News - ICRC hits out at Myanmar violations
Source: British Red Cross Society - UK
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has taken the rare step of condemning the authorities in Myanmar for their repeated violations of international
humanitarian law.In particular, the ICRC denounced systematic abuses against civilians and detainees. Civilians have been subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention and have been victims of
violence-including murder-at the hands of the armed forces. Detainees have been forced to be porters for the armed forces, a position which has not only exposed them to armed conflict against their
will, but has also left many of them exhausted and malnourished.Jakob Kellenberger, president of the ICRC, stated: "The ICRC has repeatedly drawn attention to these abuses but the authorities have
failed to put a stop to them."ResponseThe authorities have also made it impossible for ICRC staff to move about independently and have obstructed the delivery of humanitarian
aid. Since 2005, the ICRC has been prevented from conducting private interviews with detainees.Although the ICRC is ready and eager to help people in Myanmar who need assistance, it is unable
to as long as the authorities continue to ignore their duties under international humanitarian law. Kellenberger said: ''The organisation uses confidential and bilateral dialogue as its
preferred means of achieving results. However, this presupposes that parties to a conflict are willing to enter into a serious discussion and take into account the ICRC's recommendations. This has not
been the case with the authorities of Myanmar and that is why the ICRC has decided to speak out publicly."UnusualThe ICRC, as well as the rest of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, is committed to seven Fundamental Principles. The principle of Neutrality prohibits any part of the Movement from taking part in political controversies, and is crucial in ensuring that the
Movement has access to people on all sides of a conflict.It is extremely unusual for the Movement to publicly denounce authorities and only happens when all other options have been
exhausted.Read about how the ICRC responds to violations of International Humanitarian LawRead about the seven Fundamental Principles
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