UN official: Death toll in weeks of Ukraine violence in restive south, east up to 127

UNITED NATIONS – A U.N. official says 127 people have died in several weeks of violence in Ukraine's south and east.

The death toll announced Wednesday highlights Ukraine's tenuous security situation as armed pro-Russian insurgents in the east try to disrupt Sunday's presidential elections.

Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic told the Security Council the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine continues to get worse, with "more arms, and more arms being used."

Simonovic also warned of a "wave of displaced persons" emerging from the troubled east. He said about 1,000 have been officially registered so far but said the real number is likely much higher.

He also criticized recent abductions of electoral commission members and related intimidation, saying it would make Sunday's elections "that much more difficult."