The Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali strongly condemns the looting of a warehouse of humanitarian goods in Kidal

(Bamako, 7 June 2016 ) – The acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Mali, Ms. Fatouma Seid, strongly condemns the looting of a food aid warehouse that occurred in Kidal on the morning of 6 June.

"Such an act is unacceptable. It constitutes a violation of the rules of international humanitarian law garanteeing the protection of humanitarian staff and goods," says Ms. Seid.

The looted goods were intended to cover food rations for a month for 11,000 vulnerable people across the 11 communes of the Kidal region. The first round of distributions for the year 2016 was scheduled to start in the coming days and other monthly distributions were planned until the end of the year.

"Today, the first victims of this looting are unfortunately the most vulnerable people who are thus deprived of an essential aid" underlines Ms. Seid. "I call on all actors involved to do their utmost to ensure that food is retrieved so that aid can be delivered to its recipients" she urges.

In Mali and elsewhere in the world, the work of humanitarian organizations is guided by the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and operational independence. According to these principles, humanitarian aid aims to alleviate human suffering wherever it is found and is distributed solely on the basis of the vulnerability of beneficiaries. Under no circumstances race, religion, community or political affiliations should be considered as criteria in the selection of beneficiaries.

Article 49 of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali recognizes these principles and commits all signatories to promote and respect the humanitarian principles, as well as "to prevent the use of humanitarian assistance for political, economic or military purposes, and to facilitate the access of humanitarian agencies and ensure the safety of their personnel."

"I reiterate my call to all the signatories of the Agreement to redouble their efforts to ensure a strict application of this article on the ground," adds Ms. Seid.

As we enter into the lean season, it is estimated that 3 million people are food insecure in the country, including 423,000 people in need of urgent help. It is imperative that humanitarian operations can take place unhindered in all regions of Mali to ensure that aid reaches the people in need.

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