Red Cross Society of Ukraine is assisting victims of clashes

Kiev, 24 January 2014 – The Red Cross Society of Ukraine (URCS) continues assisting victims of clashes in Kiev, being guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in particular the principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence. The Red Cross Society of Ukraine is a national humanitarian organisation acting in accordance with the laws of Ukraine, On the Red Cross Society of Ukraine and On the Red Cross emblem.

According to President of the Red Cross Society of Ukraine I.G. Usichenko, "volunteers of the URCS rapid response unit are working around the clock, providing first aid to victims with minor injuries on the spot, and delivering seriously wounded persons to ambulances for further medical assistance."

Over the past week, they have provided first aid and evacuated 300 victims.

Despite the fact that all the URCS volunteers are working in uniforms with Red Cross symbols, several of them have received light injuries when performing their humanitarian duties.

The Red Cross Society of Ukraine calls upon all the parties to follow the rules of the Geneva Conventions concerning the respect of URCS staff members and volunteers and to ensure their protection. The Red Cross Society of Ukraine also calls upon all the participants in these events to refrain from the misuse of the Red Cross emblem.

The URCS asks all parties to take note of the fact that staff members and members of rapid response teams are wearing a common uniform – red jackets and white helmets with the Red Cross and URCS emblem (red cross in a circle with the Red Cross Society of Ukraine inscription). Every volunteer has a badge with his/her photograph and URCS seal.

The URCS is coordinating its activities with and is receiving the necessary technical and financial support from its partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

ENDS

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