As an organisation committed to having a positive impact in the world, Itad is horrified by the loss of civilian lives life and the threat of violence and suffering facing Ukraine’s population. We call for an immediate end to hostilities, and for international human rights and humanitarian laws to be respected. The protection of life is of paramount importance. It is vital that civilians everywhere are safeguarded and we stand in solidarity with all those affected by violence, wherever they may be.
The protection of civilians must be assured: respect for international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations are vital to preserving peace. All Members of the United Nations must redouble their commitment to “settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered” as the UN Charter requires.
In any conflict it is always the most vulnerable people who are the worst affected. As conflict and its consequences ravage economies, it is people living in poverty, on both sides, who will lose their jobs and their access to services, and who will struggle most to cope with daily life. Women and girls are most at risk during conflicts and emergencies as gender-based violence and exploitation soar, and access to vital health services is blocked.
Rob Lloyd, Itad’s Managing Partner, says: ‘We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all those affected by the violence. We call on an immediate end to hostilities, for international and humanitarian law to be respected and the UK and other European governments to ensure people forced to flee the violence in Ukraine are granted safe passage and protection in member countries.’
