Israel, Russia Added To UN Blacklist On Sexual Violence In Conflicts

The United Nations has added Israel and Russia to its blacklist of parties credibly suspected of committing or enabling sexual violence in armed conflicts. The decision follows a report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who warned both nations last August but noted that documented cases continued in Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian territories. UN investigators reported 'continued denial of access' from authorities in Israel and Russia, limiting their ability to verify incidents. The report cites Israeli military, security forces, and prison services as perpetrators of sexual violence against Palestinians in detention, with trends persisting into 2025. In Russia, sexual violence was documented in occupied Ukrainian territories and within Russia itself, primarily against prisoners of war, including cases of rape, genital mutilation, and electric shocks. The UN’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded 310 verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence, predominantly against men. Israel condemned the listing as 'shameful and absurd,' arguing it equates its actions with Hamas, which was already on the blacklist. The report emphasizes that the documented cases reflect broader patterns but are not exhaustive due to restricted access. The UN’s list now includes Israel, Russia, and Hamas as parties suspected of systemic sexual violence in conflict zones. Guterres’ report is set to be shared with the Security Council, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing these human rights violations.