The President of the General Assembly urges solidarity with Ukraine as the ‘pointless conflict’ enters its second year.
“Speaking on the eve of the solemn anniversary, he urged us to come out of this time of suffering and difficulty with a strong message of unity and unwavering backing for the strong-willed citizens of Ukraine.”
The Security Council is scheduled to convene later today to discuss the recent attacks in Ukraine, specifically in the cities of Odesa and Dnipro, which occurred just one day after deadly strikes in the eastern region of Donetsk.
Destruction and devastation
Speaking to delegates from 193 countries at the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr. Francis emphasized the importance of acknowledging the ongoing destruction and suffering in Ukraine. He urged the representatives to not turn a blind eye to these issues and to take action to help the people of Ukraine.
He further stated that this particular year holds even greater significance as it marks the ten-year anniversary of the Russian Federation’s unlawful annexation of Crimea and other Ukrainian territories in 2014.
The complete military attack by Russia commenced on February 24, 2022. As a result, numerous individuals have lost their lives or been harmed, millions have been displaced, and essential facilities such as schools and hospitals have been destroyed. Additionally, many Ukrainian children have been forcefully relocated to Russia.
Extensive impacts worldwide
According to Mr. Francis, the consequences of the unnecessary war in Ukraine go beyond the country’s borders. The environment is also suffering as a result of the conflict, and there is a continued threat of a nuclear disaster.
“In the end, the war has impacted all Member States present in this assembly, whether through increased food costs or concerns regarding energy stability.”
Additionally, the discord has played a major role in altering the dynamics of international relations and economics, according to the speaker. This is because it is causing direct harm to the involved nations and hindering advancement in numerous other countries, particularly those that are still developing.
UN Charter undermined
He stated that this action is actively working against the core principles of the UN Charter, putting at risk the values of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we have all promised to protect and uphold.
This has caused a disturbance in the fragile equilibrium of global relationships – during a period where coming together, standing in solidarity, and working together are essential for solving problems through collaboration.
According to Mr. Francis, the 15-member UN Security Council has been unable to take action due to disagreements about the conflict. However, the General Assembly has denounced Russia’s aggression and called for the immediate and unconditional removal of its military forces from Ukrainian land.
Work for peace
“Instead of just issuing condemnations, it is crucial for the United Nations to actively strive towards achieving a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace that aligns with the principles of our organization’s Charter,” stated the speaker.
The President of the Assembly urged for increased efforts to stop wars and bring about a brighter future filled with hope, potential, and success for the citizens of both Ukraine and Russia, as well as other countries.
The family was rescued in Kherson and received medical treatment in Odesa after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed.
Improving medical services in Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine, deemed Europe’s biggest emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), has prompted UN agencies to review their actions and strategies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health to identify the current and urgent needs of the sector and provide support where necessary to strengthen existing systems.
Support has included regularly donating essential medical supplies, vehicles, and equipment to ensure existing healthcare facilities can continue functioning.
Teams have constructed temporary buildings in neighborhoods where medical facilities have been harmed or ruined, guaranteeing that individuals can still access healthcare. Currently, there are 12 modular primary care clinics operating in various areas of the southern and eastern regions of the nation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 1,574 incidents of violence against healthcare since the start of the war. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 118 healthcare workers and have also affected health facilities, transportation, and storage facilities.
The ongoing situation in Ukraine has had a detrimental effect on the mental well-being of children and their ability to acquire knowledge.
Concern for children’s mental health
The mental well-being of Ukraine’s youngest residents has been severely impacted by Russia’s complete military intervention, as reported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
According to the agency, children living in areas directly impacted by conflict have had to spend anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 hours, which is equal to approximately four to seven months, seeking shelter in basements, bunkers, or makeshift underground spaces.
According to UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder, children in the city of Kharkiv are paying a high price for seeking protection from missiles and drones. He recently visited the city and spoke with families and child psychologists.
On Friday, while addressing journalists in Geneva, he mentioned that a large portion of youths have expressed the need for psychological or emotional assistance, but only a small portion are actually receiving it.
Currently, the ongoing bombardment and heightened usage of drones have led to a growing realization that children are still being casualties of war. This is impeding families’ ability to cope with the stress and trauma caused by the conflict.
According to Mr. Elder, education is crucial for providing hope and stability, but it remains disrupted and unattainable for a significant portion of children in Ukraine.
According to him, students living in areas directly affected by conflict have only attended school for one week in the past four years, due to two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and two years of intense warfare. In the Kharkiv region, only two out of 700 schools are currently conducting in-person classes.
In Ukraine, UNICEF has taken action by offering a team of therapists to assist children and their families, aiding them in coping with distress and trauma and finding moments of relief and happiness.
The organization also provides assistance in reconstructing vital infrastructure like educational facilities and water supply networks, among other initiatives.
Source: news.un.org
