Ukraine crisis: Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted
| Publisher | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Publication Date | 8 July 2016 |
| Cite as | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ukraine crisis: Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, 8 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57a445df4.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Ongoing shelling in the Gorlovka area has seriously damaged water infrastructure critical to the livelihoods of more than 2 million people on both sides of the contact line.
"Our teams are reporting an alarming situation in eastern Ukraine," said Alain Aeschlimann, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Ukraine. "Damage to civilian infrastructure is placing a heavy burden on the civilian population there. The damaged water-supply systems of the Severskiy Donets Donbas water company already caused supply problems, and now the high risk of complete water shutdown might lead to significant flooding in the area."
Shelling in residential and urban areas is endangering critical infrastructure - on which civilians depend for their survival and livelihoods - like power stations and water and gas plants. People in Bakhmutka have been without drinking water for the last six months, while the villages of Pyski 2 and Zhovanka report having no electricity and water for the last few weeks. Thousands of people in front-line villages are being left without electricity and water.
"Infrastructure and other property essential for the survival of civilians enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law. It is vitally important that the parties to the conflict fulfil their obligations in this regard and that people can meet their essential needs," said Alain Aeschlimann.
All parties must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of resources for civilian infrastructure to function. Maintenance teams should be granted immediate access to assess and repair the power and water systems.
