UN calls on Russia to grant independent observers access to Ukrainian POW

This was stated by Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the UN press center on August 23.

In her statement, she noted that the UN is concerned by the fact that the Russian Federation may be planning a so-called tribunal over Ukrainian prisoners of war in Mariupol. She also noted that although there is not much information about this "tribunal", it is obvious that the metal cages in the photos in the media are intended to restrain prisoners.

Ravina Shamdasani emphasized that no sentence regarding prisoners of war can be passed unless an independent court is properly formed. In addition, she shared her concern that military prisoners are being held in inadequate conditions and denied access to independent observers. According to her, this may indicate a risk of torture.

"We reiterate our calls to the Russian Federation to grant independent observers full access to all persons detained by Russia in connection with the armed conflict in Ukraine, including those held by armed groups linked to Russia", Ravina Shamdasani said. 

She emphasized that the incorrect statements of Russian high-ranking officials undermine the presumption of innocence of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

"There were also alarming public statements by Russian officials and members of affiliated armed groups, who called Ukrainian prisoners of war 'war criminals', 'Nazis', and 'terrorists', thereby undermining the presumption of innocence", the spokeswoman said.