Torture and arbitrary detention as crimes against humanity during Russia’s War in Ukraine – UN HRC58 side event

The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), the Human Rights Centre ZMINA, the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) together with other civil society partners and the Permanent Missions of Ukraine to the UN Office and the other International Organizations in Geneva have organized the side event “Torture and arbitrary detention as crimes against humanity during Russia’s War in Ukraine: Justice for Survivors” on the margin of the 58th UN Human Rights Council. It will take place on the 19th of March at 13:00 in the XXV room of the Palais des Nations.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence have been systematically and widely used, amounting to crimes against humanity. These abuses are part of a broader strategy of persecution aimed at silencing dissent, erasing Ukrainian identity, and consolidating control over the occupied territories. This event will spotlight the persecution of civilians in the occupied territories of Ukraine and stress the urgent need for international support to secure the release of civilian detainees, enhance documentation efforts, and ensure justice for survivors.

The Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR) will examine the arbitrary detention of civilians, particularly media representatives and bloggers, by Russian forces in occupied territories. It will highlight how these crimes serve as tools of terror and intimidation, present its findings regarding a release plan for detainees, and emphasize the need for international collaboration to implement it.

The Human Rights Centre ZMINA will highlight the systematic and widespread nature of these violations, which may constitute crimes against humanity, particularly the persecution of a political group, as illustrated through documented testimonies.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) will underscore the critical role of medico-legal documentation in prosecuting crimes of torture, arbitrary detention, and sexual violence. PHR will also provide key recommendations to strengthen documentation practices.

Participants will explore strategies to mobilize national and international efforts to locate and access detainees, facilitate their release, and support survivors, alongside strengthening medico-legal documentation. By framing these crimes within the broader context of crimes against humanity and addressing accountability challenges, the event seeks to drive urgent international action toward justice for victims

Remarks:

• Mr. Oleksandr Kapustin, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva

Speakers:

• Ms. Lyubov Smachylo, Head of the Analytical Department, the Media Initiative for Human Rights
• Ms. Tetiana Pechonchyk, Head of Board, the Human Rights Centre ZMINA
• Ms. Iryna Baran El Ghali, International Advocacy Manager, the Crimean Human Rights Group
• Mr. Saman Zia-Zarifi, Executive Director, Physicians for Human Rights

Moderator: Mr. Evindar Başboğa, Human Rights Officer, OMCT

Organizers of the event: the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), the Human Rights Centre ZMINA, the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) with the support of the Permanent Missions of Ukraine to the UN Office and the other International Organizations in Geneva, the Crimean Human Rights Group, the Human Rights House Foundation, the Human Rights Institute, the International Federation for Human Rights, Amnesty International, the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, and Article 19.