Black Sea navy HQ on fire after Ukraine missile strike & UN official suggests "systematic torture" perpetrated by Russia
Sep 22, 2023
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Guest Alice J Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur Torture, discusses the mysterious deaths of British volunteers in Ukraine and allegations of systematic torture. The podcast explores Russia's war aims, the presence of international volunteers, and the need for adherence to international law. It also highlights the United Nations' credible allegations of torture and the urgent need for resolution.
Russian forces in Ukraine are engaging in a state policy of torture, using brutality to instill fear and extract information.
UN Special Rapporteur Alice Edwards emphasizes the need for accountability and adherence to international laws in the conflict in Ukraine.
Deep dives
Mysterious Deaths of British Volunteers in Ukraine
The podcast discusses the mysterious deaths of British volunteers in Ukraine and explores allegations of systematic torture. The Ukrainian and Russian forces are engaged in a complex war, with both sides carrying out brutal acts of violence against civilians and prisoners of war. The scale and purposefulness of the abuse suggest a state policy of torture by the Russian Federation. The Russian forces are using high-tech and conventional weapons in their campaign, along with purposeful violence to instill fear, intimidate, and extract information. The Ukrainian government, while facing an existential crisis, must still comply with international laws and ensure that their methods of self-defense conform with international humanitarian and human rights laws.
UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Cluster Munitions
The podcast features an interview with Alice Edwards, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. She addresses her work in Ukraine and expresses concern about the transfer of cluster munitions by the United States. Edwards argues that these munitions, due to their indiscriminate nature, violate international human rights law and can have a disproportionate impact on civilians. She also highlights the need for accountability and adherence to international laws of war in the ongoing conflict.
Extent of Torture and Human Rights Violations
The podcast explores the extensive scale of torture and other human rights violations in the conflict. Russian forces are accused of perpetrating widespread and systematic torture, targeting both civilians and prisoners of war. Multiple testimonies and documents support the claims of purposeful violence for various reasons, including intimidation, extracting information, and forcing participation in Russian-propelled referendums. The Ukrainian authorities are also dealing with allegations of abuse, but there is a clear distinction in terms of scale and purpose between the actions of the Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Challenges and Pressure Faced by the UN
Alice Edwards discusses the challenges faced by the UN in addressing human rights violations in Ukraine. There are varying levels of engagement and cooperation from member states, with some governments being more responsive than others. Edwards highlights the importance of accurate reporting, verification of information from multiple sources, and the need to navigate the ongoing propaganda war. She emphasizes the crucial role of trust-building and reconciliation in the long-term resolution of the conflict.