Human Rights in the Russia–Ukraine War
By Qundeel Hassan Senior Journalist & Human Rights Activist
Introduction
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender, or political beliefs. These rights include the right to life, freedom, security, dignity, education, healthcare, and protection from torture and unlawful treatment.
The Russia–Ukraine war has created one of the most serious human rights and humanitarian crises in Europe in recent history. Although the conflict has military and political dimensions, its greatest impact has been felt by ordinary people. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, civilians have faced deaths, injuries, displacement, destruction of homes and infrastructure, separation of families, and restrictions on basic freedoms.
The United Nations continues to document serious human rights and humanitarian concerns arising from the conflict.
1-Right to Life and Protection of Civilians
The right to life is one of the most fundamental human rights. International humanitarian law requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between civilians and military targets and to protect civilian populations.
The war has resulted in extensive civilian deaths and injuries. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, at least 293 civilians were killed and 1,990 injured in June 2026 alone. The UN reported that June 2026 had the highest monthly civilian casualty total since April 2022.
Missile and drone attacks have affected cities and towns far from the front lines. Civilian homes, public buildings and essential infrastructure have been damaged, creating continuing risks to people’s safety and survival.
2-Destruction of Homes and Essential Infrastructure
War does not only threaten people’s lives directly. The destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, electricity facilities, water systems and other essential services can seriously affect human rights.
UN human rights monitors reported that repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during the winter of 2025–2026 caused widespread disruption to essential services. Such damage can make it difficult for civilians to obtain electricity, heating, water and other necessities.
When essential infrastructure is destroyed, vulnerable groups such as children, older people and people with disabilities can face particularly serious consequences.
.3- Forced Displacement and the Right to a Home
Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes because of fighting and insecurity. Some have become internally displaced, while others have sought protection in other countries.
Displacement can affect many fundamental rights, including the right to housing, education, healthcare, family life and personal security. People who lose their homes may also face unemployment, poverty and psychological trauma.
The international community therefore has an important responsibility to support displaced people and help create conditions in which they can safely return home when circumstances permit.
.4- Children and Human Rights
Children are among the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict. War can deprive children of education, family life, safety and a normal childhood.
A particularly serious issue documented by the UN concerns the deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities. In March 2026, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that the deportation and forcible transfer of children, as well as their enforced disappearance, amounted to crimes against humanity. The Commission had verified the deportation or transfer of more than 1,200 children from five regions.
Protecting children during armed conflict is a major obligation under international law. Children should never become victims of political or military objectives
5-Torture, Detention and Treatment of Prisoners
Another major human rights concern is the treatment of prisoners of war and detainees.
The UN has reported continuing allegations of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners of war, as well as unlawful detention and other abuses connected with the conflict.
International humanitarian law requires prisoners of war and other protected persons to be treated humanely. Torture, cruel treatment and other forms of abuse are prohibited.
6-Freedom and Human Rights in Occupied Areas
People living in territories occupied by Russia have faced additional human rights concerns. UN reporting has documented restrictions on fundamental rights in occupied territory, including issues related to freedom and personal security.
Occupation can significantly affect everyday life. People may face restrictions on movement, changes in administrative systems, pressure concerning identity and citizenship, and limitations on freedom of expression.
The protection of human rights must continue even during occupation and military control.
7-International Humanitarian Law
Human rights law and international humanitarian law are especially important during war. International humanitarian law seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict and protect civilians and people who are no longer participating in fighting.
Deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited. The UN has emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law and that deliberate attacks against them can constitute war crimes.
All parties to the conflict have responsibilities under international law. Allegations of violations should be independently investigated, and individuals responsible for serious crimes should be held accountable through appropriate legal processes.
8-The Psychological Impact of War
Human rights are not limited to physical survival. War can also have a devastating psychological impact.
Children may experience fear, anxiety and disruption to their education. Adults may lose relatives, homes, jobs and financial security. Displaced people may suffer from uncertainty about their future and the safety of their families.
The long-term effects of war can continue even after fighting ends. Rebuilding communities therefore requires not only physical reconstruction but also access to healthcare, education, social support and justice.
9-The Role of the International Community
The Russia–Ukraine war demonstrates why international cooperation is important for protecting human rights.
The United Nations, humanitarian organizations, governments and human rights investigators have worked to document violations, assist civilians and provide humanitarian support. UN human rights monitors continue to collect information from victims and witnesses and publish reports about the situation.
The international community should continue to:
- Protect civilians from attacks.
- Provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
- Support refugees and internally displaced people.
- Protect children from forced transfer and exploitation.
- Investigate alleged war crimes and human rights violations.
- Ensure humane treatment of prisoners and detainees.
- Support victims in obtaining justice and reparations.
- Encourage peaceful diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
Conclusion
The Russia–Ukraine war is not only a military conflict; it is also a profound human rights crisis. Civilians have paid an enormous price through death, injury, displacement, destruction of homes and infrastructure, separation from families and loss of security.
Current UN reporting shows that civilian harm remains severe in 2026. The continuing loss of civilian lives demonstrates the urgent need for stronger protection of human rights and international humanitarian law.
A lasting solution must place human life and dignity at the center. Peace is essential, but peace must also be accompanied by justice, accountability, protection of victims and respect for fundamental human rights. The experience of Ukraine reminds the world that protecting human rights is especially important when war threatens the lives and dignity of ordinary people.
References
- United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict — June 2026.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Civilian Harm and Rights Violations Intensify in Ukraine Four Years After Invasion.
- United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Deportation and Forcible Transfer of Ukrainian Children.
- United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Attacks against Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure and Update on the Human Rights Situation.
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ukraine: Protection of Civilians and Human Rights Reports.
