Guterres signals potential UN listing for Israel and Russia over credible reports of sexual violence in conflict zones
Guterres signals potential UN listing for Israel and Russia over credible reports of sexual violence in conflict zones
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning to both Israel and Russia, stating their military and security forces could be formally listed next year among those “credibly suspected” of committing sexual violence in conflict.
The warning comes in Guterres’ annual report to the UN Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence, which highlights repeated patterns of abuse documented by UN monitors.
In the report, Guterres voiced “grave concern” over allegations against Israeli forces, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Citing evidence gathered from several Israeli prisons, a detention facility, and a military base, the Secretary-General pointed to incidents involving genital violence, prolonged forced nudity, and strip searches conducted in degrading ways.
Guterres acknowledged that Israel’s refusal to grant UN monitors access has made it difficult to fully determine whether these acts reflect a systematic policy. Nevertheless, he urged the Israeli government to immediately end all acts of sexual violence, investigate credible allegations, establish enforceable codes of conduct, and allow UN oversight.
Earlier this year, UN-appointed experts accused Israel of employing “systematic sexual, reproductive and gender-based violence” against Palestinians. One particularly shocking case involved the alleged gang rape of a Palestinian prisoner by Israeli soldiers at the Sde Teiman detention facility an incident that led to the hospitalisation of the victim and the detention of nine Israeli soldiers.
Responding to the allegations, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, rejected the claims as politically motivated. He accused the UN of relying on biased sources and demanded the organisation redirect its attention to Hamas and the release of Israeli hostages.
On Russia, the report detailed similar concerns, focusing on violations reportedly committed by Russian forces and affiliated groups against Ukrainian prisoners of war. In over 70 detention facilities across Ukraine and Russia, the UN documented instances of genital torture, electric shocks, forced nudity, and other degrading treatment aimed at extracting confessions or intelligence.
Guterres criticised Russia’s lack of engagement with his special envoy and called for full cooperation moving forward. As with Israel, he recommended immediate investigations and accountability measures.
Neither Israel nor Russia is currently listed in the Secretary-General’s annex of offenders. However, Guterres’ report makes clear that both could be included next year if credible violations persist or remain unaddressed.
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