Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Indrika Ratwatte, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator ad interim, at the Security Council, on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.
Speaking via video link, Ratwatte said, “international humanitarian law is clear: civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian personnel and assets, must be protected.”
He continued, “these rules exist to limit suffering and preserve dignity precisely when there is war, and they must be respected. Accountability for violations and measures to prevent them are essential.”
The OCHA senior official also pointed out that Ukraine remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Today, 10.8 million people require humanitarian assistance. Yet OCHA has received less than half the funding needed to reach them.
Ratwatte said, “we recognise the enormous pressures on humanitarian budgets as crises continue to emerge and deepen around the world. But needs in Ukraine have not diminished.”
He continued, “for communities in need, funding is the difference between help reaching them, or not. It allows humanitarian organisations to remain present, respond rapidly and support those facing the greatest risks.”
The Acting Assistant Secretary-General concluded with three asks to the Council. He said, “first, use all your influence to reverse the erosion of protection for civilians. Do not allow this level of civilian harm and suffering to become the new normal. Second, help preserve and expand our humanitarian operations to reach civilians in need wherever they are. Where access is possible, it must be safeguarded. Where it is impeded, it is vital to open it. Third, ensure humanitarian organizations have the funding needed to remain present where needs are greatest.