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UN calls for ‘comprehensive, just and lasting peace’ in Ukraine on first anniversary of war – JURIST

In a special session, the UN General Assembly Thursday adopted a resolution urging “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” The vote came only one day before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Though the vote was symbolic and non-binding, countries repeatedly emphasized their hope that the resolution would bring about an end to the war.The resolution calls for UN member states to support peace in Ukraine and for Russia to “completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” Recognizing that Russia is in the midst of a renewed military attack, the resolution also urges adherence to international humanitarian law in ensuring the safety of civilians and for the immediate cessation of attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.The resolution passed Thursday afternoon with 141 votes in favor, 7 against and 32 abstentions.UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke on the resolution Wednesday. He said:While prospects may look bleak today we must all work, knowing that genuine, lasting peace must be based on the UN Charter and international law. The longer the fighting continues, the more difficult this work will be. We don’t have a moment to lose.President of the UN General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi emphasized the dire situation in Ukraine, stating “The staggering scale of loss defy the human ability to absorb.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Tuesday confirmed that a total of 8,006 civilians have died in the war in Ukraine, with another 13,287 injured. On top of that, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that over eight million refugees have fled Ukraine because of the war.