Ottawa, August 28, 2013 – The Canadian Red Cross deplores the death of Wassim Mouselli and Yousef Al Kens, both of whom were working at the Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s branch in Homs.
Wassim and Yousef died on the August 27 as a result of a mortar shell that landed in front of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s branch in Homs. A number of civilians, including children, were also killed in this tragic incident.
With the death of Wassim and Yousef, the total number of Syrian Arab Red Crescent personnel who have lost their lives since the beginning of this conflict has risen to 22, all of them killed while carrying out their humanitarian duties. While both Wassim and Yousef were not deliberately targeted, other Red Crescent personnel have been deliberately targeted in the past in spite of their clear affiliation with the movement.
The Canadian Red Cross joins members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in calling for the immediate protection of staff and volunteers from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and all other personnel of the Movement risking their lives on a daily basis to provide lifesaving assistance. It is imperative that they be given the space necessary to operate and carry out their humanitarian mandate.