The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, urging both sides to avoid targeting non-combatants.
Ariane Bauer, ICRC’s regional director for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that “civilians continue to bear the primary burden” of the conflict. She reminded that international humanitarian law (IHL) protects civilians and anyone not involved in the hostilities, but added that these individuals are still “paying the price” in this conflict.
She further stated, “The rules of IHL are not optional. If the rules that govern the conduct of hostilities are not respected, civilians will face even more devastating suffering, and a political solution to halt the fighting will become harder to achieve.”
Bauer also highlighted the continued violence has led to more deaths, further destruction, and families torn apart. “The prospect of peace remains elusive for civilians who continue to endure the horrors of this war.”
