Georgia: Statement by Ms. Catherine Bragg, DERC and ASG for Humanitarian Affairs

I have been deeply concerned about the wellbeing of thousands of civilians in Georgia and the surrounding areas that have been caught up in this conflict. The latest figures indicate that as many as 100,000 may have been displaced by the fighting.

In light of the recent announcement of a cessation of hostilities, I reiterate the call to all parties to the conflict to take appropriate steps to protect the civilian population, in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.

I call for concrete steps from parties to the conflict to facilitate immediate access for international aid agencies to areas that have been out of contact since the start of the hostilities, allowing urgent needs assessments to be undertaken and safe, unhindered access of relief personnel and aid to all those in need of humanitarian assistance.