Global hypocrisies exposed

Consequences: Maxar Satellite image of the aftermath of an airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theater, in southern Ukraine, on March 19. Rescuers searched for hundreds of civilians feared trapped under the wreckage. — AFP

“WAR! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” These are the opening lyrics of the 1970 song War! by Edwin Starr, which at the time was a protest against the Vietnam War. Now, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the song has suddenly become relevant again.

People all around the world have looked on with shock and horror at the unfolding heartbreaking scenes of war in Ukraine. Unsurprisingly, many have reacted emotionally, especially as we have not even overcome the trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic. Non-military facilities in Ukraine have been bombed and hundreds of civilians have been killed, including children. Ten million Ukrainians – almost one quarter of its population – have become refugees, exacerbating the global refugee crisis. Six and a half million are internally displaced.