ministers underlined that the extensive human rights violations perpetrated by the Russian occupying authorities encompass a wide range of grave offenses. These violations include, but are not confined to, the systematic application of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, arbitrary executions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, instances of sexual and gender-based violence, along with the forced deportation of Ukrainian citizens from Ukraine to Russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, it involves the compulsory conscription of Ukrainian citizens into the Russian army, infringements upon property rights and freedom of movement, and the implementation of discriminatory measures and practices against residents of temporarily occupied Crimea. This includes ethnic Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, as well as individuals from other ethnic backgrounds and religious communities.

Of particular concern to Committee members is the evidence indicating killings, injuries, sexual abuse of children, and their deportation by Russian forces. They strongly call for the safe return of these children to their families.

The Committee of Ministers emphasised the urgency of conducting thorough, independent, and impartial national and international investigations into the reported violations and abuses of international human rights law, breaches of international humanitarian law, and related crimes. It also reiterated the resolute commitment of European political leaders to support Ukraine, ensure accountability for Russia and its leaders, and provide victims with access to justice and reparations. The establishment of the Registry of Damage for Ukraine constitutes the initial step toward the development of a future international compensation mechanism.

Sources and further Reading: 

Council of Europe, Newsroom, Human rights situation in territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia: Committee of Ministers gravely concerned, 5 October 2023 : https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/human-rights-situation-in-territories-of-ukraine-occupied-by-russia-committee-of-ministers-gravely-concerned

Council of Europe, Press Release, Ref. DC 226(2023), Human rights situation in territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia: Committee of Ministers gravely concerned, Strasbourg 5 October 2023:https://search.coe.int/directorate_of_communications/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=0900001680acd01a