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U.N. and ICRC chide states for "paralysis" in the face of conflict


    GENEVA (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer made what they called an "unprecedented joint warning" on Saturday for states to stop conflicts, respect international law and aid refugees.

    "In the face of blatant inhumanity, the world has responded with disturbing paralysis," Ban said in a statement. "This flouts the very raison d?être of the United Nations."

    They also called for states to rein in armed groups and hold them accountable for abuses, and to stop the use of heavy weapons in populated areas.

    (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Toby Chopra)