KIGALI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Experts on conflicts have called on African governments and the international community to adopt better approaches to address humanitarian crisis during urban armed conflicts.
Speaking on Monday at a public regional conference on challenges and humanitarian consequences of urban armed conflicts in the Rwandan capital Kigali, experts argued that humanitarian crisis in urban armed conflicts is quite alarming, especially the urban setting which need better and sustainable approaches to address the challenge.
The one day forum dubbed "War in Cities: an African Perspective" focused on deliberating ideas and approaches geared towards adopting a multi-disciplinary approach to improve the conditions of the civilian population.
It's organized by International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).
"Human rights protection is a must during armed conflicts. The growing phenomenon of urban armed conflicts leads to loss of civilian lives and abuse of human rights. Many conflicts could be avoided through greater attention to civilian lives at an early stage before violence breaks out," said Jean-Paul Kimonyo, expert on conflict and post-conflict reconstruction.
He said relief efforts in urban setting often fall far short of need during conflicts, and a better approach is required to respond to the scale, complexity and duration of armed conflict in urban areas.
The event brought together regional experts from the humanitarian, military, diplomatic and academic communities to share their point of views and experiences on the issue of urban armed conflicts.
"What we have learned from past urban conflicts and violence, such as in South Sudan, Nigeria or Central African Republic should be a lesson to us to address the humanitarian crisis during urban conflicts," said Julien Le Sourd, urban water advisor, ICRC Nairobi, Kenya.
She added that it is in crisis and conflict that individuals and communities are most at risk and in need of protection.
The meeting reflected on the drivers behind the conflicts and humanitarian implications and explored operational and policy responses.
