30,000 people directly threatened by a fire on the island of Rhodes. The authorities were able to shelter them or evacuate them from the island, where a forest fire has been raging for five days.
Hundreds of people were hurriedly evacuated from the island of Rhodes on Saturday afternoon 23 July to escape the flames, some of them not even having had time to get dressed, still in their swimming costumes. The order to evacuate began to circulate in the early afternoon, with the fire getting dangerously close to the tourist sites.
A fire fanned by strong winds and the heat wave Thousands of tourists had to leave their hotels and beaches in a hurry, using every means possible. Some walked for miles to find boats that had been requisitioned, in order to get them to safety as quickly as possible, day and night. In all, 30,000 people were sheltered, according to the local authorities, and rehoused as a matter of urgency. A devouring fire that started five days ago, a wall of fire fanned by strong winds and a heatwave that is now out of control. The fire has moved closer to the coast and tourist areas. The beaches of Kiotari and Lardos have had to be evacuated.
The damage is already considerable. The wind is expected to strengthen in the afternoon, fanning the flames even further. The fire-fighting effort will take several days, according to the local authorities.
On Friday, UNESCO “strongly condemned” the Russian strikes carried out “early Thursday morning” against the city centre of Odessa, which has been a World Heritage site since January 2023.
“According to a preliminary assessment, several museums located within the World Heritage Site suffered damage, including the Archaeological Museum, the Fleet Museum and the Odessa Literature Museum”, stressed the UN organisation for culture, science and education.
“All had been marked by UNESCO and the local authorities with the Blue Shield, the distinctive emblem of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which was therefore “violated” in Odessa, UNESCO denounced.
The Russian attack, “perpetrated just two weeks after the one that destroyed a building” in the historic centre of Lviv (north-west), another world heritage site, also “coincided with the destruction of the Cultural Centre for Popular Art and Artistic Education in the town of Mykolaïv”, regretted the UN institution.
Unesco called for “an end to all attacks on cultural property protected under widely ratified international normative instruments”. “This war is a growing threat to Ukrainian culture”, it insisted, adding that it had recorded “damage to 270 Ukrainian cultural sites” since the Russian invasion began on 24 February 2022.
In January 2023, the historic centre of Odessa, a famous city on the shores of the Black Sea, was included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage in Danger because of the “threats of destruction” hanging over this site as a result of the war, which is all the more at risk because it is close to the port, a strategic infrastructure for Ukraine.
Tensions have been heightened in south-western Ukraine since Moscow rejected an agreement this week on Ukrainian grain exports, which allowed cargo ships loaded with agricultural products to leave Ukrainian ports using protected shipping lanes.
In a world where ideologies and sects often stir controversy and confusion, understanding the intricacies of these phenomena becomes paramount. The European Times had the rare opportunity to sit down with Peter Schulte, an esteemed social scientist and former Weltanschauungsbeauftragter (what many called a “sect/cult commissioner”), who delved into the depths of these subjects for over a decade. In this exclusive interview, Schulte shares his profound experiences, reflections, and observations that shed light on the often misunderstood world of “sects” and “cults.”
With a career spanning from 1998 to 2010, Schulte’s role as a representative on ideologies and sects exposed him to diverse perspectives and gripping life stories. Contrary to conventional expectations, he found that the true nature of these matters was far more complex and intertwined with society than previously believed. In this sincere conversation, Schulte addresses how his encounters with individuals seeking help often led to surprising revelations, transcending the surface-level portrayal of so-called “cults.”
As the conversation flows, Schulte also delves into his experiences with Scientology, a topic that continues to captivate public attention. Through meticulous research and analysis, he unravels the sociological factors driving the stigmatization of this religious movement, challenging prevailing perceptions and raising thought-provoking questions about societal values and morals. His book covers questions like “On what plausible basis was Scientology declared a social threat? What were the causes of these actions? Which institutions, people or other actors were significantly involved? What means did they use to make Scientology appear dangerous?”.
In this eye-opening discussion, Schulte offers a fresh perspective on the “cult problem,” urging for a more nuanced and objective approach to understanding new religiosity and spirituality. He believes that the state, not just the churches, should play a role in promoting transparency and fostering informed opinions on religious matters.
Join us as we embark on a journey of knowledge and enlightenment with Peter Schulte, exploring the hidden complexities behind ideologies and sects in this exclusive interview brought to you by The European Times.
The European Times: How did you become a “representative on ideologies and sects” (Weltanschauungsbeauftragter)?
Peter Schulte: It was actually quite trivial. I had done my doctorate as a social scientist in 1998, had been working in research for a while and was simply looking for a new challenge. By chance I came across a newspaper advertisement: people were being sought to set up and manage an information centre for religious and ideological issues. The employer was the province of Tyrol. I applied and was accepted without knowing what to expect.
How long did you work there?
PS: From 1998 to 2010, in the socio-political department of the Office of the Tyrolean Government. I had two employees, a large office and was responsible for the counselling and information area of “sectarian issues”.
What experiences did you have during this time?
PS: I found it interesting to know which people approached such an institution with which concerns. The first information I received was material from various sect counselling centres in Germany and Austria, from church and state initiatives and also from private parents. The signs were clear: the danger of so-called cults is very great and I too could be someone involved in the fight against evil in the world. The necessary weapons for this, namely information brochures of all kinds, were provided immediately.
However, the people who approached me directly for advice were less interested in literature. They were more interested in concrete, everyday problems that obviously had to do with the so-called sects. On closer examination, however, it often turned out that their problems were more complex and far-reaching and that the causal problem – i.e. the so-called cult – was only one part of the whole interaction system.
These were mostly individual life stories where an attempt was made to construct a “cult-like” context. Some help-seekers were in such a serious condition that they were no longer able to carry out counselling.
They believed in conspiracy theories and foreign powers that would restrict and manipulate them in their actions. These observations are completely ignored in the counselling scene, although in my opinion, they form an important basis for the discussion on how to deal with so-called cults.
What can you tell us about your experience with Scientology?
PS: Scientology serves many people as a projection screen for evil par excellence. It is completely irrelevant whether the accusations are true or false, what is important is that they serve to perpetuate myths about so-called sects. The counselling scene does everything to transport and maintain this image. It made me wonder when I read that in many counselling centres, Scientology is at the top of the list of requests. I could not make this observation.
During my active time, I expected members of Scientology who were looking for help, accompaniment and counselling in their exit. But no one came to me, instead people from recognised churches who wanted to leave came to me, mostly higher functionaries who did not get along with the church authority. And although they were very committed to the common good, they were full of self-doubt and guilt.
To this day, an open discourse on Scientology is missing, especially the answer to the general question of the meaning of new religiosity and spirituality in a world that has become confusing. I see another problem in the task of the classical media to publish reliable information and facts. However, with the advent of social media and new information channels, they are often forced to generate attention so that their readership does not drop out.
What made you leave the job after 12 years?
PS: I realised I was not getting anywhere. The state government had expectations that I was not willing or able to meet. As long as you spread the “sectarian danger” and thus call the spectre by its name, you are part of a community that knows no self-doubt. Everyone has to think the same and those who do not do so are threatened with exclusion and eternal banishment. It is characteristic of a large part of the counselling scene that it largely ignores contrary opinions and experiences, even though it points to this very problem in “sects”.
You wrote a book sometime later.
PS: Yes, I wanted to make my observations and experiences available to an interested public, to bring a new impulse into the discussion, so to speak. The result was a popular-scientific analysis that looks at the topic on different levels.
Your new book is entirely devoted to the subject of Scientology. Why?
PS: I wanted to know how this controversy came about, why Scientology is being observed by the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution and which sociological factors influence the social image of Scientology. To do this, I researched intensively for years, worked through documents and conducted interviews. The inspection of files of the German Federal Government alone shows how thin the data actually is and that Scientology has actually been observed by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution since 1997 without any basis.
Scientology is an interesting phenomenon because we can observe the sociological factors of exclusion and stigmatisation in the way society deals with this New Religious Movement. This discussion is neither about facts nor truth, but about the handling of values and morals. A religious movement that denounces the past of psychiatry and its methods, in general, has never existed in Germany. At the same time, I could observe that some interest groups work very intensively to present so-called drop-outs as representative of the whole community, with the aim of spreading a negative image of Scientology in society. I sometimes had the impression that this was an attempt to divert attention from the aberrations in the official churches.
Sociology Unplugged: Peter Schulte's Eye-Opening Interview on "sects" and "cults" 4
What was the reaction to your book?
PS: I expected more: more moral indignation, more arguments, more discussions. Although several thousand books are in circulation, it seems to me that the book is hushed up. Even former colleagues from the consultancy scene did not react to my publication, nor did the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Instead, I was able to read a few reviews on Amazon. However, I was neither attacked as a nest-destroyer nor as unscientific.
In the meantime, an English translation of the book is available and will be published soon.
In retrospect: How do you see the “cult problem” in general?
PS: The discussion is completely exaggerated, and nothing is questioned. The area of so-called sects only concerns certain areas of our society, and it is often about value orientations or, simply put, about the question of what is allowed and what is not. There are interest groups that have a problem with new religiosity and spirituality, people who believe that it is harmful to human beings. Why people turn to new spiritual offers, what they are looking for or find there, or the fact that people simply feel well looked after in such groups, that is completely irrelevant to these interest groups.
We should not leave the issue to the churches alone – as has happened in the past – because the state should actually have the task of ensuring transparency in matters of religion or guaranteeing the balance of information. In this way, the citizen could form an objective opinion.
FECRIS is an international association that brings together various anti-sect movements. Did you have any experience with this?
PS: In Austria, there is also an organisation that supports and promotes FECRIS. Its members are whippersnappers who oppose any form of new religiosity and spirituality. They spread strange theories about “cults” and their “methods”. I constantly had the feeling that they were trying to blame family conflicts on “cults”.
What do you do today?
PS: I am a self-employed entrepreneur in the health sector. Here I have to communicate a lot at eye level, which my clients and also I appreciate very much. I am still interested in the topic and occasionally I still receive invitations to give my opinion on the subject of religious movements.
More about Peter Schulte:
Peter Schulte is a distinguished social scientist known for his insightful contributions to sociology and ideologies. He served as a government “representative” on ideologies and sects for twelve years, gaining unique insights into the complexities of religious and ideological issues. Schulte’s research challenged prevailing perceptions, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of new religious movements. Today, he is a self-employed entrepreneur in the health sector, continuing to share his knowledge and expertise. Schulte’s passion for unravelling human behaviour and fostering informed discussions has left a lasting impact on the world of social sciences.
Elections in Spain / As Spain gears up for its next general elections, scheduled to take place on the 23rd of July, 2023, political parties are preparing to engage in a fierce battle for seats in the Congress of Deputies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the electoral process in Spain, highlighting key aspects such as the political landscape, voting system, and the significance of the upcoming elections.
The extraordinary Council of Ministers on 29 May approved the royal decree dissolving the Cortes (Parliament and Senate) and calling for elections to the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, to be held on Sunday 23 July. The election campaign lasted 15 days: it began at midnight on 7 July and ended at midnight on last Friday 21 July. The resulting Houses will meet in constituent sessions on 17 August.
According to the National Statistics Institute, 37,466,432 voters will be able to vote in these elections; 35,141,122 live in Spain and 2,325,310 live abroad. Of the voters resident in Spain, 1,639,179 will be able to participate for the first time in a general election, having turned 18 years of age since the previous vote for the Cortes, held on 10 November 2019.
Spain boasts a vibrant political landscape characterized by a multi-party system. Leading parties vying for power include the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), the People’s Party (PP), VOX and SUMAR, among others. Each party brings its unique ideologies and policy platforms to the forefront, aiming to secure the trust and support of the electorate.
Voting System:
The Spanish electoral system operates on the principles of proportional representation. Constituencies across the country are allocated a specific number of seats, and citizens cast their votes for party lists rather than individual candidates. This system allows for a fair distribution of seats based on the proportion of votes received by each party, ensuring that multiple voices are represented in the Congress of Deputies.
Campaign Period:
In the months leading up to the elections, political parties embark on vigorous campaign activities to sway public opinion in their favour. Candidates crisscross the country, delivering passionate speeches, hosting rallies, and engaging with voters through various media channels. The campaign period offers an opportunity for parties to showcase their policies, connect with constituents, and build momentum towards election day.
Election Day:
On the 23rd of July, eligible citizens throughout Spain will exercise their democratic rights by casting their votes at designated polling stations. The voting process is transparent and efficient, allowing individuals to select their preferred party list. The nation awaits the outcome of this crucial day, as the collective voice of the electorate determines the composition of the Congress of Deputies.
Seat Allocation and Government Formation:
Following the conclusion of voting, seats in the Congress of Deputies will be allocated based on the proportion of votes received by each party. The party or coalition with the majority of seats will have the opportunity to form a government. The leader of the winning party assumes the role of Prime Minister, wielding significant influence over the country’s political direction.
Conclusion Before Elections in Spain:
The 23rd July 2023 elections in Spain hold immense significance as the nation prepares to choose its representatives in the Congress of Deputies. With a dynamic political landscape, proportional representation, and an engaged electorate, the outcomes of this electoral process will shape the future of governance in Spain. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as probably tonight will have the results.
It’s a cool and breezy night outside, one where there’s nothing more tempting than snuggling up in bed or on your couch. You make yourself a cup of tea, take your favorite book in hand and indulge in coziness and relaxation. Until it’s time to get up to get something. Or to go to the toilet, for example. It only takes a minute or two to find that your seat is already occupied by your pet. What’s more – he has even managed to fall asleep there already!
If this situation sounds familiar, you may be wondering, “Why does my dog always want to nap on my part of the bed and couch?” Isn’t there enough space so you don’t have to compete for a certain area?
There are a variety of reasons that may prompt your dog to occupy the spot where you normally like to take a nap. Let’s look at seven of them that will help you explain the behavior of the four-legged.
• Your place is cozy and warm
Dogs like to be warm and seek comfort, especially on a cold day. If you notice that your pet is always trying to take a nap in the place where you were just taking a nap, it’s probably because they like the heat that’s left over (that your body has produced).
Smaller and short-haired dogs are even more inclined to seek comfort in a place warmed by their owner, and even better – if it is as close as possible to their loved one!
• The place is covered with your fragrance
Our pets’ sense of smell is truly an amazing thing! Scientists believe that the part of the quadruped’s brain related to the interpretation of smells is about 40 times larger than ours! Dogs are able to smell things we can’t. And even though you can’t smell your own scent, your furry friend is very familiar with it! Adding to the fact that you are probably your dog’s favorite person, it can explain why the animal finds solace, comfort and peace in a place filled with your scent. It tells him you were there recently or reminds him of you while you’re gone.
• Your dog feels safe with you
Your dog probably sees you as his protector, associating you with security. That’s why your place on the bed or sofa is the safest place on earth for him! When quadrupeds sleep, they are in a vulnerable position. And if you are close to them or they manage to take your place, they will feel more calm and protected.
• Your dog wants attention
Your pet may have realized that the best way to get your attention is to be as close to you as possible or occupy your favorite spot on the couch/bed. Sometimes you may notice the animal exhibiting this behavior when you work late or are away from home for longer. Other signs that it might be a good idea to give your pet more attention include frequent rubbing against you and pawing.
• You encourage the behavior
As mentioned earlier, our dogs crave attention and will do anything to get it. Attention, whether good or bad, works as a kind of reward for some four-legged friends. So, it’s quite possible that you’re inadvertently encouraging and reinforcing this behavior every time your furry friend steals your spot or you catch him resting there while you’re gone.
• It is part of his routine
Dogs are creatures of habit. They like to have structure and predictability in their day. Without a routine, your pet would feel stressed and anxious as they would not know what to expect throughout the day.
Your furry companion may be taking your place at the same time every day because they consider it part of their daily schedule. If you notice that your four-legged companion takes your side of the bed and naps there while you are at work, for example, it is probably because the animal discovered how nice it is one day and has continued to do so ever since.
• Separation anxiety
Sometimes dogs who experience separation anxiety will take their owners’ places when they are not around. Anxiety is also manifested by excessive chewing, pacing, urinating at home and even howling. Four-legged friends who experience separation anxiety may feel the need to always be by your side or choose places where your scent is strongest.
Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-black-dogs-lying-on-white-loveseat-1367002/
The EU must have restoration measures in place by 2030 covering at least 20% of its land and sea areas, say MEPs.
Following a debate on Tuesday, Parliament today adopted its position on the EU nature restoration law with 336 votes in favour, 300 against and 13 abstentions. A vote to reject the Commission’s proposal did not pass (312 votes to 324 and 12 abstentions).
MEPs underline that restoring the ecosystem is key to combating climate change and biodiversity loss, and reduces risks to food security. They stress that the draft law does not impose the creation of new protected areas in the EU nor block new renewable energy infrastructure as they added a new article underlining that such installations are overwhelmingly in the public interest.
Nature restoration targets for 2030
Parliament highlights that the new law must contribute to reaching the EU’s international commitments, in particular the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework. MEPs support the Commission’s proposal to put restoration measures in place by 2030 covering at least 20% of all land and sea areas in the EU.
Parliament says that the law shall only apply when the Commission has provided data on the necessary conditions to guarantee long-term food security and when EU countries have quantified the area that needs to be restored to reach the restoration targets for each habitat type. Parliament also foresees a possibility to postpone the targets under exceptional socioeconomic consequences.
Within 12 months of this Regulation entering into force, the Commission would have to assess any gap between restoration financial needs and available EU funding and look into solutions to bridge such a gap, in particular through a dedicated EU instrument.
Quote
After the vote, rapporteur César Luena (SD, ES), said: “The Nature Restoration Law is an essential piece of the European Green Deal and follows the scientific consensus and recommendations to restore Europe’s ecosystems. Farmers and fishers will benefit from it and it ensures a habitable earth for future generations. Our position adopted today sends a clear message. Now we must continue the good work, defend our ground during the negotiations with member states and reach an agreement before the end of this Parliament’s mandate to pass the first regulation on nature restoration in the EU’s history.”
Next steps
Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with Council on the final shape of the legislation.
Background
Over 80% of European habitats are in poor shape. The Commission proposed on 22 June 2022 a regulation on nature restoration to contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU’s land and sea areas and to achieve EU climate and biodiversity objectives. According to the Commission, the new law would bring significant economic benefits, as every euro invested would result in at least 8 euro in benefits.
This legislation is responding to citizens’ expectations concerning the protection and restoration of biodiversity, the landscape and oceans as expressed in proposals 2(1), 2(3), 2(4) and 2(5) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
The EU is banning the sale of new cars and vans with combustion engines as of 2035 in order to make the road transport sector climate neutral.
In an effort to deliver on its ambitious climate goals, the EU is revising legislation in sectors that have a direct impact under the Fit for 55 package. This includes transport, the only sector in which greenhouse gas emissions remain higher than in 1990, having increased more than 25%. Transport accounts for a fifth of total EU emissions.
Average CO2 emissions from new cars was 122.3 g CO2/km in 2019, better than the EU target of 130 g CO2/km for the period 2015-2019, but well above the target of 95g/km set for 2021 onwards.
The number of electric cars has been growing fast, accounting for 11% of newly registered passenger cars in 2020.
The new legislation sets the path towards zero CO2 emissions for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2035. Intermediate emissions reduction targets for 2030 are set at 55% for cars and 50% for vans.
Targets are expressed in percentages because the 95 g/km standard will have to be recalculated according to the new more rigorous emissions test that better reflects real driving conditions.
The revised legislation should help Europeans by deploying zero CO2 emission vehicles more broadly – better air quality, energy savings and lower costs for owning a vehicle – and stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.
In addition, the EU plans to provide for more electric charging and hydrogen refuelling stations on main roads. In July 2023, Parliament adopted new rules to deploy electric charging pools for cars once every 60 kilometres along main roads by 2026, as well as hydrogen refuelling stations at least every 200 kilometres by 2031. The rules must be endorsed by the Council, before coming into force.
Moayad Hameidi, a Jordanian national, was working in Turbah, in the country’s southwest. He came under fire on Friday afternoon, and the identify of the assailants is not yet known.
WFP released a statement expressing deep sadness at the news, noting that he had only recently arrived in Yemen to assume a new job as head of the agency’s office in Taiz.
Since 2015, a Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally-recognized Government has been battling for control of the Arab nation, with Houthi militia, who control the capital and much of northern Yemen.
Taiz is the country’s third largest city and has been under siege by Houthi rebels for around seven years, creating a blockade for essential goods and humanitarian supplies for the city’s residents.
Tens of thousands of civilians have died during the grinding conflict and the UN estimates that 17 million people are still food insecure across Yemen, with projections showing that by the end of this year the number suffering high levels of acute food insecurity could rise to 3.9 million.
Food assistance from WFP is crucial to avoid potential famine and a lingering food security crisis.
‘Profound tragedy’
The agency described Mr. Hameidi, who had worked for WFP for 18 years as a “dedicated humanitarian”. He had served previously in Yemen, as well as in Sudan, Syria, and Iraq.
“The loss of our colleague is a profound tragedy for our organization and the humanitarian community,” said Richard Ragan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Yemen. “Any loss of life in humanitarian service is an unacceptable tragedy.”
The spillover will be devastating for both peace and stability in a region already experiencing political instability, climate extremes, food and water insecurity, and economic decline, the agency warned.
“We are increasingly concerned about an overflow from the security crisis in the Sahel into coastal countries – particularly the Gulf of Guinea,” said WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain following an extensive visit to Chad, Togo, and Benin.
In Chad, conflict, climate shocks, and high food and petrol costs are pushing millions into acute hunger and malnutrition. Chad hosts the largest refugee population of any country in West and Central Africa, and has been gripped by its own rising food insecurity.
The Executive Director traveled together with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, to the Sudanese border, where some 330,000 people – mostly women and children – have already crossed to escape the violence sparked by the military showdown.
“The people I spoke with on the Chad-Sudan border told me absolutely heartbreaking stories of their dangerous journey, and of loved ones they lost along the way,” Ms. McCain said.
“Too many are injured and malnourished. This is the price innocent people pay for war; what these people have been through is unacceptable, and the world must step up and help them.”
Sudanese refugees collect food aid at the Zabout refugee Camp in Chad.
Severe lack of funding
As needs are soaring in Chad, funding has not kept pace. WFP plans to reach two million refugees and vulnerable Chadians with emergency assistance but has struggled to reach even half of this goal due to insufficient funding. According to the WFP, $157 million is urgently needed to stabilize the deteriorating situation.
Ms. McCain visited Abeche, Chad to view WFP’s resilience projects that are assisting communities by laying the groundwork for sustainable food systems and self-sufficiency.
“We act now and stop Chad from becoming another victim of this crisis that has gripped the region or wait and act when it’s too late,” she added.
WFP ‘ready and committed’
Amidst the rising of violence in the Sahel, WFP stands ready and committed to supporting national governments in emergency preparedness and response.
“This is a clear example of how WFP and national governments can work together to achieve human capital development and the overall wellbeing of future generations,” said McCain.
“Urgent action is needed if we do not want to see the crisis spiral out of control.”
Ms. DiCarlo strongly condemned the aerial strikes this week on the ports in Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv, which destroyed critical infrastructure and killed or injured civilians.
The attacks followed Russia’s decision on Monday to effectively end the Black Sea Initiative, the UN-brokered accord that facilitated Ukrainian grain and foodstuffs to be shipped to international markets at a time of spiralling global food prices and rising hunger.
Ms. DiCarlo said these events are but the latest developments in Russia’s “senseless war against its neighbour”, which has consequences that can be felt around the world.
“Russia’s termination of its participation in the Black Sea Initiative, coupled with its bombardment of crucial ports, will further compound the crisis,” she warned.
By ending the deal, Moscow also withdrew security guarantees for ships navigating in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
Ms. DiCarlo said food prices have been rising around the globe since its collapse, thus adding to the agricultural, energy and financial crises already affecting the world’s most vulnerable people.
Death and destruction
“We have now witnessed a further blow to global food security, as Russia for the fourth consecutive day struck Ukraine’s Black Sea ports in Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv with missiles and drones, destroying critical port infrastructure, facilities and grain supplies,” she said.
The air raids have resulted in civilian casualties, she added. One person reportedly was killed in Odessa on Thursday, and at least eight injured, while two people were reportedly killed and 19 injured in Mykolaiv.
“We strongly condemn these attacks and urge Russia to stop them immediately,” she said, noting that such incidents may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.
“The new wave of attacks on Ukrainian ports risks having far-reaching impacts on global food security, in particular, in developing countries,” she said.
Sea mine threat
Ms. DiCarlo also expressed concern over reports of sea mines being laid in Black Sea waters, which would endanger civilian ships. She urged restraint from any further rhetoric or action that could deteriorate the already dangerous situation.
“Any risk of conflict spilling over as a result of a military incident in the Black Sea – whether intentional or by accident – must be avoided at all costs, as this could result in potentially catastrophic consequences to us all,” she said.
Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.
UN engagement continues
Ms. DiCarlo underlined the UN’s commitment towards ensuring that food and fertilizers from both Ukraine and Russia can continue to reach global markets.
This message was echoed by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths, who recalled that 362 million people in 69 countries rely on aid to survive. Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative was “immensely disappointing” while the port strikes were alarming, he said.
Concern for Ukraine’s farmers
“Farmers, as we can imagine, look on this nightly assault with great anxiety as they harvest now the crops nurtured in the shadow of war,” he told the Council.
Mr. Griffiths reported that global grain prices spiked this week, citing information from the World Food Programme (WFP). On Wednesday, wheat and corn futures rose by nearly nine per cent and eight per cent, respectively, and higher prices will be felt most by families in developing countries already at risk.
He further warned that “escalatory rhetoric” also threatens to further undermine the safe transportation of foods through the Black Sea. Without access to ports or world markets, farmers could have no choice but to stop farming.
“In addition to the global effects, this would have an immediate impact on domestic food prices and on the economic stability of Ukraine. This in turn would affect food security inside Ukraine and in the region,” he added.
