Canadian Red Cross condemns attack on humanitarian convoy in Syria

September 20, 2016

A statement from the President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross

A devastating attack hit an emergency aid convoy at a Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) warehouse in Aleppo, Syria, killing at least one SARC humanitarian worker and around 20 civilians. This attack took place on Monday, September 19, as the aid workers were unloading trucks carrying vital aid.

We are both saddened and outraged by this latest attack in Syria. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and colleagues of those killed while delivering critical relief to people in need. The Canadian Red Cross works in close partnership with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, and we stand in solidarity with our colleagues who are working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of people in Syria.

Attacks on humanitarian aid workers and convoys are completely unacceptable, and come with serious repercussions for ongoing humanitarian operations. The aid and medical items that were largely destroyed in this attack were going to support over 70,000 civilians who desperately needed it for survival.

Syria remains one of the most dangerous conflicts for humanitarian workers in the world. More than 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have lost their lives while responding to humanitarian needs in Syria. Still, our SARC colleagues continue to reach millions of people in dire need on a monthly basis.

In solidarity with SARC and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Canadian Red Cross calls upon the international community to ensure the protection of humanitarian aid workers and volunteers.

Conrad Sauvé
President and CEO, Canadian Red Cross
 
We invite Canadians to join the global call for the protection of Red Crescent aid workers in Syria #REDforSYRIA. Please join us in changing your social media profiles with a red square to stand in solidarity with the thousands of volunteers and staff who are risking their lives every day to save others, and demand that they be protected. You can download the profile photos here.
 
More about our work in Syria.
 
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