Geneva: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have jointly issued a plea urging the international community to take decisive action to halt attacks on humanitarian workers. This call was made on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, highlighting the critical need to safeguard those providing essential aid in conflict zones.
According to Jordan News Agency, IFRC President Kate Forbes and ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric revealed in their joint statement that 18 staff and volunteers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have been killed in 2025 while fulfilling their humanitarian duties. The statement underscores that these individuals were targeted not only while on duty but also while off duty, with some losing their lives in their own homes among their families. Additionally, numerous workers have faced injuries, kidnappings, or arbitrary detention.
The leaders described such attacks as a “grave betrayal of humanity” and underscored the urgent need for a global commitment to uphold humanitarian principles. They emphasized that while declarations of support are significant, it is crucial to convert these into tangible actions on the ground to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian personnel.