Survivors: Russia Tortured Us With Abuse Named After Biden

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kherson, Ukraine

Introduction

Kherson, the first major city to fall to Russian forces during President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, is now a frontline town where attacks occur regularly. With limited aid and weapons, the remaining authorities fear a return of fighting on the streets. The trauma of Russian occupation continues to haunt them.

Resistance and Imprisonment

During the occupation, many people in Kherson resisted Russian soldiers through protests, underground networks, and providing information to Ukraine’s military. However, they were eventually captured and imprisoned. The conditions in the prisons were deplorable, with overcrowded cells, lack of basic necessities, and reports of sexual assault.

Documentation of Abuse

The U.N.’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has documented instances of electric shocks as a form of torture, including the use of military telephones. These abuses may be categorized as sexual violence in certain cases.

Leadership and Humanitarian Aid

Some politicians, leaders, and mayors remained trapped in Kherson under Russian control. They continued their work by focusing on delivering humanitarian aid to the occupied regions. Local authorities, such as Yurii Sobolevsky, played a crucial role in providing support to the residents and assisting Ukraine’s military efforts.

Underground Resistance

Oleg Akimchenkov, a local tailor and Red Cross volunteer, established a defense network to minimize looting and crimes among the struggling residents. He also worked with Ukraine by passing information about the occupiers’ military positions and smuggling people out of Kherson.

Imprisonment and Torture

Akimchenkov and Ihor, among others, were arrested and imprisoned by Russian soldiers. They were subjected to physical and psychological torture, including electric shocks. Despite the abuse, they refused to provide any information about their work or fellow Ukrainians supporting the military.

Release and Liberation

Akimchenkov and Ihor were finally released in October 2022, after months of imprisonment. However, they suffered from deteriorating health and significant weight loss. Kherson city was liberated one month later.

Current Situation and Future

Although Kherson’s government has attempted to return to normalcy, some towns and villages in the region remain under occupation. The southern frontline is just over three miles outside the city limits. The government remains hopeful that the Ukrainian army will prevent another occupation. However, the memories of the previous trauma still linger.

Missing Mayor and Uncertain Future

Mayor Ihor Kolykhayev, who played a significant role in distributing humanitarian aid, has been a Russian prisoner since May 2022. His son, Sviatoslav, has received no information or proof of life since September 2023. There have been accusations of collaboration against Ihor, which his son vehemently denies. Sviatoslav has been trying to facilitate his father’s release through prisoner exchange but has faced indifference from Ukraine’s government.

Conclusion

The residents of Kherson understand that if the Russians return, the tales of cruelty and torture will resurface. For Ihor Kolykhayev, it may be too late to know his fate. Sviatoslav emphasizes the need for recognition of human rights defenders in Ukraine and continues to seek ways to save his father’s life.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 5: Gender Equality

Targets

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

Indicators

• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age
• Indicator 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group

Explanation:

The issues highlighted in the article are related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, specifically the occupation of Kherson by Russian forces. The article discusses the experiences of individuals who were subjected to torture, abuse, and violence during the occupation. These issues are connected to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Under SDG 16, the targets that can be identified based on the article’s content are Target 16.1 (reduce all forms of violence and related death rates) and Target 16.2 (end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children). The article describes the torture, abuse, and violence experienced by individuals, highlighting the need to address these forms of violence and ensure justice for the victims.

Under SDG 5, the target that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 5.2 (eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls). The article mentions instances of sexual violence and torture against men in Russian prisons, which can be categorized as violence against men. However, it is important to note that violence against women and girls is also a significant issue in conflict situations.

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are Indicator 16.1.1 (number of victims of intentional homicide), Indicator 16.2.1 (proportion of children who experienced physical punishment and/or psychological aggression), and Indicator 5.2.1 (proportion of women subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by an intimate partner).

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Source: thedailybeast.com

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