The Red Cross is ready to assist with the evacuation from the occupied town of Oleshky
This was announced by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada’s Commissioner for Human Rights.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed its readiness to assist in organising the safe evacuation of civilians from the occupied town of Oleshky and neighbouring settlements in the Kherson region.
This concerns Oleshky, Hola Prystan, Stara Zburivka and Nova Zburivka, where, according to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, the humanitarian situation remains critical.
According to his information, over six thousand people are effectively deprived of access to water, food, medical care and the ability to leave. Among them are around 200 children, most of whom have limited mobility.
Lubinec noted that the population of Oleshky has fallen more than tenfold during the years of occupation – from 24,000 to approximately 2,000 people.
Overall, the number of residents in these settlements has fallen from around 40,000 to approximately 6,000.
According to the Ombudsman, the Russian occupiers are blocking people from leaving and hindering the supply of food and medicines.
What was the Red Cross’s response?
Lubinec reported that he had previously appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and to the Human Rights Commissioner in the Russian Federation, demanding that they organise the safe evacuation of the civilian population.
The ICRC’s response, he said, confirmed the organisation’s readiness to take the necessary measures.
“Work is currently underway with all relevant parties to develop safe evacuation routes. Once decisions have been agreed, concrete steps will be taken to facilitate the departure of civilians in need,” Lubinets noted.
A consolidated list of people requiring assistance and evacuation has already been forwarded to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Ombudsman stated that he is in constant contact with the organisation and is awaiting concrete humanitarian solutions.
What is known about the situation in Oleshky
Oleshky, on the left bank of the Kherson region, has been under Russian occupation since February 2022.
Oleshky is effectively under a complete humanitarian blockade, with access roads mined, and residents, according to the publication, are dying of starvation.
Lubinec had previously called on the ICRC to “move from observation to decisive action”.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also called on the international community to help save the residents of occupied Kherson Oblast.
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