UN says there's not enough evidence to recognize genocide in Ukraine

"At this stage, we have not yet reached the conclusion that genocide is occurring [in Ukraine]," Møse said.

According to him, the commission does not possess sufficient available evidence that would meet the legal criteria outlined in the Genocide Convention.

"We are well aware of concerns and accusations regarding this crime. Therefore, we are investigating it step by step. Remember, it is a matter of intent, the intent of the perpetrators. There must be an 'intent' to destroy a specific group. And such destruction, according to the Convention, must be physical or biological. These are the stringent conditions [for recognizing genocide] supported by judicial practice," noted the head of the UN commission.

However, he added that the investigation in Ukraine will continue. He also said that the commission had previously noted that "there were certain statements in Russian media that could possibly be related to incitement to genocide."

Møse emphasized that "this issue should not be considered separately from other findings."

"As you know, we have identified a significant number of war crimes. We have identified that, at least with regard to two topics, namely torture and attacks (on Ukraine's energy infrastructure) since October 2022, the question is whether they should be considered crimes against humanity... And we have identified indications that this could be crimes against humanity. Therefore, I believe it is useful to look at everything in context," said the head of the UN commission.

Recall that members of the Independent International Commission of the United Nations investigating human rights violations in Ukraine visited the country from August 28 to September 4, 2023, for their third visit.

"As part of their current mission to establish facts, commissioners will visit several cities in Ukraine, including Uman in the Cherkasy region and Kyiv, to investigate possible human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law, as well as meet with victims and witnesses," previously reported by the UN.

What does the UN Commission on the Investigation of Violations do?

The Independent International Commission of the United Nations investigating violations in Ukraine is an independent body authorized by the UN Human Rights Council, among other things, to investigate all alleged human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law, as well as crimes related to them, in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

The Commission's objective is to establish the facts, circumstances, and reasons for any such violations and abuses, as well as to collect, consolidate, and analyze evidence of such violations. The Commission will provide a report on its activities to the General Assembly in October 2023.