Human Rights Watch calls on the Trump administration to prioritize human rights abuses in its engagement with Russian President Putin. The focus should be on the release of detained Ukrainian civilians, justice for war crimes, and the halting of Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law, as well as addressing domestic repression in Russia.
The Trump administration’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin must focus on addressing human rights abuses, particularly the release of detained Ukrainian civilians and those unjustly imprisoned for exercising their freedoms. Human Rights Watch emphasizes in a letter to President Trump that discussions on ending the Ukraine conflict should include a commitment to these releases and processes for justice regarding war crimes.
In anticipation of a telephonic conversation between Trump and Putin on March 18, 2025, following previous meetings among key officials, the urgency for action is apparent. Human Rights Watch insists that any negotiation should prioritize the unconditional release of all illegally detained Ukrainian civilians in Russian custody and should address the serious crimes committed by Russian forces against these individuals, including torture, summary executions, forced deportation of civilians, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch urges that Trump press Russia to cease violations of international humanitarian law in occupied Ukrainian territories, where an estimated six million civilians currently reside. Russian authorities are allegedly coercing local residents into military service, enforcing Russian citizenship, and imposing a state-controlled educational curriculum, effectively erasing Ukrainian identity among the youth in these regions.
The letter also highlights the intense repression faced by individuals in Russia, particularly those imprisoned for exercising their freedoms of speech and religion. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian government has reportedly escalated its crackdown on dissent, as evidenced by the growing number of political prisoners documented by human rights organizations.
The ongoing persecution of defense lawyers, particularly those representing critics of the regime, poses significant concerns regarding U.S. businesses considering re-engagement with Russia. The increased repression exemplifies the deteriorating landscape of the rule of law in Russia. Despite these challenges, Human Rights Watch stresses that the engagement with Putin represents a pivotal opportunity for Trump to advocate for the release of wrongfully detained individuals, as he has successfully done in the past.
In summary, the engagement between the United States and Russia under the Trump administration should center on human rights concerns, including the release of detained civilians and the cessation of human rights violations in Ukraine. Human Rights Watch urges prioritization of justice for war crimes, alongside addressing domestic repression within Russia. The current dialogue offers a crucial chance to advocate for freedom and justice amid ongoing repression.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
