Matthias Schmel, UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, said that at this sad time, Ukraine launched an attack on Russia with US-made long-range missiles, according to media reports.
Violent conflict in Ukraine began nearly a decade ago, when Russia annexed eastern Crimea. Then, on 24 February 2022, the Russian military invaded Ukraine in full.
Mathias Schmel, a resident of Ukraine and humanitarian coordinator, expressed outrage at the massive loss of life and property in the country since then.
More than 39,000 civilians have been killed in the violence so far, more than 3,400 schools and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, and 10 million people have fled their homes.
“These are not just numbers, they reflect an unimaginable amount of personal suffering for each of the Ukrainian people.”
Solidarity with Ukraine
Humanitarian coordination says the UN cannot eliminate the horrors of the war, but in cooperation with national and international organizations and the government of Ukraine, efforts are being made to meet the needs of the most desperate.
According to him, war-torn Ukraine is preparing for the winter season and in this situation the support of the United Nations and the solidarity of the international community must remain strong.
“I call on the international community to stand by Ukraine and support and recognize the excellent work of frontline aid workers, including volunteers.”
Suffering, violation of rights
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), 12,162 people have lost their lives since February 24, 2022, including 659 children. More than 26 thousand were injured.
Jeremy Lawrence, spokesman for the United Nations office, told reporters in Geneva that these 1,000 days have been a time of senseless suffering and pain. “Human rights violations are now commonplace.”
At least 30 civilians have been reported killed in airstrikes in Sumy, Odessa and other areas of Ukraine over the past two days.
Stop the violence
The human rights spokesperson called on all parties to take measures to rescue and protect civilians. In addition, Jeremy Lawrence called for impartial investigations into credible allegations of human rights abuses.
“The violence must stop for the good of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia and the world.”
On the other hand, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has stated that violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by the Russian Federation have caused extreme suffering.
Concerns have also been raised over the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in residential areas, the targeting of energy facilities and civilian facilities, and the forced relocation and deportation of children.
The commission said in its report last month that the Russian military’s treatment of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war could be classified as crimes against humanity.
Challenging conditions in winter
Due to the 1000-day-long war in Ukraine, approximately 14.6 million people are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance, including 3.5 million internally displaced.
Amy Pope, director general of the International Migration Agency, said Ukraine’s energy facilities were under constant attack as the winter season approached, destroying 65 percent of the country’s energy production capacity.
In this situation, local communities are struggling to have adequate electricity, heating and water supply, and this has become a matter of saving millions of lives.
The IOM Director General appealed to governments, private sector leaders and people worldwide to maintain support for those most in need in Ukraine.