The United Nations Human Rights Office has formally requested permission from Moscow to send representatives to Russian regions affected by recent cross-border attacks from Ukrainian forces.
This appeal marks the latest attempt by the UN to gain access for a human rights monitoring mission amid escalating conflict in the region.
Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, confirmed the request in an email to AFP on Thursday. “I can confirm that the UN Human Rights Office has sent a request to the Russian authorities,” Throssell stated.
The office is seeking to visit the Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk regions, which have been significantly impacted by recent military actions. The formal request was submitted to Russian officials on Wednesday.
The UN’s request is part of a broader effort to monitor human rights conditions in areas affected by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite previous appeals for access to both Russian and Ukrainian territories under occupation, the UN has not received authorization from Moscow.
The urgency of the situation has intensified following recent developments in the Kursk region. Last Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched a major offensive into the area, capturing numerous towns and cities.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko announced that Kyiv aims to establish a “buffer zone” in Kursk to prevent further Russian cross-border strikes.
As of Thursday, Ukraine’s top military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces now control approximately 1,150 square kilometers (444 square miles) of territory in the region.
The offensive has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes in the affected areas.
The Belgorod region, which borders Kursk, declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in response to the escalating violence and its impact on local communities.
The UN Human Rights Office’s request for access is crucial for assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that human rights are upheld amidst the conflict.
However, previous attempts by the UN to gain access to conflict zones have faced resistance from both Russian and Ukrainian authorities.
The international community continues to watch closely as the situation evolves, with concerns mounting over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing hostilities.
The UN’s ability to conduct on-site investigations and provide independent assessments could play a key role in addressing human rights violations and facilitating a resolution to the conflict.
As the situation remains fluid, the response from Moscow to the UN’s latest request will be closely scrutinized by global observers and human rights advocates alike.