The Netherlands and 40 other OSCE states have initiated the launch of a special mechanism to investigate the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia.
This decision was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp.
According to Veldkamp, the initiators of the launch of the Moscow Mechanism “demand an independent investigation into cases of torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russia.”
“By invoking this so-called ‘Moscow Mechanism’, the Netherlands and partnering countries contribute to truth-finding and accountability for Russian war crimes in Ukraine,” the minister wrote.
The Moscow Mechanism can be launched at the initiative of 10 or more OSCE participating states. Based on the results of its work, the mission prepares a report and recommendations for the country’s authorities, the OSCE, and the international community on possible options for responding to the identified problems.
In the spring of 2023, 45 OSCE participating states initiated the use of this mechanism to investigate the deportation of children from the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.
In February 2024, the OSCE decided to use the Moscow Mechanism in the issue of arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilians by representatives of the Russian invasion army and occupation administration in the Russian-occupied territories.
