UN Adds Israel, Russia to Sexual Violence Blacklist in Conflict Zones

New York: The United Nations has expanded its annual blacklist of parties accused of conflict-related sexual violence, adding Israel and Russia following investigations that documented abuses against detainees and civilians in occupied territories and conflict zones.

According to the report, UN investigators verified multiple incidents involving Palestinian detainees from Gaza and the West Bank between 2023 and 2025. The documented cases included rape, sexual torture, forced nudity, threats of sexual assault and other forms of abuse allegedly carried out by Israeli security personnel. Investigators noted that restrictions on access to detention facilities and affected areas limited their ability to assess the full scale of violations.

The report also highlighted concerns over accountability, stating that limited oversight and barriers to independent monitoring have hampered efforts to investigate allegations. UN officials said several survivors and witnesses faced obstacles in reporting abuse, while international humanitarian organizations were denied access to some detention centres.

Russia was likewise added to the blacklist after investigators confirmed several cases of sexual violence linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Verified incidents included rape, gang rape, genital mutilation and other forms of sexual torture. The UN said many survivors reported repeated abuse while being held in detention facilities under Russian control.

While women and girls continue to represent the majority of victims globally, investigators noted that men and boys were also frequently targeted in the conflicts involving Israel and Russia. The report described sexual violence as being used in some instances as a method of intimidation, punishment and coercion.

Both Israel and Russia rejected the allegations. Israeli officials said they had responded to UN inquiries and disputed the findings, while Russian authorities have consistently denied accusations of systematic abuse by their forces.

The report also documented violations committed by other parties to conflicts, including Hamas and Ukrainian forces, while noting that Ukrainian authorities have cooperated with international monitors and pursued legal reforms aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence.