It puts its number of volunteers killed in Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Iran, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo at 18 so far this year.
MADRID, 19 (EUROPA PRESS)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called Tuesday for an end to attacks against humanitarian workers, a "murder" that is on the rise, especially in areas like the Gaza Strip, and which the organization considers a "grave betrayal of humanity."
ICRC data indicates that 18 volunteers and staff members have died so far this year while carrying out "life-saving work" in Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Iran, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"Many others have died while not even at work, but at home, with their families, or simply going about their daily lives. Others have been injured, kidnapped, or detained," the ICRC warned in a statement released on World Humanitarian Day.
In this regard, he noted that using these workers and organizations as "targets" through "false and harmful information" contributes to increasing the threat that "already weighs on humanitarian workers." "This could end up making them a target of attack," he stated.
Despite the risks, the text states, these workers "continue to carry out their duties, not because they are not afraid, but because the suffering of others is too urgent to ignore." "Courage, however, does not protect, and dedication does not deflect bullets," he stated.
The organization emphasized that the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which seeks to end this "tragic trend," is a "vital" step and "must be translated into tangible action on the ground."
"The laws of war are clear: humanitarian personnel must be respected and protected. Every attack is a grave betrayal of humanity. Every assassination sends a dangerous message," he warned.
Therefore, he called on states and warring parties, as well as international leaders, to "take urgent and concrete measures to protect all those who risk everything to save lives." "When humanitarian workers are protected, humanity is protected," he emphasized.
