UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia expresses dismay over continuing injury and death of civilians caught in Mogadishu conflict

NAIROBI, 13 April 2010] The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. Mark Bowden, today expressed dismay over the continuing plight of Somali civilians in Mogadishu, who remain the principal victims of the fighting in the capital. The Humanitarian Coordinator reiterated the call for all parties to the conflict to comply with the requirements clearly laid down in International Humanitarian Law to protect civilian populations against the indiscriminate use of arms, particularly in densely populated areas.

In the most recent round of fighting yesterday, at least 19 have been killed and some 55 wounded. Shelling from insurgents has hit, in addition to their intended targets, the Huneyn School for children and a United Nations compound, killing a guard and a day labourer. Retaliatory shelling hit the market and residential areas. These are clear violations of the law of war.

"I am deeply disturbed by the plight facing civilians in Mogadishu, who are caught amidst the warring parties. This latest incident follows on the heels of one of the most injurious months for Mogadishu residents," said Mr. Bowden.

In the month of March, upwards of 900 civilians were wounded as a direct result of the conflict. More than 100 of the injuries were children under the age of five. Additionally, over 30 civilians were killed.

The UN estimates that some 100,000 people have been displaced from and within Mogadishu since the beginning of the year.

For more information contact:

Dawn Elizabeth Blalock, Public Information Officer, +254-734-210-102 or blalock@un.org

For more information on Somalia go to: www.ochaonline.un.org/somalia