Path of further escalation ‘must be reversed’, Security Council hears — Global Issues

Rosemary DiCarlo press conference the Security Council along with the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, who said that? With each passing day, UN teams on the ground face “new dimensions to the emergency.”

“We are on the road to further escalation, this can only cause more suffering for the people of Ukraine, Russia and the rest of the world,” Ms. DiCarlo told the ambassadors.

Nuclear plant ‘disaster’

Warning against any further use of non-conventional weapons on the battlefield, she pointed to the risk posed by military activity around the Russian-held Zaphorizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Whether intentional or unintentional, any further damage, “could have catastrophic consequences. Any military activity against, from or near the site, must cease immediately.”

As of October 18, official UN figures show 15,956 civilian casualties so far: 6,322 killed and 9,634 wounded since the invasion of Russia on February 24. At least 397 children have been killed in the war since February 24. The Actual figures could be much higher. she speaks.

Targeting power plants

The head of political affairs said Russia’s new missile attack on civilian infrastructure in towns and cities in recent days, since the explosion on the bridge connecting Crimea , is a worrying development.

These attacks threaten to expose millions of civilians to extreme hardship and even death during the freezing winters, she said, reminding that under international humanitarian law, , attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited.

Penalties cannot be applied

Accountability for international crimes committed during war, she said, “remains important, as New allegations of atrocities have surfaced in areas that have recently returned to the control of the Government of Ukraine. We must not let punishment prevail. “

She noted the global impact of the war in Ukraine was “significant and growing,” and called for the expansion of the United Nations-led Black Sea Grains Initiative to export food markets. important need.

Expanding grain deal exports

“To maintain food security around the world, it is important is expected to be expanded after November. Equally important is unimpeded access to Russian food and appetizers.

“The United Nations will spare no effort to achieve greater food security for all populations. “

She said the General Assembly has been clear that Russia’s so-called referendums and attempts to annex the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine, “have no validity under international law and do not create a basis for any change in the status of these regions of Ukraine. “

The Council also expressed strong support for the de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through political dialogue, negotiation, mediation and other peaceful means, “respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders and in accordance with the principles of the Charter. “

Ending the war, based on the Charter and international law, is “the surest way to ensure that the immense suffering of civilians in Ukraine will cease.”

Humanitarian disaster

UN Resident Coordinator Denise Brown says Russia’s continued offensive is now at 239^order day.

“The Ukrainian people are under extreme stress. Mental health problems are emerging, and this will one of the oldest and most devastating legacies of this war.

Absolute The depth of the humanitarian disaster is astounding. “

Nearly 18 million people – more than 40% of the entire population of Ukraine – are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 14 million people were forced from their homes, including 6.2 million internally displaced people and nearly 7.7 million refugees.

She said follow UNICEFAbout 5.7 million school children have been affected since the war began.

The World Health Organization says there are more than 630 verified attacks health care, and with each passing day, “new dimensions” emerge.

Survival in winter

First, temperatures are plummeting and the destruction of civilian infrastructure has accelerated with Russian missile attacks.

“The damage to power and thermal power plants means life will be more difficult for already vulnerable people, including the elderly and people with disabilities. The risk of death is even greater in the coming months as civilians may not have access to essential services to survive.”

She told the ambassadors that to address critical needs, the UN has developed a “own, specific plans for the winter monthsbuilt at the oblast level with the coordination of the authorities. “

Humanitarian approach

Despite all the challenges, “we are helping people. Already this year, more than 590 humanitarian partners are now providing vital assistance and protected nationwide. Many of them are national and local aid organizations, women-led organizations, and volunteers at the forefront of these efforts. We must commend their leadership, bravery and commitment.”

Together, more than 13 million people have been reached philanthropists across the country.

Second, she said the newly accessible areas mean being able to reach new communities with humanitarian assistance and essential services, but in the liberated areas of Kharkiv, Kherson and Donetsk , the threat of mines and unexploded ordnance pollution is hindering operations.

Trauma epidemic

Psychosocial trauma is emerging as another dimension to civilian suffering, with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and WHO reported that at least 10 million people would need psychosocial support.

“This includes women and girls suffering sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, children hear the alarm every day, families are separated, or people are just trying to survive every day.

“In areas where the Ukrainian government has regained control, especially in rural areas, civilians who have witnessed or experienced horrendous violations and ongoing hostilities, are among those most at risk. “

The bridge is too far

She said reaching humanely to those most in need remains a consistent challenge. She said regular requests continue to be made to cross the line, but agreement has been elusive.

On the operational front, she told the Council, we are ready to move with interagency convoys and aid personnel into non-Government controlled areas held by Russia and its allies.

“The consequences of not providing support to the estimated millions of people in these areas are dire, especially with the winter months already upon us.

“We must be able to alleviate the human suffering caused by this war. “