Statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the latest report from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which documents sexual violence linked to Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine from February 24, 2022, through July 31, 2026. The report identifies the Russian Federation as responsible for ongoing, systematic human rights violations amid its aggression against Ukraine. It also offers recommendations aimed at halting Russia’s hostilities and highlights Ukraine’s efforts to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.
The UN Human Rights Office has publicly named Russian military and security forces on the UN Secretary-General’s "list of shame" for suspected systematic sexual violence in the conflict zone. The report urges Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease all military actions against Ukraine and to withdraw its forces entirely. Despite these calls, Russia has taken no significant steps to prevent, investigate, or hold accountable perpetrators of sexual violence.
Ukraine’s Government Response
The Ukrainian government is actively establishing frameworks to assist victims of sexual violence. Key initiatives include:
- forming a specialized unit within the Office of the Prosecutor General dedicated to preventing sexual violence;
- implementing comprehensive support services for survivors;
- introducing a mechanism for urgent interim reparations to victims.
Sexual violence is recognized as a violation of both international humanitarian law and human rights law.
The Ministry strongly condemns the use of sexual violence as a tool for torture, cruelty, punishment, coercion, humiliation, and intimidation. Accordingly, Ukraine calls on the international community to intensify political, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Russia to immediately end such abuses during the ongoing war.
This OHCHR report underscores the grave situation in Ukraine, where sexual violence has tragically become part of the warfare, provoking global outrage. The recommendations aim not only to support Ukraine but also to mobilize the international community to halt these violations.
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Ukraine’s proactive measures against sexual violence demonstrate its commitment to upholding international human rights standards despite the immense challenges posed by the conflict.