The following statement is attributable to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty:

“The latest escalation of Russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine has brought terror and devastation, leaving many without heating, water, and shelter, but above all, a rising human toll measured in shattered lives.

I strongly condemn the Russian attack on a school building in Komyshuvakha, where civilians had gathered to receive humanitarian assistance. At least 43 people have been reported killed, and over 33 are missing, likely still under the rubble. This is one of the deadliest single attacks on civilians in the entire Russian war against Ukraine. According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission, the aid distribution at this school had been publicly announced, and the attack appears to have violated the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.

The local authorities indicated that the school building was hit by nine heavy aerial glide bombs carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives. Reports that the site was hit in two waves are disturbing: subsequent strikes killed rescue workers and civilians who had taken shelter in the basement. I note Russia’s repeated use of “double tap” strikes - striking one target multiple times within a short period of time. When deliberately directed against civilian targets in violation of international humanitarian law, such strikes amount to war crimes.

The attack on Komyshuvakha reflects an unprecedented surge in civilian deaths and the ongoing targeting of civilian infrastructure. In recent days, for example, strikes have hit a hospice for terminally ill people in Dnipro, a hospital in Kharkiv, and railway facilities. In Dnipro alone, an attack on a railway station killed at least 15 civilians and injured 14 others over the weekend.

Russia is also intensifying attacks on civilian energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Recent strikes across most regions of Ukraine have disrupted electricity, water and heating supplies. In Kyiv, water and energy were cut off and public transport suspended. While Kyiv has been particularly affected, attacks have hit communities across Ukraine and nowhere is truly safe.

These attacks not only expose civilians to immediate danger but deprive them of essential means of survival, as winter approaches. The continuing attacks make already difficult conditions even more dangerous for civilians, particularly the most vulnerable, among whom are children, older persons, people with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

With prospects for peace uncertain and a harsh winter looming, I have five urgent calls to action for Council of Europe member states:

1. Maintain solidarity with Ukraine. Attention to the human suffering caused by Russia’s war must not diminish. In fact, at this critical juncture, attention must increase to maintain focus on the urgency of the situation. Support for Ukraine and its people must remain a priority.
2. Provide urgent assistance. The UN estimates that more than 10 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian assistance, a number rapidly rising due to damage to civilian infrastructure. Member states should continue and step up humanitarian and other support to ensure that Ukraine can protect its population and their human rights. This includes stepping up concrete assistance ahead of winter such as the provision of resources to repair the energy infrastructure and medical care on their territories for survivors who cannot be treated in Ukraine.
3. Strengthen support for displaced people. The escalation of the war is causing further displacement inside Ukraine. Regions receiving displaced people face severe housing shortages, which can lead to secondary displacement across borders. Member states should support Ukraine and international organisations in providing safe accommodation, social support and essential services to IDPs. I also urge renewing their solidarity and removing protection barriers for displaced Ukrainians already in or arriving in their countries.
4. Accelerate accountability and reparations efforts. Member states should join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and ratify the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine to make these accountability mechanisms fully operational as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I also observe that provisional reparations may be urgently needed for victims who are severely injured or who have lost their homes.
5. Sustain efforts towards peace based on the principles of international law. Diplomatic efforts to urgently end the war and civilian suffering must continue. A peace grounded in international law and integrating respect for human rights remains a necessity.

At this pivotal moment, solidarity, support and accountability are critical. Civilians must be protected, and the suffering caused by this war must never be normalised.”