Human Rights Commission hears Federation call for humanitarian assistance for the Iraqi people
19 March 2003

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is deeply concerned about the safety, health and well-being of the civilian population in Iraq, and is urging the international community to lend its full support to Red Crescent Societies and other humanitarian agencies preparing to assist those affected by any conflict.

In a speech to the United Nations Human Rights Commission today, the Federation’s president, Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, said millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across the world were concerned about the possible consequences resulting from an outbreak of hostilities.

“We are immeasurably saddened that it proved impossible to find a peaceful resolution to the underlying dispute and we are deeply concerned about the safety, health and well-being of the civilian population of Iraq,” he told the session.

He said the Federation had faith in the ability of the Iraqi Red Crescent to continue to serve the people of Iraq at this difficult time and would, through cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, do its utmost to support them.

Suárez del Toro also expressed concern about the impact a conflict could have on people in neighbouring countries. With the support of the Federation, their national Red Crescent Societies are ready to provide assistance to those affected by war.

He added that the principles and requirements of post-conflict reconstruction needed to be considered even at this early stage in order “to ensure early and specific commitment by the international community to support the people of Iraq in assuring their individual rights and dignity.”

With support from the Federation, Red Crescent Societies are prepared to assist potential refugees and displaced persons as follows: 55,000 people inside Iraq, 100,000 people in Iran, 25,000 people in Jordan, 25,000 people in Syria and 80,000 people in Turkey. This capacity will be boosted by the possible deployment of up to 30 Emergency Response Units providing vital life-support in the form of health services, water and sanitation.

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

Denis McClean, Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 57
Marie-Françoise Borel, Press Officer - Tel: + 41 22 730 43 46 / + 41 79 217 33 45
Media Service Duty Phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81

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.