OCHA Warns Against Attack On Humanitarian Workers In Central African Republic
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is saddened to hear the news of the death of an aid worker in the Central African Republic after two humanitarian workers were killed and 19 injured between Jan. to Aug. 2021.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed dismay over the death of an aid worker in northwestern Central African Republic.
Denise Brown, the Humanitarian Coordinator in CAR “strongly condemned” the death of an aid worker, killed Thursday during a mission. The humanitarian Coordinator stated that the team of the International NGO, Danish Refugee Council, was carrying out humanitarian activities when one of its vehicles hit an explosive device in the Ouham-Pendé prefecture.
“An aid worker was killed. Three others were slightly injured, they were traumatised and were evacuated to Paoua for medical treatment,” Brown revealed in a press statement on Friday, Sept. 10.
“We are appalled by the tragic loss of our humanitarian colleague, I offer my deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues at the Danish Refugee Council.”
Brown recalled a similar occurrence between Jan. and Aug. 2021, where 27 incidents involving explosive devices claimed the lives of at least 14 civilians, injured 21 others, and two UN peacekeepers in the west of the country.
The presence or suspected presence of explosive devices, she said, “prevents aid workers from reaching out to communities that have been severely affected by the conflict. I strongly condemn the use of explosive devices and call on all parties to take the necessary measures to protect the civilian population and respect humanitarian workers.”
Despite a dangerous operating environment, humanitarian actors have come to the aid of more than 1.4 million people in urgent need.
In June, 2021, the UN Security Council “strongly condemned” violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in CAR and warned that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.
Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador said in a press statement that “cases of suspected violations of international humanitarian law should be investigated by competent bodies in the country once they receive meaningful evidence and facts.
She called US threats to revoke bilateral assistance to nations in difficult positions “blackmail.”
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