UN: It’s too early to say Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine

KYIV, KOMPAS.com – United Nations Commission for Ukraine said to have received several allegations of human rights violations by the force Russia.

However, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said it was too early to conclude whether Russia had committed war crimes.

In a press conference in Kyiv, Wednesday (15/6/2022), the head of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Erik Mose admitted that his party had received a number of reports.

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“In Bucha and Irpin, the commission has received information about the arbitrary killing of civilians, the destruction and looting of property, as well as attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools,” Mose said.

He added that the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine was also observing large-scale destruction in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions.

“Which is believed to be the result of aerial bombardment, gunfire or missile attacks on civilian targets,” Mose said AFP.

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However, Mose continued, the UN is not yet in a position to provide a full legal characterization of the events that occurred near Kyiv in March.

He said the evidence that had been gathered could, if confirmed later, support allegations of human rights abuses.

“This includes war crimes and crimes against humanity,” said Mose.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, set up by the UN Human Rights Council in March, will complete its first mission on Thursday (16/6/2022).

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During visits to Bucha, Irpin, Kharkiv and Sumy, the commission collected testimonies from civilians and met with local authorities and civil society organizations.

“It is one thing to witness a genocide, for example, or to receive reports of intentional killings,” said commission member Pablo de Greiff.

“But it is another thing to make decisions about responsibility with the legal qualifications of these facts,” continued de Greiff.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will return to the country next month to continue its work.

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