| Date: 07/09/2012 Time: 05:42:00 PM |
Peter Maurer, president of the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has just returned from Syria following a
three-day visit during which he held talks with the Syrian president, Bashar
al-Assad, and the ministers of foreign affairs, the interior, health and
national reconciliation.
Maurer also visited areas affected by the fighting in Rural Damascus to
witness at first hand how civilians are coping in a context of extreme
violence.
"I was shocked by the immense destruction of infrastructure and homes in
several areas I visited in Mu'dhamiya, Qaboun and Harasta. And I was deeply
moved by the stories of distraught children who lost their parents in the
fighting," said Maurer in a press conference on Friday in the Headquarters of
the ICRC in Geneva.
"I visited several medical posts in Rural Damascus and was alarmed by the
situation there. Health workers face tremendous difficulties in performing
their duties. Many men, women and children who could be saved are dying on a
daily basis because they lack access to medical care. Volunteers of the Syrian
Arab Red Crescent continue to show admirable courage as they carry out their
life-saving work in extremely difficult conditions. Health-care facilities and
workers must be protected." He said.
"Since the conflict erupted there have been many casualties, and now the
situation is rapidly deteriorating even further," he said. "President al-Assad
agreed on the necessity of urgently boosting humanitarian aid by making it
easier to bring in goods that would enable us to step up our activities and
adequately respond to the needs that have been growing with gathering speed."
"I also discussed with President al-Assad our outstanding request to visit
all persons detained in Syria in connection with the current events - persons
held in all facilities, including those managed by the security authorities
and those used for interrogation. President al-Assad expressed his readiness
to address this issue," said the ICRC president. "Since March 2011, tens of
thousands of people have been detained in the country. Their basic rights must
be upheld and they must be able to get in touch with their families."
"The positive commitments I received during my meetings will obviously have
to be followed up and tested in the coming weeks," said Maurer. "Each day that
passes brings more casualties and human suffering. I will personally pay the
closest attention to how the outcome of our discussions materializes on the
ground."
"The rules of international humanitarian law must be adhered to by all
parties to the conflict to avoid civilian loss of life," he said. "It is the
responsibility of the parties to protect civilians in their conduct of
hostilities."
He added that the ICRC is also in regular contact with opposition groups
in Syria and abroad to share its concerns and discuss issues relating to
compliance with international humanitarian law and to the protection of
civilians and detainees.
He further said that the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have been
working together to meet the most pressing needs. Both organizations must
endeavour to find ways of enhancing their work in the field. The ICRC and
Syrian Arab Red Crescent will continue to spare no effort to bring help to
those who need it. |