Central African Republic: Senior UN official condemns armed, forceful entry into hospital
New York, Feb 10 (Just Earth News): Denouncing forceful entry by armed individuals into a hospital in the Central African Republic's restive PK5 neighbourhood with the intention to kill some of the patients, a senior United Nations humanitarian official has emphasized that such incidents are in violation of the international humanitarian law.
This is the second such incident at the health facility, situated in the capital, Bangui, in the last five days.
“It is unacceptable that armed elements come to a hospital, with arms to kill patients,” stressed Michel Yao, the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator and the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) office in the Central African Republic (CAR), in a news release.
The UN official also underlined that that respect for health facilities and their civilian character must be ensured, and that free and unhindered access to patients and medical staff must be safeguarded.
International humanitarian law expressly forbids attacks on or targeting of medical facilities and personnel.
“I call on all parties including national authorities to enhance the protection of civilians and peaceful cohabitation of communities,” the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator added.
At least three killed in the restive neighbourhood
According to the news release, at least 26 individuals – both civilians and combatants – were injured and at least three killed in the violence in Bangui's PK5 neighbourhood that has witnessed violent flare-ups in the past.
Several houses, a school and a church were also destroyed.
Protection of civilians continues to be a major concern in CAR where, according to estimates, 400,000 people remain displaced due to conflict and 2.2 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.
In January, the UN together with the Government and relief organizations launched a $400 million appeal for humanitarian response until 2019. Funding, however, remains a major challenge.
Clashes between the mainly Muslim Séléka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, plunged the country of 4.5 million people into civil conflict in 2013. Despite significant progress and successful elections, CAR has remained in the grip of instability and sporadic unrest.
Source: www.justearthnews.com
Top Headlines
-
News
Donald Trump picks 'smart and tough' Pam Bondi as new US Attorney General after Matt Gaetz withdraws
November 22, 2024
-
News
Baba Siddique murder case: Arrested Akashdeep Gill used a labourer's hotspot to evade tracking, say police
November 22, 2024
-
News
Canadian government denies media report that claims PM Modi knew of Khalistani leader Nijjar's killing
November 22, 2024
-
News
Pakistan: 42 Shiites die after gunmen open fire on vehicle in Kurram
November 22, 2024
-
News
PE firm TA Associates' strategic investment in VeeHealthtek
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur unrest: Civil society sets 24-hr deadline for BJP MLAs to take 'decisive action'
November 19, 2024
-
News
Delhi chokes as air quality remains in 'severe plus' category amid curb on several daily activities
November 19, 2024
-
News
Keir Starmer meets Narendra Modi in Brazil, announces relaunch of UK-India free trade agreement talks
November 19, 2024
-
News
Tirumala trust asks non-Hindu staffers to retire or opt for transfer
November 19, 2024
-
News
Manipur's unabated violence kills 1 more in Jiribam, Amit Shah schedules meeting today
November 18, 2024