Ukrainian survivors call for russia’s inclusion on UN ‘List of Shame’

Ukrainians who endured conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) at the hands of russian forces and affiliated groups have drafted an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, urging him to include russia on the UN’s “list of shame.” This mechanism seeks to hold russia accountable for systematic CRSV crimes.

The initiative was highlighted during a discussion at the Media Center Ukraine. 

“Every word in this letter embodies our pain and our hope for justice. It is a collective cry, a plea for accountability that everyone can read and hear. We demand the inclusion of the russian federation on the list of shame for systematically committing crimes through the JCCC against Ukrainian citizens. We have the evidence, the names of perpetrators, and all the necessary information for global human rights organizations to act. The time has come for our voices to be heard and justice to prevail,” said Iryna Dovhan, Head of SEMA Ukraine, the Board Member of the Global Survivors Fund for survivors of CRSV

Kateryna Levchenko, Ukraine’s Government Commissioner for Gender Policy, emphasized that a UN review of the matter could occur in spring 2025.

“Typically, the report is presented in April or May, so we are looking at April-May 2025. It’s important to understand that while this report is informed by numerous experts and data from various countries, the final decision to include russia on the list lies with the UN Secretary-General. That is why survivors are addressing him directly through this personalized letter,” Levchenko explained.

Liudmyla Huseinova, member of the Supervisory Board of the Urgent Interim Reparations for CRSV survivors pilot project, founder of the NGO “Let’s Go, Sisters,” stated that efforts are underway to amplify the letter’s reach. “We aim to rally as many voices as possible, both domestically and internationally, to support the victims and draw attention to this urgent appeal,” she said.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news