The resolution calls for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine and an end to all Russian attacks on civilian objects, including schools and hospitals. The text condemns Russian shelling, raids and sieges of Ukrainian cities, including the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. It also demands that humanitarian aid to these places not be hindered.
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The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is deteriorating. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced 10 days ago that 2.8 million refugees had crossed Ukraine’s borders, with increasing numbers every day. UN agencies continue to step up operations across the country. So far, they have delivered humanitarian aid to approximately 600,000 people. However, the goal is to reach a much larger number of people. Secure access to areas of ongoing fighting remains a major challenge.
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The resolution on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine was supported by 140 countries and 38 abstained. Along with Russia, only Belarus, Syria, the DPRK and Eritrea were against it.
Photo: OSN
Civilians gripped by shelling in Mariupol have a desperate shortage of food, water, medicine and other basic necessities. Humanitarian workers warn that the use of explosive weapons in urban areas has a devastating effect on civilians. They call on the warring parties to respect international law and the basic principles of protection of life and human dignity.
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Vital infrastructure is at risk
Already in mid-March, in a joint statement, the heads of UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO called for an immediate end to all attacks on medical facilities in Ukraine. The horrific attacks kill and injure patients and medical staff, destroy vital infrastructure and force thousands to dispose of medical care when they are in dire need.
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The United Nations, abbreviated UN, is an international organization whose members are all the recognized states of the world except the Vatican – as of June 2021 it has 193 member states. The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945 in San Francisco (United States) following the adoption of the United Nations Charter by 51 states, including Czechoslovakia, and significant support from the Rockefeller Fund. It replaced the League of Nations, which failed as a guarantor of collective security and peaceful conflict resolution. The first UN General Assembly was held on January 10, 1946 in London.
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