Addressing the Council, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi emphasize that despite the developing situation in Ukraine, UN humanitarian organizations and NGO partners remain in the country and are “currently caught up in this deadly conflict”.
“They are still trying to help those in need whenever a relatively small security window allows for the distribution of humanitarian aid…usually in extremely dangerous circumstances,” he said.
‘Doesn’t even scratch the surface’
However, he lamented, “we don’t even scratch the surface to meet the needs of Ukrainians. ”
“The situation is moving so fast, and the level of risk is so high, that humanitarians are not able to systematically distribute the help that Ukrainians desperately need.”
Mr. Grandi echoed the urgent appeal of the United Nations Secretary-General and Emergency Coordinator to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and provide humanitarian access to those affected. affected by war.
Failure to do so will add to the extraordinary level of human suffering.
Hundreds of thousands of people fled
In addition to the dire situation inside Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of people are seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
“They need safety and protection, first and foremost, but also shelter, food, sanitation and other supports; and they need it urgently,” said Mr. Grandi.
While some 520,000 Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighboring countries, he points out that number has “increased exponentially, hour after hour, literally, since Thursday”.
“I have been working in refugee crises for almost 40 years and I have rarely witnessed such an amazingly rapid exodus of people. – the largest, certainly, in Europe, since the Balkan wars,” the UN refugee chief attests.
He said that more than 280,000 people have fled to Poland; 94,000 to Hungary; nearly 40,000 to Moldova; 34,000 to Romania; 30,000 to Slovakia; tens of thousands to other European countries; and “a pretty big number” for Russia.
Sincere appreciation
Addressing the Governments of the receiving countries, Mr. Grandi acknowledged the difficult challenges in receiving, registering and responding to the needs of those fleeing, and raised serious concerns that the escalation next will increase the number of people coming.
“We may have only seen the beginning.”
Expressing gratitude to the Governments of Ukraine’s neighbors as well as “ordinary Poles, Hungarians, Moldovans, Romanian, Slovak and citizens of other European countries”, he commended ” Extraordinary acts of humanity and compassion… so much needed in times of crisis.”
The senior UN official called on European Union (EU) countries and other Governments to continue providing bilateral assistance to host countries of Ukraine such as UNHCRpartners of the United Nations and national and international NGOs, efforts to scale up.
“We encourage host countries to take advantage of our support and expert advice as they resolve the situation and uphold their international obligations.“I said.
Maybe millions of people will flee
“Unless the conflict stops immediately, Ukrainians will continue to flee,” Grandi said. “We are now planning…for up to four million refugees in the coming days and weeks.”
The rapid increase will be an enormous burden on the receiving States, which cannot be left to shoulder the responsibility alone.
“I therefore welcome the support of many European States at the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union yesterday, in order to activate the Temporary Protection Directive for those fleeing Ukraine.” he said.
If activated, it would provide temporary, immediate shelter within the EU and facilitate sharing of responsibility for those fleeing Ukraine among EU member states.
We must not fail
Tomorrow, The UN will issue a Humanitarian Appeal for Ukraine – for operations both at home and abroad.
The high commissioner said: “Ukrainians – and the host countries – cannot wait any longer.
He reiterated that although humanitarian workers are courageous, resourceful and experienced, “they cannot keep the pace of conflicts constantly increasing in number and gravity around the world.” gender”.
The Council’s responsibility to ensure peace and security that prevails over struggles for power and national interests “has never been as urgent and imperative as it has been tonight.‘ said Mr. Grandi.
“If you fail – if we fail – it may be too late for all of us.”
The everyday basics are gone
As the world watched the military attack in Ukraine “with a sense of skepticism and horror,” Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths authentication that “civilians have paid the price”.
He paints a dire picture of the alarming scale of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, cutting off access to vital supplies and services amid humanitarian needs.” spike” in the worst-affected areas.
Separated families, the elderly and people with disabilities are trapped by aerial attacks and fighting in urban areas that disrupt essential services, such as healthcare, electricity, water and sanitation.
“This really leaves civilians without the basics of everyday life, and calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, to save civilians from being harmed,” the humanitarian chief said. damage and avoid the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas.
“The longer this attack drags on, the greater the human cost of civilians“.
Multiply the effects
Children will miss school and face many risks of physical harm, displacement and severe emotional distress; and women, who are often disproportionately affected by conflict, are even more at risk of gender-based violence, according to the Emergency Relief Coordinator.
And if the economy booms, humanitarian needs will be exacerbated, creating a ripple effect far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
“The upheavals of recent days are deepening a pre-existing humanitarian crisis,” said Griffiths, noting that eight “five fierce conflicts” in eastern Ukraine have resulted in three million people in need of humanitarian assistance on both sides. in the Donbas region.
Try hard
The relief coordinator noted that despite an increased UN humanitarian presence around the clock in Ukraine, over the past three days fighting has continued and there is a lack of assurance from the conflicting parties that Humanitarian movements to be protected have “severely restricted” activities.
“Today, our most pressing humanitarian need is for emergency medical services, including sexual and reproductive health services, vital drugs, medical supplies and equipment, water safe for drinking and sanitation, as well as shelter and protection for displaced persons.‘ said Mr. Griffiths.
“Right now, we urgently need progress on two fronts if we are to reach more people with aid,” he continued, pointing to guarantees of protection for humanitarian workers and resources. supplement.
Humanitarian appeal
Senior UN official told Ambassadors that the Secretary-General will launch a humanitarian appeal tomorrow with two ingredients on the three-month Flash Appeal within Ukraine and the Regional Refugee Response Plan to the external situation.
He joined the head of the United Nations, Grandi, and others in calling on member states to show support for “fast, generous and flexible funding”.
“But this is not enough. The lives of millions of civilians are at stake“Mr Grandi flagged.
Reminding that “how brutal, deadly and protracted urban warfare can be,” he stressed that every effort must be made to de-escalate the conflict, calling for an “immediate end to the conflict.” hostile acts”.
