During the period of September to November 2024, the report highlights escalated Russian attacks on populated areas, deliberate strikes on energy infrastructure, and attempts to curtail fundamental rights.
“Behind each statistic in this report are stories of tragedy and human suffering, illustrating the devastating impact of the war throughout Ukraine,” stated Danielle Bell, Head of the HRMMU.
“September saw the highest monthly death toll since July 2022, with my team documenting 574 civilian fatalities and 3,032 injuries over the three months,” she grimly pointed out.
Growing civilian casualties and hardships
93% of the casualties recorded took place in Government-controlled areas, particularly in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson, where military actions remain intense.
Modified aerial bombs that can now glide for long distances into major cities like Kharkiv and Sumy before detonating have worsened the destruction.
The bombardment of Zaporizhzhia on 7 November alone resulted in nine civilian deaths and 42 injuries, while short-range drones killed 67 and injured 528.
Russian forces have also recommenced large-scale aerial assaults on Ukraine’s vital energy infrastructure.
On 17 and 28 November, attacks further reduced Ukraine’s energy capacity as winter approached, disrupting electricity, water, heating, and transportation systems in numerous regions.
Continued mistreatment of POWs
The report outlines ongoing executions, torture, and abuse of Prisoners of War (POWs).
Since August 2024, there has been a notable rise in credible reports of executions of Ukrainian POWs, with at least 62 victims in 19 incidents.
Independent confirmation of these killings has validated the deaths of 15 Ukrainian POWs.
Interviews with 42 recently released POWs, including 11 women, revealed that all of them had experienced torture, such as beatings, electric shocks, and prolonged isolation.
Sexual violence, against both women and men, was also prevalent.
However, while the report acknowledges mistreatment of Russian POWs, particularly during their initial detainment by Ukrainian authorities, it notes that these cases seemed more isolated compared to the widespread abuse of Ukrainian prisoners.
Russia’s increased control over occupied territories
Moreover, Russia has enforced its laws over occupied regions, violating its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the demand for residents to acquire Russian citizenship to retain their property rights.
Abandoned homes have been seized, making it nearly impossible for displaced residents to come back.
Russian authorities have introduced a new cultural policy targeting the integration of children from occupied territories into Russian society.
This policy incorporates compulsory military training for children, including instruction on grenades, small arms, and anti-tank grenade launchers.
Religious freedoms have also been limited by both governments.
In Crimea, Jehovah’s Witnesses face persecution under Russia’s anti-extremism laws, while a Muslim group has been disbanded for alleged “extremist” activities.
Conversely, new legislation concerning religious organizations has come into effect in territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine, restricting freedom of belief and religious expression.
The way forward
As the war continues to devastate Ukraine, the report calls for the vital enforcement of international humanitarian and human rights law.
“The armed assault on Ukraine has persisted for nearly three years. Amidst immense suffering, it is crucial to intensify efforts to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law,” stated Ms. Bell.
As winter descends and the conflict shows no signs of ending, the urgency of these efforts becomes even more crucial.
