"95% of 454 released Ukrainian prisoners of war interviewed by the HRMMU provided accounts of torture or inhuman and degrading treatment throughout all stages of captivity. In general, the evidence gathered by international mechanisms, independent media and civil society investigations suggests that the inhuman and degrading treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war is not confined to specific detention facilities, but is widespread and systematic. This indicates that not only are the Russian authorities failing to take any effective preventative measures, but that they are mandating a policy of inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners of war. Moreover, the Russian Federation has recently introduced a legal framework granting exemption from criminal liability for international crimes to individuals enlisting in the Russian armed forces. This legal framework is recognised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner as a violation of the Russian Federation’s obligations to investigate war crimes and serious violations of international human rights law, and to prosecute alleged perpetrators."
Corrected wording, added the number of interviewed POWs for clarity, added on Russia's legal framework granting exemption from criminal liability for international crimes to individuals enlisting in the Russian armed forces.