Published: 29 October 2003
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will continue to maintain a presence in Baghdad in support of the Iraqi Red Crescent but will temporarily relocate most of its international staff to the Jordanian capital, Amman, because of the security situation, it was announced today.
"Operational support to Red Crescent humanitarian activities in Iraq will continue with the minimum of disruption but following the tragic events of the last few days, we need to re-evaluate our expatriate presence and look at new ways of providing assistance to vulnerable groups inside Iraq," said Markku Niskala, acting secretary general of the International Federation.
The continuing presence of some expatriate staff will be decided on the basis of programme needs and in co-ordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross. In the meantime, local staff of the International Federation will continue to work alongside colleagues from the Iraqi Red Crescent.
The Iraqi Red Crescent is present and active in all 18 Governorates and is continuing its key activities such as working with the local authorities in the search for, and identification of bodies in mass graves, contacting families and assisting with burials; basic first aid to the injured and ambulance services; and rehabilitation of its four hospitals.