Published: 19 March 2003
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today extended its sincere condolences to the families and colleagues of four volunteers of the Red Cross Society of Côte d'Ivoire whose bodies have been recovered within the last week.
The president of the local Red Cross branch in Toulepleu, Gonzreu Kloueu, his son Thierry, first aiders Te Goue and Vally Camara, went missing on 12 January 2003 while carrying out their Red Cross duties. Toulepleu is a town in the western part of the country. Reports suggest the four were taken prisoner by armed men.
"Red Cross volunteers have been to the forefront in providing assistance to the vulnerable displaced since the first outbreaks of violence last September in Côte d'Ivoire. These tragic deaths underline the tremendous sacrifice they can be called on to make as they live the principles of our Movement. The International Federation hopes there will be a full investigation of this tragic incident and that more efforts will be made to ensure the security of Red Cross personnel," said Federation President Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro.
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
Media Service Duty Phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81