People with disabilities trapped in the Russian control zones in Ukraine are reportedly being used as “human shields” by the Russian Federation armed forces, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) warned on Friday.
In a special report on the situation of people with disabilities in Ukraine, Jonas Ruskus, Vice-Chair of the committee said he was “gravely concerned” about the situation of people with disabilities in the country, since its invasion on 24 February.
Mr. Ruskus told a news conference in Geneva that they are being kept in “inhuman conditions” and their evacuation from residential institutions in conflict areas is not being prioritized.
Citing information from several disability organizations in the country, the CRPD Vice Chair revealed that the committee had learned that at least 12 people with disabilities had died in a residential institution in Russian-controlled territory.
‘Life-threatening situations
He urged both Ukraine and Russia to evacuate them immediately and to ensure that the evacuation process is monitored by independent parties.
“Some people with disabilities in Ukraine remain trapped in life-threatening situations and must be evacuated to ensure they can access basic needs like food and heating as winter approaches,” Mr. Ruskus told the journalists.
UNICEF
Ukrainian children with disabilities feel the strain far from home.
Community-based services
He reminded all concerned parties of their obligation to ensure that people with disabilities, including in the current situation in Ukraine, have access to services and relief in communities on an equal basis with others.
Mr. Ruskus also urged for rapid de-institutionalization and investment in community services and called for the inclusion of disabled people in decision-making processes whenever international cooperation funds are used.
Raising the alarm
Before the conflict started, around 2.7 million people in Ukraine lived with a disability.
In August, four UN-appointed independent human rights experts warned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is having “a disproportionate impact” on persons with disabilities, especially children in institutions there.
The UN experts expressed hope that investments will be made to build community support that will enable children with disabilities to flourish with their families and in family-like situations as opposed to institutions.
“It is our earnest hope that Ukraine will commit itself to a better future for persons with disabilities, especially children,” the experts said.
The CRPD findings were issued on Friday alongside other country reviews.
The report contains the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
As a person who values human rights, I find it truly distressing that individuals with disabilities are being treated as “human shields” in the conflict zones in Ukraine. It is imperative that both Ukraine and Russia take immediate action to prioritize the evacuation of these vulnerable individuals and ensure their safety and well-being. The violation of their rights is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.
Do you think the UN Committee’s warning will lead to immediate action to protect people with disabilities in Ukraine?
Well, it’s a complex situation. While the UN Committee’s warning could pressure Ukraine and Russia to act swiftly, realistically speaking, immediate action might still face significant challenges given the current circumstances in the conflict zone.
In a special report on the situation of people with disabilities in Ukraine, Jonas Ruskus, Vice-Chair of the committee, expressed grave concern about the inhuman conditions faced by people with disabilities in the country. He emphasized the urgent need for their evacuation from conflict areas and stressed the importance of independent monitoring to ensure their safety.
As a person with a disability myself, I am appalled by the reports of people with disabilities being used as “human shields” in Ukraine. It is imperative that both Ukraine and Russia take immediate action to evacuate them from the conflict areas. These individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and their safety should be the top priority in this crisis.
Is there any action being taken to address the urgent evacuation of people with disabilities in the conflict zones?
Yes, urgent actions are being planned to address the evacuation of people with disabilities in the conflict zones. The UN Committee has called for immediate evacuation and monitoring by independent parties to ensure their safety.
Is there any international intervention planned to help protect the rights of people with disabilities in the conflict areas of Ukraine?
Yes, international organizations like the UN are actively working to address the situation and protect the rights of people with disabilities in conflict zones. It’s crucial that coordinated efforts are made to ensure their safety and well-being amidst the ongoing crisis.
As a person with a disability myself, it breaks my heart to hear about the inhumane treatment of individuals in conflict zones. The urgency of their evacuation cannot be stressed enough. Both Ukraine and Russia must prioritize their safety and well-being immediately. It’s a matter of basic human rights.
Do you have any updates on the evacuation process for people with disabilities in Ukraine? It’s concerning to hear about the inhuman conditions they are facing.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the dire situation of people with disabilities in conflict zones. Immediate action is crucial to save lives and protect their rights.
As an advocate for disability rights, it is horrifying to hear about the dire situation of people with disabilities in Ukraine. The use of individuals with disabilities as “human shields” is not only a violation of basic human rights but also constitutes a grave ethical issue. Immediate action must be taken to prioritize their evacuation and ensure their safety. Both Ukraine and Russia must act swiftly to protect the most vulnerable in times of conflict.