ICRC President arrives in Moscow for talks including protection of humanitarian aid staff
*ICRC*
Press release: September 17, 2024
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ICRC President arrives in Moscow for talks including protection of humanitarian aid staff
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Miriana Spoliarić has arrived in Moscow for private consultations with government officials.
During the visit, he will reaffirm the obligations of the parties to the conflict under international humanitarian law regarding important issues in the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, such as the safety of prisoners of war and missing persons.
Last week, three colleagues were killed in shelling while preparing to distribute supplies in the Donetsk region. We strongly condemn this incident, but unfortunately, such tragedies have increased rapidly in many parts of the world over the past two years. During this visit to Moscow, we will once again discuss the protection of humanitarian workers by parties to the conflict.
The purpose of the ICRC’s dialogue with parties to conflicts around the world is to minimize the suffering caused by war by reminding them of their obligations under the Geneva Conventions, and to encourage the ICRC to respond to humanitarian needs. It’s about getting people to understand our efforts.
As part of these ongoing dialogues with the Russian authorities, we also plan to discuss the humanitarian impact of ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, the Gaza Strip, Sudan, and other countries.
* What is the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)? It was founded in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, a permanently neutral country, based on the philosophy of “saving all injured people, regardless of friend or foe.” They engage in dialogue with all parties to the conflict, including the government, rebel groups, and guerrilla forces, and as guardians of international humanitarian law, which is a standard in wartime, they are given the role of supporting people affected by war and protecting their lives and dignity. Its activities are wide-ranging, including support for self-sufficiency, provision of food, water, and shelter, restoration of contact and reunion support for separated families, visits to prisoners of war and detainees, war-wounded surgery, and trauma care. Currently, more than 18,000 employees are working in approximately 100 countries based on the principles of “impartiality, neutrality, and independence.”
What is international humanitarian law?
https://jp.icrc.org/information/what-is-international-humanitarian-law/