Ukraine: International Committee of the Red Cross warns of ‘worst case scenario’ in Mariupol

His International Commission Red Cross warned today of the “worst case scenario” in Mariupol, a besieged city in southeastern Ukraine, if the war “does not reach a humanitarian agreement as a matter of urgency”.

«ICRC stands ready to act as a neutral mediator to facilitate dialogue between the parties on these humanitarian issues“, It is underlined in an announcement.

“Time is running out for the hundreds of thousands of people trapped in the fighting. History will judge with horror what is happening in Mariupol “If no agreement is reached as soon as possible between the parties,” the statement said.

«We call on all parties to the conflict to give priority to humanitarian action. “said ICRC President Peter Maurer in a statement, calling for the safety of the hundreds of thousands of residents who have been trapped in the port city and are being bombed incessantly by Russian forces.

«“Human suffering is enormous,” the statement said, noting that the population – including ICC staff – are forced to seek refuge in underground shelters without heating and have to risk their lives during short outings in search of food and water.

«The noise of war is constant“, Said the business director of DEES in the city, Sasha Volkov.

ICRC calls for “precise, working agreement and immediate, so that civilians who want to leave can safely and vital assistance reach those who cannot or do not want to leave“, Insists DEES.

In order for these humanitarian corridors to work, the ICRC points out, the combatants must agree on the terms, times and exact locations and the fighters must have time to be alerted throughout the chain of command but also between civilians, as communications are often difficult.

“It is also important for the sides to clear the passageways from any obstacle,” said DEES, which spoke of landmines a few days ago on a road that was to serve as an escape route.

Source: News Beast

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