Escalating Human Rights Crisis in Ukraine: Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Adherence to International Law

Strategic Insights -

Human Rights Assistant Secretary-General Ilze Brands Kehris warned the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva that the human rights situation in Ukraine has dramatically deteriorated, with over 90% of casualties occurring in Ukrainian-controlled territory since March. Brands Kehris urged the Russian Federation to immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and adhere to international law. In addition to the escalating violence, there have been reports of torture and cruel treatment of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The human rights situation in Ukraine has worsened, with over 90% of casualties occurring in Ukrainian-controlled territory since March.
  • Ilze Brands Kehris called for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law, citing the United Nations Charter and other applicable international law.
  • Since March, ceasefire talks have stalled, and fighting has escalated, resulting in a serious increase in civilian casualties.
  • Russian armed forces have continued to acquire control of further territory, with attacks resulting in the killing and injury of hundreds of civilians.
  • Over 90% of civilian casualties since March occurred in Ukrainian-controlled territory, with a peak in summer months.
  • There have been reports of torture, cruel treatment, and inhuman conditions of captivity in Russian-held facilities, including sexual violence, corroborated by injuries and accounts of other prisoners.
  • The Russian Federation has continued to violate international law, imposing its legal and governance system in occupied territories, expropriating private property, and restricting civic space.
  • Ukrainian authorities have launched investigations into alleged torture and ill-treatment in early stages of captivity, but these need to be carried out in line with international standards.
  • The Russian Federation has not granted the UN access to occupied territories, and continued monitoring has documented ongoing human rights violations.

Statistics:

  • 90% of civilian casualties in Ukraine are occurring in Ukrainian-controlled territory since March.
  • Between April, May, and June, nearly 50% more civilians were killed or injured than in the same period in 2024.
  • Over 117 Ukrainian former prisoners of war have provided accounts of torture and ill-treatment in Russian captivity.
  • The number of torture and ill-treatment cases in Russian captivity has increased since March.
  • In the occupied territory, the Russian Federation has documented an increase in efforts to expropriate private property on a large scale.
  • Over 50% more civilians are injured or killed in summer months compared to previous periods.

Sources:

  • United Nations Human Rights Council, "Statement of the UN Assistant Secretary-General on the Human Rights Situation in Ukraine (July 3, 2025)" https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2025/07/asg-brands-kehris-updates-council-human-rights-situation-ukraine