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News release from ICRC
Nairobi/Geneva, May 14, 2009 (ICRC) – The ongoing armed clashes in
Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, have left dozens of people dead. Hundreds
have been wounded and admitted to hospitals and other medical facilities
in the past few days.
Thousands of people have fled their homes in search of shelter and
security. Most of the over 400 wounded people treated at Keysaney and
Medina hospitals have been civilians, including women and children.
Keysaney hospital is run by the Somali Red Crescent Society, whereas
Medina is a community hospital. Both are supported by the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The ICRC deplores the high number of civilian casualties and is deeply
concerned about the plight of civilians caught up in the fighting. It
once again calls on all warring parties to comply with international
humanitarian law, in particular by taking constant care in the conduct
of military operations to spare the civilian population. The warring
parties must distinguish at all times between civilians and fighters.
They must not employ indiscriminate means and methods of warfare.
Medical staff, hospitals and clinics must be respected and protected in
all circumstances.
"The people of Somalia have once again been subjected to unbearable
violence," said Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC's Somalia delegation.
"The daily struggle for survival is exhausting their capacity to cope.
After almost two decades of armed conflict they yearn desperately for
security and a stable environment."
Doctors and nurses at Keysaney and Medina have been working around the
clock to deal with the influx of patients. The ICRC regularly provides
medical supplies for both hospitals, which between them have treated
more than 1,200 casualties since January. The ICRC has been assisting
the Somali population since 1977 in close cooperation with the Somali
Red Crescent Society.
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