• news by AUN News correspondent
• Monday, January 16, 2023
• AUN News – ISSN: 2949-8090

Summary:

• Rosemary DiCarlo reiterated the Secretary-General’s position, stating that Russia’s invasion on February 24 violated both international law and the UN Charter.

• After the most recent fighting, the UN’s human rights office, OHCHR, confirmed that 18,096 civilians have died since the invasion began.

• “Health threats5.91 million women and girls have been forced to leave their own countries because of planned, systematic attacks on hospitals and power plants that are important to civilians.

• However, women and girls in Russian-controlled areas have been gang-raped and sexually assaulted in other ways.

• “Since May, the International Criminal Court (ICJ) has been working inside the country, focusing on illegally exporting children and other civilians from Ukraine to Russia.

Have you recently been paying attention to the news coming out of Ukraine? The newest reports indicate that things aren’t looking well. The humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine has gotten worse, according to the UN Security Council, which recently conducted an emergency meeting. A complete calamity has resulted from the Russian invasion in February, including traumatised children, severe food and electricity shortages, and human rights abuses everywhere you look. Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, outlined everything for the ambassadors to the Security Council. She cautioned them that this conflict’s long-term effects might prove to be far more disastrous than the harm already done. It appears that this war has sparked an immense humanitarian and human rights tragedy. Ukraine would be the epitome of a geopolitical mess that required cleaning up. Will anything actually be done to end the pain, though? The future appears bleak.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine continues

The fighting may have calmed, but Ukraine is still reeling from the humanitarian crisis. According to UN officials, over 13,000 people have been killed and many more have been displaced from their homes.

If you’re in Ukraine, you’ve probably struggled with a lack of access to basic necessities. Clean water and food are scarce in conflict areas. Healthcare has collapsed in places, and medicines are hard to come by. Many families have been torn apart, unable to locate missing loved ones.

The economic impacts add to the suffering. Jobs have been lost, savings have been depleted, and poverty is rising. Recovery will likely take generations. Deep physical and emotional wounds infect the population.

Children have been uniquely impacted. Violence and trauma are shaping an entire generation. Schools have been destroyed, and access to education has been disrupted. Kids live in constant fear and uncertainty.

The crisis extends beyond Ukraine’s borders too. Food exports have been cut off, driving global shortages and price hikes. Energy flows have been disrupted, with ripple effects across Europe. Neighbouring countries are overwhelmed by refugees flooding across their borders.

While a long road lies ahead, the international community must step up humanitarian aid. Funding and resources are desperately needed to provide relief and start rebuilding lives. Healthcare workers, teachers, and counsellors can help begin healing wounds. And diplomacy is key to ensuring sustained peace and paving the way for lasting solutions.

The suffering of the Ukrainian people continues, but with compassion and political will, recovery is possible. All they ask for are the basic human rights so many of us take for granted each day. We all must do our part to support them.

Russia’s Invasion Violated International law

Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February was a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. According to UN officials, it has led to a dire humanitarian crisis and a human rights catastrophe.

As the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, told the Security Council:

“The results of this long-lasting war are maybe even worse than this terrible destruction. It has traumatised an entire generation of children, disrupted access to basic services, and worsened the global food and energy crises.”

Russia’s attack on its neighbour has caused tremendous suffering and the massive displacement of innocent civilians. Over 13 million Ukrainians have been directly impacted, with many losing loved ones, shelter, jobs, or access to healthcare and education. The economy has been shattered, and infrastructure has been demolished.

The international community has condemned Russia’s egregious actions and demanded a ceasefire and withdrawal of troops. However, Russia has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and insists its so-called “special military operation” was necessary to protect Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine.

There is no doubt that this unjustified war has had devastating consequences. All parties must uphold international law, protect human rights, and work to establish a sustainable peace. Our shared humanity demands nothing less. By respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, ceasing all military operations, and enabling humanitarian aid, Russia can take the first step towards restoring dignity and repairing the damage. The world is watching, and the people of Ukraine deserve hope for a brighter future.

The Conflict Has Global impacts.

Global Food Supply

The conflict has disrupted global food supplies, as Russia and Ukraine account for nearly a third of global wheat and barley exports. With Ukrainian ports blocked and trade disrupted, food prices have skyrocketed around the world. Countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia that depend heavily on grain from Ukraine and Russia now face food shortages and hunger crises.

Energy Security

Europe relies on Russia for about 40% of its natural gas and oil, much of which flows through Ukrainian pipelines. As the conflict continues, Europe’s energy security is increasingly at risk. Russia has already cut off natural gas flows to Ukraine and parts of Europe in past disputes, leaving homes without heating in the dead of winter. European countries are now scrambling to find alternative energy sources and suppliers to reduce their dependence on Russia.

Global Economy

Conflicts often have unforeseen impacts that reverberate globally. Economic sanctions on Russia, a major trade partner for many countries, have slowed global trade and growth. Meanwhile, the cost of rebuilding Ukraine’s bombed cities and infrastructure will be staggering, possibly trillions of dollars. The conflict has shaken the post-WWII global order and strained alliances. There are fears that it could intensify global divisions and accelerate the emergence of new spheres of influence.

• Displaced populations: Over 14 million Ukrainians have fled their homes due to the conflict, creating a humanitarian crisis.
• Proxy wars: There are concerns the conflict could expand into a wider proxy war between Russia and Western powers, with both sides funnelling weapons and support to opposing sides of the conflict.
• Lasting trauma: An entire generation of Ukrainian children has grown up knowing only conflict, with lasting impacts on health, education, and well-being.

The conflict in Ukraine has shown how fragile peace can be in our interconnected world. Its impacts underscore the responsibility of global powers to resolve conflicts through diplomacy and uphold international law. By coming together to end this crisis, we can start to rebuild relationships, restore global stability, and renew hope for peace.

A Generation of Children Traumatised

The Invisible Scars of War

The children of Ukraine have witnessed unspeakable horrors that no child should ever have to see. Living in a war zone during their formative years, many have lost loved ones, homes, and a sense of safety. These traumatic experiences often leave deep psychological wounds that can last a lifetime.

According to psychologists, children exposed to violence at a young age may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, aggression, and impaired cognitive abilities. They struggle to process emotions and have difficulty forming trusting relationships. Some become numb to violence, making them more prone to dangerous behaviour as teens and adults.

• Nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks are common symptoms of PTSD in children. Loud noises may trigger terrifying memories of bombings and shelling.
• Separation from parents and the loss of community support systems during war frequently lead to attachment disorders and feelings of abandonment in children.
• The constant stress and fear of war can impact brain development, compromising a child’s learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

While the physical destruction of war is visible, the emotional toll on children is often invisible but no less devastating. Providing mental health support and a return to normalcy as quickly as possible is critical to helping these young victims heal from the trauma of their experiences. The scars may remain, but with compassion and counselling, children can learn coping strategies to overcome their painful pasts and build brighter futures.

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has damaged the lives of an entire generation. The international community must make the well-being of these children a top priority to prevent the long-term suffering of those caught in the crossfire of war. Their future—and the future of Ukraine—depends on it.

The Prospect of a Long War Looms

The spectre of a prolonged conflict threatens Ukraine’s future. As the fighting drags on, the humanitarian crisis intensifies, and the rebuilding process gets pushed further into the distance.

Damage Compounds Over time

The longer the war continues, the more infrastructure gets destroyed and public services disrupted. Roads, bridges, power lines, water treatment facilities—all are targeted, making daily life increasingly difficult for citizens. Medical supplies and access to healthcare dwindle. Educational opportunities for children have become scarce.

Generations Robbed of Stability

Children born during wartime often know nothing but violence and instability. They miss out on a normal childhood and education, jeopardising their futures. Parents struggle to provide basic necessities and a sense of safety for their families. such as older people and disabled are most vulnerable, lacking access to care and accommodations.

• PTSD and psychological trauma are widespread, with limited resources to help cope.
• As young people grow up in a conflict-ridden environment, there is a risk of a “lost generation.”

Economy in Tatters

Ukraine’s economy was already struggling before the war, and prolonged fighting cripples it further. Inflation rises sharply while incomes drop. Investments dry up. Factories and businesses shut down or are destroyed, leading to job losses and unemployment. International sanctions and global economic troubles compound these issues.

Paths to Peace Fade

The longer a conflict endures, the harder it is to stop it. Positions harden, distrust grows, and willingness to compromise weakens. Outside countries may reduce their political will or funding to support peace talks. Future generations grow up accustomed to violence, and peace becomes a more and more distant prospect.

Ukraine desperately needs an end to this conflict so it can start rebuilding and give its citizens hope for a stable future once again. The country has endured enough hardship, and its people deserve peace.

Conclusion

In a recent report, the UN Security Council shed light on the persistently grim state of affairs in Ukraine. The ongoing humanitarian crisis shows no signs of abating, leaving countless individuals in a state of distress. The profound impact of this crisis has left deep emotional scars on those affected while simultaneously exacerbating global challenges that demand urgent attention. The most unsettling aspect lies in contemplating the potential consequences that could unfold should this conflict persist for an extended period, spanning years or even decades. The current impact has been nothing short of catastrophic, leaving us to ponder the potential escalation of the situation if left unaddressed. Amidst the pressing global challenges, one can only hope that world leaders are diligently focused and actively engaged in their efforts to seek a viable solution. The Ukrainian population is yearning for a state of tranquilly and an opportunity to reconstruct their livelihoods.