Treatment of Prisoners of War and Persons Hors de Combat in the Context of the Armed Attack by the Russian Federation against Ukraine: 24 February 2022 – 23 February 2023

This report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) focuses on the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) by the parties to the international armed conflict since the largescale armed attack by the Russian Federation against Ukraine commencing on 24 February 2022. The report covers the period from 24 February 2022 to 23 February 2023 and is based on the findings of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. It examines international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) violations in relation to the treatment of POWs during all stages of captivity – from their capture through to their internment and repatriation. The report also describes IHRL and IHL concerns in relation to the criminal prosecution of POWs. By providing recommendations to both Ukraine and the Russian Federation, OHCHR seeks enhanced protection for POWs and improvement of their conditions of internment, regardless of their affiliation, and for all perpetrators responsible for violations of the rights of POWs to face due accountability.