Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR) meticulously recorded war crimes and other atrocities perpetrated by Russian forces in Ukraine. Among other horrific offenses, as of May 2023, MIHR has identified 1168 civilian hostages held in the Russian Federation and occupied territories of Ukraine. The actual number might be 5-7 times higher.
On 20 September, MIHR will launch their report “Arbitrary detentions and capture of civilian hostages in the northern regions of Ukraine. Analysis of documented testimonies”. We will hear witness testimonies from a former hostage and relatives of current hostages.
Documentation and analysis are the first stages of a lengthy process aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice. MHIR’s investigations reveal elements of possible crimes against humanity. A panel discussion will investigate whether prosecution for these types of crimes ever become possible.
MIHR and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee will present the analysis, raise awareness about the stalemate situation with civilian hostages, and share first-person accounts of civilian hostages during the event in Oslo on 20 September 2023.
Program:
– Presentation of report: Olha Reshetylova and Tetyana Katrychenko (MIHR)
– First-person accounts: one former civilian hostage of war and one relative share their stories
– Panel discussion on future investigation: Olha Reshetylova (MIHR), Gunnar Ekeløve-Slydal (NHC), Cecilie Hellestveit (Norwegian Academy of International Law/Folkerettsinsituttet)
Moderator: Ivar Dale (NHC)
The event can be attended physically at NHC’s offices in St. Olavs gate 25 as well as followed on stream on Facebook.
Contact us
Employee