Since the Russia-Ukraine invasion in 2022, there have been many serious violations of international human rights law. These include attacks on civilians, destruction of essential services, and the displacement and forced removal of children. Below are the main types of violations we focus on in our organization, along with the international laws they break.

2. Bombing of Hospitals and Schools

What is happening: 

Russian airstrikes have destroyed hospitals (including maternity wards), ambulances and schools, leaving civilians without access to essential resources such as care and education.

Which international law it violates:

Medical and educational facilities are protected under Geneva Convention IV and Article 8 of the Rome Statute. Attacking them is a war crime. 

3. Forced Displacement and Transfer of Ukrainian Children

What is happening:

Hundreds of thousands of children have been taken from Ukraine to Russia without any type of parental consent. Some are placed to live with Russian families, while others in institutional homes.

Which international law it violates:

The Rome Statue (Article 8 and Article 6) identifies this as both a war crime and a possible act of genocide. The Genocide Convention also bans the forcible transfer of children from one group to another.

4. Torture, Abuse, and Unlawful Detention

What is happening:

Survivors and human rights groups have reported torture, physical abuse, and forced disappearances in occupied areas. Some civilians and prisoners of war are held without any sentences or contact with their families. 

Which international law it violates:

Torture is illegal under many treaties, including the Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute. It is considered a crime against humanity when the attack is widespread or systematic.

5. Destruction of Essential Resources

What is happening:

During winter and other critical weather conditions, Russian forces have cut electricity stations, water treatment plants, and other infrastructure that civilians rely on.

Which international law it violates:

Under the Rome Statute, it is considered a war crime to attack objects that are indispensable to the survival of the civilian population (Article 8).

6. Blocking of Humanitarian Aid

What is happening:

In some areas of Ukraine, Russian forces have blocked aid attempts, prevented evacuations, or limited access to medical supplies and good.

Which international law it violates:

Geneva Convention IV states that civilians must receive humanitarian aid during war. Block aid is also illegal under both humanitarian and human rights law.