The number of civilians killed in Ukraine’s war continues to rise.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has counted 1,663 civilian deaths and injuries in the country, with 596 people killed and 1,067 injured (From 24 February to 12 March).
The majority of civilian deaths were inflicted by explosive weapons with a large effect area, such as heavy artillery shelling and multi-launch rocket systems, as well as missile and airstrikes.
The United Nations believes the true statistics are much higher, particularly in Government-controlled area and in recent days, because information from several locations where violent confrontations have occurred has been delayed, and many reports are still awaiting confirmation.
The United Nations is also calling for more medical supplies to enter the Ukrainian aid areas and the right to necessity to offer medical treatment essential during the warring conflict.
“The health care system in Ukraine is clearly under significant strain, and its collapse would be a catastrophe. Every effort must be made to prevent this from happening…International humanitarian and human rights law must be upheld, and the protection of civilians must be our top priority”, the UN top officials warned.
They also stressed the importance of humanitarian partners and health care workers being able to safely maintain and strengthen essential health service delivery, such as COVID-19 and polio immunisation, as well as the supply of life-saving medicines to civilians across Ukraine and refugees crossing into neighbouring countries.
“UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO are collaborating with partners to expand life-saving services and support in order to fulfil critical health needs.
We must be able to safely supply emergency medical supplies to health centres, temporary facilities, and underground shelters, particularly those needed for obstetric and newborn care,” the organisations stated.
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