Addressing the United Nations Security Council, the Chief of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, pointed out what she called an “unimaginable” pain and suffering inflicted on the Ukrainian population both home and abroad, at the hands of the Kremlin.
According to DiCarlo, since the war began some eighteen months back, it has bred out some unwanted data of casualties and injuries.
She revealed that, per available data privy to her, approximately 17,000 injuries have been recorded, among them are 1,156 children, and 9,444 civilian casualties including 545 children.
On military personnel casualties, both nations have accrued over half a million deaths, leaving a huge gap on how both countries could achieve their objectives, most especially Ukraine.
“And there is no end in sight to this war, launched in violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Indeed, since Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative on July 17, the fighting has only escalated.”
Rosemary DiCarlo, Head of UN’s Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
The UN Chief for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs further offered her sympathy and support to the Ukrainian people on their 32nd Independence celebration and assured them of the UN’s quest to find an end to the war.
“I would like to congratulate the Ukrainian people today and take this occasion to stress, once again, that the UN’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders is unwavering.”
“Recognizing the growing calls around the world for an end to the war, I reiterate the UN’s commitment to support all meaningful efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN charter, international law and relevant General Assembly resolutions.”
Rosemary DiCarlo, Head of UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
Also, DiCarlo stressed on the weaponization of food during the war, which threatened global food security. She made reference to the airstrikes on the Ukrainian grain facilities in Odesa, and added that, the attacks undermine UN’s effort to mitigate global food issues.
“The Secretary-General continues to stress the importance of food and fertilizer exports from Russia and Ukraine to global food security and to advocate for the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative.”
Rosemary DiCarlo, Head of UN’s Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
Moreover, DiCarlo turned to the destruction of Ukraine’s cultural monuments and the significance on Ukraine’s history. Citing data released by UNESCO, she noted that over 284 cultural sites have encountered massive destructions.
Among the destroyed 284 sites, are about 120 religious sites, including the famous and historic Center of Odesa, a location which was shielded by the World Heritage Convention.
“Another recent UN assessment on the impact of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam concluded that the breach caused a far-reaching environmental disaster, the scale of which might not be clear for decades to come.”
Rosemary DiCarlo, Head of UN’s Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
The Struggles Of Women In Ukraine
Furthermore, the UN chief of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo insisted that “women in Ukraine stand at the forefront” of an uncontrollable humanitarian crisis which demands an immediate response.
She noted that the UN had supported civil society organizations helping women and girls in Ukraine and those who had been displaced in Moldova. “Women-led civil society organizations were among the first to respond to the full-scale invasion,” she added.
Additionally, DiCarlo opined that, the continuous assault on education and healthcare facilities, have contributed most to casualties recorded among children.
DiCarlo also expressed worries about the potential effects of the drone assaults on Moscow and the deepest parts of Russia on civilians.
“Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure wherever they may occur are indefensible and strictly prohibited under international law.”
Rosemary DiCarlo, Head of UN’s Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
READ ALSO: Six Years Of Denied Justice, UN Right Chief Sides With Rohingya Refugees
