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Iraq: ICRC Calls for Greater Respect for Basic Tenets of
Humanity
"We are deeply concerned by the devastating impact that the fighting in Iraq is having on the people of that country."- Statement by Pierre Krähenbühl, Director of Operations of the ICRC
November 19, 2004
As hostilities continue in Falluja and elsewhere, every day seems to bring news of yet another act of utter contempt for the most basic tenet of humanity: the obligation to protect human life and dignity. This week it was the killing of a wounded fighter and of yet another hostage - humanitarian worker Margaret Hassan - that shocked the world. Like any other armed conflict, this one is subject to limits, and they must be respected at all times.
For the parties to this conflict, complying with international humanitarian law is an obligation, not an option. There is an absolute prohibition on the killing of persons who are not taking active part in the hostilities, or have ceased to do so. It is also prohibited to torture them or to subject them to any form of inhuman, humiliating or degrading treatment. Furthermore, the parties to the conflict must provide adequate medical care for the wounded - friend or foe - on the battlefield or allow them to be taken elsewhere for treatment. They must do everything possible to help civilians caught up in the fighting obtain the basics of survival such as food, water and health care. The taking of hostages, whether Iraqi or foreign, is forbidden in all circumstances. If these rules or any other applicable rules of international humanitarian law are violated, the persons responsible must be held accountable for their actions.
Regrettably, recent events have again shown just how difficult it has become for neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organizations to assist and protect the victims of the conflict in Iraq. Once again, the International Committee of the Red Cross appeals for everything possible to be done to allow such organizations to come to the aid of the thousands of Iraqis who are suffering."
Iraq: Civilians Must be Spared and the Sick and Wounded
Treated
Geneva (ICRC) -- The ICRC reminds all those involved in the armed confrontations in Iraq that international humanitarian law prohibits the killing or harming of civilians who are not directly taking part in the hostilities.
November 9, 2004
It calls upon all fighters to take every feasible precaution to spare civilians and civilian property and to respect the principles of distinction and proportionality in all military operations.
Deeply concerned about reports that the injured cannot receive adequate medical care, the ICRC urges the belligerents to ensure that all those in need of such care - whether friend or foe - be given access to medical facilities and that medical personnel and vehicles can function without hindrance at all times.
Thousands of Iraqi civilians, including women, children and elderly persons, have fled the fighting in Falluja and taken refuge in the surrounding areas. Many of these displaced people need assistance in the form of food, water, shelter and medical care. They should be allowed to return home safely as soon as possible.
The ICRC remains committed to pursuing its humanitarian work in Iraq and urges all parties to facilitate the passage of its aid convoys and the delivery of its neutral assistance to civilians affected by the conflict.
Iraq: Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Provided to the
Inhabitants of Falluja
The ICRC provided the main hospital in Falluja with 1.5 tonnes of emergency medical and surgical aid on 13 October to meet urgent needs.
October 19, 2004
Two ambulances from the health service in Anbar province made the delivery.
Aid was also sent into the area by truck for hundreds of families that have fled the city of Falluja towards the localities of Habaniya, Saqlawiya and Amiriya. 1,500 kits each containing 15kg of basic food necessities were provided together with 1,000 jerry cans and hygiene items.
The ICRC is very concerned about the growing violence in Falluja. It urges all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and allow the wounded access to hospitals for medical treatment.
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