Ukraine: ICRC concerned about continuing violence

27-01-2014 News Release

Moscow (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) remains concerned about the ongoing violence in Ukraine.

The organization has been monitoring the situation since December, when tensions began to mount, and has stayed in close contact with both the Ukrainian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. ICRC staff visited Kiev on 23-24 January to examine the situation at first hand and assess whether the Ukrainian Red Cross should be provided with additional assistance to support its humanitarian response.

"We also met with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and with opposition activists," said Pascal Cuttat, head of the ICRC's regional delegation in Moscow, which covers the Russian Federation, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. "The ICRC expressed its concern over the increased tensions and continuing violence. We also reminded them of the necessity to show proper regard for the work of Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers, who assist all victims, and of the proper use of the red cross emblem."

Over the past week, Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response teams have administered first aid and taken around 300 injured people to ambulances and medical points.

In December, with ICRC financial support, the Ukrainian Red Cross purchased additional first-aid supplies as well as jackets with the red cross logo to improve the safety of volunteers.

The ICRC is working with the Ukrainian Red Cross to further strengthen that organization's capacity to meet current and potential needs resulting from the situation in Kiev and other parts of the country.

ENDS

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