UN adds Israel and Russia to blacklist for sexual violence

The UN has for the first time added Israel and Russia to its list of countries whose armed forces are accused of committing sexual violence in armed conflicts. Israel has rejected the accusations and announced it will sever relations with UN Secretary-General António Guterres's office.

The UN has decided for the first time to add Israel and Russia to the list of countries whose armed forces are accused of committing sexual violence in armed conflicts. This is a significant diplomatic move that has prompted immediate and sharp reactions from both nations.

Israel has categorically rejected the UN accusations and announced a dramatic step — the country will sever relations with António Guterres's office. Israeli officials have called the decision unjust and politically motivated, emphasizing that the country's defence forces have not committed sexual violence.

Russia's addition to the blacklist is linked to the war in Ukraine, where numerous cases have been documented in which Russian armed and security forces are accused of sexual violence against civilians. The UN has previously expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine, but has now taken a formal step by adding Russia to the blacklist.

The UN's sexual violence blacklist holds significant international importance, as it draws public attention to specific countries and groups held responsible for conflict-related sexual violence. Inclusion on the list does not automatically result in sanctions, but does exert considerable international political pressure.