UN Reports Alarming Civilian Casualties in Global Conflicts
UN Highlights Civilian Impact of Armed Conflicts
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United Nations, May 21: According to the head of the UN global humanitarian response unit, a civilian loses their life every 14 minutes due to armed conflicts worldwide.
During an open debate on civilian protection in armed conflict, Edem Wosornu, who directs operations and advocacy at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, presented these distressing statistics to the Security Council.
She emphasized that the actual number of casualties is likely much higher, particularly in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a related statement, leaders from the Inter-Agency Standing Committee condemned the increasing and blatant breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws amid global hostilities, as reported by a news agency.
They noted that civilians, including children, are suffering from killings, injuries, and displacement on a massive scale. Furthermore, sexual violence is being weaponized in conflicts, predominantly impacting women and girls, leading to devastating consequences. Essential infrastructure, including homes, schools, places of worship, and hospitals, is being destroyed or severely damaged, along with vital civilian resources like water systems and food production facilities.
The statement also warned of a rising tide of hunger and famine driven by conflicts, often exacerbated by siege tactics and the intentional starvation of civilians. Additionally, the toll on humanitarian workers has been unprecedented, with over 1,000 aid personnel losing their lives in the last three years.
"Wars have rules that apply to all parties involved," the statement asserted. "The issue is not the absence of laws but rather the failure to enforce them consistently, leading to a decline in accountability and inaction in the face of horrific acts."