Syrians and North Koreans punished for sexual violence

EU countries are imposing sanctions on four individuals and two organizations accused of repeated human rights violations – including widespread use of sexual violence.

Among those identified are two high-ranking Syrians and the Russian head of the prison administration in the Russian-occupied district of Kherson in Ukraine.

North Korea's security minister Ri Chang Dae and a prison in North Korea, as well as the criminal gang Kokorat San Ras in Haiti, are also being punished for torture and violence specifically targeting women.

The sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU, freezing of any assets in the EU, and a ban on EU citizens providing them with economic assistance.