Syria: Syrian Arab Red Crescent secretary-general killed
The Canadian Red Cross is deeply shocked by the death of Dr Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro, secretary general of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and president of its Idlib branch who was shot on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 while travelling between Damascus and Idlib in a clearly marked Red Crescent vehicle.
"We are deeply concerned whenever violence threatens the neutral and impartial humanitarian work performed by National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent during emergencies," said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We express our heartfelt sympathy to Dr Jbeiro’s family and to all volunteers and staff of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Our colleagues in Syria are performing outstanding work and helping to assist Syria’s most vulnerable.” Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers administer life-saving first aid to the injured. Like all medical personnel, they must be able to carry out their work in safety. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have a mandate to relieve suffering in situations of disaster, crisis, and internal strife. The Red Crescent and the Red Cross emblem, are universally recognized as a symbols of neutrality and assistance. Their use is protected by international law, and they must be respected.
Link to ICRC: http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/news-release/2012/syria-news-2011-01-25.htm
