Michelle Bachelet, a United Nations (UN) Human Rights Chief hasl said that her office had verified 1,189 civilian deaths in Ukraine, including 98 children, since the invasion began on 24 February.
However, the true toll is likely to be far higher, she warned, explaining that it was difficult to confirm casualties in the areas most affected by the war, such as Mariupol.
Bachelet said: “Civilians are enduring immeasurable suffering and the humanitarian crisis is critical.”
There has been a “significant increase” in the mortality rate among civilians in besieged cities, she said.
This could be attributed to disrupted medical care coupled with conflict-related deprivation and stress, she added.
BBC News
