CoE calls on members to step up humanitarian support for Ukraine

The Council of Europe has called on member states, especially those not bordering Ukraine, to step up support for the humanitarian needs of refugees fleeing ongoing hostilities sparked by Russia in the country.

 

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic stressed yesterday that there was an urgent need for all member states to make medium- and long-term plans to ensure genuine humanitarian assistance.

 

The council now has 46 members after Russia was suspended for its war on Ukraine.

 

She indicated that most of the assistance was being provided by civil society groups and local civilian efforts that are not sustainable, adding that it is important that state governments assume more responsibility.

 

More than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine and the majority have found shelter in neighboring countries since the beginning of the war on February 24, while another about 6.5 million internally displaced people are likely to leave the country due to ongoing clashes.