Public statements of the ICRC regarding the hostages held in Gaza
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The latest clashes in and around Goma, the capital city of North Kivu, have forced hundreds of thousands of people in the city to flee, leaving everything behind. In addition, nearly 300,000 people who had been taking refuge in camps for displaced people …
Ambassador Gafoor, Excellencies, dear Colleagues, The International Committee of the Red Cross is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this 10th meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group. We would like to commend this working group for having …
11. In recent years, threats of nuclear-weapon use have become commonplace. Nuclear threats raise serious concerns from a humanitarian, legal and ethical perspective. It should be stressed that there can be no distinction between so-called responsible and …
In 2024, assisting health facilities that treated individuals affected by the conflict, including those with gunshot wounds, was a top priority. The ICRC in Ethiopia also focused on reconnecting and reuniting families separated by the conflict, as well as …
The ICRC continues to raise its concerns about the way hostage and detainee releases are carried out. Despite repeatedly calling for all transfers to be carried out in a dignified and private manner, more must be done by all sides, including the mediators …
“The magnitude of destruction we see in today’s conflict zones is stretching international systems to their breaking point,” said President Spoljaric. “The human cost is immeasurable, and the rebuilding costs astronomical. The threat of economic fallout …
Their eager colleagues were quick to pair them up because Mariegen was newly single from breaking up with her boyfriend. Their colleagues even lent Fons a motorcycle, so he and Mariegen could roam around Dumaguete together. “Alam mo ba Ate Mariegen, dalaga …
South Sudanese officials estimate that the number of refugees and returnees in the country has hit the devastating milestone of a million, most of them transiting through Renk, which has struggled to cope with the influx amid poor infrastructure and …
Countless lives have been saved over the three weeks of the ceasefire. This period of calm has had a tangible impact on people's lives – including those released from captivity and those spared from further hostilities, as well as all the families who …
For those walking long distances to get back to the north, it is not always possible to take even the tarpaulin or plastic they used against the elements, because they need to prioritize carrying children or elderly relatives. People seek out shelter among …
In 2024, communities in Afghanistan continued to face significant challenges to access basic necessities such as healthcare, food and clean water. The humanitarian situation in the country remains extremely dire as a result of decades of armed conflict, …
The ICRC is increasingly concerned about the conditions surrounding release operations. We strongly urge all parties, including the mediators, to take responsibility to ensure that future releases are dignified and private. The ICRC has consistently …
In response to the dire needs of people affected by conflict and other violence, the ICRC continues to consolidate our operations, reinforcing key areas in line with our Strategy 2024–2027. Strengthening protection for conflict-affected people and …
The conference provided a much-needed humanitarian space for families of missing persons to interact with families from other communities, exchange views, discuss common challenges faced in searching for their missing loved ones and how to overcome them …
Participants were taught about the National Society’s mandates, the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its policy on safety and security. The training also emphasizes the responsible use of digital and …
The Emergency Support for Women and Affected Communities project (ESWAC) aims at addressing emergency needs and strengthening resilience of conflict-affected communities in Sudan. ICRC interventions under ESWAC include activities to enhance agricultural …
Here is what I have learned: First, the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 must not be shelved; they must be applied. These are bedrock principles that protect human life, regardless of nationality, race, or religion. Every society agrees to these norms …
The ICRC supported the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to renovate and equip the classroom with modern IT devices, furniture, and educational material and donated IHL literature to the Institute's library. This initiative comes within the framework of …
The use of heavy artillery in densely populated areas can have a devasting impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. Power lines and transformers have been damaged in the fighting, cutting off electricity to the city and having a serious impact on …