At least six people were killed Tuesday after a Russian missile hit a busy street in the city of Kherson, according to humanitarian workers. Most of the victims were standing at the bus stop, United Nations Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York that day.
Targeted identities and shelters
Independent rights experts appointed by the United Nations are also expressed concern “continues to smear the history and identity of the Ukrainian people as a justification for war and hatred.”
Experts report to the United Nations Dong Nhan Quyen Association as the Authorized Special Rapporteur, cited reports that places of cultural significance in Ukraine were intentionally targeted, when they were in need of protection, in accordance with the law. international law, in particular the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Case of Armed Conflict.
Important cultural sites of Ukraine that were attacked include buildings clearly marked as shelters for residents, including children, as well as museums, libraries, and churches. “The indiscriminate and indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas, and the damage caused to civilian infrastructure in the process, in the severity indicate a deliberate campaign of destruction”. statement.
According to the United Nations agency for culture, education and science, more than 240 Ukrainian heritage sites are estimated to have been damaged since the Russian invasion on February 24 last year. UNESCO.
But the actual number of attacks maybe more than 1,000rights experts said.
twisted story
“Ukrainian literary archives, museums and historical archives – are being destroyed, and there is a widespread narrative of defamation and smearing of Ukrainian culture and identity by Russian officials. promoted, along with calls for ideological repression and strict censorship in the political and cultural sphere. and the education sector. Let us be clear: the people of Ukraine have a right to their identity. No one can violate this right.”
In eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Russia in March 2014, experts assert that efforts are being made to “delete the local culture, history and language” in cultural institutions. culture and education.
Instead, communities face seeing them replaced by Russian as well as Russian and Soviet history and culture.
Ukrainian books labeled ‘extremist’
Experts report: “History books and documents deemed ‘extremist’ of Ukraine were confiscated from public libraries in cities and towns in the occupied territory of Luhansk, Donetsk, Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts and destroyed by occupying forces.” “The same has been reported in school history handbooks in several cities.”
Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a particular human rights topic or national situation. The positions are honorary and the professionals are not employees of the United Nations, nor are they paid for their work.
