By Janet Ekstract, NEW YORK- U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk expressed alarm over what he calls the “human rights catastrophe” in the Russia-Ukraine war. On Friday, October 2, speaking at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk said he’s especially concerned over the presence of fighters from third countries, explaining that his staff interviewed “ prisoners of war from 29 countries who are held by Ukraine, many said they were deceived into joining the Russian forces.” The human rights chief also cited a recent report that documents over 1,000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, saying “89% were attributed to Russian authorities and 11% to Ukraine,” adding “Most victims were men, particularly in detention, though women and children were also affected, “primarily in occupied Ukrainian territory.” Turk is calling on the international community, especially those countries with influence, to take “urgent action to push for a negotiated peace, now before this tragedy becomes even worse.”
Turk said there must be a “decisive shift” toward de-escalation in the war and peace in Ukraine. He proposed local ceasefires, a stop to attacks on energy infrastructure and economic targets, a full prisoner exchange, allowing civilians to leave Oleshky. Turk reiterated his grave concern about Russia stepping up attacks on energy infrastructure, food companies, supermarkets and transportation networks. His office verified 15,280 civilians killed and injured across Ukraine during the first eight months of 2026 – 55% higher than during the same period in 2025, Turk said. He called Ukraine a “laboratory for drone warfare” and urged international players to address the “carnage” from drone warfare. The human rights chief said building momentum to return to the negotiating table is crucial and reiterated that “Alongside peace, there must be accountability.” He told the Council in Geneva: “The conduct of this war to date cannot be allowed to dictate its future. We need a decisive shift towards de-escalation and peace.”
