The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the upsurge of military activity along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border and its humanitarian consequences, including its impact on the lives and safety of people residing in border areas.
"While conducting military operations, all feasible precautionary measures must be taken to avoid incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians and damage to civilian objects. Respecting international humanitarian law is an obligation of the parties to the armed conflict," said Sangeeta Koenig, the head of the ICRC Regional Delegation in Central Asia. "The ICRC is monitoring the situation. It will respond with both National Red Crescent Societies to the humanitarian needs and assist the civilians affected by the clashes."
The ICRC reminds the concerned parties that they must distinguish between civilians and combatants at all times. Constant care must be taken to spare the civilian population, as well as civilian property and infrastructure. Medical personnel and medical facilities exclusively assigned to medical duties must be respected and protected in all circumstances. The use of weapons which are by nature indiscriminate is prohibited.
Note to Editors:
The ICRC has been present in Central Asia since 1992 and collaborates closely with the Kyrgyz and Tajik Red Crescent Societies.
