A call for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful end to the Russian aggression against Ukraine

Abstract

The Lancet–SIGHT Commission condemns the Russian Government's aggression against Ukraine and its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health workers and hospitals. We support the March 2, 2022 UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution ES-11/1 that “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation”. The indiscriminate use of weaponry violates international humanitarian law and has caused catastrophic health impacts, especially on children, older people, and disabled persons, and social and economic disruptions that will be long lasting. There are nuclear risks, both from Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear facilities and the potential for nuclear weapons use. There is a further risk that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the appointment of a mediator to facilitate negotiations for a sustainable and peaceful settlement on the basis of international law to end the conflict. We urge the global health community to deliver humanitarian assistance impartially to all those affected by and fleeing the war; document atrocities committed against civilians and the devastating impacts of the war; counter disinformation about the conflict; and advocate for a peaceful settlement. We also call for an end to the repression of those in Russia protesting the war.