Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces committed a litany of violations, including those which should be investigated as war crimes or crimes against humanity. The invasion also marked the start of a new, all-out drive to eradicate public dissent in Russia. Through new laws and other measures, Russian authorities doubled down in their relentless attack against free speech, civic activism, independent journalism, and political dissent, in an apparent attempt to silence public opposition to the war, any criticism of the government, or any expression of social non-conformism. New war censorship laws criminalize any criticism of Russia’s war on Ukraine or questioning official narrative and state propaganda. The war and subsequent general mobilization led to considerable exodus of population out of Russia. Key political opposition leaders are behind bars, as are a growing number of critics of the authorities and of the war.

map of Russia
  • Human Rights Council
    The United Nations Human Rights Council on October 10, 2024 today adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Russia, by a vote of 20 to 8, with 19 abstentions.
    UN Renews Human Rights Mandate on Russia
  • Europe/Central Asia
    Ukrainian men detained by Russian and Russian-affiliated forces, including prisoners of war, regularly report that their captors, including penitentiary staff, engaged in sexual violence. Reports include rape, threats of rape, forced penetration with foreign objects, electric shocks to genitalia, and other forms of torture like those Lakhno experienced. The abuse is said to punish, intimidate, demoralize, or extract confessions.
    Opinion: Silent victims of sexual violence, Ukraine’s male POWs deserve real support
  • Human Rights Council
    Defendants Alexander Dotsenko (L) and Anastasia Dyudyayeva, in a courtroom hearing accused of incitement to terrorism for leaving anti-war notes in a supermarket, St. Petersburg, Russia, July 18, 2024.
    UN Human Rights Council Should Renew Expert Monitor on Russia

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On February 24, 2022, Russia commenced a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

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