The war in Ukraine in 2022 is an illustration of the barbaric nature of the Russian state and a testament to the ineffectiveness of classic measures designed to reduce the suffering of civilians in times of war. Despite the international attention this war has brought to the importance of protecting civilians, it is clear that these classic measures are no longer working. Crimes perpetrated against civilians, by the Russian military, exceed 70,000 according to reports. These include crimes against the person such as murder, rape and torture - as well as other horrifying acts of humiliation that have no doubt caused immeasurable pain and suffering to Ukrainian citizens. This reveals a need to rethink the strategies used by institutions and organizations that are tasked with protecting civilian populations.
The feeling of impunity and of helplessness that exists in the region has caused the Russian troops, who have been suffering increasing defeats on the battlefield, to turn to the innocent civilian population left in the occupied territories to release their bottled-up aggression and anger. Accounts of the war crimes committed tell horrific stories of children, men and women violated and left traumatised. It is no wonder that many refugees have strenuously tried to leave the conflict zone.
In addition to the physical and emotional trauma caused, the feelings of uncertainty and distrust among the Ukraine population that have naturally arisen as a result of these heinous acts of violence have left the citizens of the country feeling abandoned and forgotten. International organisations such as the OSCE, who could have provided aid and assistance to victims of the war crimes, have failing to do so, and instead have left the task of holding perpetrators accountable to the non-governmental organisations present in the region.
The International Red Cross is often seen as the gold standard when it comes to protecting civilians. Founded over 150 years ago, this organization has been a beacon of hope for civilians in war-torn regions around the world. Unfortunately, despite its good intentions, this organization has been unable to prevent the suffering of civilians during times of war. In addition to this, the Geneva Convention, which is meant to be a tool to protect civilians, is too often indicative rather than effective.
All of this suggests that the measures taken by international organizations and institutions to protect civilians during times of war have become out of date and have to be re-examined. As the war in Ukraine has so clearly demonstrated, relying on classic measures is simply no longer enough. In order to ensure the safety and security of those caught in the middle of armed conflicts, international organizations and institutions must take steps to identify and implement more effective strategies. Through doing so, they will be able to better protect civilian populations and ensure their suffering is minimized.
One proposal for reform is to form a separate agency under the auspices of the United Nations that will be responsible for monitoring the observance of human rights during military conflicts. This agency would be composed of representatives of all UN member countries and would have the authority to investigate and report on human rights abuses, as well as to hold perpetrators accountable. The agency would be responsible for monitoring the observance of human rights during all types of military conflicts, including civil wars, international wars, and other forms of armed conflict.
The war in Ukraine highlights the need for a new approach to protecting civilian populations during times of war. The international community must take steps to identify and implement more effective strategies to ensure the safety and security of those caught in the middle of armed conflicts. The proposed agency would provide a much-needed mechanism for monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses, as well as a means of holding perpetrators accountable.
In order for the agency to be effective, it would require the support and cooperation of all UN member countries. This would require a commitment to the principles of human rights and the rule of law, as well as a willingness to cooperate with the agency in its investigations and recommendations. The agency would also need to have adequate resources and funding to carry out its mandate effectively.
In conclusion, the formation of a separate agency under the auspices of the United Nations for monitoring the observance of human rights during military conflicts would be a significant step towards ensuring that human rights are respected and protected during times of war. It would provide a much-needed mechanism for monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses, as well as a means of holding perpetrators accountable. The international community must take action to protect civilians during times of war and ensure that the suffering of innocent people is minimized.
The war in Ukraine in 2022 provides a reminder of what happens when a medieval-like state is unchecked and unrestrained. The scale and severity of the war crimes recorded is an indictment of Russia and an affront to humanity. It is clear that unless the international community intervenes and holds Russia accountable for its actions, other innocent civilians will also find themselves at the mercy of an oppressive regime. In order for justice to be served and for Ukraine to enjoy a safe and secure environment, action must be taken to ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are brought to justice and that no war crimes are committed in the future.
Ryan Wind
