UN Blacklists Israeli, Russian Forces for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
The United Nations has added Israeli and Russian security forces to its annual blacklist of parties credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict, according to a report reviewed Thursday.
The decision follows a warning issued by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in August of last year. The report states that despite the warning, “incidents and patterns of sexual violence continued to be documented by the United Nations” in the war in Ukraine and in the occupied Palestinian territories. UN investigators noted they faced a “continued denial of access” from authorities in both countries.
Regarding Israel, the report documents patterns of sexual violence against Palestinians detained in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The UN confirmed multiple cases from 2023 involving violence against 14 men, seven women, nine boys, and one girl in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The violations, described as a form of torture, included rape with an object, gang rape, physical violence against genitals, and forced nudity. The perpetrators were identified as members of the Israeli military, security forces, and prison services.
Israel denounced the decision as “shameful and absurd,” claiming it was an attempt to create a “fake symmetry” with Hamas, which is already on the list. Israel’s ambassador to the UN announced a “freeze” in relations with the secretary-general’s office and rejected the claim that access was denied, stating UN representatives were invited but “chose not to come.”
Concerning Russia, the report highlights sexual violence in occupied Ukrainian territories and within Russia, particularly against prisoners of war. It cites 310 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, including rape, genital mutilation, and electric shocks, overwhelmingly committed against men. The report also notes 31 cases committed by Ukrainian security forces, though most occurred before 2025, and acknowledges the Ukrainian government has strengthened legislation and allowed UN investigations.
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Updated: 12:02 PM PKT — May 29, 2026
On the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Pakistan’s leadership and armed forces paid tribute to the service and sacrifices of the “Blue Helmets.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military’s media wing, ISPR, highlighted Pakistan’s six-decade-long commitment to global peace, noting the country is currently the fifth-largest troop contributor to UN missions. The theme for 2026, “Investment in Peace,” was emphasized as crucial for achieving sustainable peace in post-conflict zones.
Since 1960, over 237,000 Pakistani personnel, including more than 500 women, have served in various UN missions worldwide. During these deployments, 183 Pakistani peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives. The ISPR stated that Pakistani forces are currently deployed in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, where they are tackling not only security but also challenges posed by climate change and hybrid threats, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to global stability.
