The number of Ukrainian refugees returning to their country has passed 700,000 despite it being an “incredibly dangerous place for civilians”, officials have stated.
The main reason given is that people want to “reconnect with their families”, with thousands returning every day to Kyiv, in spite of the Russian bombardments.
During a visit to the Ukraine border on Friday, The National found civilians returning to their country who stated it was “better to die together” than suffer the anxiety of being apart.
But those fleeing the country still outnumber those returning, with almost 5 million refugees having fled Ukraine, according to the UN's refugee agency.
“It’s quite alarming that within the space of a few weeks we are approaching five million refugees from Ukraine,” said UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo. “This is the fastest-growing and one of the largest refugee crises we are seeing in Europe since the Second World War.”
There are now 12 million people — more than a quarter of Ukraine’s 44 million population — who are either refugees or internally displaced, officials said.
This has led to a significant requirement for more food, drinking water, shelter, medicine and cash. “There also needs to be more support around mental health as the population has been traumatised,” a British official said.
The elderly and disabled need assistance too, as “they cannot move and they desperately need help as they are caught up in fighting”, he added.
“It is incredibly dangerous for those who remain and it is difficult to get convoys in. Three quarters have been successful.”
It is estimated that the number of people being supported by the World Food Programme will double from one million to two million within a week, he said.
According to figures released by the World Health Organisation on Tuesday there have been 132 attacks on health facilities, including 16 on ambulances, 24 on personnel and 12 on patients. At least two warehouses stockpiling medical aid have also been hit.
It also was reported that Russia might be deliberately using sexual violence against women to subjugate the population in areas it has occupied.
It was still unclear if this was the “policy of the Russian army or rogue soldiers” but “we need more evidence gathering”, the UK official said.
“Once the evidence is completed maybe we can say it was a policy but I don't think we're there yet. Only that human rights abuses and atrocities are happening.”
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
More from UAE Human Development Report:
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
