English Section

UN General Assembly votes to demand aid access, civilian protection in Ukraine

24.03.2022 22:30
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday voted to demand aid access and civilian protection in Ukraine, amid a humanitarian crisis created by Russia's invasion of the country, news agencies reported.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday voted 140-5 with 38 abstentions to demand aid access and civilian protection in Ukraine, while also criticizing Russia for creating a humanitarian crisis in the country.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday voted 140-5 with 38 abstentions to demand aid access and civilian protection in Ukraine, while also criticizing Russia for creating a humanitarian crisis in the country.Photo: EPA/JUSTIN LANE

A total of 140 countries supported a resolution drafted by Ukraine and allies, while Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Belarus voted against it, and 38 other countries, including China, abstained, the Reuters news agency reported.

The resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on Thursday demanded the protection of civilians, medical personnel, aid workers, journalists, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure.

It also called on Russia to stop its siege of Ukrainian cities, in particular Mariupol, according to Reuters.

Earlier this month, Poland's envoy to the United Nations, Krzysztof Szczerskicalled on Russia to allow full humanitarian access to those in need in war-torn Ukraine.

Addressing the UN Security Council at the time, Szczerski said: "We urge Russia to allow full and unimpeded humanitarian access and relief to those in need."

He added: "The safe passage of civilians from different cities affected by Russia’s aggression must be ensured."

The UN General Assembly on March 2 overwhelmingly voted to reprimand Russia for invading Poland's eastern neighbour and demanded that Moscow stop fighting and withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

That resolution deplored Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It was supported by 141 of the assembly's 193 members, while Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, North Korea and Syria voted against. Thirty-five members, including China, abstained at the time.

(gs)

Source: PAP, Reuters