In cramped cells and without hygiene means: in what conditions women are kept in russian captivity

The russians keep captured Ukrainian women on an equal footing with men — in cramped cells and without hygiene essentials. Some are not allowed to comb their hair or cut it altogether.

Representatives of the NGO "Media Initiative for Human Rights" told at the briefing what Ukrainian women in russian captivity had to go through.

The NGO "MIPL" journalist Maria Klymyk spoke about analyzing the testimonies of women in russian captivity. Several key signs were established by which the russians illegally detained them.

"I spoke with women from different regions — both civilians and military. The detention conditions were always the same, especially if it concerned civilians. That is, they either took part in rallies or were on lists because they were wives of soldiers, policemen, journalists or generally had some influence on society," she said.

According to human rights defenders, after the "arrest," women are kept in basements and colonies. Some are taken to russia.

"The detention conditions were mostly the same – they were not given any hygiene means, and there was no special treatment. Sometimes ten women were kept in cells designed for two or three people. Just as men were kept, so were women – except they did not use physical violence. After being brought to the place, and especially to the russian federation, they were shaved naked; others were not allowed to wash, comb or tie their hair. No medical care was provided. That is, they were not treated at all as female prisoners, as prescribed in Geneva Conventions," Klymyk said.

Women who returned from russian captivity were also invited to participate in the event.

Human rights activists claim that it is currently difficult to say precisely how many women are in captivity in the russian federation because not all relatives report the detention. During the entire period of official exchanges, 39 women – both civilians and military personnel – were released.