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Three resolutions on the refugee crisis in Ukraine
Following Russia’s decision to push for a vote on a Security Council resolution that makes no mention of its attack on its smaller neighbor, the United Nations will face three resolutions on the increasing humanitarian situation in Ukraine on Wednesday.
The United Nations General Assembly is set to begin debating two competing resolutions on Wednesday morning: one backed by Ukraine and Western nations that explicitly blames Russia for the increasing humanitarian situation, and the other sponsored by South Africa that does not.
The third resolution, sponsored by Russia and severely criticized for failing to mention its invasion of Ukraine, will be voted on by the Security Council. . Last Friday, Russia called off a council vote on the measure because diplomats expected it would be massively defeated, with many abstentions and few “yes” votes, while at least nine votes are required for approval and no vetoes.
Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, informed reporters on Tuesday that Russia has requested a vote on Wednesday. It was set to take place following the Security Council’s planned discussion on cooperation with the Arab League on Wednesday morning.
Polyansky stated that if Western countries do not support the Russian resolution, it will be a “reflection of their dishonesty” and refusal to support a purely humanitarian action “without any politicization,” as prior humanitarian resolutions issued by the 15-member council have been.
Russia canceled Friday’s vote on its resolution “because they recognized they didn’t have support for that resolution,” according to US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She stated that there is still no support.
After Russia made it obvious after two weeks of deliberations in the Security Council that it would veto their text, France and Mexico decided to take their humanitarian resolution to the 193-member General Assembly. The humanitarian situation is linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The two nations, along with 20 others, including Ukraine and the United States, wrote to the assembly president on Monday, requesting that the extraordinary session of the General Assembly be reconvened on Wednesday to vote on the resolution.
South Africa circulated a competing draught resolution on Monday that is identical to the Russian language before the Security Council but does not name Russian aggression. On Tuesday, it was transmitted to the United Nations General Assembly.
As a first step toward improving the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the South African draught calls for “immediate suspension of hostilities” and urges “political engagement, talks, mediation, and other peaceful means aimed at attaining sustainable peace.”
According to a list of speakers acquired by The Associated Press on Tuesday night, 61 countries intended to address the assembly on the topic. As a result, the vote could take place either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
Ukraine and South Africa were the first two speakers, each presenting the Western-backed resolution they support and helped design. Although Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally enforceable, they do have strength in terms of representing international opinion because they lack veto power.
Supporters of the French-Mexican resolution hoped to garner the same vote for the draught as they did for a resolution passed by the assembly on March 2 that demanded an immediate end to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and the departure of all Russian forces. Supporters welcomed the resolution as proof of Russia’s global isolation as it passed 141-5 with 35 abstentions.
“Russia is the offender here, and it is outrageous for Russia to believe it can bring up a humanitarian settlement,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “Russia needs to stop fighting.” It must halt the slaughter of Ukrainians. It must cease targeting civilians and evicting people from their homes, resulting in a humanitarian disaster.”
The French-Mexican draught resolution reiterates the March 2 demand that Russia ceases its military offensive in Ukraine and evacuate all soldiers, as well as protection for all people and critical infrastructure.
The proposal condemns Russia’s action against Ukraine, claiming that the “dire humanitarian repercussions” are “on a magnitude that the world community has not seen in Europe in decades.” It also condemns Russia’s shelling, bombing, and “besiegement” of highly populated cities, especially Mariupol in the south.
The draught resolution expresses strong opposition to assaults on people and “civilian objects,” such as evacuation convoys, and calls on all parties to “protect civilians escaping armed conflict and violence.”It also necessitates that assistance workers have unrestricted access to their transportation, supplies, and equipment.
Russia’s suggested humanistic resolution, which was distributed a day after France and Mexico announced that their text will be presented to the UN General Assembly, makes no mention of the war. It simply asks for the protection of civilians “in vulnerable situations” as well as safe passage for humanitarian aid and individuals fleeing Ukraine.
It supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for engagement and negotiations, as well as a negotiated cease-fire that allows “all civilians” to be evacuated quickly.
Russia’s plan goes on to declare that “the parties concerned must agree on humanitarian pauses to this aim,” but never names the parties involved. Russian authorities assert that they did not initiate the conflict, and they have wrongly dismissed reports of Russian military defeats or civilian deaths in Ukraine. Russian forces, according to state media and government authorities, are only targeting military targets.
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Storm Disrupts Fishing Season in Uran
Fishermen face losses as rough seas halt operations and diesel quota remains pending.
The Storm
The fishing season in Uran has barely begun, but local fishermen are already facing difficulties. Rough weather and strong winds in the sea have forced several fishing boats to remain anchored at Karaj and other nearby ports.
The disruption has come at a difficult time for the fishing community, which is already struggling with rising operational costs and declining fish catches. With boats unable to venture into the sea, fishermen fear further financial losses during what is expected to be an important fishing season.
Another major concern is the delay in the allocation of the diesel quota. Fishermen depend heavily on subsidized diesel to operate their boats, and the delay has added to their financial burden. They have urged the authorities to approve the quota at the earliest. Fishermen have also raised concerns about the lack of a guaranteed price for their catch and adequate compensation for losses. Although fishing has been given agricultural status, they say they are yet to receive benefits comparable to those available to farmers.
For many families in Uran, fishing is not just a business but their main source of livelihood. The combination of unpredictable weather, rising costs and policy-related issues has made the beginning of this season particularly challenging.
Fishermen are now hoping that weather conditions improve soon and that the government addresses their concerns, allowing them to return to the sea and continue their work without further financial uncertainty.
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MNS Seeks Fever Profile Tests at Nerul and Karave Health Centres
Demand comes amid monsoon-related illnesses, with residents seeking quicker access to dengue and other fever tests.
The Tests
With monsoon-related illnesses on the rise, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has urged the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to start fever profile testing at its health centres in Nerul and Karave.
MNS city secretary Sachin Kadam submitted a letter to NMMC Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Mhatre, requesting that the facility be made available at the health centres in Sector 48, Nerul, and Sector 36, Karave.
At present, residents visiting these centres with fever are primarily advised to undergo malaria testing. If the report is negative, patients are asked to visit Meenatai Thackeray Hospital for further tests for dengue and other infections. Residents say the additional travel can be difficult, particularly for elderly people and those who are unwell.
A fever profile test generally includes tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis and a complete blood count (CBC), helping doctors identify the possible cause of fever at an early stage. Sachin Kadam said providing these tests locally would save patients time and reduce the need to travel to another facility for basic investigations.
Following the request, the NMMC Medical Officer reportedly assured the MNS delegation that fever profile testing would soon be introduced at both health centres. The move, if implemented, could make diagnosis more convenient for residents and help ensure that patients receive timely medical attention during the monsoon season.
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Airoli to Get Modern Digital Bus Shelters as NMMC Reviews Public Transport
Old and damaged shelters to be replaced, while new bus stops and routes will be considered based on residents’ demands.
The Digital Bus Shelters
With Navi Mumbai witnessing rapid growth and an increasing number of commuters, the NMMC Transport Committee has begun reviewing public transport facilities across the city.
As part of the initiative, Transport Committee member Advocate Yashpal Ohal conducted an on-ground inspection of Airoli Ward No. 5, covering Sectors 5, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 19, along with Diva village. Transport department officials, local representatives and social workers accompanied him during the visit.
Ohal interacted with residents, local representatives and students waiting at bus stops to understand their everyday difficulties. Commuters raised concerns about bus timings, routes, inadequate shelters and the need for better connectivity in several areas. During the inspection, the committee also explored the possibility of introducing new NMMT bus services on routes where residents have been demanding improved connectivity.
Ohal said several old and damaged bus shelters in Airoli, some of which have existed since around 1990, will be replaced with modern digital shelters. Surveys will also be conducted at locations where residents require new bus stops.
He said the aim is to make public transport more convenient and passenger-friendly. The necessary administrative procedures will be completed soon, after which work on the new digital shelters is expected to begin. The initiative is expected to provide commuters, particularly students and daily passengers, with safer and more comfortable waiting spaces.
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