Denisova calls on UN, ICRC to evacuate Azovstal defenders to third country

The relevant statement was made by Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

In her words, the Russian Federation violates the rights of the wounded Ukrainian servicemen to medical care. About 600 wounded Ukrainian servicemen are remaining in extremely difficult conditions within the Mariupol-based Azovstal plant.

According to Denisova, there are several dozens of two-tier bunks in one room. The other wounded are lying on the floor in poor sanitation. Many people are dying, as they are unable to receive medical aid.

They have no drugs, food and practically no water. The hospital is using the water drained from the heating system.

Denisova stressed that the aggressor continued their attempts to storm the Azovstal plant, launching strikes from all kinds of weapons, including aircrafts, heavy artillery and tanks.

Russia grossly violates the rights of the wounded to life and medical care, which are guaranteed by the Hague and Geneva Conventions. In particular, Russia violates Article 12 of the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, dated August 12, 1949.

Denisova appealed to the UN Commission for Investigation into Human Rights Violations during Russia’s Military Invasion of Ukraine to take into account these facts of human right violations.

“I call on the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to save the lives of our defenders and ensure their removal from Mariupol by all possible means, including by evacuation to a third country,” Denisova noted.

A reminder that Ukraine is involving many countries, including Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and Finland, in negotiations with Russia to rescue Ukrainian servicemen from the Mariupol-based Azovstal plant.

Turkey has offered naval evacuation for the wounded Ukrainian defenders, but Russia’s position is changing every day.

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