UN adds Israel and Russia to blacklist for sexual violence in conflict
The UN has added Israel and Russia to a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict, citing abuses including the rape of male detainees. Investigators verified numerous cases of sexual violence against Palestinians and Ukrainians, with reports of extreme brutality. Both countries deny these allegations and have obstructed investigations into the abuses.
- ▪The UN verified sexual abuse of 31 Palestinian men, women, and children from 2023 to 2025.
- ▪Russia has been found to deploy systematic sexual torture against Ukrainians in detention centers.
- ▪Israel and Russia both deny the use of sexual violence by their military forces.
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Israeli soldiers lock a gate at Sde Teiman detention facility. A rare attempt to prosecute the alleged perpetrators of the 2024 rape of a Palestinian man there failed. Photograph: Amir Cohen/ReutersView image in fullscreenIsraeli soldiers lock a gate at Sde Teiman detention facility. A rare attempt to prosecute the alleged perpetrators of the 2024 rape of a Palestinian man there failed. Photograph: Amir Cohen/ReutersUnited NationsUN adds Israel and Russia to blacklist for sexual violence in conflict Organisation cites abuse by security forces, including rape of male detaineesEmma Graham-Harrison, chief Middle East correspondentFri 29 May 2026 13.37 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 13.45 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe UN has added Israel and Russia to a blacklist for sexual…
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