SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR BURUNDI PARTIES TO HALT ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS, ABIDE BY INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Press Release
SG/SM/7162
AFR/180

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR BURUNDI PARTIES TO HALT ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS, ABIDE BY INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has continued to follow closely the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Burundi. The Security Council was briefed on the alarming developments in this country by the Secretariat on 5 October. The Secretary-General calls on all parties involved in the conflict, both government and rebel forces, to end all attacks on the civilian population and to abide by international humanitarian law and principles.

In this regard, the Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the massive forced displacement of the population in Bujumbura Rural. The United Nations system in Burundi, and its humanitarian partners, are making every effort to provide urgent life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable among the displaced. The Secretary-General calls upon the Government and all other parties whose actions have given rise to this situation to end the armed conflict and take all measures to ensure that those affected can return to their homes as soon as possible.

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