Protecting civilians ‘Priority One’; Guterres Releases $20 Million for Humanitarian Aid – Global Issues

Despite a continued international diplomatic and UN-led effort to prevent military action in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin did just that – sparking a series of reactions, starting with his The head of the United Nations condemned the act and called for peace.

Grandfather speakquote the Charter.

Wrong but not unchangeable

He stressed that the use of force by one country against another is “a denial of the principles to which every nation has committed itself”, which he stated, applies to military attack. now.

“It is a mistake. It is against the Statute. It is unacceptable. But it is not irreversible,” said the head of the UN.

He went on to repeat the call he made to Russian President Putin last night.

“Cease military operations. Bringing troops back to Russia”he repeated.

War

As the death toll rises and images of fear, suffering and terror in every corner of Ukraine become more widespread, the top UN official reminds us that “everyone – innocent people” every day – always paying the highest price”.

This is why the UN is expanding its humanitarian activities in and around Ukraine.

“Today I announce that we will immediately allocate $20 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to meet urgent needs.”, he flagged, and reiterated that the UN and its humanitarian partners “are committed to staying and providing and supporting the Ukrainian people in their time of need”.

Support both sides

He told reporters that UN staff were working “on both sides of the line of communication,” delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to those in need, “regardless of where they are or not.” where”.

“The protection of civilians must be the number one priority”, he emphasized.

The head of the United Nations stressed that international humanitarian and human rights law must be respected, saying nothing that the decisions in the coming days “will shape our world and directly affect our lives.” lives of millions upon millions of people”.

“In accordance with the Charter, it is not too late to save this generation from the scourge of war,” concluded the Secretary-General, “we need peace.”

General Assembly: Firmly return to diplomacy

In her statement, General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid reiterated that the Charter is based on the principle of sovereign equality and called on Member States to resolve their international disputes by peaceful means.

“Russia’s ongoing military offensive in Ukraine is inconsistent with the principles of the Charter,” he repeated, calling on all member states to uphold their obligations.

“I call for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation and a firm return to diplomacy and dialogue. Safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance to the people and people of Ukraine is a priority and a daily need.

OHCHR: Violating international law

Before the introductory press conference, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet issued declare about military attack.

“Civilians in various parts of Ukraine have been awakened by the sound of massive shelling and fearful of further escalation, with many fleeing their homes.s,” she said. “This military action clearly violates international law and risks causing countless civilian lives. It must be paused immediately.”

Ms. Bachelet reminded that States are not taking all reasonable measures to settle their international disputes by peaceful means “missing in compliance with their obligation to protect their right to life”.

Prioritize the protection of civilians

Reports have emerged of military attacks near large, densely populated cities, including Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Odesa, Mariupol and the capital, Kyiv.

“The protection of civilians must be a priority. Explosive weapons should be avoided in densely populated areas – at all costs“Emphasized the High Commissioner.

She called for full respect for international humanitarian law, in particular the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the first supplementary protocol of 1977, as well as international human rights law.

The UN Human Rights Watch mission remains in the country and will continue to closely monitor and report on the situation.

‘Information War’

The UN human rights chief also warned of “an information war” under way.

“It is especially important at this time that we continue to closely monitor and try to verify reports of human rights abuses, including civilian casualties, damage to civilian objects, including including critical infrastructure and other human rights impacts on the ground,” she stressed.

UN Coordinator: A Guide to Humanitarian Principles

Meanwhile, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, expressed the Organization’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“As we try to understand the developing situation in different parts of the country… we are here to support those exhausted by years of conflict and we are ready to respond in the event of any any increase in humanitarian needs,” she said in one declare.

Ms. Lubrani reminded that Humanity, neutrality, fairness and independence are the four guiding principles of humanitarian assistance.

“Our aim is to always provide the most vulnerable civilians with vital humanitarian aid supplies and services, no matter who or where they are,” she asserted.

UNESCO: Respect for international law

Also expressing its deep concern, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) calls for respect for international humanitarian law – especially 1954 The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and two Protocols, “ensuring the prevention of damage to cultural heritage in all its forms”.

This includes obligations under Security Council Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and related personnel in conflict situations, to promote free, independent and fair media as one of the essential foundations of a society. democratic societies and can contribute to the protection of civilians.

Finally, UNESCO also calls for “restricting attacks on or harming children, teachers, educational staff or schools, and for the right to education to be respected”.

UNICEF: No harm to children

At the same time, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) echo general secretary Stunning immediate ceasefire and call on all parties to respect their international obligations to protect children from abuse and to ensure that humanitarian organizations can safely reach children in need and fast.

“UNICEF also urges all parties to refrain from attacking the essential infrastructure on which children depend – including water and sanitation systems, health facilities and schools,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell added.

WFP: ‘An absolute disaster’

World food program (WFP) expressed deep concern “about the impact of hostilities on the lives and livelihoods of civilians.”

“As the situation evolves, it is necessary to ensure that affected communities continue to have access to any humanitarian assistance they may require and that the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground is maintained. guaranteed” speak WFP Director of Emergencies Margot van der Velden.

Taking to social media, WFP head David Beasly tweeted that “And just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, the world is on fire with a conflict in Ukraine.”

He pointed out that military action has the potential to cause a worldwide recession, especially for countries like Yemen, which depend on wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia.

“Price will go up plus an already terrible situation,” he lamented.

IAEA: Situation in Chornobyl

The International Atomic Energy Agency drew attention to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, stating that “Ukraine has informed IAEA that ‘unidentified armed forces’ took control of all the facilities of the Chornobyl NPP State Professional Enterprise, located in the Exclusion Zone,” adding that no casualties or destruction occurred. in the industrial zone.

“It is important that the safe and secure operations of nuclear facilities in that area are not affected or disrupted in any way.” General Manager Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a declare.

UNHCR: ‘The situation deteriorated rapidly’

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi expressed deep concern about the “rapidly deteriorating situation and ongoing military action in Ukraine”, and called on neighboring countries to “keep their borders open”. for those seeking safety and protection”.