The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for a cease fire from the Russian Federation against Ukraine, saying this is imperative for the health of affected citizens, as many fleeing Ukraine were found exhausted, hungry and in need of medical care.
WHO Director General, Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tedros, passionately pleaded with the Russian Federation on Monday to shelf its sword and yield to the uniting for peace resolution of 141 United Nations member countries.
Tedros, through his Twitter handle specifically called for a peaceful resolution of the war. He tweeted thus “We need peace for health. Based on the UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine, I ask the Russian Federation to commit to a ceasefire, which includes unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need. A peaceful resolution is possible”.
He highlighted the damage that have been done on human lives and properties since the war began noting that many health workers and facilities have been attack, which amounts to violation of humanitarian law.
“WHO has confirmed several attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Additional reports are being investigated. Attacks on healthcare facilities or workers breach medical neutrality and are violations of international humanitarian law”, he stated.
Giving the situation report as at today, the WHO Chief disclosed that more team members of the agency arrived Ukraine Monday to expand the team already on the ground.
While travelling from Poland to Lviv, Ukraine, at Korczawa border crossing, he said WHO’s Tarik Jasarevic revealed that many people arriving in Poland were exhausted, hungry & in need of medical care.
Citing the UN’s Assembly resolution for peace, tagged “Uniting for Peace”, Tedros explained that majority voted in favour of Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. With 141 countries, while a negligible 5 voted against and 35 states in abstentions.
The resolution demands that Russia immediately ceases use of force against Ukraine and withdraws its military forces.
The five countries that voted against are – Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (more commonly known as North Korea) Eritrea, Russia and Syria.
In another development, the WHO has warned countries considering laying off COVID-19 safety measures to tread cautiously, saying the virus is still very much around.
In an early hour tweet on Monday, Tedros said “It’s too early to declare victory over COVID-19. Many countries are facing high rates of hospitalisation and death. With high transmission, the threat of a new, more dangerous variant remains real.
“We urge all people to exercise caution and all governments to stay the course”.
