Author: Aisha Noor
February 25, 2025
![[Image credit: Finbarr O'Reilly for The New York Times]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_bd85eeb98de8488c84798066d316c274~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_bd85eeb98de8488c84798066d316c274~mv2.png)
HRRC condemns the ongoing atrocities carried out by Russian forces in Ukraine. The international community must support the International Criminal Court in its efforts to seek justice and accountability for the various war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia.
The humanitarian disaster in Ukraine remains severe as Russia continues its fourth year of warfare against the Ukrainian nation. Emergency humanitarian and diplomatic intervention is critical as indiscriminate bombing, mass displacement, and systematic human rights violations continue.
The conflict escalation in Ukraine has resulted in over 12,000 reported civilian deaths while more than 6.8 million people have been displaced. During active diplomatic discussions, international policymakers must put civilian safety, along with judicial procedures and justice protocols, at the forefront of their agenda.
Thousands of Ukrainian civilians currently face unlawful detention at the hands of Russian military forces. Evidence presented by United Nations (UN) investigators proves that detained Ukrainians experience torture in detention facilities, actions that qualify as one of the most severe human rights violations.
Russian authorities hold prisoners of war (POW) violating international treaties which stipulate the immediate release of all POWs. All detained civilians and POWs must be released without discussion, and negotiations for a ceasefire must be made with Russia.
Millions of Ukrainian residents are experiencing fundamental rights' violations with the ongoing occupation by Russian military forces. In addition, Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukrainian identity are being carried out through mandatory draft service, compulsory Russian citizenship, and the adoption of Russian educational programs in Ukrainian schools.
The Geneva Conventions and other international human rights standards state that these methods are prohibited. Through ongoing diplomatic talks, the international community must enforce international law and ensure compliance from Russia.
There are no acceptable compromises in pursuit of justice during negotiations. Further, an impartial investigation into and prosecution of war crimes committed by Russia, including random attacks on civilian people and infrastructure, must begin.
President Putin of Russia and other Russian officials accused of violating the rights of Ukrainians already have warrants for their arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), however, U.S. President Trump’s policy jeopardizes the justice and accountability process through ICC sanctions. Every nation should stand behind the International Criminal Court while rejecting efforts that attempt to thwart justice.
The primary tasks for policymakers involve liberating civilian detainees and conducting a thorough war crimes and crimes against humanity investigation following international judicial standards. Without prioritizing the release of prisoners and ensuring that nations commit to the ICC’s accountability process, negotiations with Russia will unravel.
The world needs an immediate cohesive and decisive response to protect justice in Ukraine.
Glossary
Atrocity – A shockingly bad or atrocious act, object, or situation. The state of being extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel.
Ceasefire – A military order to cease (end) firing. An agreement between two or more warring parties to end hostilities.
Compulsory – Mandatory or enforced.
Crimes Against Humanity – Crimes against humanity are specific crimes committed in the context of a large-scale attack targeting civilians, regardless of their nationality. These crimes include the most severe violations of human dignity, especially those directed towards civilian populations.
Diplomatic – Of, relating to, or concerned with the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations.
Displacement – the act or process of expelling or forcing people to flee from their home or homeland.
Geneva Conventions – International treaties outlining humanitarian treatment in war.
Forced Conscription – Coercing individuals into military service against their will.
Human Rights Abuses – Violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Impartial – Not biased. Treating or affecting all equally.
Indiscriminate Bombing – Military attacks that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
International Criminal Court (ICC) – A court that prosecutes individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Jeopardize – To expose to danger or risk.
Judicial – Of or relating to a judgment, the function of judging, the administration of justice, or the judiciary.
Occupation – Control of a territory by a foreign military force.
Prisoners of War (POWs) – Captured military personnel held by an enemy state.
Repatriation – The return of detained individuals to their home country.
Sanctions – Economic or political penalties imposed on a country to enforce international law.
Stipulate – To specify as a condition or requirement (as of an agreement or offer).
Systematic – Habitually proceeding according to method in procedure or plan.
Thwart – To oppose successfully.
War Crimes – Serious violations of the laws of war, including attacks on civilians.
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