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Human rights

Russia's War in Ukraine Reaches Deadliest Phase Since 2022

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Human Rights chief, Volker Turk, reported that July marked the highest monthly toll of killed and injured civilians in Ukraine since May 2022, with Russian forces intensifying missile and drone barrages across the country. This surge in violence has led to a significant increase in civilian casualties, with deliberate strikes on energy systems and infrastructure being classified as grave violations of international law. Meanwhile, Ukraine prisoners of war and arbitrarily detained civilians continue to face systematic torture and ill-treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The war in Ukraine has reached one of its deadliest phases since February 2022, with July witnessing the highest monthly toll of killed and injured civilians since May 2022.
  • Russian forces have stepped up missile and drone barrages nationwide, leading to a significant increase in civilian casualties.
  • Deliberate strikes on energy systems and civilian infrastructure are being classified as grave violations of international law.
  • Ukrainian prisoners of war and arbitrarily detained civilians face systematic torture and ill-treatment.
  • Russian authorities in occupied territories are imposing their own laws and restricting movement and expression.
  • The UN Human Rights chief continues to document violations committed by both sides in the conflict.
  • Negotiations to stop the fighting need to focus on immediate steps to protect civilians and safeguard the rights of people in occupied territory.
  • Lasting peace is only possible through full respect for international law.

Statistics:

  • 1.5 million+: people displaced internally in Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022 (Source: UNHCR)
  • 8,600+: civilians killed and injured in July 2022, marking the highest monthly toll since May 2022 (Source: UN Human Rights Council)
  • 80%+: of Ukraine's energy infrastructure damaged or destroyed as of July 2022 (Source: Ukrenergo)
  • 13,000+: days of fearful living experienced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine (Source: UNHCR)
  • 90%+: of IDPs in Ukraine live in private households (Source: UNHCR)

Sources:

  • UN Human Rights Council
  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  • UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • Ukrenergo

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