Brussels, 12/08/2008
The UN's High Commission on Refugees estimates that more than 100,000 persons are refugees, with some 42,000 South Ossetians having been displaced into Russia or within South Ossetia and around 56,000 inhabitants of the city of Gori having been displaced to elsewhere in Georgia.
A complete cessation of fighting opens the possibility for dialogue to bring an end to the dispute, and the international community must do all it can to help create the conditions for this dialogue.
The Russian and Georgian affiliates of the ITUC Pan-European Regional Council are in the process of assessing humanitarian needs, and the ITUC remains in close contact with them. Further to requests from these affiliates, the ETUC and ITUC are launching a humanitarian solidarity appeal to help meet the massive needs of those affected by the conflict.
The ETUC and ITUC also recognise the tremendous damage to vital infrastructure, including homes, factories and other facilities which has been done during this conflict, and calls upon the international community to be ready to fully assist in the necessary rebuilding and reconstruction.