Amnesty International Report on Killings in Ukraine
Yesterday I wrote about a Human Rights Watch report regarding the use of cluster bombs in Ukraine. Today, I want to bring to your attention an investigation by Amnesty International on killings in Eastern Ukraine. Regarding their investigation into various rights abuses in Eastern Ukraine, they have found a number of issues that are troubling. For example, they found a mass grave in the Donetsk area of Ukraine. According to their website, “An Amnesty International delegation visited the area on 26 September. The delegation found strong evidence implicating Kyiv-controlled forces in the extrajudicial executions of four men buried in two graves near the village of Komunar. Five further bodies buried in a single grave nearby were revealed to belong to separatist fighters. Amnesty International spoke to members of their unit who said they had been killed in the course of hostilities.” John Dalhuisen, who is the “Europe and Central Asia Director of Amnesty International” was quoted as saying that
“The reality behind Russian claims of ‘mass graves’ in Nyzhnya Krynka is grizzly enough. It points to extra-judicial killing of four local residents by either regular Ukrainian armed forces or volunteer battalions operating in the area. These must now be investigated thoroughly. But it also shows the extent to which accusations of abuses are being inflated, particularly by the Russian authorities, in the parallel propaganda war…”. In addition, Amnesty has also heard various allegations that there have been many killings by pro-Russian separatist forces of individuals who were supporting or sympathetic to Ukraine (Amnesty International, 2014).
It is horrific to hear about the numerous killings that have taken place in Ukraine. It is quintessential that groups continue to document all abuses, so that we know what has taken place, as well as finding ways to hold those accountable for such actions. Despite discussions of peace and cease-fires, this conflict in Eastern Ukraine has continued (Amnesty International, 2014), and thus, it is important for the international community to continue to advocate for a permanent halt in fighting, as well as a call to all sides to protect individuals in the region.
