Ukraine asks ICRC for help in establishing humanitarian corridors

Live | Crisis in Ukraine

MADRID, March 4. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Government of Ukraine has asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to contribute to the establishment of humanitarian corridors, the creation of which was agreed on Thursday in the second round of contacts between Russian and Ukrainian authorities.

The Presidency of Ukraine has called on the ICRC to “urgently” adopt the necessary measures, so that civilians can leave the conflict zones and basic supplies and humanitarian aid continue to arrive, reports the UNIAN agency.

The president of the ICRC, Peter Maurer, who in recent days has spoken with senior officials from the two countries, has called on the parties this Friday to “fulfill their obligations” and protect the population. The Ukrainian authorities estimate that there are already more than 2,000 civilian deaths.

“They should immediately allow the safe passage of people fleeing the fighting,” Maurer said, in a statement in which he asked Russia and Ukraine to “facilitate” the ICRC’s work, without waiting for a possible ceasefire. .

The call also extends to civil infrastructure, since Maurer has recalled that International Law prevents any damage to medical centers, schools, water or electricity supply facilities, due to the indiscriminate effects that they imply for citizens.

The ICRC also offers to take care of the corpses and to ensure that both sides respect the rights of prisoners of war.