Red Cross appeal after Sangatte death
17 April 2002

European Red Cross Societies today expressed sorrow at the death on Monday of a 25-year-old Kurdish man at the French Red Cross centre for migrants at Sangatte, in northern France. Ali Sharif died in a violent incident in which two other young Kurds were injured.

Prof. Marc Gentilini, President of the French Red Cross said: "This death underlines once more the untenable and inhumane situation endured by migrants fleeing poverty, social and political instability in their homelands."

The shelter at Sangatte, located near the entrance to the Channel tunnel, is run by the French Red Cross, at the request of and under contract with the French government. Security at the centre is provided by the French government.

"Before the centre was opened in 1999, migrants, including women and children, were sleeping out in the streets. By providing these people with food and shelter, we are carrying out our humanitarian duty towards them and we intend to continue," stressed Prof. Gentilini.

Prof. Gentilini was speaking at the 6th European Regional Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference. About 50 National Societies are gathered in Berlin to map out a comprehensive plan of humanitarian action on migration.

The Chairman of the Berlin Conference, Prof. Knut Ipsen, stated: "Disparity in the legislation of European countries and the absence of harmonized rules in the European Union, encourage the growth of human trafficking and are contributing to the migrations of these vulnerable people. European Union (EU) Red Cross Societies are calling upon their respective governments and the EU institutions to speed up the harmonization of these laws respecting humanitarian principles."e

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

John Sparrow, Regional Information Delegate Tel: + 36 20 340 2460

Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer Tel: + 41 79 217 33 45

Rita Plotnikova, Information Officer Tel: + 41 79 217 33 29

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.