http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/66VK3T?OpenDocument
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
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."
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