Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused “massive human rights violations” - Guterres

He said this on January 27 at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, CNN reports.

"It (Russian invasion - ed.) has unleashed widespread death, destruction and displacement," Guterres said.

"The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented dozens of cases of conflict-related sexual violence against men, women and girls," he added.

Guterres called on international governments to respect and activate the declaration, which he said is often misused and abused.

In early February, Guterres said that the likelihood of an escalation of Russia's war against Ukraine continues to grow, while the prospects for peace are diminishing.