SECRETARY-GENERAL, EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT IMPACT OF GEORGIAN-RUSSIAN CONFLICT, REMINDS PARTIES THEY HAVE OBLIGATION TO PROTECT CIVILIANS, END LAWLESSNESS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned by the humanitarian impact of the recent conflict on the civilian population in Georgia, which has suffered loss of life and injury, significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as sizeable displacement.

The Secretary-General welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached by the Governments of Georgia and the Russian Federation, but notes that, notwithstanding this agreement, there are reports of some continuing violence, with civilians bearing the brunt.  He reminds all parties concerned of their obligation to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.  All fighting should end immediately and the current state of lawlessness should cease.  Moreover, as tensions continue to run high, it is essential that measures be taken to ensure the protection of minority groups throughout Georgia.

The United Nations stands ready to assist the Governments of Georgia and the Russian Federation to respond to humanitarian needs of the affected populations.  United Nations agencies, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, as well as other humanitarian actors, have begun providing relief supplies to tens of thousands of affected persons in those areas of the country that are accessible.  However, large parts of the conflict-affected area, particularly South Ossetia and the Gori region, remain, for the most part, inaccessible to humanitarian organizations due to ongoing insecurity, lawlessness and other constraints.  In this regard, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will visit Georgia and Moscow.

The Secretary-General reiterates the critical importance of safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors to all conflict-affected areas.  He welcomes the express undertaking in the ceasefire agreement to allow free access of humanitarian aid.  He calls upon all parties concerned to honour this commitment and take immediate measures to allow and facilitate the work of humanitarian actors in assessing and responding to the needs of the conflict-affected population, and to ensure their safety.

* *** *