Ukraine: Italy in Geneva denounces “humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol”

GENEVA, JUNE 16 – The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado, took the floor today during the Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet’s oral update on Mariupol, in the framework of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.

“We are deeply concerned about the human rights situation and the humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol and are horrified by continued reports of indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, forced deportations in particular of children, sexual and gender-based violence”, Ambassador Cornado stated, renewing Italy’s calls on Russia “to put an end to a war that continues to cause tragic suffering and loss of life”.

The tragedy of Mariupol “is far from over, and the full picture of the devastation caused is not yet clear”, said Bachelet updating the Council: “Between February and the end of April, Mariupol was likely the deadliest place in Ukraine. The intensity and extent of hostilities, destruction and death and injury strongly suggest that serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law have occurred”.

While confirming Italy’s committment to support all measures to ensure the accountability of those who are responsible for the atrocities perpetrated in Mariupol and all over Ukraine, Ambassador Cornado reiterated that Italy urges Russia to “fully comply with international humanitarian law, allowing safe and unhindered humanitarian access as well as the humanitarian evacuation of civilians in the direction they wish”.

Drawing the attention to the increasingly alarming impact of Russian military aggression against Ukraine on global food security and energy systems, Ambassador Cornado recalled that “Italy is actively promoting initiatives to assist developing countries and persons in vulnerable situations”.

Furthermore he underlined that Italy continues to “stand with the Ukrainian Government and people during this crisis, placing particular attention on the civilian population’s growing humanitarian needs”. In conclusion he also reaffirmed Italy’s support for the Commission of Inquiry established by the Human Rights Council and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. (@OnuItalia)