A “bleak milestone” was broken when Ukraine launched its first US-made long-range missile into Russia, according to media reports.
‘It’s not just numbers’
Conflict broke out in Ukraine after Russia seized eastern Crimea more than a decade ago and escalated into a full-scale attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, detailed the death and destruction that has occurred since.
More than 39,000 civilians were killed or injured, more than 3,400 schools and hospitals were damaged or destroyed, and 10 million people were displaced.
“This is not just a number. “Each of them represents countless stories of unimaginable personal suffering suffered by the Ukrainian people,” he said.
Stand with Ukraine
Although the United Nations “cannot erase the horrors of war,” Mr. Schmale said it had been working with national and international organizations and governments to address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable, including those with limited mobility and the elderly.
“As Ukrainians prepare for another winter war, UN support and international solidarity must remain steadfast,” he said.
“We urge the international community to stand with Ukraine “It’s about continuing to recognize and support the heroic work of our many first responders, including our volunteers.”
Pain, suffering, violation of rights
The United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) provided further information about the toll of the war in a statement marking a “bleak milestone”.
OHCHR confirmed that at least 12,162 civilians, including 659 children, have been killed and at least 26,919 wounded since February 24, 2022.
“As the High Commissioner said, it has been 1,000 days of so much senseless pain and suffering. Human rights violations have become commonplace both in the conduct of hostilities and in occupied territories.” Spokesperson Jeremy Lawrence told reporters in Geneva.
Strikes in Kharkiv in September left dozens of families homeless and many injured.
The airstrikes continue.
He said at least 30 civilians have been killed in a series of deadly attacks in residential areas of Sumy City, Odessa and Khlukov over the past two days.
“Nine civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in the latest attack on Khluhib, which took place late last night.“Eleven people, including two children, were injured,” he said, adding that search and rescue operations were underway.
He added that Danielle Bell, head of the UN human rights monitor in Ukraine, visited several sites in Zaporizhzhia on Monday that had recently been hit by Russian glide bombs.
The locations included an oncology center that was attacked on November 7 where cancer patients were receiving chemotherapy, and an apartment building where half of the structure was destroyed by another glide bomb the same day. 10 people died.
stop the violence
“We call on all parties to ensure the safety and protection of civilians. Effective steps must also be taken to ensure that any credible allegations of infringement are fully and fairly investigated,” Mr Laurence said.
“For the sake of the Ukrainian people, the Russian people and the world, the violence must stop.”
Separately, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine highlighted the enormous suffering caused by Russia’s violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
Extensive and Systematic Torture
These include the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons with widespread regional impact, targeting of civilian targets, “large-scale attacks” on energy infrastructure, and forced transfers and deportations of children.
The Committee noted a report published last month that concluded that Russian authorities’ torture of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war amounted to crimes against humanity.
“These crimes are among the most serious crimes under international law,” the members said. Torture “was carried out in accordance with a broad, systematic and harmonious policy of the state.”
Winter warmth and elegance
Meanwhile, the 1,000 days of war have left more than 14.6 million Ukrainians in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including 3.5 million internally displaced, said Amy Pope, director-general of the IOM UN migration agency.
“As winter approaches, sustained attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have resulted in the loss of 65% of the country’s power generation capacity. “Communities are struggling due to lack of adequate electricity, heat and water,” she said.
“This is a matter of survival for millions of people. “We call on the international community to come together in solidarity.”
Ms. Pope urged governments, private sector leaders and people around the world to continue supporting those most in need.
“Together, we can ensure warmth, dignity and the promise of a peaceful future even in the darkest of winters,” she said.
