The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an end to the "horrific suffering" caused by attacks on civilians in Ukraine as the US tries to negotiate a ceasefire.
"There has been intense activity in recent weeks around a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, which would be very welcome," Volker Türk told the UN Human Rights Council.
"Limited ceasefires that protect sea lanes and infrastructure are a welcome step forward. What is most needed now is an end to the daily horrific suffering in Ukraine."
Russia began its full-scale invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022. The offensive killed tens of thousands of people on both sides.
Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a ceasefire, and the Black Sea represents an early part of the negotiations.
"Parallel to these negotiations, fighting in Ukraine has intensified, killing and wounding even more civilians. The number of casualties in the first three months of this year is 30% higher than the same period last year. While the war continues to rage, I call once again for an end to attacks on civilians and the use of weapons in populated areas. Every precaution must be taken to avoid harming civilians," Turk said.
In presenting an update to the Human Rights Council, Turk explained that the majority of civilian casualties in the war were Ukrainians killed and wounded by Russian forces. | BGNES, AFP
