Mariupol, Ukraine: Extremely Dire Situation

Mariupol city is currently surrounded and subject to heavy shelling. Our staff tell us that shops are no longer functioning, and most have been cleaned out by people looking for basics such as food. There is no heating or electricity. Pharmacies have run out of medicine. Most worryingly, there is no access to clean water—staff report that people are breaking open heating systems to wash their hands, and melting snow to drink. Over three days (March 5-7), a ceasefire was three times agreed to allow civilians to move out of the city safely. Each time the ceasefire failed. The situation in the city is growing more and more desperate. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for safe passage for those willing and able to escape across war affected areas inside Ukraine, regardless of the existence of humanitarian corridors or ceasefires that may temporarily be put in be in place. Those who stay behind must not lose their civilian status: Warring parties must do all in their power to prevent harm to civilians at all times, in all places.