Source: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docs/v2_rul_rule55_sectionb
Timestamp: 2019-04-18 19:43:13+00:00

Document:
Note: For practice concerning the safety and protection from attack of humanitarian relief personnel and objects used for humanitarian relief operations, see Rules 31 and 32 respectively. For practice concerning the freedom of movement of humanitarian relief personnel, see Rule 56.
Pursuant to Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the 1998 ICC Statute, “[i]ntentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” constitutes a war crime in international armed conflicts.
Statute of the International Criminal Court, adopted by the UN Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court, Rome, 17 July 1998, UN Doc. A/CONF.183/9, Article 8(2)(b)(xxv).
Article 7(5)(g) of the 2009 Kampala Convention provides that members of armed groups, defined as “dissident armed forces or other organized armed groups that are distinct from the armed forces of the state” are prohibited from “impeding humanitarian assistance and passage of all relief consignments, equipment and personnel to internally displaced persons”.
African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, adopted in Kampala, Uganda, 23 October 2009, Article 7(5)(g).
Paragraph I of the 1992 Agreement No. 3 between the Parties to the Conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the ICRC Plan of Action considered that “failure to give the ICRC access to certain areas where humanitarian needs have been identified and to besieged towns” was an illustration of the insecurity reigning in this country.
Agreement No. 3 between Representatives of Mr. Alija Izetbegović (President of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Party of Democratic Action), Representative of Mr. Radovan Karadžić (President of the Serbian Democratic Party), and Representative of Mr. Miljenko Brkić (President of the Croatian Democratic Community) on the ICRC Plan of Action, Geneva, 6 June 1992, § I.
The UNTAET Regulation No. 2000/15 establishes panels with exclusive jurisdiction over serious criminal offences, including war crimes. According to Section 6(1)(b)(xxv), “[i]ntentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” constitutes a war crime in international armed conflicts.
Regulation on the Establishment of Panels with Exclusive Jurisdiction over Serious Criminal Offences, UN Doc. UNTAET/REG/2000/15, Dili, 6 June 2000, Section 6(1)(b)(xxv).
Germany’s Military Manual (1992) states that, in the case of a blockade, “it is … prohibited to hinder relief shipments for the civilian population”.
Germany, Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts – Manual, DSK VV207320067, edited by The Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, VR II 3, August 1992, English translation of ZDv 15/2, Humanitäres Völkerrecht in bewaffneten Konflikten – Handbuch, August 1992, § 1051.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 0820.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 1052.
Philippines, Philippine Army Soldier’s Handbook on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, A Practical Guide for Internal Security Operations, 2006, p. 58, § 13.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 147(b).
Switzerland, Bases légales du comportement à l’engagement (BCE), Règlement 51.007/IVf, Swiss Army, issued based on Article 10 of the Ordinance on the Organization of the Federal Department for Defence, Civil Protection and Sports of 7 March 2003, entry into force on 1 July 2005, § 181.
Ukraine’s IHL Manual (2004) states: “Serious violations of international humanitarian law directed against people include: … limitation of access of the population to food and water”.
Ukraine, Manual on the Application of IHL Rules, Ministry of Defence, 11 September 2004, § 1.8.5.
The Occupant must not in any way whatsoever divert relief consignments from their intended purpose except in cases of urgent necessity and then only in the interest of the population of the occupied territory as a whole and with the consent of the Protecting Power … The Occupant must facilitate the rapid distribution of these consignments.
United Kingdom, The Law of War on Land being Part III of the Manual of Military Law, The War Office, HMSO, 1958, § 541.
Australia’s ICC (Consequential Amendments) Act (2002) incorporates in the Criminal Code the war crimes defined in the 1998 ICC Statute, including “the wilful impeding of relief supplies for civilians” in international armed conflicts.
Australia, ICC (Consequential Amendments) Act, 2002, Schedule 1, § 268.67(1)(a)(ii).
x) intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions.
Burundi, Law on Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes, 2003, Article 4(B)(x).
26°. Intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the  Geneva Conventions.
Burundi, Penal Code, 2009, Article 198(2)(26°).
Colombia’s Penal Code (2000) imposes a criminal sanction on “anyone who, during an armed conflict, obstructs or impedes … the realization of medical and humanitarian tasks which, according to the rules of international humanitarian law, can and must take place”.
Colombia, Penal Code, 2000, Article 153.
Finland’s Criminal Code (1889), as amended in 2008, provides that any person who “prevents civilians from receiving foodstuffs or other supplies necessary for survival or emergency assistance or uses other means of warfare prohibited in international law” shall be “sentenced for a war crime to imprisonment for at least one year or for life”.
Finland, Criminal Code, 1889, as amended in 2008, Chapter 11, Section 5(1)(13).
Using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable for their survival, including intentionally impeding relief supplies as provided for under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols is punishable by life imprisonment.
France, Penal Code, 1992, as amended in 2010, Article 461-25.
Under Georgia’s Criminal Code (1999), any war crime provided for by the 1998 ICC Statute, which is not explicitly mentioned in the Code, is a crime, including “intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” in international armed conflicts.
Germany’s Law Introducing the International Crimes Code (2002) punishes anyone who, in connection with an international or a non-international armed conflict, “impedes relief supplies, in contravention of international humanitarian law”.
Germany, Law Introducing the International Crimes Code, 2002, Article 1, § 11(1)(5).
Ireland’s Geneva Conventions Act (1962), as amended in 1998, provides that any “minor breach” of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, including violations of Article 23 of the Geneva Convention IV, and of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, including violations of Article 70(3), is a punishable offence.
Under Mali’s Penal Code (2001), “deliberately starving civilians as a method of warfare, by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” is a war crime in international armed conflicts.
Mali, Penal Code, 2001, Article 31(i)(25).
Under the International Crimes Act (2003) of the Netherlands, “intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” is a crime, when committed in an international armed conflict.
Netherlands, International Crimes Act, 2003, Article 5(5)(l).
Under New Zealand’s International Crimes and ICC Act (2000), war crimes include the crime defined in Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the 1998 ICC Statute.
Norway, Penal Code, 1902, as amended in 2008, § 106(b).
5. Causes or maintains the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare … by impeding relief supplies in violation of international humanitarian law.
Peru, Code of Military and Police Justice, 2006, Article 95(5).
5. Causes or maintains the starvation of civilians as a method of conducting hostilities … by impeding the supply of aid in violation of International Humanitarian Law.
Peru, Military and Police Criminal Code, 2010, Article 91(5).
The Act on Child Protection (1992) of the Philippines contains an article on “children in situations of armed conflicts” which states that “delivery of basic social services such as … emergency relief services shall be kept unhampered”.
Philippines, Act on Child Protection, 1992, Article X, Section 22(c).
The Republic of Korea’s ICC Act (2007) provides for the punishment of crimes listed in the 1998 ICC Statute. These include the war crime of “[u]sing starvation of civilians as a method of warfare … by impeding supplies of [objects indispensable to their survival] in violation of international humanitarian law” and the crime against humanity of “[t]he intentional infliction of conditions of life, inter alia the deprivation of access to food and medicine, calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population”. These crimes apply in both international and non-international armed conflicts.
Republic of Korea, ICC Act, 2007, Articles 9(2)(1) and 13(1)(5).
1° the death penalty or life imprisonment where he has committed a crime provided for in point 1°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 9° or 10° of Article 10 of this law.
Rwanda, Law Repressing the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes, 2003, Articles 10–11.
South Africa’s ICC Act (2002) reproduces the war crimes listed in the 1998 ICC Statute, including in international armed conflicts: “intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by … wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions”.
South Africa, ICC Act, 2002, Schedule 1, Part 3, § (b)(xxv).
8. Intentionally using starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare, depriving it of indispensable supplies … including by arbitrarily impeding the provision of [humanitarian] assistance, which is carried out in conformity with the  Geneva Conventions and its  Additional Protocols.
Spain, Penal Code, 1995, as amended on 23 June 2010, Article 612(8).
c. as a method of warfare, … deprives civilians of objects indispensable to their survival or impedes relief consignments.
Switzerland, Military Criminal Code, 1927, taking into account amendments entered into force up to 2011, Articles 110 and 112c (1)(c).
c. as a method of warfare … deprives civilians of objects indispensable to their survival or impedes relief consignments.
Switzerland, Penal Code, 1937, taking into account amendments entered into force up to 2011, Articles 264b and 264g (1)(c).
Under the UK ICC Act (2001), it is a punishable offence to commit a war crime as defined in Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the 1998 ICC Statute.
33. Intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare or of combat by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies or access to the victims as provided for under the  Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.
Uruguay, Law on Cooperation with the ICC, 2006, Article 26.2 and 26.3.33.
22. … [T]he State of Israel is required to act against the terrorist organizations within the framework of the law and in accordance with the dictates of international law, and to refrain from deliberately harming the civilian population located in the Gaza Strip.
Israel, High Court of Justice, Albasyouni case, Judgment, 30 January 2008, §§ 14, 15 and 22.
We are gravely concerned by the serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by Israel [in the occupied territories] … Increasing numbers of movement and access blockades … are worsening the humanitarian situation. Even the flotilla carrying relief supplies to the Gaza Strip in international waters was not spared from the Israeli attacks.
We express our deep concern over the precarious humanitarian situation, and urge Israel to lift its embargo against Palestinians and immediately open all border crossings to allow for the free movement of … humanitarian aid.
Bangladesh, Statement by the First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh at the General Debate of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee during the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly, 8 November 2010.
- from the interruption of, interference with, or harassment of humanitarian relief supplies to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the international community.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Application instituting proceedings, Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide case (Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro), 20 March 1993, § 135.
While the Government of Sudan is responsible for the lack of protection afforded to civilians and for many of the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amounting to crimes … rebel groups and armed militias share the responsibility for such egregious crimes as well. … Armed groups are also carrying out attacks against humanitarian workers, impeding their ability to help an increasingly vulnerable population. Sadly, unimpeded humanitarian access in Darfur is still not fully realised.
We call on the Government of Sudan to acknowledge these violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and for it and all parties to the conflict in Darfur to take the necessary measures to halt the atrocities being committed against the civilian population and to respect their international legal obligations. Furthermore, armed militias and rebel groups must immediately cease all actions that impede the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Canada, Statement by the representative of Canada before the UN Commission on Human Rights on the human rights situation in Sudan, made on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand, 2005, p. 1.
Canada, Statement by the permanent representative of Canada before the UN Security Council during an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 25 June 2012.
The brutal conflict in Syria represents a stark example of how much work remains to be achieved to better protect civilians who are routinely victims of deliberate and targeted attacks, as are hospitals, medical facilities and health care workers. The result is that people in desperate need are denied lifesaving humanitarian assistance. … We call on the Security Council … to issue a resolution allowing for the cross-border delivery of humanitarian assistance.
In too many instances, humanitarian access is politicized and deliberately constrained. Civilians in need of assistance are held hostage to the whims of governments and of non-state armed groups trying to achieve their own political gains.
Canada, Statement by the permanent representative of Canada before the UN Security Council during an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 19 August 2013, p. 2.
In 1992, during a debate in the UN Security Council, China condemned the hampering of the delivery of humanitarian aid in Bosnia and Herzegovina and declared that it was “deeply concerned with and disturbed by such a situation”.
China, Statement before the UN Security Council, UN Doc. S/PV.3082, 30 May 1992, p. 8.
Cuba expresses its strong concern at the constant deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, owing … to … illegal policies and practices, like the inhumane and destructive measures of collective punishment of the Palestinian civilian population, which violate the rights of the Palestinian people and worsen their socio-economic condition, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis.
Israel continues with its closure policy, including the incessant sealing off of the Gaza Strip and the unjust and inhumane blockade of its inhabitants.
Cuba, Statement by the representative of Cuba before the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly on Item 32: Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, 10 November 2009, pp. 1–2.
This year, following the criminal attack committed by the special forces of the Israeli Army, in the early morning of 31 May, against a flotilla of ships that were in international waters and were carrying humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip, Cuba called on the international community to request the Israeli authorities to immediately lift the illegal, ruthless and genocidal blockade against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
Reconstruction work in Gaza after the war has not materialised as a result of the intransigence of the Israeli government and the complicated bureaucratic procedures for the entry of construction materials. Cuba condemns Israel’s aggressive policy, which ignores the repeated calls by the international community and the successive resolutions adopted by different organs of the United Nations, in flagrant violation of international law.
Cuba, Statement by the representative of Cuba before the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly on Item 51: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, 2 November 2010, pp. 1–2.
Reconstruction work in Gaza after the war has not materialised as a result of the bureaucratic red tape and restrictions that the Israeli government applies to access for construction materials.
As part of the inhumane blockade against the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip, Israel continues to severely limit the freedom of movement of Palestinians, imposing a humiliating and discriminatory network of hundreds of checkpoints, continues with its policy of closed borders, imposes physical barriers on roads used by Palestinians, limits the movement of persons and goods such as food, medicine, fuel and other essential humanitarian supplies.
Cuba, Statement by the ambassador and permanent representative of Cuba before the UN General Assembly on Item 37: The Palestinian Question, 29 November 2010, p. 1.
The unhindered delivery of humanitarian relief to all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the population of Sarajevo, should get under way immediately. To this end … effective measures must be taken to stop anyone from hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Turkey, Letter dated 5 October 1992 to the President of the UN Security Council, UN Doc. S/24620, 6 October 1992, § (a).
[At the time of the 1984–1985 famine in northern Ethiopia,] to make matters worse, Mengistu refused to allow food to be distributed in areas where inhabitants were sympathetic to the EPLF [Eritrean People’s Liberation Front], TPLF [Tigray People’s Liberation Front], or other antigovernment groups, a strategy that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. When a new famine emerged in late 1989, threatening the lives of 2 million to 5 million people, Mengistu again used food as a weapon by banning the movement of relief supplies along the main road north from Addis Ababa to Tigray and also along the road from Mitsiwa into Eritrea and south into Tigray. As a result, food relief vehicles had to travel overland from Port Sudan, the major Red Sea port of Sudan, through guerrilla territory into northern Ethiopia. After an international outcry against his policy, Mengistu reversed his decision, but international relief agencies were unable to move significant amounts of food aid into Eritrea and Tigray via Ethiopian ports.
Thomas P. Ofcansky and LaVerle Berry (eds.), Ethiopia: A Country Study, Government Printing Office, Washington D.C., Fourth edition, 1993, p. 328; see also p. 305.
Violations of humanitarian law are ever increasing, as the current crises are unfortunately there to remind us, whether we are looking at Darfur, Somalia, Gaza, Sri Lanka or the Kivus. … Worse still, access to victims is often not guaranteed and those who come to their aid are regularly targeted, obstructed or harassed.
France, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, “International Humanitarian Law, an Imperative”, La Croix, 12 February 2009, p. 1.
… [E]very time a country prevents humanitarian personnel from assisting the civilian population, France will act at the international level in order to condemn the action of such country.
… No country has the right to take its people hostage … [I]t is unspeakable that an established power obstructs the entry of humanitarian assistance.
France, Address by the President of the French Republic on the 90th Anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 4 May 2009, pp. 3–5.
Georgia, Fourth periodic report to the Human Rights Committee, 1 November 2012, UN Doc. CCPR/GEO/4, submitted 25 June 2012, § 3.
In 1994, in a statement in the lower house of parliament, a German Minister of State, in line with the other members of the EU, condemned the hampering of humanitarian aid in Sudan.
Germany, Lower House of Parliament, Statement by a Minister of State, 3 March 1994, Plenarprotokoll 12/213, p. 18469.
In 1996, during a debate in the UN General Assembly, Germany called upon all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan not to hamper humanitarian aid.
Germany, Statement before the UN General Assembly, UN Doc. A/51/PV.84, 13 December 1996, p. 7.
There are new actors in the area of the protection of civilians in armed conflict whom we have to deal with. More than ever before, we need constructive engagement with non-State armed groups. They not only have the potential to deny humanitarian actors humanitarian access; they actually do it.
Germany, Statement before the UN Security Council, UN Doc. S/PV.4990, 14 June 2004, p. 25.
In 2009, during a debate in the UN Security Council on children and armed conflict, the permanent representative of Mexico stated: “We condemn all acts that jeopardize the integrity of children, such as … denial of humanitarian access”.
Mexico, Statement by the permanent representative before the UN Security Council, 6114th meeting, UN Doc. S/PV.6114, 29 April 2009, p. 29.
11. [and that]… [u]nder the established laws of naval blockade, a blockade was prohibited … if it was used to prevent the free passage of relief consignments.
[R]estrictions on access to humanitarian assistance … are serious violations of the norms and principles of international humanitarian law, in accordance with the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of … . They also constitute international crimes. We also believe that actions of that type, which are contrary to international law, arbitrarily limit the right to the freedom of legitimate navigation.
Such regrettable facts confirm that the blockade on Gaza … deeply affects the civilian population … Therefore we once again urge the Government of Israel to lift the blockade against the Gaza Strip so as to allow the access of humanitarian aid to the population, whose situation has been grounds for great concern to the international community since the end of the conflict in that territory in January 2009.
Mexico, Statement by the permanent representative before the UN Security Council, 6325th meeting, UN Doc. S/PV.6325, 31 May 2010, pp. 6–7.
Norway, Statement by the deputy permanent representative of Norway during the UN Security Council debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict, 14 June 2004.
109. Children vulnerable to recruitment in the war affected areas have had continued access to immunization services. National Immunisation Days were carried out in conflict areas even during the height of the conflict, in the 1990s. These activities were undertaken through the organisation of “Days of Tranquillity” and “Corridors of Peace” by the Government and Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF and civil society organizations such as Rotary. The programme enabled parents to bring their children to immunisation centres. All services were provided by local Ministry of Health staff. INGOs [international NGOs] and NGOs in addition to Rotary helped in such activities, including ICRC and UNHCR. The LTTE did not create barriers to such activities at that time.
Sri Lanka, Initial report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child under the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, 15 February 2010, UN Doc. CRC/C/OPAC/LKA/1, submitted 16 June 2008, §§ 36(c), 37 and 109.
Sweden, Speech by the Prime Minister of Sweden at the EU Africa Summit, Lisbon, 8 December 2007.
One of the primary concerns of humanitarian law and policy is to guarantee access to victims and to provide assistance to them. However, it frequently occurs that one or several of the parties in conflict impede or prohibit access to these populations or that it is impossible to ensure the security of humanitarian actors. This was once more clearly evident in the Gaza Strip at the end of 2008 and at the beginning of 2009. Switzerland called upon all the parties to the conflict to allow rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and to protect medical personnel, hospitals and other medical units.
Switzerland, Federal Council, Report on Foreign Policy 2009, 2 September 2009, Section 3.3.7.3, p. 5811.
Apart from the direct fight against insurgents, international humanitarian law also addresses other anti-guerrilla tactics. It prohibits, for example, the refusal of humanitarian assistance, thus obliging the parties to the conflict to ensure at any moment the protection of civilians against the dangers resulting from military operations.
Switzerland, Federal Council, Report on IHL and Current Armed Conflicts, 17 September 2010, Sections 3.1 and 3.4, pp. 6 and 15.
The United Kingdom Government has been horrified at the continued evidence of massive breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights in the former Yugoslavia … [including] the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian relief convoys.
United Kingdom, Statement before the UN Security Council, UN Doc. S/PV.3217, 25 May 1993, p. 17.
We have serious concerns about the Israeli restrictions on Gaza and the impact they have on the lives of Gazans. Although there is no permanent physical Israeli presence in Gaza, given the significant control that Israel has over Gaza’s borders, airspace and territorial waters, Israel retains obligations under the  Fourth Geneva Convention as an occupying power. …The restrictions currently imposed on the passage of relief supplies are, as we see it, a disproportionate response to the security threat.
The extent of Israeli restrictions, and the threat to Israel from militants in Gaza, varies constantly. Rather than focus on whether the restrictions at any given time amount to collective punishment, we have consistently pressed the Israeli Government to comply with their obligations under international law … This was the message my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary delivered in his meetings with Israeli leaders during his recent visit to the region.
United Kingdom, House of Lords, Written Answer by a Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hansard, 26 November 2008, Vol. 705, Written Answers, col. WA320.
Unfortunately, in many conflict affected countries humanitarian access is increasingly unsafe, delayed and otherwise restricted, leaving millions of vulnerable people deprived of life-saving protection and assistance.
United Kingdom, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government Strategy on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, March 2010, p. 10.
In a resolution adopted in 1992 on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council demanded that “all parties and others concerned create immediately the necessary conditions for unimpeded delivery of humanitarian supplies to Sarajevo and other destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
UN Security Council, Res. 758, 8 June 1992, § 8, adopted without a vote.
In a resolution adopted in 1992 on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council underlined “the urgency of quick delivery of humanitarian assistance to Sarajevo and its environs”. It further stressed that, if the delivery of humanitarian assistance was hampered, it did not “exclude other measures to deliver humanitarian aid to Sarajevo and its environs”.
UN Security Council, Res. 761, 29 June 1992, preamble and § 4, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 1992 on humanitarian assistance to Sarajevo and other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council expressed its dismay at the “continuation of conditions that impede the delivery of humanitarian supplies to destinations within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the consequent suffering of the people of that country”.
UN Security Council, Res. 770, 13 August 1992, preamble, voting record: 12-0-3.
In a resolution adopted in 1992, the UN Security Council expressed “grave alarm at continuing reports of widespread violations of international humanitarian law occurring within the territory of the former Yugoslavia including … impeding the delivery of food and medical supplies to the civilian population”.
UN Security Council, Res. 771, 13 August 1992, preamble, voting record: 15-0-0.
Condemns all violations of international humanitarian law, including … the deliberate impeding of the delivery of food and medical supplies to the civilian population of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reaffirms that those that commit or order the commission of such acts will be held individually responsible in respect of such acts.
UN Security Council, Res. 787, 16 November 1992, § 7, voting record: 13-0-2.
5. Strongly condemns all violations of international humanitarian law occurring in Somalia, including in particular the deliberate impeding of the delivery of food and medical supplies essential for the survival of the civilian population, and affirms that those who commit or order the commission of such acts will be held individually responsible in respect of such acts.
UN Security Council, Res. 794, 3 December 1992, preamble and § 5, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 1993 on the treatment of certain towns and surroundings in Bosnia and Herzegovina as safe areas, the UN Security Council condemned all violations of IHL in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular, “the denial or the obstruction of access of civilians to humanitarian aid and services such as medical assistance and basic utilities”.
UN Security Council, Res. 824, 6 May 1993, preamble, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 1993 on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council reiterated its condemnation of “the obstruction, primarily by the Bosnian Serb party, of the delivery of humanitarian assistance”.
UN Security Council, Res. 836, 4 June 1993, preamble, voting record: 13-0-2.
In a resolution adopted in 1994 on extension of the mandate and increase of the personnel of the UN Protection Force, the UN Security Council demanded that “the Bosnian Serb party … remove all obstacles to free access [to besieged Maglaj]”, condemned all such obstacles and called upon all parties to show restraint.
UN Security Council, Res. 908, 31 March 1994, § 22, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 1994 on Angola, the UN Security Council condemned “any action, including laying of landmines, which threatens the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to all in need in Angola”.
UN Security Council, Res. 945, 29 September 1994, § 10, voting record: 15-0-0.
This condemnation was reiterated in a subsequent resolution.
UN Security Council, Res. 952, 27 October 1994, § 7, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 1995 on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council declared itself “gravely concerned that the regular obstruction of deliveries of humanitarian assistance, and the denial of the use of Sarajevo airport, by the Bosnian Serb side threaten the ability of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina to carry out its mandate”.
UN Security Council, Res. 998, 16 June 1995, preamble, voting record: 13-0-2.
In a resolution adopted in 1997 on Sierra Leone, the UN Security Council called upon the junta “to cease all interference with the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Sierra Leone”.
UN Security Council, Res. 1132, 8 October 1997, § 2, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 2004 on children and armed conflict, the UN Security Council strongly condemned certain crimes involving children in armed conflict, including “denial of humanitarian access to children”.
UN Security Council, Res. 1539, 22 April 2004, § 1, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 2005 on the situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia, the UN Security Council called on Eritrea “to lift all restrictions imposed on the operations of aid organizations, to enable them to carry out their humanitarian activities”.
UN Security Council, Res. 1622, 13 September 2005, § 11, voting record: 15-0-0.
5. Reaffirms also its condemnation in the strongest terms of all acts of violence or abuses committed against civilians in situations of armed conflict in violation of applicable international obligations with respect in particular to … (vii) the intentional denial of humanitarian assistance, and demands that all parties put an end to such practices.
UN Security Council, Res. 1674, 28 April 2006, § 5, voting record: 15-0-0.
Reiterates its concern over the restrictions and all the impediments placed on the movements of UNMIS personnel and materiel, and the adverse impact such restrictions and impediments have on UNMIS ability to perform its mandate effectively and on the ability of the humanitarian community to reach affected persons; and calls upon all the parties to abide by its international obligations in this regard.
UN Security Council, Res. 1784, 31 October 2007, preamble, voting record: 15-0-0.
In 1992, in a statement by its President on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council demanded “the immediate cessation of attacks and all actions aimed at impeding the distribution of humanitarian assistance and at forcing the inhabitants of Sarajevo to leave the city”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/24932, 9 December 1992.
The Security Council reaffirms its demand that all parties and others concerned, in particular Serb paramilitary units, cease and desist forthwith from all violations of international humanitarian law being committed in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including in particular the deliberate interference with humanitarian convoys. The Council warns the parties concerned of serious consequences, in accordance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council, if they continue to impede the delivery of humanitarian relief assistance.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/25162, 25 January 1993, p. 1.
In February 1993, in a statement by its President on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council noted with deep concern that, “notwithstanding the Council’s demand in that statement [of 25 January 1993], relief efforts continue to be impeded”. It further condemned “the blocking of humanitarian convoys and the impeding of relief supplies, which place at risk the civilian population of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/25302, 17 February 1993, p. 1.
[The Security Council] is deeply concerned that, in spite of its repeated demands, relief efforts continue to be impeded by Serb paramilitary units, especially in the eastern part of the country, namely in the enclaves of Srebrenica, Cerska, Goražde and Žepa.
The deliberate impeding of the delivery of food and humanitarian relief essential for the survival of the civilian population in Bosnia and Herzegovina constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Council is committed to ensuring that individuals responsible for such acts are brought to justice.
The Council strongly condemns once again the blocking of humanitarian convoys that has impeded the delivery of humanitarian supplies.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/25334, 25 February 1993, pp. 1 and 2.
Recognizing the imperative need to alleviate, with the utmost urgency, the sufferings of the population in and around Srebrenica, who are in desperate need of food, medicine, clothes and shelter, the Council demands that the Bosnian Serb party cease and desist forthwith from all violations of international humanitarian law, including in particular the deliberate interference with humanitarian convoys.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/25520, 3 April 1993, p. 1.
The Security Council considered that the blocking of UN humanitarian relief efforts was directly related to the practice of “ethnic cleansing”.
In July 1993, in a statement by its President on the situation in Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Security Council demanded “an end … to the blocking of, and interference with, the delivery of humanitarian relief by both the Bosnian Serb and the Bosnian Croat parties”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/26134, 22 July 1993, p. 1.
The Security Council strongly deplores the abhorrent practice of deliberate obstruction of humanitarian relief convoys by any party. … The Council further demands that all parties fully abide by their commitments in this regard and facilitate timely delivery of humanitarian aid.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1994/1, 7 January 1994, p. 1.
The Security Council attaches great importance to humanitarian assistance in Haiti, including the unimpeded delivery and distribution of fuel used for humanitarian purposes. It will hold responsible any authorities and individuals in Haiti who might in any way interfere with the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance under the overall responsibility of PAHO or who fail in their responsibility to ensure that this delivery and distribution benefits the intended recipients: those in need of humanitarian assistance.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1994/2, 10 January 1994, p. 1.
The Security Council notes with particular concern reports of the recurrent obstruction and looting of humanitarian aid convoys destined for the civilian population of Maglaj, including the most recent incident which took place on 10 March 1994, in which six trucks were prevented from reaching the town.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1994/11, 14 March 1994, p. 1.
The Security Council … also condemns the ongoing interference by [the former Rwandan leaders and former government forces and militias] and individuals in the provision of humanitarian relief, and is deeply concerned that this interference has already led to the withdrawal of some non-governmental agencies responsible for the distribution of relief supplies within the [refugee] camps.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1994/75, 30 November 1994, p. 1.
The Security Council considers the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to be a crucial factor in the overall security and stability of Somalia. In this respect, the closure of Mogadishu main seaport and other transportation facilities severely aggravates the present situation and poses a potential major impediment to future emergency deliveries. The Council calls upon the Somali parties and factions to open those facilities unconditionally.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1996/4, 24 January 1996, p. 2.
In 1996, in a statement by its President on the situation in Afghanistan, the UN Security Council called on the parties involved “to end the hostilities forthwith and not to obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and other needed supplies to the innocent civilians of the city”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1996/6, 15 February 1996, p. 1.
In 1997, in a statement by its President on the situation in the Great Lakes region, the UN Security Council expressed its dismay at “acts of violence which have hampered the delivery of humanitarian assistance”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1997/22, 24 April 1997, p. 1.
In 1997, in a statement by its President on the situation in the Great Lakes region, the UN Security Council expressed “concern at reports of obstruction of humanitarian assistance efforts”, but noted that “humanitarian access has improved recently”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1997/24, 30 April 1997, p. 1.
In 1997, in a statement by its President on the situation in Sierra Leone, the UN Security Council called upon the military junta “to cease all interference with the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Sierra Leone”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1997/42, 6 August 1997, p. 2.
In July 1998, in a statement by its President on the situation in Afghanistan, the UN Security Council called upon all Afghan factions “to lift unconditionally any blockade of humanitarian relief supplies”.
The Security Council … calls upon all Afghan parties and, in particular, the Taliban, to take the necessary steps to secure the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to all in need of it and in this connection not to create impediments to the activities of the United Nations humanitarian agencies and international humanitarian organizations.
In 2006, in a statement by its President on children and armed conflict, the UN Security Council strongly condemned “denial of humanitarian access to children … by parties to armed conflict”.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/2006/48, 28 November 2006, p. 2.
In a resolution adopted in 1992 on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN General Assembly expressed “grave alarm at continuing reports of widespread violations of international humanitarian law … including … impeding the delivery of food and medical supplies to the civilian population”.
Condemns all deliberate impedance of the delivery of food, medical and other supplies essential for the civilian population, which constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, … and demands that all parties ensure that all persons under their control cease such acts.
UN General Assembly, Res. 49/196, 23 December 1994, § 14, voting record: 150-0-14-21.
This condemnation and demand were repeated in a subsequent resolution in 1995.
UN General Assembly, Res. 50/193, 22 December 1995, § 13, voting record: 144-1-20--20.
In a resolution adopted in 1994 on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, the UN General Assembly expressed its concern that “access by the civilian population to humanitarian assistance continues to be impeded, which represents a threat to human life and constitutes an offence to human dignity”.
UN General Assembly, Res. 49/198, 23 December 1994, preamble, voting record: 101-13-49-22.
In a resolution adopted in 1997 on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, the UN General Assembly expressed “its outrage at the use by all parties to the conflict of military force to disrupt … relief efforts” and called for “those responsible for such actions to be brought to justice”.
UN General Assembly, Res. 52/140, 12 December 1997, § 2, voting record: 93-16-58-18.
In a resolution adopted in 1997 on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, the UN General Assembly requested “all the parties in Afghanistan to lift the restrictions imposed on the international aid community and allow the free transit of food and medical supplies to all populations of the country”.
UN General Assembly, Res. 52/145, 12 December 1997, § 16, adopted without a vote.
10. Strongly condemns the denial of appropriate access by non-governmental organizations to Kosovo, … calls upon the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to take all measures necessary to eliminate these unacceptable practices forthwith.
UN General Assembly, Res. 53/164, 9 December 1998, §10, voting record: 122-3-34-26.
7. Strongly condemns … any act or failure to act, contrary to international law, which obstructs or prevents humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel from discharging their humanitarian functions.
UN General Assembly, Res. 58/114, 17 December 2003, preamble and §§ 7–10, adopted without a vote.
Strongly condemns any act or failure to act, contrary to international law, which obstructs or prevents humanitarian personnel and United Nations personnel from discharging their humanitarian functions, or which entails being subjected to threats, the use of force or physical attack, frequently resulting in injury or death, and affirms the need to hold accountable those who commit such acts and, for that purpose, the need to enact national legislation, as appropriate.
UN General Assembly, Res. 58/122, 17 December 2003, § 6, adopted without a vote.
6. Strongly condemns any act, or failure to act, contrary to international law, which obstructs or prevents humanitarian personnel and United Nations personnel from discharging their humanitarian functions.
ECOSOC, Res. 2003/5, 15 July 2003, § 6, adopted without a vote.
In a resolution adopted in 1983 on the situation of human rights in El Salvador, the UN Commission on Human Rights called upon all parties to the conflict in El Salvador “to co-operate fully and not to interfere with the activities of humanitarian organisations dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the civilian population wherever these organisations operate in El Salvador”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1983/29, 8 March 1983 § 10, voting record: 23-6-10.
In a resolution adopted in 1994 on the situation of human rights in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, the UN Commission on Human Rights stated that it considered that “the deliberate impeding of delivery of food, medical and other supplies essential for the civilian population could constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1994/72, 9 March 1994, § 11, adopted without a vote.
In a resolution adopted in 1994 on the situation of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Commission on Human Rights strongly condemned “the strategy of strangulation of populations by obstructing food supplies and other essentials to the civilian populations”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1994/75, 9 March 1994, § 1, voting record: 41-1-10.
Deeply concerned that access by the civilian population to humanitarian assistance, despite some improvements, continues to be impeded, violating international humanitarian law and representing a threat to human life that constitutes an offence to human dignity.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1995/77, 8 March 1995, preamble, voting record: 33-7-10.
The Commission further expressed “its outrage at the use of military force by all parties to the conflict to disrupt … relief efforts aimed at assisting civilian populations” and called for “an end to such practices and for those responsible for such actions to be brought to justice”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1995/77, 8 March 1995, § 18, voting record: 33-7-10.
In a resolution adopted in 1995 on the situation of human rights in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), the UN Commission on Human Rights condemned “all deliberate and arbitrary impeding of the delivery of food, medical and other supplies essential for the civilian population … which can constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1995/89, 8 March 1995, § 17, voting record: 44-0-7.
In a resolution adopted in 1996 on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, the UN Commission on Human Rights expressed deep concern that “access of international relief organizations to civilian populations critically at risk … continues to be severely impeded, violating international humanitarian law … and representing a threat to human life that constitutes an offence to human dignity”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1996/73, 23 April 1996, preamble, adopted without a vote.
In a resolution adopted in 1998 on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, the UN Commission on Human Rights expressed “its outrage at the use by all parties to the conflict of military force to disrupt … relief efforts”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1998/67, 21 April 1998, § 3, voting record: 31-6-16.
In 1998, in an analytical report on “Minimum standards of humanity”, the UN Secretary-General drew attention to the fact that civilians “die from starvation or disease, when relief supplies are arbitrarily withheld from them”.
UN Secretary-General, Analytical report submitted pursuant to UN Commission on Human Rights resolution 1997/21, UN Doc. E/CN.4/1998/87, 5 January 1998, § 27.
In 2001, in a report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the UN Secretary-General complained about the “failure of warring parties to admit the delivery of certain food items because they are perceived as jeopardizing the objectives of their war effort”. He also noted that “in times of conflict, many Governments often constitute the major impediment to any meaningful humanitarian assistance and protection”.
UN Secretary-General, Report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, UN Doc. S/2001/331, 30 March 2001, §§ 17 and 47.
Humanitarian organizations are providing aid under very difficult conditions. The problem of access is particularly acute. Some places have been inaccessible to aid convoys owing to snow or bad roads; others have been made inaccessible by the refusal of the parties to the conflict to allow convoys to pass.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Former Yugoslavia, Report, UN Doc. E/CN.4/1993/50, 10 February 1993, § 114.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Former Yugoslavia, Report, UN Doc. E/CN.4/1993/50, 10 February 1993, § 117.
Humanitarian assistance has been impeded by all parties to the conflict. In the area controlled by AFDL [Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo/Zaire], ICRC complained on 10 December of encountering difficulties when entering the [refugee] camps, a complaint echoed by humanitarian NGOs. In the areas controlled by the Zairian Government, humanitarian action was generally accepted, although under the constant threat of closing the camps and expelling the refugees. Since the Air Liberia aircraft accident in July, however, access has become more difficult … IOM … was prevented from acting in Zaire on 27 September; all agencies came under suspicion.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Zaire, Report, UN Doc. E/CN.4/1997/6, 28 January 1997, § 209.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Zaire, Report on the mission carried out at the request of the High Commissioner for Human Rights between 25 and 29 March 1997 to the area occupied by rebels in eastern Zaire, UN Doc. E/CN.4/1997/6/Add.2, 2 April 1997, § 35.
The Rapporteur further added: “UNHCR was unable to reach the [Lula refugee] camp because the [Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo/Zaire] refused to grant it access, on the usual grounds that it was a military threat”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Zaire, Report on the mission carried out at the request of the High Commissioner for Human Rights between 25 and 29 March 1997 to the area occupied by rebels in eastern Zaire, UN Doc. E/CN.4/1997/6/Add.2, 2 April 1997, § 36.
In a resolution on the Sudan adopted in 1997, the ACP-EU Joint Assembly condemned “the obstruction of humanitarian assistance to the people of Nuba Mountains and other areas by the Government of Sudan”.
ACP-EU, Joint Assembly, Resolution on Sudan, 20 March 1997, § 3.
In a resolution on the former Yugoslavia adopted in 1994, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly condemned the impediment of the delivery of humanitarian aid in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It considered any such impediment of humanitarian convoys by the parties to the conflict to be a “barbaric disregard for international humanitarian law”. The Assembly further demanded that “all parties to the conflict in the area of the former Yugoslavia allow the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in accordance with their own past commitments and the requirements of international humanitarian law”.
Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly, Res. 1019, 25 January 1994, §§ 4 and 9(v).
In a resolution adopted in 1995 on human rights in Chechnya, the European Parliament insisted that “humanitarian aid dispatched to relieve the people concerned must be allowed to reach them as fast as possible without being diverted … and that there should be no obstacle to distribution by non-governmental organizations”.
European Parliament, Resolution on human rights in Chechnya, 16 March 1995, § 4.
In 1998, in a declaration on the situation in Afghanistan, the Presidency of the EU described the food blockade on central Afghanistan as “a matter of grief”.
EU, Presidency, Declaration on behalf of the EU on the situation in Afghanistan, 16 April 1998.
In a declaration on the situation in Angola adopted in 1993, the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government urged the União Nacional para Independência Total de Angola (UNITA) “not to impede or hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population affected by the war”.
OAU, Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Declaration 2 (XXIX), 28–30 June 1993, § 9.
In a resolution adopted in 1992 on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OIC Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held the Serb leaders, those in Belgrade, as well as those in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, responsible for the refusal to allow the delivery of assistance and supplies to populations affected by famine, which it considered constituted a serious violation of IHL.
OIC, Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 17–18 June 1992, Res. 1/5-EX, § 15.
In a resolution adopted in 1995, the Permanent Council of the OSCE called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all groups of the civilian population affected by conflict in Chechnya.
OSCE, Permanent Council, Resolution on Chechnya, 3 February 1995.
In 1993, the Parliamentary Assembly of the WEU debated the WEU mission to the Adriatic Sea to observe the implementation of the sanctions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro. The Rapporteur on the situation in the former Yugoslavia denounced the enormous suffering of the civilian population caused by the conflict. He particularly criticized the Bosnian Croats for blocking humanitarian convoys destined for Sarajevo.
WEU, Parliamentary Assembly, Report and debate on the mission to the Adriatic Sea, Statement of the Rapporteur, BT-Drucksache 12/6737, 2 February 1994, p. 35.
At its meeting in Stockholm in 1992, the CSCE Ministerial Council adopted a decision on regional issues, notably the former Yugoslavia, in which it emphasized that “interference in humanitarian relief missions is an international crime for which the individuals responsible will be held personally accountable”.
CSCE, Ministerial Council, Third Meeting, Stockholm, 14-15 December 1992, Decisions: 1. Regional Issues (Former Yugoslavia), § 18.
In a resolution adopted in 1993, the 90th Inter-Parliamentary Conference in Canberra expressed regret that “the international relief and protection effort during armed conflicts … is encountering serious difficulties and dangers, including … the blockade of humanitarian action, … the refusal of parties to the conflict to transport food supplies to the victims or to allow the relief organizations access to prisoners of war and imprisoned civilians”.
90th Inter-Parliamentary Conference, Canberra, 13–18 September 1993, Respect for international humanitarian law and support for humanitarian action in armed conflicts, preamble.
In 1994, during the conflict in Afghanistan, according to Agence France Presse, the Hezb-i-Islami faction blocked all humanitarian convoys heading for enemy-controlled territory. The Hezb-i-Islami justified these actions based on allegations that previous convoys had benefited the opposing military factions. Furthermore, it insisted that it had opened three markets in areas under its control to ensure the sustenance of the civilian population.
Agence France Presse, Press information, Islamabad, 15 February 1994.
Over the course of several days, the ICRC (which was based in Nazran) attempted to drive to the village, but Russian troops did not allow them to pass … ITAR-TASS reported that an EMERCOM convoy from Ingushetia with volunteer doctors was stopped at the checkpoint near Samashki and not allowed to pass through to the village. Médecins sans Frontières representatives were also not allowed through during that time.
Memorial Human Rights Center, By All Available Means: the Russian Federation Ministry of Internal Affairs Operation in the Village of Samashki: April 7–8, 1995, Moscow, 1996, § 10, reprinted in Marco Sassòli and Antoine A. Bouvier, How Does Law Protect in War?, ICRC, Geneva, 1999, p. 1415.
The Turku Declaration of Minimum Humanitarian Standards, adopted by an expert meeting convened by the Institute for Human Rights of Åbo Akademi University in Turku/Åbo, Finland in 1990, states that “deliberate deprivation of access to necessary food, drinking water and medicine” is prohibited.
Turku Declaration of Minimum Humanitarian Standards, adopted by an expert meeting convened by the Institute for Human Rights, Åbo Akademi University, Turku/Åbo, 30 November–2 December 1990, Article 3(2)(f), IRRC, No. 282, 1991, p. 331.
Cindy Shiner, Rebels Prevent Relief Workers From Aiding Rwandan Refugees, Ethnic Tensions, Resentment Flaring Into Violence, The Washington Post, 23 April 1997.

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