People are living in terror in Mariupol, desperate for safety.
Todayโs attempt to start evacuating an estimated 200,000 people has failed.
The failed attempts underscore the absence of a detailed and functioning agreement between parties to the conflict. #Ukraine
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We are not and cannot be the guarantor of a ceasefire agreement between the parties or of its implementation.
As a neutral and impartial humanitarian intermediary, we've been facilitating dialogue between the parties on the safe passage of civilians.
Civilians need safety.
Parties need to agree not just in principle but also on the details of safe passages.
In particular:
*Specific time, locations and evacuation routes
*Who may be voluntarily evacuated
*Whether aid can be brought in, not just the evacuation of civilians out
Weโve received thousands of questions on the Geneva Conventions.
So, weโre going to break down the rules of war you need to know right now.
All states have signed these โ and are legally obligated to follow them.
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Civilians.
๐ They cannot be attacked.
๐ They must be protected.
๐ They are not a target.
Whatever wording you use โ the message is the same. It is illegal.
Combatants.
Combatants must distinguish themselves from civilians in all military operations by wearing identifiable insignia and carrying arms openly. This helps protect civilians from harm.