Survivors say Russia is waging a war of sexual violence in occupied areas of Ukraine. Men are often the victims | CNN
Survivors say Russia is waging a war of sexual violence in occupied areas of Ukraine. Men are often the victims CNN
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Report on Sexual Violence in Ukraine by Russian Forces
Graphic Warning
Please be advised that this report contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of sexual violence.
Introduction
Recent investigations have uncovered a disturbing pattern of sexual violence perpetrated by Russian security forces against Ukrainian civilians and soldiers. These acts are in direct violation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and Goal 16 which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provides access to justice for all, and builds effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
Case Study: Roman Shapovalenko
Roman Shapovalenko, a 39-year-old farm manager from the southern Ukrainian port city of Kherson, experienced sexual violence firsthand after being arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB). He was subjected to threats of rape, electrocution in his genital area, and psychological torture designed to humiliate and dehumanize him.
Widespread Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War
The use of sexual violence by Russian forces is not an isolated incident but a widespread tactic employed during their invasion of Ukraine. Reports from human rights monitors indicate that this practice is part of a systematic approach to terrorize and subjugate the Ukrainian population.
- Rampant use of sexual violence by Russian police and security forces.
- Sexual violence crimes often go unreported due to stigma and shame.
- UN reports document 85 cases of sexual violence in Ukraine in 2023 alone.
- Survivors describe forced nudity, genital electrocution, and threats of rape.
International Legal Framework
Rape and sexual violence are prohibited by the Geneva Conventions and can constitute war crimes. Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), systematic or widespread sexual violence is considered a crime against humanity.
Efforts to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
Ukrainian prosecutors are working diligently to document cases of sexual violence and bring the perpetrators to justice. They aim to prosecute not only the individuals directly involved but also those in leadership positions who ordered or allowed these crimes to occur.
- Ukraine has officially recorded 293 cases of sexual violence.
- 37,000 Ukrainian citizens are unaccounted for, with thousands believed to be held in Russian detention.
- Ukrainian officials are trained on victim-oriented approaches to recognize and investigate conflict-related sexual violence.
Conclusion
The systematic use of sexual violence by Russian forces in Ukraine represents a grave violation of human rights and undermines the core principles of the SDGs. It is imperative for the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice for the victims. The ongoing conflict continues to pose a significant threat to sustainable development and peace in the region.
This report was compiled with contributions from CNN’s Svitlana Vlasova and Victoria Butenko.
SDGs addressed in the article
The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Specific targets under the SDGs
Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- 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 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
Indicators mentioned or implied in the article
The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets, including:
- The number of documented cases of sexual violence in Ukraine in 2023.
- The number of male Ukrainian prisoners of war who were victims of sexual violence while in Russian detention.
- The number of cases recorded by Ukrainian prosecutors investigating conflict-based sexual violence and abuse.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls | The number of documented cases of sexual violence in Ukraine in 2023 |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates | The number of male Ukrainian prisoners of war who were victims of sexual violence while in Russian detention |
| Target 16.2: End violence against children | ||
| Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice | The number of cases recorded by Ukrainian prosecutors investigating conflict-based sexual violence and abuse |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: cnn.com
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