Chapter 3: Rights and responsibilities
ACTIVITY: HOSPITAL SHELLING
What precautions could the authorities of the Somali Transitional Federal Government have taken?
They could have foreseen the attack and prepared a counter-offensive to defend themselves and the buildings in the surrounding area.
They could have held the meeting in another area.
Incorrect answer!
They could have foreseen the attack and made preparations to defend themselves, but the protected buildings in the surrounding area would still have been at risk of being caught in the crossfire. By holding the meeting in another area or moving the headquarters, they could have averted any risk to protected people and buildings. In fact, States party to a conflict have an obligation to take all necessary precautions to prevent medical units from being caught in the crossfire, including making sure that they are not situated in the vicinity of military objectives or vice versa.
Correct answer!
Indeed, by holding the meeting in another area or by moving the headquarters, they could have averted any risk to protected people and buildings. In fact, States party to a conflict have an obligation to take all necessary precautions to prevent medical units from being caught in the crossfire, including making sure that they are not situated in the vicinity of military objectives or vice versa.