In a devastating incident, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has come forward to condemn the attack on its personnel at an aid distribution site. The ICRC team was preparing to distribute wood and coal briquettes to vulnerable households in Viroliubivka village, in the Donetsk region, to help them prepare for the upcoming winter when their vehicles were tragically hit.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric expressed her outrage, stating, "I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. It's unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site. Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured. This tragedy unleashes a wave of grief all too familiar to those who have lost loved ones in armed conflict."

The ICRC team had been carrying out their humanitarian work in the Donetsk region regularly. Their vehicles are clearly marked with the distinctive Red Cross emblem, symbolizing neutrality and providing protection for aid workers. Despite this, the attack claimed the lives of three ICRC colleagues, further highlighting the alarming rise in the number of humanitarians being targeted and killed in recent years.

In response to this tragic event, the ICRC urgently calls for the respect of international humanitarian law. They emphasize the need to take every precaution possible to ensure the safety and protection of those engaged in humanitarian activities, urging all parties involved to uphold their responsibility to safeguard the lives and well-being of aid workers.

The ICRC, an impartial and independent organization with a humanitarian mandate derived from the Geneva Conventions of 1949, works tirelessly to provide assistance to individuals affected by armed conflict and violence. Alongside their Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, they strive to protect lives, uphold dignity, and alleviate suffering around the world.

This devastating attack serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to helping others in need. The international community must unite in condemning such acts of violence and ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers, who play a crucial role in providing vital assistance to vulnerable communities.

As investigations continue, our thoughts are with the families of the fallen colleagues, the injured, and all those affected by this tragic incident. The ICRC remains committed to its mission, calling for justice and reiterating its unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering in the face of adversity.

For more information, please contact: press@icrc.org.