The Red Cross and Red Crescent meet in Ankara to plan a joint operation for Afghan victims

Ankara, (ICRC) - As millions of Afghan civilians face the double humanitarian consequences of drought and war, the representatives of thirteen National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe met with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Ankara today to discuss and co-ordinate their humanitarian response to the crisis. The meeting was hosted by the Turkish Red Crescent Society and supported by the delegation of the International Federation in Turkey.

Expressing great concern over the humanitarian tragedy which currently unfolds in Afghanistan, participants agreed that the different components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have to join efforts and resources in order to provide a strong, united and effective response to the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan as well as in neighbouring countries. The meeting stressed that the delivery of aid to Afghans inside Afghanistan was a matter of priority.

The focus of the meeting was on operational issues. Participants exchanged their respective assessments of needs and shared information on ongoing activities. They took note of the current division of tasks, according to which the ICRC leads the Movement’s activities within Afghanistan and the International Federation co-ordinates the international relief operations of the Movement in the neighbouring countries. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies pledged support in terms of financial or human resources, donations in kind or logistical support.

Participants also called upon all parties involved in the conflict to fully respect I nternational humanitarian law. They underlined that in these times of uncertainty, the Movement is more than ever committed to looking upon humankind as one and to fulfil its humanitarian mission in a non-partisan, impartial and independent way. This implies standing up more firmly against any form of racism, discrimination and xenophobia around the world.

 List of participants  

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Red Crescent Society of Azerbaijan

Red Cross Society of China

Indonesian Red Cross Society

Iranian Red Crescent Society

Red Crescent Society of Kyrghyzstan

Malaysian Red Crescent Society

Pakistan Red Crescent Society

Qatar Red Crescent Society

Russian Red Cross Society

Red Crescent Society of Tadjikistan

Turkish Red Crescent Society

Red Crescent Society of United Arab Emirates

Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan