In the early morning of 24th February, Russian President Putin declared war against Ukraine and warned of “consequences that have never been experienced in history” for anyone trying to interfere. Explosions were reported on social media in Kyiv, Odessa, Kramatorsk and Kharkov, among others. Explosions we also recorded in Ivano-Frankivsk, not far from the Polish border. Inhabitants are trying to leave Ukraine because of the violence of war. People from all around the globe have been protesting Russian authorities while acknowledging Ukraine’s sovereignty since the invasion began. Protests in Russia against the invasion of Ukraine resulted in immediate arrests.
Potential War Crimes
Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab analysed digital evidence including photos, videos and satellite imagery of three attacks carried out in the early hours of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At 10.30 am local time the deadliest strike was documented by Amnesty International. A ballistic missile hit near a hospital building in the Donetsk region, in eastern Ukraine, resulting in the killing of four inhabitants, leaving more than ten wounded.[1]
Russian army uses inaccurate weapons during the invasion of Ukraine and may commit war crimes. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, indiscriminate attacks are carried out on civilian areas and protected buildings such as hospitals. Amnesty International concludes this after the examination of three attacks in which at least six civilians have been killed and twelve injured.
“The Russian military has shown a blatant disregard for civilian lives by using ballistic missiles and other explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas” Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary-General.[2]
He further added “The Russian government, which falsely claims to use only precision weapons, should take responsibility for these acts. The Russian troops must immediately stop the indiscriminate attacks that violate the law of war. Continuing to use ballistic missiles and other inaccurate explosive weapons that cause civilian casualties and injuries is unforgivable.”[3] Some of these attacks can potentially constitute war crimes by violating international humanitarian law, including the laws of war. Our worst fears have been realized. Amnesty International calls for unerring respect for international human rights and humanitarian law.[4]
UN Security Council Resolution
On February 25th, the Security Council took up a resolution that would have condemned “in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine”. The vote on the resolution was 11 in favor, 1 against and 3 abstentions.[5]The Russian Federation voted against as a permanent member, the resolution was not adopted. In such a situation it is now up to the members to act.
“We call on the UN General Assembly to convene an emergency meeting and adopt a resolution condemning Russia’s unlawful attack. The resolution must also call for an end to all violations of the laws of war and human rights. The lives, safety and well-being of millions of citizens are at stake.” Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary-General.[6]
An Influx of Refugees
The Russian invasion resulted in a state of fear among the people of Ukraine. Families have been separated to join the army whilst others flee the country. Today, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged residents to take up arms, as heavy fighting was reported around the capital Kyiv.
In the meanwhile, the UN says currently more than 50,000 people have fled Ukraine to other countries since the invasion began.[7] This can lead to a new refugee crisis where millions might have to be displaced from their homes. People of Ukraine will have to leave their homes in search of a safer life. The well-being of millions of civilians is currently at stake. Refugee rights are human rights. Every human being deserves a stable and safe life with proper shelter, food and education. The people are not the problem. It is the causes that drive families, friends and individuals to flee their homes by crossing borders and the unreal ways that politicians respond to them are the problem.
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