Russia Tortures, Executes Ukrainian Civilians: Daily Brief

In April, HRW visited 17 villages and small towns in Kyiv and Chernihiv in Ukraine, investigating torture, killings and enforced disappearances by Russian forces. Ukrainian civilians described being held by Russian forces for days or weeks in dirty and suffocating conditions at sites such as a schoolhouse basement, a room in a window manufacturing plant, and a pit in a boiler room, with little or no food, inadequate water, and without access to toilets. In one town, hundreds were held in a basement, including 70 children. These crimes are a violation of the laws of war. Anyone who orders or commits serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent, or aids violations, is responsible for war crimes.

Burundi’s national intelligence services, police, and ruling party youth members have killed, detained, tortured and harassed people suspected of belonging to opposition parties or groups. Authorities have shown little regard for credible investigations, or due process needed to hold those actually responsible to account. “Instead of targeting perceived opponents, President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s administration should focus on bringing those responsible for abuse to justice, including members of the security forces,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. 

Amnesty International is calling on the United Nations Security Council to renew the arms embargo on South Sudan. The report documents how guns have been used in conflict-related sexual violence. Thorough, credible and independent investigations can end these crimes.

And finally, as Australian voters head to the polls, they should consider parties’ commitments to the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, the right to seek asylum, and the right be protected from discrimination.