Need to protect civilians in armed conflicts stressed

GENEVA / WAM

The Chairman of the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, Dr Hanif Al Qassim, called for increased solidarity with civilians who are indiscriminately targeted by belligerents in armed conflicts.
In this connection, Dr Al Qassim referred to the humanitarian situation in Syria that has resulted in immense human suffering. “In Syria, there are more than five million and six million internally displaced persons and refugees, respectively. It is estimated that more than 500,000 civilians have perished as a result of the war.
The humanitarian situation in Syria has become the 21st century’s greatest humanitarian tragedy,” the Geneva Centre’s Chairman said on the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19.
‘‘Other countries in the Arab region, such as Yemen, Iraq and Libya, bear witness to the suffering and injustice that is being inflicted on the civilian population,’’ Dr Al Qassim said, and added that armed conflict and violence are the main causes of humanitarian suffering and the massive abuses against civilians in time of war.
“The Arab region is witnessing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of the 21st century. Invasions and the rise of extremist violence have put peace in jeopardy. Non-violence and lasting peace is the key to securing the long-term stability of the Arab region and to promoting a sustainable future,” he stated.
To enhance the protection of the civilian population, Dr Al Qassim appealed to decision-makers to “meet funding requirements identified by the United Nations in relation to the acute humanitarian needs of refugees and people suffering from conflict worldwide.”