UN blames Russia for quitting the grain deal, making right to food out of reach
Photo: Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (Getty Images)
Russia's withdrawal from the grain initiative has made access to food unattainable for many people, particularly on the African continent, considers United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.
"The Russian Federation's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, and attacks on grain facilities in Odesa and elsewhere, have again forced prices sky-high in many developing countries – taking the right to food far out of reach for many people," he said.
According to Turk, a high level of food insecurity is observed in Somalia and other African countries, particularly in the context of drought.
Background
In July of this year, Russia announced its withdrawal from the grain deal due to alleged non-compliance with its terms. Subsequently, occupiers began shelling Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine.
In early August, Ukraine declared the opening of temporary corridors for trade vessels in the Black Sea.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan promises good news regarding the grain deal despite failed negotiations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
At the same time, Bild reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with four proposals in exchange for Russia's re-engagement in the grain initiative. Among them are the return of the Russian Central Bank to SWIFT and the unfreezing of Russian assets.
Ukraine strongly criticized the possible proposals from the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing that such concessions would mean a victory for Russia.
