European Court of Human Rights Holds Russia Accountable for MH17 Downing and Human Rights Violations in Ukraine

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found Russia guilty of widespread and flagrant abuses of human rights during its war against Ukraine since 2014, and held the country responsible for the downing of Flight MH17 in 2014, according to a statement released on July 9. The judgment has been deemed symbolic, underscoring Moscow's repeated blame for the international law violations.

The Background

Russia has been involved in a war with Ukraine since 2014, following its annexation of Crimea. Throughout the conflict, there have been numerous allegations of human rights abuses and violations of international law. The downing of Flight MH17, a Malaysian airliner carrying 298 passengers, including 38 Australians, has been one of the most contentious issues. The plane was shot down by Russian proxy forces while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur in July 2014.

Key Developments

The Strasbourg-based ECHR delivered damning judgments against Russia in four cases brought by Kyiv and the Netherlands. The court found Russia guilty of multiple violations including the murder, torture, rape, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and kidnapping of Ukrainian children. Additionally, the court upheld accusations of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and forced labor committed by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.

The ECHR further noted that there had been a threefold increase in child casualties due to Russia's ongoing aggression in the country, as reported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The data also pointed to the transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, another violation of international law.

Implications and Reactions

The verdicts have significant implications for Russia's standing in the international community and its relationship with Europe. The country's actions have been described as manifestly unlawful conduct… on a massive scale and are likely to have far-reaching implications for the post-World War II European security architecture.

While Moscow has not yet commented on the rulings, the judgments add to the growing international pressure on Russia to end its aggression in Ukraine and adhere to international law. The court's findings also provide a measure of justice for the victims of Flight MH17 and the ongoing human rights abuses in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The ECHR's rulings mark a significant step in holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, including the downing of Flight MH17. However, the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war and the wider implications for the European security architecture may only emerge after a change in Russia's leadership or its adherence to international law. Meanwhile, the human toll of the conflict continues to mount, with children bearing a significant brunt of the violence.