MEMO/11/756
Brussels, 1 November 2011
Commission calls for respect for civilian life in Somalia
Kristalina Georgieva, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, has called on all parties in the conflict inside Somalia to respect international humanitarian law and spare the civilian population.
She welcomed the announcement of the Kenyan Government to launch an inquiry concerning the attack of Kenyan warplanes on the town of Jilib in Southern Somalia which reportedly left 5 people dead and several dozen persons injured in a camp for internally displaced persons.
"I understand that among the injured were women and children. I am especially concerned for those who, through no fault of their own, have been forced to flee their homes in search of food, water and shelter and find themselves in further danger," the Commissioner said.
She reminded all those participating in the conflict of their obligations to exercise restraint and fully respect international humanitarian law, including unhindered access of humanitarian goods and personnel to those in need.
