The following statement is attributable to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty:

“I am alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, a town in the temporarily occupied parts of the Kherson region of Ukraine. Civilians, including children, are trapped without sufficient food, medicines, medical care, running water or electricity. Reports indicate that they face a high risk of death.

Under international humanitarian law, Russia, as the occupying power, has the duty to provide food and medical supplies and to facilitate humanitarian relief. I call for an immediate local ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the safe evacuation of civilians. The hardship and suffering of people caught along the frontlines of the war and in occupied territories demand international attention and action.”