ICRC Press release No. 06/32
15 March 2006

Chad: ICRC calls for compliance with international humanitarian law

N’Djamena/Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has followed with concern the events of 13 April 2006 in N’Djamena and Adré. The organization is especially worried about the human consequences of the particularly intense armed clashes that took place. This is a situation to which the principles and rules of international humanitarian law apply.

As promoter and guardian of respect for international humanitarian law, and on the basis of the mandate it holds from the international community, the ICRC urges all parties to the conflict to take all measures necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable provisions of international humanitarian law. In particular, the organization encourages the parties to comply with Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, Additional Protocol II of 1977 and the relevant rules of customary international law applicable to non-international armed conflict, especially those concerning the conduct of hostilities.

The ICRC reminds all parties of the key provisions of international humanitarian law, especially the unconditional obligation of all those participating in hostilities to:

- make a distinction between civilians and persons participating in hostilities, at all times protecting the civilian population from the dangers related to military operations and indiscriminate acts of violence;
- treat with humanity all persons participating in the hostilities who surrender or who, for whatever reason, are ‘hors combat’; this includes, but is not limited to, persons who have been captured or injured, and those who are ill;
- to respect the rules concerning the use of the Red Cross emblem under all circumstances.

The ICRC is confident that all parties to the conflict in Chad will take all measures necessary to facilitate its humanitarian activities and that they will fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law.

For further information, please contact:
Anahita Kar, ICRC Chad, tel. +235 201 005
Marco Jiménez Rodrيguez, ICRC Geneva, tel. +41 22 730 22 71 or +41 79 217 32 17
or visit our website: www.icrc.org