US calls on Moscow apparatus to report human rights abuses by Russia in Ukraine

“With the agreement of Ukraine, the United States and 44 other countries have implemented the OSCE Moscow Mechanism. This action raises our serious concerns about the humanitarian and human rights impacts on the people of Ukraine due to the further invasion of Russia with the support of Belarus. We have seen disturbing media reports of human rights abuses and humanitarian law violations by Russian forces, including civilian casualties and Involves extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.

State Department spokesman Ned Price shared on Twitter, “The US and @OSCE partners call on the Moscow apparatus to establish an expert mission to investigate reports of human rights violations and humanitarian law violations by Russia in Ukraine The mission will compile a factual record to inform accountability efforts.”

According to the State Department statement, there are disturbing media reports of human rights abuses and humanitarian law violations by Russia’s forces, including civilian casualties and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.

The OSCE specialist mission will act objectively to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding potential breaches of OSCE commitments and violations and violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by Russian forces.

The Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission will prepare a report that will be shared with all OSCE participating States and the relevant accountability mechanisms, including national, regional and international courts and tribunals.

The United States and our allies will hold Russia and its forces accountable for all human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, the statement said.