Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General at the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, strongly condemns all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. He emphasizes that such attacks are prohibited under international law and must stop immediately. Despite repeated calls for the protection of civilians, recent drone and missile attacks have targeted the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, as well as other regions such as Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. The fighting has also spread to new residential areas in the east of Ukraine, resulting in the destruction of various towns and cities, including Mariupol, Bakhmut, Lysychansk, Severodonetsk, Volnovakha, and Avdiivka. The conflict has led to the deaths of more than 10,000 civilians since it began.
In addition to the escalating violence, Khiari expresses concern over reports that Russia plans to hold its March presidential elections in territories of Ukraine that are currently under its control. He emphasizes that these actions, including attempted illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory, have no validity under international law and have been declared as such by the UN General Assembly. The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in a heavy toll on the country, Europe, and the world, and Khiari stresses the need to prevent further loss of life, destruction, and suffering.
Lisa Doughten, of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), also highlights the dire situation on the ground in Ukraine. She notes that the recent wave of escalatory attacks during the harsh winter continues to cause immense human suffering, death, and devastation. Doughten emphasizes that attacks on civilians and civilian objects are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and parties involved in the conflict must take constant care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure from harm. The conflict in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention and action.
The UN is calling for an end to the suffering in Ukraine and for all parties involved to adhere to international law and protect civilians. Khiari and Doughten emphasize the need for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The continued violence and disregard for civilian lives are unacceptable, and the international community must work together to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the protection of civilians in Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the UN is urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The ongoing attacks on civilian areas, including recent drone and missile strikes, are causing immense suffering and devastation. The international community must come together to address the crisis in Ukraine and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and safety of all civilians affected by the conflict.
