In a heart-wrenching incident, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk reported a devastating attack in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, which left 18 people dead, including nine innocent children. These young lives were tragically cut short, largely while playing in a park, making it the deadliest single strike on children documented since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Türk expressed his disbelief, highlighting the horror of children victim to explosion fragments, as families gathered nearby on a warm Friday evening.
The missile strike occurred just before 7 pm, striking a residential area rife with life, including a playground, restaurant, and housing. Local authorities confirmed the deaths of 18 individuals, with an additional 75 wounded, prompting the UN Human Rights Office to verify the casualties, including names of the children lost. The impact left behind significant destruction, scattering shrapnel across playgrounds, trees, and buildings, painting a grim image of the aftermath.
Russian authorities asserted a military target was struck; however, witnesses, including a local business representative, indicated that the area was hosting a forum for professionals in the beauty industry just prior to the missile strike, with no military presence noted. The High Commissioner invoked international humanitarian law, underscoring the obligation to limit attacks to military targets and avoid civilian harm. He asserted that even a potential military presence does not justify such reckless tactics, warning that they could amount to war crimes if civilians are deliberately targeted.
Türk concluded with a call for a swift, independent investigation into the tragic event as the world watches the toll of war unfold in Ukraine, particularly the impact on its most vulnerable.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the recent missile strike in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, that claimed 18 lives, including nine children. The attack occurred in a crowded residential area, highlighting potential violations of international humanitarian law. Witnesses described a peaceful scene disrupted by violence, raising concerns about military accountability and the protection of civilians.
The attack on Kryvyi Rih resulted in the tragic loss of 18 lives, including nine children, as families enjoyed an evening in a residential area. The incident has raised grave concerns over the adherence to international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Calls for a thorough investigation underscore the urgency needed to hold accountable those responsible for such indiscriminate violence.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
