UN blacklists Israel and Russia security forces for sexual violence in conflicts

The United Nations added the security forces of Israel and Russia to its blacklist of actors accused of sexual violence in armed conflicts. The annual report documented ongoing abuse against detainees in the occupied Palestinian territories and in Ukraine. In the Palestinian areas, the UN verified 14 cases involving men, seven women, nine children and one girl, describing assaults such as forced nudity, genital violence and use of objects. In Ukraine, 310 incidents of sexual violence, including rape, genital mutilation and electric shocks, were recorded among prisoners of war and detainees.

The UN noted that both countries had been warned in August 2025 by Secretary‑General António Guterres about the risk of being listed, but continued violations led to their inclusion. Israel denounced the decision as “shameful and absurd,” equating it with Hamas, and announced a freeze of relations with the UN office until the end of the Secretary‑General’s term. Russia was similarly cited for abuses in occupied Ukrainian territories and within its own borders. The report also criticized both governments for repeatedly denying UN investigators access to detention facilities.