Between September and November 2024, the human rights situation in Ukraine deteriorated sharply, with increased Russian attacks on civilian areas, deliberate damage to energy infrastructure, and growing restrictions on fundamental rights, according to a recent report.
“Behind every statistic in this report is a story of loss and human suffering, illustrating the devastating toll of war across Ukraine,” said Danielle Bell, Head of the HRMMU. She noted that September saw the highest civilian toll since July 2022, with 574 deaths and 3,032 injuries documented in just three months.
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Civilian Casualties and Rising Suffering
A staggering 93% of the recorded casualties occurred in Government-controlled regions, such as Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson, where military operations remain intense. The use of modified aerial bombs that can glide into major cities like Kharkiv and Sumy before exploding has significantly worsened the destruction.
One particularly tragic incident occurred on November 7, when bombardments on Zaporizhzhia claimed nine civilian lives and injured 42 others. Additionally, short-range drones caused 67 deaths and 528 injuries over the reporting period.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, Russian forces intensified large-scale aerial strikes targeting Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. On November 17 and 28, strikes further diminished Ukraine’s energy capacity as winter loomed, disrupting vital electricity, water, heating, and transportation services across several regions.
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Continued Ill-Treatment of POWs
The report outlines grim details of torture, execution, and mistreatment of prisoners of war (POWs). Since August 2024, there has been a marked increase in credible allegations of Ukrainian POW executions, with at least 62 victims identified across 19 incidents. Independent verification confirmed the deaths of 15 Ukrainian POWs.
Interviews with 42 recently released POWs, including 11 women, revealed extensive torture. Victims reported beatings, electric shocks, and prolonged solitary confinement. Sexual violence was also widespread, affecting both male and female detainees.
While the report acknowledges some mistreatment of Russian POWs during their initial detention by Ukrainian authorities, these cases appeared to be more isolated when compared to the systematic torture of Ukrainian captives.
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Russia Strengthens Control Over Occupied Territories
The report highlights Russia’s increasing imposition of its laws on occupied areas, violating international humanitarian norms. Residents are now required to obtain Russian citizenship to retain property rights, while homes left abandoned are being confiscated, making it exceedingly difficult for displaced individuals to return.
Furthermore, a new cultural policy aims to integrate children from occupied territories into Russian society. This includes mandatory military training, where children are taught to handle grenades, small arms, and anti-tank grenade launchers.
Religious freedoms have also been curtailed. In Crimea, Jehovah’s Witnesses face persecution under anti-extremism laws, and a Muslim group was disbanded for alleged “extremist” activities. Simultaneously, new legal measures in Government-controlled Ukraine have placed restrictions on religious organizations, further limiting freedom of belief and expression.
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The Path Forward
With no end to the conflict in sight, the report underscores the urgent need to uphold international humanitarian and human rights laws.
“The armed attack on Ukraine has continued for almost three years. Amid such suffering, it is critical to intensify efforts to enforce these laws,” said Ms. Bell.
As winter sets in, the humanitarian crisis deepens, highlighting the urgency for international intervention and renewed commitment to alleviating the suffering of millions.
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