UN urged to ensure humanitarian aid in strife-torn regions

Speakers at a discussion yesterday called on the United Nations (UN) to play a pivotal role in distributing humanitarian aid in strife-torn regions to save human lives.

It is also the responsibilities of the parties involved in the conflict to make sure that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) can provide humanitarian assistance to the victims, they said.

The Bangladesh Observer in cooperation with the ICRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) organised the discussion on 'Challenges for humanitarian actions in modern day conflicts' at a city hotel.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed said the UN has to be strengthened and international rules have to be followed to avoid conflicts.

Also, popular support is vital for proper operation of the ICRC, he said.

Justice KM Sobhan said conflicts and wars make the life of civilians vulnerable in today's world.

Referring to the prisoners of Guantanamo Bay, he said that the detainees there are not being treated as human beings. The Geneva Convention must be followed while treating the war prisoners, he added.

The ICRC has to be allowed to work freely for the mitigation of the suffering of the civilians whose lives are devastated by wars, Justice Sobhan said.

Mainul Hosein, chairman of the editorial board of the daily Ittefaq, said civilians are the worst victims of wars and the challenges lying before the ICRC are how to save human lives.

Criticising the role of the United States, Mainul said world leaders should think seriously about how to balance the world for the sake of human lives as only a few international laws cannot guarantee the security of people.

Mahbubul Alam, editor of The Independent, said the role of ICRC is very crucial as it stands beside the victims in a war-ravaged country.

Jatiya Press Club President Reazuddin Ahmed, BDRCS Chairman Harun-al-Rashid, Regional Head of ICRC Vincent Nocod, former diplomat Abul Ahsan, Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Prof SMA Faiz, VC of North South University Dr Hafiz GA Siddique and Dr Mizanur Rahman also spoke. Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, editor of The Bangladesh Observer, presided.