With the Russian invasion of Ukraine into its second week, there are increasing calls for the protection of civilians and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the face of alleged war crimes and an increasingly dire humanitarian situation.

As it currently stands, the conflict has displaced more than 1.3 million people, the largest number of European refugees since the Balkan Wars, with most fleeing from Ukraine into neighbouring Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. The United Nations has estimated that over 12 million people require humanitarian aid and protection, and more than 4 million Ukrainians are expected to eventually flee into neighbouring countries as the fighting becomes more urban, indiscriminate and intense.

The conflict has also seen 360 civilians killed and more than 750 injured, although these numbers are estimated to be higher due to difficulties reporting on the ground. Amnesty International has reported that violations of humanitarian and human rights law have been documented. These include civilian deaths and indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas and public infrastructure, such as hospitals and civic buildings, by ballistic missiles and cluster bombs. They have lead to allegations of war crimes.

Florence Gillette, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Kyiv, has pleaded for parties to adhere to the rule of law to protect civilians and has stated that “international humanitarian law is clear: all parties to the conflict have a legal obligation to ensure that military operations are planned and conducted in a way as to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian objects.”

In what is a positive step, the United Nations has recently announced a coordinated emergency appeal for a combined $1.7 billion in humanitarian aid to support the Ukrainian people and refugees in neighbouring countries. This comes after the European Union, the United States and the international community more broadly have committed to provided much needed aid to support civilians in Ukraine.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court has launched an investigation into alleged war crimes committed, including those targeted against civilians, to hold perpetrators to account. Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, has said that “I think the world is watching. The world expects better” and that “any side that targets – directly targets – civilians or civilian objects is committing a crime.”

It is paramount a peaceful solution needs to be found to put an end to the conflict and to ensure that civilians are safe. This can be achieved through continuing dialogue and diplomacy while also pressuring the aggressor, Russia, to cease their invasion. In the meantime, conflicting parties must abide by international law to ensure the protection of civilians and to stop illegal attacks on urban centers. Crucial infrastructure, such as water and power need to be spared from attacks, targeted or indiscriminate, so the population can access healthcare, sanitation, water and education while the conflict continues. Finally, international monitors and aid agencies need to be allowed access, and to be protected, so any war crimes or human rights abuses can be documented and so the country’s most vulnerable can be cared for.

These steps can ensure that the civilians are protected from the horrors of war while a peaceful solution is found to end the conflict that has caused the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe for decades.