UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said Tuesday that there had been an “extensive failure” by Russia to protect the safety and human rights of civilians in Ukraine.

Türk’s remarks came during a speech at an ‘interactive dialogue’ hosted by the UN OHCHR. The high commissioner largely referenced an OHCHR report entitled “Situation on human rights in Ukraine: 1 August to 30 November 2023.” The report mentions that nearly one in four Ukrainian civilian casualties are due to ranged attacks, such as missile strikes, and occur away from the front line. The report also mentioned a nearly 50 percent decrease in civilian casualties compared to the same period in 2022.

Türk condemned Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure; arbitrary detentions and torture; and enforced disappearances of local officials, journalists, civil society activists, and other civilians. Türk said these practices “must end immediately.” The commissioner also expressed concern about the ongoing occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Türk spoke briefly about Ukraine’s human rights record during the war, saying:

I note also my concerns regarding freedom of religion and belief in Ukraine, given continuing action by the authorities against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A draft law would set out a procedure for dissolving any religious organization with ties to the Russian Federation. These proposed restrictions to the right to freedom of religion do not appear to comply with international human rights law.

Türk argued that “there is only one solution to this tragic and far-reaching conflict: a just peace.” He said such a peace must be in accordance with international law, such as UN resolutions condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ICJ orders demanding the end of Russia’s military operations in the country. Ukraine recently criticized Russia’s decision to hold Russian presidential elections in occupied territory.