Red Cross voices concern over escalating Iraqi violence
| The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed its concern about the recent escalation of violence in Iraq, where a large number of local people have been killed and injured. | | |
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| Scores of Iraqis have lost their lives in attacks - including car bombs - both in Baghdad and outside the capital. Hundreds of others, including women, children and the elderly have had to flee the fighting in the west of the country.
The ICRC urges all those involved in the fighting to respect the basic rules of international humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks against civilians and maintain that wounded fighters must be treated humanely; the wounded and sick must be cared for without discrimination; and medical personnel and facilities must be respected by all parties.
Though security in Iraq remains difficult and is severely limiting the Red Cross’ efforts, the ICRC is providing emergency assistance to hundreds of families who have fled the fighting in the west of the country. In Akachat, in the desert near Al-Qa'im, the ICRC is working with local water authorities to deliver 135 000 litres of fresh water a day to hundreds of displaced families.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, with the support of the ICRC, is distributing food and non-food items to around 200 families in Rawa, 250 families in Ana and 500 families in Akachat.
In Erbil, northern Iraq, following the bomb attack of 4 May 2005, the ICRC delivered medical supplies to the local hospital to treat 100 patients. The kit included dressings, intravenous fluids, X-rays and other supplies. Similar assistance was also provided to Hilla surgical hospital following a bomb attack at the end of February.
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