The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is using the World Water Forum in Istanbul to remind governments that in time of war water sources are protected under international humanitarian law.
In a publication released on 16 March ICRC illustrates how war and other forms of conflict affect people’s access to water and sanitation.
"The ICRC is calling on governments taking part in the World Water Forum to make a serious commitment to ensure that the victims of armed conflict have access to safe water and sanitation,” Dorothea Krimitsas, ICRC spokesperson, told IRIN. "There is an obligation under international humanitarian law for all parties to an armed conflict – both states and non-state actors – to ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population are met.”
The paper points to 1977 protocols to the Geneva Conventions concerning protection of civilian populations during hostilities, which prohibit the destruction or removal of “objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,” including drinking water and irrigation works.
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In a publication released on 16 March ICRC illustrates how war and other forms of conflict affect people’s access to water and sanitation.
"The ICRC is calling on governments taking part in the World Water Forum to make a serious commitment to ensure that the victims of armed conflict have access to safe water and sanitation,” Dorothea Krimitsas, ICRC spokesperson, told IRIN. "There is an obligation under international humanitarian law for all parties to an armed conflict – both states and non-state actors – to ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population are met.”
The paper points to 1977 protocols to the Geneva Conventions concerning protection of civilian populations during hostilities, which prohibit the destruction or removal of “objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,” including drinking water and irrigation works.
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This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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