Introduction
The Ukraine crisis has raised tough considerations concerning wartime human rights duties. One photo of an older woman being helped across the Irpin River on a temporary walkway beneath a collapsed bridge from Al Jazeera (2023) shows the human cost of war.
Discussion
This essay examines whether current human rights laws and mechanisms prevent gross human rights violations during armed conflict, the role of people in securing safeguards, and the nations’ responsibility to respect human rights. The image below illustrates Ukraine’s complicated situation and its impact on the population.
The image of the older woman running away from the Ukrainian city of Irpin left a deep impression on me. This woman, like many others, was forced to flee her house and cross a dangerous river on an improvised path by warring parties. States must safeguard human rights amid wartime more than ever. Citizens must demand accountability from governments and leaders during times of war. Governments must support measures that protect the rights of all armed conflict victims, regardless of country or political affiliation.
Even when people demand action from their leaders, human rights laws and institutions should prevent catastrophic human rights violations during wartime. The three pillars of the International Bill of Human Rights provide a firm framework for human rights protection. The International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice are essential for prosecuting human rights violators. Armed conflict atrocities show the necessity for innovative human rights protection tactics. During crises, human lives and fundamental needs must be protected.
Conclusion
Finally, the sight of the older woman fleeing Irpin is a sad reminder of the importance of protecting human rights, even during wartime. Everyone has a responsibility to press their governments for action and to continue pushing for the development of creative approaches to human rights protection. To ensure that no one is subjected to the horrors of war, we must all act together to prevent it from occurring.
Reference
Al Jazeera. (2023). A year of Russia’s war in Ukraine: Haunting photos of tragedy. Russia-Ukraine war News | Al Jazeera. Web.