Canadian Red Cross expresses profound grief over the probable killing of Margaret Hassan, Director of CARE International in Iraq
STATEMENT
November 17, 2004
The Canadian Red Cross joins other humanitarian agencies in expressing our horror, grief and extreme sadness upon learning of the alleged killing of Margaret Hassan from CARE in Iraq.
We wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Hassan’s family, colleagues and friends. Her dedication to humanitarian work helped improved the lives of thousands of Iraqis.
The Canadian Red Cross strongly condemns the deliberate targeting of civilians and humanitarian workers as contrary to the Geneva Conventions.
Our colleague who worked with Mrs. Hassan in the past spoke of her honesty, dedication and courage. She was one of the international humanitarian workers who remained the longest in Iraq. Her career spanned three decades which saw the country gravely impacted by wars and international sanctions. When others left, she never once evacuated.
Amidst the horror and degradation of war, stand compassionate individuals like Mrs. Hassan—willing to give everything just to help others. Let us never forget Mrs. Hassan’s invaluable contribution, her humanity and her passion for the work she so valiantly carried out.
