03 February 2017•Update: 03 February 2017
By Fatih Erel
GENEVA
The UN on Friday made a terse warning over dire human rights situation of civilians in eastern Ukraine amid renewed violence.
"We are seriously concerned about the dire humanitarian and human rights situation of civilians in eastern Ukraine where there has been an escalation in fighting along the contact line," UN said in a statement.
A recent wave of shelling has killed at least seven people and injured a further 41, according to UN Human Rights Office staff.
"Reports suggest that two hospitals, a polyclinic, a dental clinic, three schools, and a kindergarten were damaged by shelling in Makiivka and Donetsk city, which are controlled by armed groups," UN said.
"There should be an immediate pause in hostilities to prevent further loss of life and to enable the repair of essential services. We also urge immediate and unhindered humanitarian access for international and national organizations to the affected population, and reiterate our call for the effective and urgent implementation of the Minsk agreements," UN said.
The UN warned that both government forces and armed groups must take "all feasible measures to protect the civilian population in the areas under their control".
