The United Nations has launched an investigation into Russia’s alleged human rights violations in Ukraine

*Paromita Das
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its third month, and the UN has decided to launch an investigation into alleged human rights violations committed during the conflict.

After a motion was passed with 33 votes in favor, the United Nations Human Rights Council decided to launch an investigation into possible Russian military misconduct.

According to the motion introduced in the Council, the investigation will look into extrajudicial executions, civilian casualties, torture, and abuses against children during the crisis.
China and Eritrea were the only two countries to vote against the motion. 12 countries, including India and Pakistan, opted not to vote, and Russia did not attend the meeting.

According to AFP, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova addressed the Security Council from Kyiv, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s army “pure evil.”

In her speech, she stated that Russia was committing “the most heinous human rights violations on the European continent in decades.”

“These ten weeks have been a living nightmare for the people of my country.”
“Torture and enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence; Russia’s list of crimes is endless.”

“Only a united world in solidarity with the Ukrainian people can defeat this pure evil.”

Despite the fact that Russia is currently suspended from the Human Rights Council, they were summoned to the meeting to present their case. They declined to attend, and Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov described it as a “political ploy to demonise Russia.”