Syria: International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement calls for respect for humanitarians
19-08-2014 News Release 14/144
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is saddened by the death of Hassan Hammoud Al Hilal, a first responder who died in the line of duty on 26 July in Raqqa
Hassan served with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Raqqa branch for over three years until his tragic death last month. This latest incident reflects the complex and dangerous environment that volunteers and aid workers face in Syria today.
In total, 38 Syrian Arab Red Crescent and seven Palestine Red Crescent Society volunteers and staff have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict in Syria. Most were killed or captured while carrying out humanitarian activities. All were clearly displaying the red crescent emblem, which is protected under international humanitarian law.
On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, the Movement once again calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and respect Red Crescent and Red Cross aid workers by granting them safe and unrestricted access to people suffering the effects of the conflict.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expresses its sympathy to the family of Hassan Hammoud Al Hilal and its solidarity with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. The Movement reminds all parties that it is their responsibility under international humanitarian law to ensure the safety of every volunteer and aid worker.
For further information, please contact:
Vivian Tou’meh, Syrian Arab Red Crescent Damascus, Tel: +963 959 99 96 39
Penny Sims, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Damascus, Tel: +963 333 860
Ralph El Hage, International Committee of the Red Cross, Damascus,
Tel: +963 930 33 6718