PRESS STATEMENT

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 99th meeting, held on 9 November 2007, was briefed by Mr. Jakob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on the activities of the ICRC in Africa.

The Council expressed appreciation for the continuous and enhanced efforts deployed by the ICRC to improve the situation of people adversely affected by armed conflicts in Africa.

The Council took note of the many challenges encountered by the ICRC in undertaking its humanitarian tasks, particularly the difficulties encountered to access conflict areas. In this regard, recalling the relevant principles on the respect of human rights, the respect of the sanctity of human life as well as the respect of humanitarian law as enshrined in Article 4, (o and m) of the Constitutive Act of the AU and Article 4 (c) of the Protocol of the PSC, Council called on the authorities of countries affected by conflicts to facilitate access by the ICRC to civilians in need of humanitarian assistance.

The Council further requested the Commission, in line with the relevant provisions of the Constitutive Act of the AU and the Protocol of the PSC, to take all necessary measures to enhance the relationships with the ICRC in the area of promotion of peace and security on the Continent.