Israel, Russia added to UN blacklist on sexual violence in conflicts

Israel and Russia have been added to the United Nations’ annual blacklist of actors credibly suspected of conflict‑related sexual violence, signaling a continuation of documented abuses in Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian territories. The UN list includes state and non‑state groups across crises from Sudan and Haiti to the DRC, Myanmar, Syria and Mali, with access limitations hindering full verification. In 2025, the UN verified abuses in Gaza and the West Bank involving Palestinians detained in Israel, including 14 men, 7 women, 9 boys and 1 girl. Perpetrators are identified as members of the Israeli military, security forces and prison services. Israel condemned the designation; Russia was cited for abuses in occupied Ukraine.