UN receives over 150 reports of rape committed by Russian troops in Ukraine - envoy

Since February 24, the UN has received more than 150 reports regarding cases of sexual violence committed by Russian military in Ukraine, and this is only the "extreme tip of the iceberg."

This was stated by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, in a video address to the participants of the Second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Since February, the United Nations has received over 150 reported allegations of sexual violence, committed against women, girls, men, and boys. These include harrowing personal testimonies of rape at gunpoint and rape in front of family members, as a consequence of the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity by Russian forces," said Patten.

She noted that sexual violence is a crime that is "chronically underreported," and that “these data only represent the extreme tip of the iceberg."

According to the special envoy of the UN Secretary General, this is one of the most destructive forms of violence, which during military conflicts is committed mostly against women and girls, but also against men and boys.

"It has lasting, harmful effects on victims, their families, communities, and societies. It shatters lives and livelihoods, with consequences that echo across generations," Patten stated.

The official noted that very often the needs of women and girls in situations of military conflict are sidelined and “treated as an afterthought.”

"We cannot allow this history of silence and inaction to be repeated in the context of Ukraine. The physical and psychological health of survivors, their families, and communities hangs in the balance. Its restoration will require sustained political resolve and resources to empower survivors and help them replace horror with healing and hope," Patten concluded.