From the poisoning of Russian Political Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny to the continued suppression of expression, Russia has committed many human rights violations. However, since the invasion of Ukraine, those violations have increased. On April 7, 2022, The United Nations Human Rights Council voted to suspend Russia from the program with 93 in favor of suspension, 24 against, and 58 abstaining.
Prior to voting on the resolution, Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiv Kyslytysa urged representatives to stand with them. He explained that, “Bucha and dozens of other Ukrainian cities and villages, where thousands of peaceful residents have been killed, tortured, raped, abducted and robbed by the Russian Army, serve as an example of how dramatically far the Russian Federation has gone from its initial declarations in the human rights domain. That is why this case is unique and today’s response is obvious and self-explanatory.”
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) released a report on Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law during the invasion of Ukraine. Michael Carpenter US Ambassador to the OSCE summarized the report in a speech, saying that “ this [report] includes evidence of direct targeting of civilians, attacks on medical facilities, rape, executions, looting, and forced deportation of civilians to Russia.”
One of these violations includes the attacks on a maternity hospital in Mariupol where no warning or time limit was given to Ukraine, and therefore has been deemed a war crime. Also, the attack on the Mariupol Drama Theater that reduced the building to rubble has been categorized as a war crime, as hundreds of citizens had been taking cover there.
Another major war crime occurred in Bucha, Ukraine where retreating Russian forces murdered at least 403 citizens. The number may continue to rise as more bodies are being discovered. Evidence shows that citizens were lined up and shot in the back of their heads, among other methods of brutal murder.
Russia denies this, saying it is entirely false and that “not a single local resident suffered any violent actions” during the Russian occupation. However, satellite images show that the bodies have been there since Russian occupation, warranting some skepticism of Russia’s claim of innocence.
The UN Human Rights Council met on April 7, where the United States initiated the resolution to suspend Russia following the mass murders in Bucha. 93 different nations, including Austria, Australia, the USA, Canada, Germany, France, and others, voted in favor of suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council. Only 24 countries voted against the suspension, including Russia, China, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Cuba. 58 countries voted to abstain, some of the major ones being India, Brazil, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
Following the vote, Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Gennady Kuzmin called the suspension “illegitimate and politically motivated” and also announced that Russia would quit the Human Rights Council entirely. Ukrainian Ambassador Kyslytysa responded later, telling reporters that “You do not submit your resignation after you are fired.”
The UN council members also could have decided to end the suspension later, but now that Russia altogether quit, it is impossible. This means that Russia will no longer be able to submit amendments to the council. In the past they have submitted up to 10 amendments to certain resolutions.
In the past, Russia has had a large influence on other countries’ decisions, but now will lose this influence. Ramón Muñoz, director of the Geneva-based International Network of Human Rights (RIDH), says that “Russia has been fierce opponents of resolutions related to sexual and reproductive rights and LGBTQIA rights at the Human Rights Council, and now they have lost their platform to influence in these decisions.”
While it may have long-term consequences on the country and other countries’ views of Russia, the suspension is not likely to cause Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine. It is likely to put more stress on Putin because of rising tensions and increasing sanctions. However, it is unknown how far other countries will go to stop the war.
As sanctions and increasing pressure from other countries weigh down on Russia, the war still continues. Ukraine is in dire need of assistance, in any way possible.
The Ukrainian Red Cross is constantly on the front lines of this war helping those affected by it. They are also currently helping evacuees escape and providing them with basic necessities. The World Central Kitchen provides necessary hot meals to those in a crisis. Currently, they are working with Ukrainians in the country and refugees in bordering areas. Global Giving Ukraine Crisis Release Fund is another great way of helping. They are offering life-saving psychological help, education assistance, and helping with PTSD and trauma from the war.
There are many other ways we can help with the war that are linked here. As the war rages on, more and more refugees are leaving the country. As of April 7, 2022, over 10 million people have fled their homes, and these funds go to help them.
