Ukraine conflict 'weakening' international security, UN political affairs chief warns

New Delhi: According to the top UN political affairs official, the international collective security system has suffered significant setbacks since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Addressing the Security Council, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted the devastating consequences of the conflict, including a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatized children, and the exacerbation of global food and energy crises.

DiCarlo further cautioned about the potentially dangerous ramifications, ranging from escalating death tolls to nuclear threats.

The deteriorating conditions for civilians remain the gravest concern, as highlighted by the intensifying violence. DiCarlo noted that missile barrages and drone attacks from Russia nearly tripled in May, substantially increasing civilian casualties.

While the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded 24,862 civilian casualties, the figures are likely significantly higher. Various UN agencies have been closely monitoring the impact of the conflict since its eruption last year.

DiCarlo provided alarming statistics on the war's toll on critical infrastructure and cultural heritage. Educational and medical facilities have suffered 1,036 verified attacks, while healthcare facilities have faced more than 1,000 confirmed instances of assault.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has documented damage to 260 sites, including religious sites, museums, buildings of historical significance, monuments, libraries, and archives. These devastating losses undermine the region's rich cultural heritage and impede educational and healthcare services.

DiCarlo emphasized the pressing issue of the Kakhovka Dam disaster in early June, with limited access to low-lying communities under Russian control hindering relief efforts. The UN continues to engage with Russia, urging compliance with international humanitarian law and the facilitation of safe and unrestricted access to all areas in need. Denying aid to people in dire need is untenable and contradicts obligations under international law.

In addition to these pressing issues, DiCarlo raised alarm over the reported damage to the Tolyatti-Odesa pipeline, the largest ammonia conduit globally, in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. She also expressed concern about Russia's announced deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, emphasizing the unacceptability of any threat to use such weapons.

Efforts to implement the Black Sea Initiative, an agreement from 2022 facilitating the safe transportation of over 32 million metric tonnes of foodstuffs from the region, have stalled.

DiCarlo called upon all parties involved to act responsibly and fulfil their international obligations, as the initiative plays a crucial role in addressing global food security and supporting developing countries.

In response to these concerns, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia refuted accusations of denying access to affected areas, criticizing the UN Secretariat for its supposed ignorance. Nebenzia emphasized Russia's cooperation with the UN and its efforts to rescue and evacuate thousands of people.

He claimed that proposals to create safe routes in landmine-riddled areas were rejected, and Russia remains ready to assist developing countries under the Black Sea Initiative. Nebenzia argued that Kyiv is responsible for incidents such as the Kherson dam damage, asserting that Russian operations are limited to military targets.

Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya condemned Russia's actions as an act of terror, referring to the destruction of the Kherson dam. He warned that Moscow is prepared to employ scorched-earth tactics in response to its deteriorating military situation. Kyslytsya stressed the importance of taking strong measures to reduce Russia's capacity to inflict harm, achieving a military defeat of Russia in Ukraine, and ensuring accountability for aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

In conclusion, DiCarlo reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting meaningful efforts for just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the prohibition of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure under international law, urging an immediate cessation of such actions on both Ukrainian and Russian territories.