United Nations published this video item, entitled “Racial Discrimination, Ukraine/Humanitarian & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (18 March 2022)” – below is their description.
Noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights
– Racial Discrimination
– Ukraine
– Ukraine/Humanitarian
– Security Council
– Yemen
– Myanmar/Humanitarian
– Venezuela
– Financial Contribution
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
This morning the Secretary-General spoke at an event in the General Assembly Hall on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
He said that racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. Racism continues to be a driver of persistent inequality and to deny people their fundamental human rights.
The Secretary-General also stressed that the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable. We see some of the worst impacts in the overlaps and intersections of discrimination suffered by women of colour and minority groups, Mr. Guterres said. This year’s theme – “Voices for Action against Racism” – calls on us to listen closely, to speak out loudly, and to act decisively, the Secretary-General said. We all have a responsibility to engage in solidarity with movements for equality and human rights everywhere.
UKRAINE
Daily attacks reportedly by Russian forces continue to batter Ukrainian cities. Many are reportedly indiscriminate, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Between 24 February and 15 March, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 1,900 civilian casualties. The total consists of 726 people killed, including 52 children, and 1,174 injured, including 63 children. The actual number is likely to be much higher, unfortunately.
Most of these casualties were caused by the use in populated areas of explosive weapons with a wide impact area. Hundreds of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed, as have hospitals and schools.
The devastation and suffering in Mariupol and Kharkiv raise grave fears about the fate of millions of residents of Kyiv and other cities facing intensifying attacks.
International humanitarian law is crystal clear. Civilians are entitled to protection against the dangers arising from military operations. Direct attacks on civilians are prohibited.
Yet, the magnitude of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied. This demands a thorough investigation and accountability.
UKRAINE/ HUMANITARIAN
A number of UN senior officials briefed Member States on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. The meeting was chaired by Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator.
Speaking from Ukraine, the UN Crisis Coordinator Amin Awad warned that this war has created unprecedented humanitarian challenges that continue to rise. He said that we, along with our humanitarian partners, are on the ground and we are in 17 locations operating out of 10 hubs. However, Mr. Awad stressed that we need to do more and we need safe humanitarian access.
From Lviv, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the UN in Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, said that we are working on a joint response to integrate the long-term development needs with the immediate humanitarian response. She noted that water and sanitation have either been partially or totally destroyed in Ukraine, with dramatic and immediate and long-term socioeconomic impacts.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=18%20March%202022
United Nations YouTube Channel
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