UN Humanitarian Chief Voices Concern Over Deliberate Targeting of Civilians in Middle East, Africa Conflicts

Strategic Insights -

UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos expressed strong concern over the deliberate targeting of civilians in conflicts in the Middle East and North and sub-Saharan Africa. Amos stated that the deliberate targeting of civilians or disregard for international humanitarian law results in hundreds of civilians killed, injured, maimed, and traumatized every week. The UN official highlighted the series of crises in Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Cote d'Ivoire, where civilians have been affected by violence and human rights violations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Valerie Amos, UN humanitarian chief, voiced concern over the deliberate targeting of civilians in conflicts in the Middle East and North and sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Reports indicate that hundreds of civilians are killed, injured, maimed, and traumatized every week due to deliberate targeting or disregard for international humanitarian law.
  • Conflicts in Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Cote d'Ivoire have led to serious allegations of human rights violations, including violations of the rules regulating the conduct of hostilities.
  • The humanitarian situation in Misrata, Libya, is precarious due to violence, hampering access to food, water, and aid for civilians.
  • Civilians in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to be killed and injured as parties fail to comply with their obligations in the conduct of hostilities.
  • The UN Security Council has a responsibility to promote compliance with international humanitarian law and accountability for serious violations.

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of civilians are killed, injured, maimed, and traumatized every week due to deliberate targeting or disregard for international humanitarian law.
  • The conflicts in Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Cote d'Ivoire have led to serious allegations of human rights violations.
  • The humanitarian situation in Misrata, Libya, is precarious.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX
  • UNITED NATIONS, May 10, 2011
  • Copyright 2011 XINHUA NEWS AGENCY