11.11.2013
SYRIA CRISIS
Death toll of Syrian Arab Red Crescent aid workers now confirmed at 31
This week, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) confirmed nine more deaths among their aid workers, bringing the number of Red Crescent workers in Syria who have died while delivering humanitarian services to 31. The confirmation came after the National Society re-established contact with two of its sub-branches, which were cut off due to on-going clashes in the area. SARC had also suffered another loss recently, when a clearly marked Red Crescent ambulance was shot at while transporting an injured person, taking the life of an aid worker.
These dedicated volunteers and staff visibly sported the Red Crescent emblem, which should have granted protective status under International Humanitarian Law – so volunteers and staff can serve without fearing for their security and safety. This disrespect for the Red Crescent emblem must not continue.
The IFRC urges every member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to stand in solidarity with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and renew our joint call that was made last week for the respect and protection of volunteers and aid workers in Syria.
We encourage you to bring urgent attention to this call - it is critical that all parties to the conflict in Syria respect the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and guarantee the safety of aid workers and their unimpeded, immediate access to people in need across Syria. We also call on all those who have an influence on the ground to help us ensure aid can reach those most in need.
We urge National Societies to do the following:
1. Continue to reissue and promote the Movement's joint statement with your institutional partners, the media and people within your community through awareness raising events, social media channels, letter to editor of publications, public service announcements, key statements, etc.
2. Support our call to action on Thunderclap. The target is to get as many supporters as possible by 5 December on International Volunteer Day.
3. Encourage your staff and volunteers to support our cause on Thunderclap and to share it with their Facebook friends and Twitter followers.