Statement by Sergio Vieira de Mello, USG, about Sierra Leone
I am increasingly alarmed by the humanitarian
crisis in Sierra Leone which has intensified in recent days. The conflict
has led to an increasing number of civilian casualties and growing
population displacement, and has impeded the access required by humanitarian
organizations. Relief agencies working in Sierra Leone report that
all stocks of food and medicines are now exhausted or have been looted.
I am also deeply concerned for the welfare of civilians and humanitarian
workers affected by the fighting, particularly in the Freetown area where
it is hoped that the fighting will soon come to an end.
I must therefore reiterate the UN Secretary-Generals
recent call on all concerned to respect the principles of international
humanitarian law, to ensure the safety of all civilians, to facilitate
access by humanitarian organizations throughout the country and to guarantee
the security of their personnel.
We are pursuing with the Government
of Sierra Leone, ECOWAS and other parties, the possibility of gaining access
to the innocent population in Freetown and other areas of the country.
UN agencies, NGOs and international organizations are ready to respond
to meet the needs of all affected populations but require prompt, safe
and unrestricted access to do so.
New York, 12 February 1998