Bucha killings raise serious questions about possible war crimes – Bachelet

The relevant statement was made by the UN’s press service, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Reports emerging from this and other areas, raise serious and disturbing questions about possible war crimes, grave breaches of international humanitarian law and serious violations of international human rights law,” Bachelet said.

Bachelet called for all bodies to be exhumed and identified so that the victims’ families can be informed, and the exact causes of death established. She added that every measure should also be taken to preserve evidence.

“It is vital that all efforts are made to ensure there are independent and effective investigations into what happened in Bucha, to ensure truth, justice and accountability, as well as reparations and remedy for victims and their families,” Bachelet stressed.

Meanwhile, Osnat Lubrani, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, highlighted the horrifying violence against civilians in two other areas near the capital, Irpin and Hostomel, as well as in other parts of the country.

In her words, it is essential that all reports of violence against civilians are independently verified, and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine is trying to visit these locations without delay.

According to Lubrani, an independent investigation is critical to determine the extent of these crimes and to ensure that perpetrators are held to account.

“We will continue to closely monitor and report on attacks on schools, hospitals, medical workers and other civilian infrastructure, on the use of heavy weapons in residential areas and on the denial of humanitarian access,” Lubrani stressed.

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