Canadian Red Cross condemns the killing of an ICRC staff member in Central African Republic

Topics: National, Worldwide, Emergencies and Disasters Worldwide
March 10, 2014

Ottawa, March 10, 2014 – On March 8, the Canadian Red Cross learned of the killing of a staff member from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in northern Central African Republic. The ICRC reports that the killing occurred in connection with the violence in Ndele. Armed men entered the Catholic mission in Ndele where four ICRC staff were quartered and killed one of them. The other three are safe.

The Canadian Red Cross joins the ICRC in denouncing this attack on a humanitarian worker. Flags on Canadian Red Cross buildings across the country will be lowered for three days beginning March 11, as an expression of support.

“We stand together with the International Committee of the Red Cross in condemning this kind of violence,” said Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO, Canadian Red Cross. “Attacks against humanitarian personnel who are carrying out live-saving work by those bearing arms are unacceptable and must stop.”

The Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblems are universally recognized as symbols of neutrality and assistance. Their use is protected by international humanitarian law.

This killing comes at a time when the security situation in the Central African Republic is worsening. The widespread violence and rampant crime accompanying it are exacerbating the already disastrous situation in which hundreds of thousands of the country’s citizens are living.

The humanitarian response by the Central African Red Cross Society and international Red Cross Movement partners includes war surgery, support for health centres, the collection of dead bodies, the distribution of food, water and other items, hygiene promotion, psychosocial support, visits to detainees, and dialogue with all those involved in the violence.
 

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