ID :
181066
Tue, 05/10/2011 - 09:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/181066
The shortlink copeid
ICRC CONCERNED WITH ALLEGATIONS OF RED CROSS EMBLEM USED FOR MILITARY PURPOSE IN LIBYA
Resend with correction on full name of ICRC in first paragraph, should read as International Committee of the Red Cross
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed concerned with recent allegations of the red cross or red crescent emblem being used for military purposes in Libya.
"The alleged practice, if true, represent a serious misuse of the emblem," said Georgios Georgantas, the ICRC's deputy head of operations for North and West Africa, in a statement posted on the ICRC website.
He said that the red cross and red crescent emblems are the distinctive signs set out in the Geneva Conventions for the purpose of indicating and protecting personnel, vehicles and facilities providing medical or other humanitarian aid.
"They may not be used by bodies or persons not entitled to do so," he added.
He stressed that complete and total respect for the emblem was essential to enable the ICRC and the Libyan Red Crescent to bring assistance and protection to people affected by the armed conflict. The emblem must be respected at all times and throughout the country.
Meanwhile, ICRC staff have returned to the conflict-torn city to bring aid to victims and visit people detained by the Libyan armed opposition.
A ship chartered by ICRC arrived in Misrata Monday morning, carrying medical supplies for the hospital, spare parts to repair water and electrical supply systems, and baby food for the civilian population.
The distribution of aid for victims of the fighting, in Misrata, would be carried out in close cooperation with Libyan Red Crescent volunteers, said Simon Brooks, the ICRC's head of mission in Benghazi.
"We are bringing in four kits of surgical instruments, surgical disposable dressings and other medical supplies, and 8,000 jars of baby food. We will also continue vital work with a view to reducing the danger of unexploded devices in the streets of Misrata."
Clearly marked vehicles are on board the ICRC-chartered ship.
"We aim to use the vessel as a floating platform, from which we can carry out our work and reach victims on the ground with increased mobility," Brooks added.
On May 4 and 5, another ICRC team assessed the humanitarian situation in the western outskirts of Misrata where many people who fled the city centre have lost contact with other members of their families.
The ICRC will look into means of helping them restore this contact over the coming days.
The Geneva-based ICRC, which has a regional officer here, is an independent organisation whose mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence, and to provide them with assistance.
It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in situations of relief.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed concerned with recent allegations of the red cross or red crescent emblem being used for military purposes in Libya.
"The alleged practice, if true, represent a serious misuse of the emblem," said Georgios Georgantas, the ICRC's deputy head of operations for North and West Africa, in a statement posted on the ICRC website.
He said that the red cross and red crescent emblems are the distinctive signs set out in the Geneva Conventions for the purpose of indicating and protecting personnel, vehicles and facilities providing medical or other humanitarian aid.
"They may not be used by bodies or persons not entitled to do so," he added.
He stressed that complete and total respect for the emblem was essential to enable the ICRC and the Libyan Red Crescent to bring assistance and protection to people affected by the armed conflict. The emblem must be respected at all times and throughout the country.
Meanwhile, ICRC staff have returned to the conflict-torn city to bring aid to victims and visit people detained by the Libyan armed opposition.
A ship chartered by ICRC arrived in Misrata Monday morning, carrying medical supplies for the hospital, spare parts to repair water and electrical supply systems, and baby food for the civilian population.
The distribution of aid for victims of the fighting, in Misrata, would be carried out in close cooperation with Libyan Red Crescent volunteers, said Simon Brooks, the ICRC's head of mission in Benghazi.
"We are bringing in four kits of surgical instruments, surgical disposable dressings and other medical supplies, and 8,000 jars of baby food. We will also continue vital work with a view to reducing the danger of unexploded devices in the streets of Misrata."
Clearly marked vehicles are on board the ICRC-chartered ship.
"We aim to use the vessel as a floating platform, from which we can carry out our work and reach victims on the ground with increased mobility," Brooks added.
On May 4 and 5, another ICRC team assessed the humanitarian situation in the western outskirts of Misrata where many people who fled the city centre have lost contact with other members of their families.
The ICRC will look into means of helping them restore this contact over the coming days.
The Geneva-based ICRC, which has a regional officer here, is an independent organisation whose mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence, and to provide them with assistance.
It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in situations of relief.
