Worsening crisis in Central African Republic: Commissioner Georgieva condemns killing of two aid workers

Statement by Kristalina Georgieva (pictured), EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response.

"I strongly condemn the killing of two aid workers in the Central African Republic (CAR). It is beyond words and absolutely unacceptable to target people who are working to save the lives of others. My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.

"This is a human tragedy. Both aid workers were employed by Acted, a French non-governmental organisation. Acted is a humanitarian partner organisation of the European Union and receives humanitarian funding from us for its aid activities in CAR. The humanitarian situation is dramatic in the country and everything must be done to protect the citizens of CAR and aid workers and to respect humanitarian principles.

"I have been following with increasing alarm the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in recent weeks in north-west CAR. Security has become a major problem, limiting the ability of aid workers to move around and help people in need. Worse still, killing (including executions), torture, physical violence including sexual violence, extortion and illegal taxation, pillaging and the destruction of houses and fields are affecting the whole life of the country. An already desperately destitute population is being pushed to the limit. This is clearly unacceptable."

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