HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER HOSTILITIES IN SOMALIA

27 December 2006



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today expressed deep concern for civilian victims of the hostilities between forces of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and militia of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) in Somalia.

The conflict, which broke out near Baidoa on 20 December, is reported to be escalating and has resulted in the displacement of local populations in many parts of south and central Somalia.

Urging the parties to respect international humanitarian law protecting civilians in conflict, the High Commissioner expressed particular concern that civilian casualties and fatalities due to the fighting may increase in the coming days. In response to recent reports of aerial bombardments by Ethiopian forces in the Mogadishu and Baidoa areas, the High Commissioner insisted that the laws of war must be respected at all times. Civilians fleeing the conflict must be granted safe passage, she said, underscoring the need for humanitarian organizations to have access to civilians affected by the conflict as well as by recent flooding and drought.

"It is unacceptable that the people of Somalia are again facing an upsurge in violence, displacement and human rights violations", the High Commissioner said. "I reiterate the call of the Secretary-General that both sides cease the hostilities immediately, and I remind all concerned of the need to fully respect humanitarian law during conflict and of the duty to protect the human rights of civilians at all times".