The Armenian Red Cross Society has condemned the violence directed at individuals carrying out humanitarian missions, according to a statement by the organization’s president, Davit Nersisyan.
The statement highlights that recent conflicts in various countries have resulted in casualties among staff and volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent while they were engaged in humanitarian operations.
“The Armenian Red Cross Society deeply mourns the loss of our fallen colleagues and condemns any violence against those operating under the emblem of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Humanitarian work is sacred and complex, fundamentally neutral, apolitical, and non-religious—focused solely on humanity and compassion.
Every Red Cross and Red Crescent member must be allowed to work safely and without hindrance.
Regardless of the circumstances—be it war, disaster, or any other situation—all parties are obliged to uphold International Humanitarian Law, respecting the lives and efforts of those who work to save others.
Harassment, targeting, or violence against Red Cross and Red Crescent workers constitutes a violation of International Humanitarian Law and is recognized as an international crime. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols clearly mandate the protection of humanitarian personnel during armed conflicts.
Today, as the world faces unprecedented and relentless challenges, we must continue to remind all that humanitarianism transcends borders, nationality, gender, political stance, and religion.
We bow to the victims and commit to carrying forward their mission,” the statement reads.
