UN Warns Israel, Russia Over Reports of Sexual Abuse by Soldiers

United Nations(UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has put Israel and Russia “on notice” that their armed forces and security personnel could be listed among parties “credibly suspected” of committing sexual violence in conflict zones. This warning resulted from “significant concerns regarding patterns of certain forms of sexual violence that have been consistently documented by the United Nations,” Guterres wrote in a report seen by Reuters.

Guterres expressed grave concern about credible information of violations by Israeli armed and security forces against Palestinians in several prisons, a detention center, and a military base. “Cases documented by the United Nations indicate patterns of sexual violence such as genital violence, prolonged forced nudity and repeated strip searches conducted in an abusive and degrading manner,” he stated. Due to Israel’s denial of access to UN monitors, it has been challenging to make a definitive determination about patterns, trends, and the systematic use of sexual violence by its forces.

The UN chief urged Israel’s government to take necessary measures to ensure the immediate cessation of all acts of sexual violence and make specific time-bound commitments. These should include investigations of credible allegations, clear orders and codes of conduct for military and security forces that prohibit sexual violence, and unimpeded access for UN monitors.

In March, UN-backed human rights experts accused Israel of “the systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other gender-based violence” against Palestinians. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported a range of violations perpetrated against Palestinian women, men, girls, and boys, including rape and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, dismissed the Secretary-General’s concerns as “baseless accusations”. Danon emphasized that “Israel will not shy away from protecting its citizens and will continue to act in accordance with international law”. However, in July 2024, the Israeli military detained and questioned nine soldiers over alleged sexual abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman prison facility.

Regarding Russia, Guterres expressed grave concern about credible information of violations by Russian armed and security forces and affiliated armed groups, primarily against Ukrainian prisoners of war. “These cases comprised a significant number of documented incidents of genital violence, including electrocution, beatings and burns to the genitals, and forced stripping and prolonged nudity, used to humiliate and elicit confessions or information,” he said.

The UN report highlights the need for accountability and action to prevent further human rights abuses. Guterres’ warning serves as a crucial step in addressing these serious concerns and promoting a culture of accountability within armed forces and security personnel. The international community must prioritize the protection of civilians and prevention of human rights abuses in conflict zones.