The United Nations human rights office called on Russia to stop attacking Ukraine’s energy grid as winter approaches
Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence speak Large-scale missile and drone attacks on the power grid this week have raised serious concerns about the plight of people facing a difficult and miserable winter. suffering.
Russia launched long-range missile and drone attacks on Thursday, reportedly causing damage in at least 13 areas, in addition to the capital Kyiv.
More than a million people across the country were affected by power outages and in some areas, essential services such as water and transport were disrupted.
The wave of attacks continued
Mr. Laurence, since March, Ukraine’s energy production capacity has been targeted in waves of attacks, causing “widespread and foreseeable harm” to civilians. speak journalist in Geneva.
The most vulnerable – the elderly, low-income households, people with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs) – are particularly at risk.
“As temperatures drop below freezing and are likely to drop further, electricity and the services that depend on it are even more critical to the survival of civilians,” Mr Laurence said.
He said that although the full impact of the latest attacks would become clearer in due course, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) was continuously monitoring following attacks. such attack.
Staff documented impacts on electricity generation, water distribution, heating and hot water, public health and education.
Call for investigation
He added that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reiterated that many aspects of the military campaign to damage or destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure “raise serious concerns.” respect for the Russian forces’ respect for the basic principles of international humanitarian law of distinction and prevention.” and proportionality in the conduct of hostilities.”
OHCHR emphasized that these systematic, recurring attacks must be investigated and anyone found responsible for serious breaches must be held accountable.
“We once again call on the Russian Federation to immediately end all attacks on energy infrastructure critical to the civilian population of Ukraine, taking responsibility for all illegal attacks,” he said. and the international community prioritizes helping Ukraine repair and restore its energy system.” Laurence said.
Impact on nuclear plants
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s three operating nuclear power plants have reduced power output following the attacks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) rexport on Thursday.
This is the second time in two weeks that the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine nuclear plants have lowered their capacity levels as a precautionary measure amid the conflict.
“Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is extremely fragile and vulnerable, putting nuclear safety at great risk,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
“Once again, I call for maximum military restraint in areas with major nuclear energy facilities and other locations on which they depend.”
Prevent nuclear risks
Although there were no reports of direct damage to nuclear power plants, Ukraine informed the IAEA that the attacks again affected electrical substations used to transmit and receive electricity. outside.
These substations, identified by the IAEA as critical to nuclear safety and security, have been damaged in previous attacks.
Mr Grossi said the UN agency would continue to assess the extent of damage to facilities and power lines essential for nuclear safety and security.
“The IAEA will continue to do everything in its power to reduce the risk of a nuclear incident during this tragic war,” he said.
