UN urges immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as humanitarian crisis escalates

Geneva, 17 January 2023 (TDI): The United Nations (UN) charter has been violated when Russia invaded Ukraine. This is also a violation of international law.

The war has created a humanitarian crisis. It has abused human rights. It has traumatized a generation. Similarly, at the global level, war has generated a food and energy crisis.

The prolonged conflict would have grave consequences, remarked Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo in the Security Council session.

The motivated armed conflict on 24 February 2022 has escalated various crises along with triggering humanitarian needs. According to the UN, about 12 million people need assistance, relief, and protection.

There are more than 4 million refugees. They are looking for protection in neighboring countries. On 1 March 2022, the United Nations launched ‘flash appeals’ for $1.7 billion in support, for Ukrainian locals and refugees.

For the local Ukrainian $1.1 billion is required. Cumulatively, 10 million people need humanitarian aid inside and outside Ukraine. Ukrainians have migrated to cross-border countries including Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.

UN Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine, Amin Awad, called for a “humanitarian pause”, on 5 March. That was a call for a ceasefire. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced $15.5 million for meeting food needs.

European Union (EU) also called for help. Help is required for 13 million people that is allied with the agriculture sector.

The General Assembly of the UN issued a clear message that hostilities must end. There is a need to open doors of dialogue and diplomacy.

The world also wants to end this humanitarian crisis. This crisis generated further crises. As Ukraine is a market for agricultural products, mainly wheat. The war imbroglio has created food shortages and inflation around the world.

There is a need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The people of Ukraine deserve peace and security. Displaced and refugees need a sense of protection. The world community needs to come forward for sustainable peace.