At least 136 civilians killed in Ukraine since Russia launched war, says UN

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - The United Nations Human Rights Office said Tuesday that it has recorded the deaths of 136 civilians in Ukraine since Russia launched a war last week, including 13 children.

“Between 24 February morning and midnight last night, our office has recorded 536 civilian casualties in Ukraine,” Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the high commissioner for human rights, said at a UN news conference in Geneva.

“These include 136 civilians killed, of whom 13 were children, and 400 civilians injured, among them 26 children.”

Most of the casualties, she said, were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, and airstrikes.

“These are only the casualties we were able to cross-check, and the real toll is likely to be much higher,” said Throssell.

She also said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet stressed the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects should be avoided in populated areas due to the very high risks of indiscriminate and disproportionate impact on civilians.

“We stress the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities,” said Throssell.