The 20th Autumn Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE COP) continues in Warsaw. Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, MP, participated in a session on the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in situations of armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
In his intervention during the discussion on the issue of the devastating consequences of the war in Ukraine, Mr. Hatzigiannis noted that the separation of the humanitarian and political aspects of the conflict is necessary to enable the provision of the necessary assistance to the civilians.
Expressing regret for the deaths, violence, displacement of millions of people, as well as the deliberate destruction of state infrastructure in Ukraine, Mr. Hatzigiannis pointed out that the bombing of the country's energy network will further aggravate the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches.
Furthermore, the Cypriot MP noted that the sanctions imposed on Russia and its reaction to them have caused an economic and food crisis that may undermine global stability.
At this critical juncture, Hatzigiannis stressed, the primary objective is to support and relieve the Ukrainian people who are experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. As members of the C.S. OSCE, the Cypriot MP stressed, we should use the potential of parliamentary diplomacy to promote dialogue, end hostilities, open new humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians, investigate the fate of missing persons, facilitate the exchange of prisoners and continue the flow of humanitarian aid.
Referring to the alarming reports of mass graves of civilians, Mr. Hatzigiannis noted that they should be investigated immediately and thoroughly, recalling the recent UN General Assembly resolution stating that those responsible for any violation of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law should be held accountable.
Regarding the refugee crisis, Hatzigiannis said that the displacement of millions of people dictates immediate collective action. In addition, the Cypriot MP stressed, the neighbouring host countries should receive further support in terms of resources and infrastructure in order to make the accommodation of Ukrainian citizens smoother. He noted that civil society organisations can make a substantial contribution in this direction.
Finally, referring to Cyprus, Hatzigiannis pointed out that despite the difficulties it faces as the EU Member State with the largest number of asylum seekers in proportion to its population, it has received more than 15 thousand Ukrainian refugees since last February, offering access to housing, healthcare and education in line with the relevant EU directive.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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