UN urges protection of civilians during action against IS

Published September 17, 2014
Brazilian Paulo Pinheiro, 2nd left, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, stands next to members of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Switzerland's Carla del Ponte, left, US Karen Koning Abuzayd, 2nd right, and Thailand's Vitit Muntarbhorn, right, as he speaks to media during a press briefing after the presentation of the commission's last report at the Human Rights Session at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014.— Photo by AP
Brazilian Paulo Pinheiro, 2nd left, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, stands next to members of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Switzerland's Carla del Ponte, left, US Karen Koning Abuzayd, 2nd right, and Thailand's Vitit Muntarbhorn, right, as he speaks to media during a press briefing after the presentation of the commission's last report at the Human Rights Session at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014.— Photo by AP

UNITED NATIONS: United Nations officials cautioned world powers preparing military action against Islamic State fighters that the ‘laws of war’ would apply to them and they must do everything possible to protect civilian populations.

“As military action on ISIS positions seems increasingly likely, we remind all parties that they must abide by the laws of war and most particularly, the principles of distinction and proportionality.

Serious efforts must be made by all parties to preserve civilian life,” Paulo Pinheiro, chairman of the UN commission of inquiry, told the Human Rights Council on Tuesday.

The rules of war embodied in the Geneva Conventions require warring sides to distinguish between military and civil objects, such as schools and hospitals, and to carry out operations that are proportionate to the perceived threat.

Washington has been trying to build a coalition to fight Islamic State since last week when President Barack Obama pledged to destroy the militant group. France on Monday sent jets on a reconnaissance mission to Iraq, a step towards becoming the first ally to join the US-led air campaign there.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...