The result is a new 224-page report, a digital multimedia feature, and a 20-minute video that showcase 3D recreations of damaged buildings, image analysis, and eyewitness testimonies of loss and devastation in the city.

The evidence is grim. For example, analysis of the city’s main cemeteries found that more than 10,000 people were buried in Mariupol between March 2022 and February 2023. By comparing the growth in graves with the city’s normal mortality rate, our teams estimate that at least 8,000 people died from fighting or war-related causes, though how many of those were civilians remains unknown.

We also identified Russian and Russia-affiliated military units operating in Mariupol at the time, and we name ten senior Russian commanders involved in the attacks.

As occupying forces work to strip away markers of Ukrainian identity in the city, we’re launching a new campaign. Help us call for #JusticeForMariupol.

Our investigation may lay out the evidence of the devastation Russian forces wrought, but now it’s up to governments and international bodies to see that justice is carried out.

See the Feature Here

News Around the World

On the Upside

Sometimes, the world feels grim. That’s why we’re also highlighting positive human rights stories. Here’s what we’re looking at this week.

Drag Performer Makes TV History in Mexico

Guillermo Barraza, a 32-year-old journalist, made history last week as the first-ever drag queen to host a news program for Mexican TV. As Mexico remains one of the deadliest places in the world for journalists, and LGBT people face significant risks of violence and harassment, Barraza’s appearance as his drag character Amanda marked a great milestone.

Australia’s New Sanctions on Myanmar a Step Forward

Last week, Australia was one of several countries to impose new sanctions against Myanmar on the third anniversary of the military coup. The additions include two banks that fund the junta and its arms purchases, and three other entities that help supply jet fuel that the military has used to carry out unlawfully indiscriminate airstrikes against civilians.

US Elections

A Human Rights Guide to the 2024 US Elections

From racial discrimination to border policy, learn more about the human rights issues we want candidates and voters to focus on as the 2024 US elections begin to heat up.

Read Our Guide Here

The Weekly Quiz

Want to test your human rights knowledge? Take our quiz and see how you stack up.

Find It Here