The UN condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing and wounding of civilians and aid workers during the distribution of life-saving assistance in eastern Mosul [EN/AR/KU]
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(Baghdad, 22 December 2016): The United Nations condemns in the strongest terms the killing of civilians and aid workers in two separate incidents in eastern Mosul city.
"Within the last 48 hours, there have been two separate incidents. According to initial reports, four aid workers and at least seven civilians queuing for emergency assistance in eastern Mosul city have been killed by indiscriminate mortar fire, with up to forty others injured. This is completely unacceptable and we condemn these actions in the strongest terms," said Ms. Lise Grande, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.
"People waiting for aid are already vulnerable and need help. They should be protected, not attacked," said Ms. Grande. "All parties to the conflict--all parties--have an obligation to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that civilians survive and receive the assistance they need." "The killing of civilians and aid workers violates every humanitarian principle. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims and our brave colleagues and we call on authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and account," said Ms. Grande.
Over 107,000 people are currently displaced as a result of fighting between Iraqi forces and ISIL in and around Mosul city. In a worst case scenario, as many as one million people may be forced to flee the city.
The majority of displaced families are being sheltered in emergency sites and with host communities.
Humanitarian agencies and organizations are providing life-saving assistance to people in need in all accessible areas, including neighbourhoods in eastern Mosul city. To date, more than 356,000 people impacted by the Mosul military campaign have received humanitarian aid.
For further information, please contact:
Damian Rance, Reporting and Communications Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Iraq, (rance@un.org / +964 (0)751 740 3858)