The United Nations has, for the first time, added Israeli and Russian armed and security forces to its annual blacklist of parties accused of conflict-related sexual violence, a move that has triggered
strong reactions from both countries.
The blacklist is part of a report submitted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on sexual violence in conflict zones. The latest report documents a sharp rise in such violations globally and names 77 parties across multiple conflicts.
According to the report, Israeli forces were added over verified cases involving Palestinian detainees from Gaza and the West Bank. The UN documented allegations including rape, sexual torture, forced nudity and degrading treatment in detention facilities and during interrogations. UN officials said several incidents were verified, while investigators faced restrictions in accessing detention centres and detainees.
Russia was included after the UN recorded hundreds of cases of conflict-related sexual violence linked to the war in Ukraine. The report cited allegations involving civilians and prisoners of war, including rape, genital violence and other forms of abuse in detention. UN investigators said access limitations also affected parts of the inquiry.
Israel strongly rejected the findings, calling the decision politically motivated and accusing the UN of bias. Israeli officials said evidence had been provided to counter the allegations and announced that ties with Guterres’ office would be severed. Russia also denied the accusations.
The report also retains Hamas on the blacklist over allegations of sexual violence during the October 2023 attack on Israel and against hostages. However, the UN said verification remained difficult because of limited access.
While the blacklist does not automatically trigger sanctions, it carries significant diplomatic and reputational consequences and increases international scrutiny of the listed entities.
