World Humanitarian Day: ICRC President Condemns Attacks on Aid Workers
From Umar Dankano, Yola
President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, has joined the global call to end attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.
In a press release issued by the organization’s Public Relations Unit, Spoljaric lamented that 2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, and 2024 is poised to be even worse.
“Attacks that harm or kill civilians, including humanitarian workers and medical personnel, have become tragically frequent in armed conflicts,”
“It is unacceptable that civilians—or those dedicated to helping them—should face such danger. Whenever humanitarians are attacked, civilians suffer as aid efforts are hindered by worsening security conditions” Spoljaric stated.
She highlighted the risks faced by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, noting that in 2023-2024 alone, six ICRC staff members were killed, and 14 others wounded.
Spoljaric expressed her solidarity with civilians caught in conflict and praised the dedication of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers.
On World Humanitarian Day, the ICRC calls for renewed commitment to protecting those who risk their lives to aid others. The annual celebration also serves as an opportunity for experts in humanitarian services to review achievements, challenges, and potential solutions.
