Public Statement - Canadian Red Cross Secretary General and CEO condemns attack on ICRC Afghanistan office in Jalalabad

OTTAWA, May 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross, issued the following statement:

"Yesterday, we learned that an attack had been perpetrated on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad. Sadly, Afghan staff member Abdul Bashir Khan, the father of eight children, was killed in the attack.

"The Canadian Red Cross extends its condolences to the Afghan guard's family and echoes the sentiments of our colleagues at the ICRC in condemning this attack on the Jalalabad office. Flags on Canadian Red Cross buildings across the country are being lowered for three days, as an expression of our support.

"The rising levels of violence and attacks against humanitarian aid providers in conflict zones, such as Afghanistan and Syria, are deplorable and of grave concern to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblems are universally recognized as symbols of neutrality and assistance. Their use is protected by international humanitarian law, and they must be respected.

"We stand together with our partners in the Movement in condemning this kind of violence, and we call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law."

About the Canadian Red Cross:

The Canadian Red Cross works around the world in cooperation with other members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: 187 National Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the ICRC. With the support of the Canadian public and the Government of Canada, we work in situations of natural disaster and conflict to bring emergency health services and urgently needed relief items, reunite families, and help rebuild communities.

SOURCE: CANADIAN RED CROSS

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