UN rights office urges Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid as winter sets in
29 November 2024
GENEVA (Reuters) – The UN human rights office on Tuesday urged Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, saying they were causing “unimaginable suffering” to civilians as winter sets in.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the attacks were “a clear violation of international humanitarian law” and could amount to war crimes.
“We call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease these attacks and to respect its obligations under international law,” Shamdasani told a news briefing in Geneva.
She said the attacks had left millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heat or water, and were having a devastating impact on their health, well-being and ability to survive the winter.
“These attacks are causing unimaginable suffering to civilians,” Shamdasani said. “They are depriving people of their basic human rights, including the right to life, the right to health, and the right to an adequate standard of living.”
Shamdasani said the attacks were also having a severe impact on the country’s economy, and were making it difficult for people to access essential services such as healthcare and education.
“We urge the Russian Federation to immediately cease these attacks and to respect its obligations under international law,” she said.
The UN human rights office has been monitoring the situation in Ukraine since the start of the war in February. It has documented numerous human rights violations and abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence.
The office has also called on the Russian government to investigate allegations of war crimes and to hold those responsible to account.
Additional information
The attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid have been condemned by the international community. The United States, the European Union, and other countries have called on Russia to stop the attacks and to respect international humanitarian law.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also called on Russia to stop the attacks, saying they are causing “unnecessary suffering” to civilians.
The ICRC has been providing humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict in Ukraine. The organization has been providing food, water, and medical care to those in need.
The ICRC has also been working to help people rebuild their lives and to recover from the trauma of war.
UN rights office urges Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid as winter sets in
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