Chicago – May 29, 2026
The United Nations has officially added Israeli and Russian security forces to its annual blacklist of parties responsible for conflict-related sexual violence, marking the first time both nations appear on the list.
The 35-page report, released Friday, identifies 77 governmental and non-governmental entities across 12 countries. Israeli forces were included for documented patterns of sexual abuse against Palestinian detainees in Gaza and the West Bank, affecting 31 individuals between 2023 and 2025, including men, women, and children. The UN verified 13 incidents in 2025 alone.
Russian armed and security forces were blacklisted for sexual violence against prisoners of war and civilian detainees in Ukraine, with 310 verified cases documented, primarily affecting 280 men.
Both countries deny the allegations. Israel has strongly refuted the claims. Being blacklisted does not automatically trigger sanctions but causes reputational damage and can disqualify repeat offenders from UN peacekeeping operations. Hamas remains on the list following its October 7, 2023 attacks.
