The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded March 19 that widespread enforced disappearances and torture committed by Russia during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine constitute "crimes against humanity." The announcement marks a significant development, as crimes against humanity constitute one of the most serious classifications of international crimes.

Central to the commission's findings is Rule 7 of the Rome Statute, which states that forced disappearance and torture constitute crimes against humanity when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against any civilian population. The report, which included evidence gathered by the commission and interviews with soldiers who deserted from the Russian armed forces, concluded that the enforced disappearances against civilians were "perpetrated pursuant to a coordinated state policy," thereby amounting to crimes against humanity.

Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, Erik Møse, stated at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council:

These crimes were carried out as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, in all provinces of Ukraine where areas came under Russian control, and in the Russian Federation. They were perpetrated pursuant to a coordinated state policy and targeted categories of persons that Russian authorities perceived as a threat to their military objectives in Ukraine.

The announcement comes a month after the European Court of Human Rights found Russia violated free speech by censoring Ukraine conflict news. Additionally, Amnesty International published a report earlier this month that found war crimes and crimes against humanity were being committed against Ukrainian POWs and detainees.

Russia's Mission in Geneva declined to comment on the report, dismissing it as "politicized and one-sided."

From JURIST, March 21. Used with permission.

See our last report on war crimes accusations against Russia.