AI Index: MDE 14/039/2003
Amnesty International today lent its
voice to concerns expressed by the International Committee of the Red Cross
at the plight of civilians in Basra, in Southern Iraq, who have been without
water since Friday afternoon. Basra has been under fire by the USA and
its allied forces for the last three days.
"We are concerned that the situation in Basra may be mirrored in other cities and regions in Iraq. Military authorities have a responsibility to carefully assess the implications on civilians of any object that they target. All parties to the conflict in Iraq have a responsibility to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the civilian population are fully met."
"With the escalation of military activity in Iraq it is vital that the health and safety of ordinary civilians is given increasing consideration," Amnesty International said.
Both the Iraqi authorities and the military authorities of the USA and its allies must facilitate access and the operations of humanitarian organizations.
For more information please call
Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org