Libya: ICRC returns to Benghazi
18-03-2011 News Release 11/63
Geneva/Benghazi (ICRC) – Two days after its temporary relocation to the city of Tobruk in eastern Libya, a four-member team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) returned to Benghazi today to resume its humanitarian work.
"The improved security situation made it possible for us to return to Benghazi today,” said Simon Brooks, the ICRC's head of mission in Libya. "We are eager to carry on supporting hospitals, visiting detainees in Benghazi and elsewhere and working with the Libyan Red Crescent to help civilians. At the same time, we continue to urge both parties to let us access other cities and areas, so we can assist other people affected by the fighting."
The ICRC is moving more food and essential household items into Libya so that it can help tens of thousands of people if the need arises. The organization shipped 180 tonnes of relief goods to Benghazi last Tuesday and seven trucks carrying 145 tonnes of rice, sugar, oil, lentils and salt are on their way from Egypt to Tobruk.
The ICRC continues to help people at the Egyptian and Tunisian borders contact their families. Together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, it is supporting the work of the Egyptian and Tunisian Red Crescent Societies, which are providing them with essential services.
For further information, please contact:
Simon Brooks, ICRC Benghazi, tel: +218 92 291 93 92 or +88 164 147 01 32
Marçal Izard, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 24 58 or +41 79 217 32 24
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcnewsroom.org
Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrcfans and twitter.com/icrc_english