As the war against Ukraine enters its fifth year and amid ongoing international efforts to bring it to an end, the humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate, with severe damage to energy infrastructure and housing from sustained systematic attacks by the armed forces of the Russian Federation during the coldest winter since hostilities began, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today.
"Four years on, the people of Ukraine continue to show remarkable courage and resilience despite the deteriorating humanitarian situation in this dark and bitter winter," said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. "Attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure raise serious concerns about respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Respect for human rights, accountability and democratic principles must remain at the heart of any response to the ongoing war. ODIHR's work continues to focus on ensuring that the rights of civilians are protected and that Ukraine's democratic institutions remain resilient."
ODIHR continues to document violations of international law committed in the context of this war. The Office's monitoring over the past year shows sustained attacks affecting civilian infrastructure, including increased use of short-range drones and explosive weapons in populated areas, leading to higher civilian casualties as well as disruptions in daily life and energy supply in Ukraine. Frequent power outages at temperatures reaching -20 degrees Celsius have intensified the humanitarian challenges faced by many Ukrainians.
Since the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, ODIHR has documented violations of international law in eight public reports that are based on some 700 testimonies of witnesses and survivors of violations interviewed by ODIHR, as well as other monitoring and sources. Evidence continues to emerge of widespread torture and ill-treatment of civilians and prisoners of war, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, and numerous violations linked to the occupation of Ukrainian territories that have not only persisted but become entrenched over time.
All OSCE participating States have recognised that respect and protection of human rights is essential for sustainable security. International humanitarian law, explicitly prohibits indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and protects the civilian population at all times. ODIHR once again reiterates the urgent need for full respect for international law and the protection of civilians.
