This photograph taken on March 4, 2022, shows smoke rising behind the train station of Chernihiv. Forty-seven people died on March 3 when Russian forces hit residential areas, including schools and a high-rise apartment building, in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, officials said. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)
MANILA, Philipines —The European Union (EU) delegation to the Philippines expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ support of a United Nations (UN) resolution that sought an end to the hostilities and protection of civilians in Ukraine.
“Heartened to see the Philippines supporting the resolution on the heartless and cruel humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine,” it said in a post on Twitter.
“We #StandWithUkraine and will continue standing with the Ukrainian people,” it added.
The EU delegation made the remark after the Philippines joined 139 other countries in voting for a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on the scale of humanitarian woes caused by Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
During the 11th Emergency Special Session on March 24, UNGA adopted Resolution A/ES-11/L.2 on the humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine, with 140 countries, including the Philippines, voting in favor; 38 abstentions; and five against —Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea, and Belarus.
The resolution recognized that Russia’s military offensive and its humanitarian consequences are on a scale that has not been seen in Europe in many decades.
UNGA demanded full protection for civilians, including humanitarian personnel, journalists, and persons in vulnerable situations, women and children among them. It further demanded full respect for all medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties.
It also called on all parties to protect civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence, including foreign nationals, notably students, without discrimination.
The assembly also demanded voluntary, safe, and unhindered passage as well as access for humanitarian personnel to those in need within Ukraine and neighboring countries.
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