Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan expresses concerns that military operations in Leer of Unity and Malakal of Upper Nile States over the past three days destroyed many lives, violating where International Humanitarian Law.
Toby Lanzer in a statement on Monday says they received reports of targeted rape and killing of civilians including children.
He explains that the offensive in Unity left thousands of homes burnt and that Leer hospital is again under threat of destruction, adding that in Malakal, armed groups injured civilians near United Nations or UN civilians’ protection sites.
Mr Lanzer says lack of respect for the sanctity of life; humanitarian infrastructure and UN protection of civilians’ site constitute breaches of International Humanitarian Law.
The Coordinator calls on all commanding officers to ensure that their combatants protect and respect civilians, national and international aid workers and their property.
Mr Lanzer also calls for full cooperation of all relevant parties to ensure access to Leer and Malakal as key humanitarian professionals plan on travelling to assess the situation in the coming days.
He said UN agencies and partners are working to address humanitarian consequences of the violence which resulted in 650 thousand civilians being left without life-saving aid.