In a statement on Monday, United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was appalled by images of people lying dead on the streets and in improvised graves.
“Reports have emerged from this and other sectors, raising serious and disturbing questions about possible war crimes, serious violations of international humanitarian law and serious violations of international law. respect international human rights law,” she speak.
Keep all evidence
Ms Bachelet called for the exhumation and identification of all bodies so that the victim’s family can be informed and determine the exact cause of death. She added that every measure should also be taken to preserve evidence.
“It is vital that all efforts are made to ensure there are independent and effective investigations into what happened in Bucha, to ensure truth, justice and accountability, as well as compensation and redress for the victims and their families,” she said.
The UN in Ukraine has also joined The Secretary-General called for an investigation into what happened in Bucha.
Monitoring permissions on the go
Osnat Lubrani, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, highlighted the appalling violence against civilians in the city and in two other areas near the capitals Irpin and Hostomel, as well as in other areas. of the country.
It is essential that all reports of violence against civilians be independently verified, she said, and the United Nations Human Rights Watch in Ukraine is working to visit these sites as soon as possible. instantly.
An independent investigation is crucial to determine the extent of these crimes and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, she added.
© UNICEF / Anton Skyba for The Globe and Mail
A man walks in front of a crater left by an explosion during the escalating conflict in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Ukrainians arrested ‘in hell on earth’
Ms. Lubrani recalls that for Member States of the United Nations, the protection of civilians is “foundational” in their commitments to people around the world, and in times of war, even more so. comply with the commitments agreed under the Geneva Convention.
“We will continue to closely monitor and report attacks on schools, hospitals, healthcare workers and other civilian infrastructure, use of heavy weapons in residential areas. and denied humanitarian access,” she said, on behalf of the UN. in Ukraine.
The people of the country “have endured hell on earth’s war for more than a month”, and the United Nations has called for a humanitarian pause so civilians can leave safely and aid workers can provide relief.
“We continue to call for a ceasefire and peace in Ukraine,” Ms. Lubrani said. “We know that words alone cannot comfort the loss of loved ones or replace action. This deadly war must stop: it is the only way to end this senseless loss of life and suffering.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, UN agencies and partners have so far reached more than 1.4 million people with vital assistance.
A $1.1 billion humanitarian appeal to assist people in the country, launched last month, is only more than half funded.
‘Relief Team Leader’ in Moscow
United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths arrived in Moscow over the weekend and held several high-level meetings with Russian Government officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister and the Minister of Defense of this country.
UN relief team chief meetings are taking place to explore possible arrangements and arrangements for a humanitarian ceasefire.
Mr. Griffiths will summarize Security Council in New York on Tuesday, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the head of the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo.
He then hopes to go to Ukraine, according to the United Nations Deputy Spokesperson, briefed on reporters in New York.
