UN Security Council: 3.9M Ukrainians fled abroad over past month

Over the past month, a total of 3.9 million Ukrainians have fled abroad, and 6.5 million Ukrainians have become internally displaced persons.

The relevant statement was made by Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York, which was dedicated to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Msuya noted that, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of March 27, 2022, a total of 1,119 Ukrainians died, including 99 children. Meanwhile, these numbers are conservative and the tolls are far greater, as the data from the areas affected by hostilities are received with a delay.

According to Msuya, local residents across many Ukrainian cities lack food, water, medicine, electricity and heating.

“They are trapped. Desperate. Afraid. In some neighborhoods, it’s not even safe to bury the dead,” Msuya stressed.

In her words, since February 24, 2022, humanitarian organizations have reached about 890,000 people across Ukraine, mostly in the east. They were provided with food, shelter, blankets, medicine, water and hygiene supplies.

At the same time, due to shelling and landmines, humanitarian convoys are often unable to reach the destination point.

According to Msuya, more than 1,230 UN personnel are currently in Ukraine, working via humanitarian hubs all over the country. More than 100 humanitarian organizations are implementing or planning activities in each Ukrainian region, in all sectors.

Msuya also noted the pro-active attitude of Ukrainian civil society organizations and volunteers.

“Ukraine is a humanitarian paradox: side by side with extreme violence we see extreme kindness, profound solidarity and the gentlest of care. I am humbled and inspired by the tireless commitment of these people and we must continue to support their work,” Msuya stressed.

According to Msuya, at the request of the Secretary-General, Under-Secretary General Martin Griffiths is working with the parties on possible arrangements for a humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine.

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