Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The International Community of the Red Cross (ICRC) says attacks or killing aid workers and of unarmed civilian caught in armed conflicts is unacceptable, calling on all parties in involved to respect international humanitarian law.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric who hinted this in a statement to mark 2024 international humanitarian law said attacks that harm or kill civilians, including humanitarian workers and medical personnel, have become tragically frequent in armed conflicts.”
According to the statement, it is unacceptable that civilians or those dedicated to helping them should face such danger.
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It reads “whenever humanitarians are attacked, civilians also suffer the consequences, as aid efforts are hindered by the worsening security conditions.”
“Every day, the staff and volunteers of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement work on the frontlines of conflict. It is intolerable that they are targeted, yet far too many have been. In 2023-24 alone, six ICRC staff members have been killed, and 14 others wounded.”
“On this World Humanitarian Day, I stand in solidarity with civilians caught in conflict and with the staff and volunteers across the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. I thank them for their unwavering dedication to helping those in need.”
Report indicates how the committee decried increase of global arms sales which is driven by growing international tensions, resurgent arms race dynamics and commercial incentives, adding that the promotion of responsible action and restraint in the international arms trade is an ever more pressing humanitarian imperative.
“Every day, the ICRC witnesses the immense human suffering caused by armed violence and conflict, fueled by the widespread availability and misuse of arms and ammunition.
“In many places, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Israel and the occupied territories, the Sahel, Somalia, Ukraine and Yemen, to mention but a few, this influx of weapons exacts an unacceptable human toll and hinders the prospects of building lasting peace.
ICRC said Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) was designed to prevent the recurrence of horrors of preceding wars. “When faithfully implemented, it plays an indispensable part in States’ efforts to prevent serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.”