April 15, 2022

Russia fires missiles at civilian targets but fails to advance on the ground, Ukraine says

Ukraine Defense Ministry

The fifty-first day of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people to a russian military invasion continues. A russian federation continues its full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine.

During the today in all directions the situation has not changed significantly. A russian enemy continues to launch missile strikes on industrial and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and is trying to launch an offensive in some areas. Air strikes on the city of Mariupol continue.

The partial blockade of Kharkiv continues.

In the Donetsk direction, the russian enemy tried to storm Marinka, but was unsuccessful.

In violation of the norms of International Humanitarian Law, the russian occupiers in the temporarily occupied territories continue to oppress the rights of Ukrainian citizens. Violating the rules of warfare, sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the enemy, to carry out sabotage on the territory of Ukraine, steal or, threatening physical violence, take away motor vehicles and civilian clothes from local residents.

In order to suppress Ukrainian resistance, the russian occupiers are filtering and searching for people involved in military service.

In the areas of Luhansk oblast temporarily occupied by the russian enemy, the usage of buildings and adjacent territories of secondary schools for the installation of additional field hospitals, places for weapons, ammunition and military equipment is recorded.

In some settlements, the russian enemy is trying to imitate elections and illegally appoint “local governments” from among local residents loyal to the occupying power.

Units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to maintain certain defensive lines, inflict losses on the enemy and gradually liberate settlements from the troops of russian invaders.

We believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Let’s win together!

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.