The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, expressed grave concern on Thursday about the rapidly deteriorating situation and military action in Ukraine, while the agency estimated that about 100,000 people fled their homes after the Russian invasion and thousands sought refuge abroad.
In this sense, Grandi warned that the humanitarian consequences for civilians will be devastating, for which he asked neighboring governments to keep the borders open to receive refugees.
“We have seen reports of victims and people beginning to flee for safety. Civilian lives and civilian infrastructure must be protected and safeguarded at all times, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.Grandi tweeted.
Although it is not possible “yet to confirm the exact figures”, the organization estimated that in the last 24 hours “Nearly 100,000 people have already fled their homes and could have moved within the country and that several thousand have crossed international borders,” according to spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo, the AFP news agency reported.
UNHCR also works with the governments of neighboring countriesto whom he asks to keep the borders open for those who seek safety and protection.
In this sense, Grandi specified that UNHCR is already working with authorities, the UN, community groups of internally displaced persons and other partners in Ukraine, and has already prepared to provide humanitarian assistance.
“We are ready to provide humanitarian assistance where necessary and possible. Security and access must be guaranteed for humanitarian efforts to respond to any situation of forced displacement”reported.
However, he noted that security and access for humanitarian work must be guaranteed.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies have warned that they are preparing for the “catastrophic consequences” of military action.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) indicated that the hostilities in Ukraine threaten the life and well-being of the 7.5 million children living in the country.
“Unless the fighting subsides, tens of thousands of families could be forcibly displaced, dramatically increasing humanitarian needs,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director.
The World Food Program (WFP) also warned of the impact that the clashes will have on the livelihood of families.
Emergency Director Margot van der Velden said: “WFP staff on the ground in dozens of conflict-affected countries are witnessing the devastating impact of fighting on millions of lives. Therefore, we advocate diplomacy as the only way to solve problems.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) also called for respect for international humanitarian law in Ukraine and mentioned the obligation of the parties in conflict to protect journalists and media professionals. in those scenarios.
Similarly, he urged not to launch attacks against children, teachers or educational personnel and to preserve the right to education.
UNHCR has already stepped up its operations and capacity in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday morning a “military operation” in eastern Ukraine, days after recognizing the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.
In response, Ukraine said that it is breaking off relations with Moscow.
Given the progress of military action in Ukraine, Grandi recalled that “there are no winners in war, but countless lives will be destroyed.”
