Georgia Conflict: World Vision calling for ceasefire, protection of civilians Humanitarian crisis possible on both sides of border if
conflict escalates, aid agency warns World Vision has small amount of pre-positioned emergency supplies in Georgia; more will be needed across the region if crisis worsens
Tblisi, Georgia, August 8, 2008-As fierce fighting continues today in Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia region, international aid agency World Vision is calling for the international community to
help broker an immediate ceasefire.
'Thousands of civilians are in harm's way right now, including women and children,' warned David Womble, World Vision's national director for Georgia.
'The U.N. Security Council must make this matter a priority, and help broker an immediate ceasefire between the parties. If fighting continues, thousands of families will be forced to
flee, and we could be faced with a humanitarian crisis.'
To avoid any further civilian casualties and suffering, World Vision is calling for the following: The United Nations
Security Council must work to broker an immediate ceasefire. All combatants must abide by international law and protect civilians, particularly children and women, who are the most
vulnerable. Civilians fleeing the conflict zone to the north and the south must be afforded safe passage. Humanitarian corridors should be set up immediately so aid workers can
safely access civilians and provide life-saving assistance. In particular, UN agencies must be allowed access into the conflict zone to help coordinate the humanitarian response and
maintain the necessary security communications to allow for humanitarian operations. The United Nations, regional actors and key international stakeholders should advance the mediation of
a long-term political solution that will end the conflict and address the humanitarian conditions resulting from the fighting.
Meanwhile, Tskhinvali, the main city in South Ossetia, has
reportedly been cut off by fighting and remains inaccessible.
'We're hearing reports that the entire water supply to Tskhinvali has been shut off. Potable water is the number-one
humanitarian need right now for the city and surrounding areas,' said Womble.
World Vision has a small amount of pre-positioned emergency supplies in Georgia and is poised to assist people
fleeing south. The agency also has programmes in the Russian Federation's North Ossetia region, which borders the conflict zone, and is preparing for an influx of displaced people to the north as
well.
The Christian aid agency has worked in Georgia since 1994, focusing on community development and the needs of children in difficult circumstances. Current programmes include
microfinance for poor entrepreneurs, support for street children and children with disabilities, food for work, HIV and AIDS prevention and assistance for returning migrant workers. World Vision does
not have current programmes in South Ossetia but assists more than 15,000 children in Abkhazia, another breakaway region of Georgia. The agency's 155 staff in Georgia are accounted for and safe at the
present time.
World Vision also has worked in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation since 1995, including peacebuilding and economic recovery projects in North Ossetia.
For further inquiries please contact: Dwayne Mamo, Communications Manager, World Vision Georgia dwayne_mamo@wvi.org (+995 99) 36 96 21
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A Russian fighter jet attacks a Georgian position near the city of Tskhinvali, 100 km (62 miles) from Tbilisi, August 8, 2008. Georgia's interior ministry said three Russian jets entered Georgian ...
