The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is shocked by the deaths of Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers Quteiba Abdallah and Wassim Mohammed Qassoha, which occurred in the line of duty on 6 and 22 April, respectively. The deaths were confirmed just two days ago. Two further volunteers injured in April remain in critical condition.
In total, 36 Syrian Arab Red Crescent and seven Palestine Red Crescent Society volunteers and staff have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict in Syria while carrying out humanitarian activities. All were clearly identified as humanitarian workers by the red crescent emblem, which, like the red cross emblem, is a protected symbol under international humanitarian law.
Their tragic deaths are a reflection of the complex and dangerous environment that humanitarian workers face on a daily basis in Syria.
The Movement once again calls upon all parties to the conflict in Syria to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law. In particular, they must grant Red Crescent and Red Cross personnel safe and unhindered access to persons affected by the conflict.
The Movement extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of Quteiba Abdallah and Wassim Mohammed Qassoha, and reaffirms its solidarity with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. The safety of every humanitarian worker must be protected without fail.
For further information, please contact:
Vivian Tou’meh, Syrian Arab Red Crescent Damascus, tel: +963 959 99 96 39
Raefah Makki, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Beirut, tel: +961 70 258 225
Ralph El Hage, ICRC Damascus, tel: +963 930 33 67 18
