On Wednesday, a Russian airstrike targeted a children’s hospital and maternity ward in the stricken city of Mariupol, wounding 17 people and trapping children and others under the rubble.

The bombing has not been independently verified, but Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, said the UN was urgently investigating the “shocking” reports.

He reiterated the UN’s call for an immediate halt to attacks on healthcare, hospitals, health workers, and ambulances, reminding that “none of these, should ever be a target.”

Any attacks on healthcare, are a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law.

In a tweet, Guterres described reports of the attack as “horrific”, noting that civilians were paying “the highest price, for a war that has nothing to do with them. This senseless violence must stop.” (ILKHA)

Today's attack on a hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, where maternity & children's wards are located, is horrific.

Civilians are paying the highest price for a war that has nothing to do with them.

This senseless violence must stop.

End the bloodshed now.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 9, 2022