International humanitarian law being violated in Somalia

(New York, 2 June 2006): "The recent indiscriminate shelling in Mogadishu and spreading fighting in the environs of the capital have resulted in enormous human suffering. At a time when people most need medical care and surgical attention, the occupation of Keysaney hospital by armed fighters constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law," said Jan Egeland, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.
In the last few weeks, Mogadishu has seen some of the worst fighting in a decade with 300 people dead, 1,500 injured and 17,000 displaced. The situation of displaced people in Somalia, mainly fleeing fighting in the south of the country, is an increasing humanitarian disaster. Due to the intensity of the recent fighting, an increasing number of civilians have been unable to reach medical facilities. The recent upsurge in hostilities comes at a time when southern Somalia is experiencing a humanitarian emergency due to drought.

"The Transitional Federal Government, and all warring factions, need to do more to ensure safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians at all times, including those in Mogadishu," Egeland stressed. Currently Mogadishu is the only capital in the world where the UN does not have access for international humanitarian staff, due to insecurity and despite an estimated 250,000 internally displaced living in the city. The aid community is especially concerned over the delay in the polio and measles campaigns.

The United Nations is trying to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people and continues to seek the $326 million dollars estimated to cover the urgent humanitarian needs in Somalia for 2006. Six months into 2006, the United Nations appeal for Somalia has garnered only $135 million of the funds required. While needs for food are 60% covered, all other needs identified in the appeal have less than 25% of the funds required.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.