UN and ICRC call for actions to end impunity for violations of international law

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer called for states to act and ensure that violations of international law during war were punished.

In an “unprecedented joint warning,” they accused the world of responding to violations with “a disturbing paralysis.”

Condemning the routine violations of international law during war, Mr Ki Moon said,

“These violations have become so routine there is a risk people will think that the deliberate bombing of civilians, the targeting of humanitarian and healthcare workers, and attacks on schools, hospitals and places of worship are an inevitable result of conflict.”

Stressing the need to end impunity in a press conference Mr Ki-Moon said,

“Every day, we hear of civilians being killed and wounded in violation of the basic rules of international humanitarian law, and with total impunity. Instability is spreading. Suffering is growing. No country can remain untouched.”

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