Security of Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers must be guaranteed
11 November 2001

Red Cross Red Crescent delegates from around the world stood for a moment's silence this evening in Geneva, out of respect for 17 of their colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty since the International Movement's Council of Delegates last met two years ago.

Opening the Council, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, chairman of the Movement's Standing Commission, said "Governments must respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. People have a right to live in dignity and in security.

"When outside assistance is needed in emergencies, the security of Red Cross/Red Crescent delegates and volunteers bringing that assistance must be guaranteed. Especially in times of conflict and unrest, parties have the obligations to ensure this fundamental right. Each life lost is one too many. The significance of the protection of the emblems for people in war and conflict.

"Since we met at our last Council of '99, it is my sad duty to inform you that eight ICRC delegates and local staff, three International Federation/ National Society delegates and six Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have lost their lives in the line of duty while helping victims and people in need."

The Council of Delegates follows the closure in Geneva on Saturday of the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and brings together all the component parts of the Movement including the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The meetings will continue over the next three days. Among the issues to be discussed are an overall Strategy for the Movement, the plight of internally displaced persons and refugees, international disaster response law and the promotion of international humanitarian law.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Federation:
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service Tel.: +41 22 7304428/+41 79 2173357

Eva Calvo, Information Officer Tel.: +41 22 7304357/ +41 79 2173372

ICRC:
Kim Gordon-Bates, Press Office Tel: +41 22 730 2550/ +41 79 217 32 16

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.