The Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali strongly condemns the attack on a humanitarian convoy and calls for respect of the international humanitarian law

(Bamako, 3 May 2016) – The acting Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, Mrs. Fatouma Seid, strongly condemns the attack on a humanitarian convoy of the NGO Danish Refugee Council (DRC), which occurred Friday, 29 April, 75 km South-West of the city of Gao, on the Dorey - N'Tillit road axis. Unidentified individuals directly attacked the convoy shooting at its occupants. Three humanitarian workers were injured, including one seriously, and two vehicles were set ablaze.

“ The violence of this attack is of particular concern. It is unacceptable that humanitarian workers are targeted. This is a serious violation of international humanitarian law, and the perpetrators must be held accountable so that justice is served” says Mrs. Seid.

Faced with this serious incident, humanitarian organizations have been forced to temporarily suspend their activities in this area. The analysis of the circumstances of the attack and the implementation of actions to mitigate the risks of humanitarian operations in this area affected by insecurity are currently underway.

The work of humanitarian organizations is guided by the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. According to these principles, organizations provide relief to those in need, on the sole basis of their vulnerabilities, without any discrimination linked to gender, ethnicity or religion.

All the signatories of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali have committed to promoting and respecting the humanitarian principles. "The agreement commits all parties to facilitate access for humanitarian agencies and to guarantee the safety of their personnel" indicates Mrs. Seid. "I call on all signatories to redouble their efforts towards a strict implementation of this principle" she added.

The acting Humanitarian Coordinator offers her support and best wishes for a speedy recovery of the humanitarian workers injured in the attack.

For further information, please contact:
Anouk Desgroseilliers, OCHA Mali, +223 7599 5761, desgroseilliers@un.org;
Diakaridia Dembélé, OCHA Mali, +223 7599 558, dembele@un.org,
OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org/mali or www.reliefweb.int.
Follow OCHA Mali at: www.facebook.com/ochamali.net and @OCHA_Mali