Red Cross Says Civilian Centers Abused In Conflict

GENEVA (AP) – The president of the International Red Cross says his organization is gravely worried that hospitals, schools and religious centers are increasingly misused in armed conflicts.

Peter Maurer says the International Committee of the Red Cross saw evidence of the rising “weaponization of medical facilities” and similar misuse of schools, churches and mosques during the past year.

Maurer told reporters Thursday at Red Cross’ headquarters that armed forces and rebels in Syria and elsewhere are bringing arms into such places, making them susceptible to military attack.

He says the global humanitarian organization’s annual report for 2012 also showed an alarming and widening gap between the staggering needs of millions of people suffering from Syria’s civil war, and the world’s ability to help them