UN adds Russian armed forces to conflict-related sexual violence list

The United Nations has, for the first time, included Russia’s armed forces in its annual list of parties suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones.

The 35-page annual report lists 77 state and non-state actors across 12 countries, Caliber.Az reports via Associated Press.

According to the document, Russian forces are accused of alleged sexual violence against prisoners of war and civilians in Ukraine. Israeli military forces were also included in the list in connection with the treatment of Palestinian detainees.

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, rejected the allegations as unfounded.

“We will write a letter to the secretary-general saying that these are unsubstantiated lies and alleged things which again portray Russia as a villain, like they do all the time,” he said.

Nebenzia stressed that Russia is documenting how Ukrainian forces treat Russian prisoners of war and is preparing a report on the matter.

Previous reports also stated that the UN had added Israeli entities to the so-called “black list” of states and organisations suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones.

By Jeyhun Aghazada