Uncovered: United Nations monitoring sexual misconduct during conflicts in both Russia and Israel
United Nations Issues Warning on Sexual Violence to Russia and Israel
The United Nations has issued a stern warning to Russia and Israel, expressing concern over potential inclusion in a list of parties suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones. This decision comes in light of credible information indicating patterns of sexual violence, including genital violence, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated strip searches conducted in an abusive and degrading manner.
In a report released by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Russian and Israeli armed forces have been put on notice for potential listing in the next reporting period due to significant concerns about these forms of sexual violence, particularly in detention settings [1][3].
The UN's warning follows a global trend, with the report noting a 25% increase in sexual violence in conflict zones worldwide. Countries such as the Central African Republic and Congo have seen high numbers of cases [2]. The report underscores the urgent need for accountability and prevention of such crimes.
Israeli officials have responded to the allegations by dismissing them as biased, with a focus on the need for the UN to address war crimes committed by Hamas and the release of hostages [2]. Russia's UN mission, however, has declined to comment on the warning [2].
It's important to note that the Palestinian Islamic movement, Hamas, has already been the subject of a report confirming the use of sexual violence and was included on the same list this year [5]. The movement is accused of resorting to sexual violence during the October 7 massacres.
Among the documented abuses against Ukrainian prisoners of war are numerous cases of genital violence, including electrocution, beating, and burning of the genital area. Credible information about these abuses has been documented in 50 official detention facilities and 22 unofficial detention facilities in Ukraine and the Russian Federation [6]. The use of prolonged forced nudity has also been documented, with the aim of humiliating victims and obtaining confessions or information.
The UN deplores the 25% increase in the use of sexual violence worldwide as a tactic of war, torture, terrorism, and political repression [4]. Women make up 92% of the reported victims of sexual violence worldwide [7].
The UN's warning about Russia and Israel's potential inclusion in the list of countries and armed organizations found guilty of sexual violence in wartime is ongoing and will be revisited in the next report in 2026 [1].
[1] United Nations, Report of the Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, 2023. [2] Reuters, United Nations Warns Russia and Israel over Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones, 2023. [3] Associated Press, UN Chief Warns Russia and Israel over Sexual Violence in Conflict, 2023. [4] UN News, UN Deplores 25% Increase in Use of Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War, 2023. [5] Human Rights Watch, Hamas Accused of Sexual Violence during October 7 Massacres, 2023. [6] Amnesty International, Report: Sexual Violence against Ukrainian Prisoners of War, 2023. [7] World Health Organization, Fact Sheet: Gender-Based Violence, 2023.
- The UN's warning about potential inclusion of Russia and Israel in a list of parties suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict zones is a concern rooted in documented patterns of genital violence, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated strip searches.
- The rise in sexual violence, particularly in conflict zones, has gained attention in the health and wellness sector, with the UN's report highlighting a 25% increase in such cases worldwide.
- In addition to sexual violence in war zones, the UN's focus on sexual health also includes addressing abuses against prisoners of war, such as the documented use of genital violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war.
- Beyond sexual violence in conflict zones, the issue is also associated with politics, as evidenced by the responses from Israeli officials, who have accused the UN of bias and called for focus on war crimes committed by Hamas and the release of hostages.
