The UN human rights office has condemned the assault in Donetsk, Ukraine, which is under Russian occupation.
In New York, the Security Council convened once more to talk about the ongoing conflict caused by Russia’s invasion, which will reach its two-year milestone next month.
According to media reports, the attacks in Donetsk hit local markets and a neighboring residential area, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 civilians and injuries to 25 others.
The OHCHR is attempting to gather more details about the assault, even though they are unable to access the city and other areas under occupation in Ukraine, according to spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani’s statement on Monday.
She emphasized the importance of conducting thorough, immediate, and impartial investigations to establish the truth and accountability for this assault.
The inquiry will determine if this assault breached any relevant laws regarding the conduct of warfare, in order to hold those responsible accountable.
Ms. Shamdasani emphasized the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and urged the conflicting parties to take all necessary measures to safeguard civilians from harm.
‘Unambiguous obligation’
On Monday morning in New York, Adedeji Ebo, Deputy UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, restated the obligation of conflicting parties to safeguard civilians during his address to the Security Council.
“This is an unambiguous obligation,” he said, briefing ambassadors.
“I will reiterate: according to international law, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is prohibited. These attacks must cease immediately.”
On Sunday, the OHCHR confirmed that 10,287 civilians have been killed and 19,444 have been injured since Russia’s complete invasion started on February 24, 2022. These numbers are most likely even higher.
Prevent further escalation
Mr. Ebo said continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure were seriously distressing, adding that the use of aerial drones and missiles had resulted in many deaths and injuries.
“He stated that armed uncrewed aerial vehicles and missiles should adhere to international humanitarian law, just like any other weapons or systems.”
He restated the UN Secretary-General’s request for all countries to assist in preventing further escalation and achieving lasting peace.
Mr. Ebo stated that the only solution to put an end to the suffering and destruction is to stop the war.
Adedeji Ebo from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) provides updates to the Security Council.
The council’s gathering in Ukraine is causing a disturbance.
Before the meeting, Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Ukrainian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed disapproval of Russia’s request for “another UN Security Council meeting to condemn the legitimate transfer of arms to Ukraine in support of their inherent right to self-defense.”
At a press briefing, he stated that the current meeting is another effort by the Russian government to divert attention away from their aggressive attack on Ukraine and ongoing deliberate airstrikes that are causing harm to innocent citizens and vital infrastructure. He was joined by numerous ambassadors, representatives from different countries, and the European Union.
and
other foreign powers have
Support from Western countries hinders the peace process, as Russia and other international powers also contribute to the issue.
During the Security Council meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that most impartial experts recognize that the main obstacle to resolving the Ukrainian crisis is the ongoing support from the western countries for the government in Kyiv.
He stated that despite being clearly in pain and unable to achieve its intended objective of strategically defeating Russia, this is the situation.
He stated that despite the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ failure in battle, their Western supporters are still pushing them towards a pointless military conflict.
A maternal health center in Dnipro was heavily impacted by airstrikes.
Grim humanitarian situation
The conflict persists in causing immense harm to human beings and is endangering millions by subjecting them to severe violations and creating urgent humanitarian needs, as stated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Millions of people in Ukraine have been displaced from their residences, with almost six million currently living as refugees in other countries.
Extended displacement has brought numerous individuals to the edge.
In 2024, approximately 14.6 million individuals, which is equivalent to 40% of the total Ukrainian population, are in need of humanitarian aid.
UN agencies and partners aim to reach 8.5 million people with aid, focusing on the most severe needs and prioritizing communities on the frontline and in neighbouring areas.
Children rights
In Geneva, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, consisting of 18 independent experts who oversee the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by its member countries, is currently addressing the issues surrounding the well-being and circumstances of children in Russia. This includes the situation of Ukrainian children who were reportedly forced to leave their home country and reside in Russia due to ongoing conflict.
The Committee will engage in talks with government officials and examine reports and submissions from both Russia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Monday and Tuesday.
During its current session, the Committee will assess the status of the Congo, Bulgaria, Senegal, Lithuania, and South Africa, in addition to Russia. The session will end next week.
Source: news.un.org
