Amnesty’s new report on crimes committed in Ukraine highlights the importance of evidence in the pursuit of justice

In its new report, Amnesty International reveals overwhelming evidence that “Russian authorities are subjecting Ukrainian prisonersofwar and civilian captives to acts of torture, prolonged secret detention, enforced disappearances and inhumane treatment, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity."

Beyond denouncing the facts, this report underscores the critical importance of collecting, rigorously analyzing, and preserving evidence in the context of armed conflict, where each piece of information can prove decisive in establishing perpetrators’ responsibility.

The methodology adopted by the researchers is paramount for the validity of the findings : interviews with survivors and direct witnesses, cross-referencing testimonies, verifying official documents and satellite images, and conducting forensic analyses. In such a complex environment, ensuring anonymity and protecting sources are essential, as is close collaboration with local NGOs and United Nations committee experts.

Amnesty International’s report aims to shift the burden of proof onto the Russian government, which would then have to demonstrate that these violations did not occur or that government agents were not responsible. This report can be used by national and international courts to inform proceedings against the alleged perpetrators. In a context where the pursuit of truth is crucial for victims and their families, the preservation of evidence remains a key factor in ensuring that offenders eventually answer for their actions.