WANA (Jul 01) – Dr. Pirhossein Kolivand, President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society and Chair of the National Committee on Humanitarian Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has sent separate official letters to the leaders of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide. He called on them to condemn the Israeli regime’s violations of international humanitarian law and attacks on aid workers, in order to maintain solidarity and prevent such incidents from recurring around the world.

 

In these letters, Dr. Kolivand wrote:

 

“Dear Presidents of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,

 

Greetings and respect,

 

With deepest regret and grave concern, I must inform you that in the course of the recent attacks by the Zionist regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran, fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and the core values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have been flagrantly and repeatedly violated. These aggressions not only targeted civilian areas, but in an unprecedented and shocking manner, deliberately and directly struck Red Crescent ambulances and volunteer teams who were carrying out humanitarian missions under officially recognized emblems.

 

These acts constitute a clear breach of the principle of the inviolability of humanitarian personnel and equipment, the principle of neutrality, and the obligation to respect internationally protected emblems. They unequivocally amount to war crimes. Tragically, five of our dedicated aid workers were martyred in these attacks, and critical equipment—including ambulances and rescue helicopters, symbols of protection and saving lives—was deliberately targeted and destroyed. Such actions gravely threaten the safety and dignity of humanitarian activities.

 

We firmly believe that silence and inaction in the face of such serious violations create the conditions for these crimes to be repeated elsewhere in the world and undermine public trust in humanitarian institutions. Therefore, we respectfully request you and your National Society to:

 

1. Formally and unequivocally condemn these inhumane actions and issue a clear stance in defense of humanitarian law;

 

2. Join in a collective statement calling for urgent international investigation and accountability for these crimes, especially the targeting of aid workers and the destruction of medical facilities and relief equipment;

 

3. Urge the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to pursue legal and accountability measures against those responsible and to uphold the Movement’s fundamental principles and values.

 

Now more than ever, our global Movement needs solidarity, moral courage, and coordinated action to defend the fundamental principles built on humanity, impartiality, and protection of the most vulnerable. We hope for a world where aid workers are never targets of violence and where the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems remain inviolable symbols of protection and relief. We deeply appreciate your cooperation and meaningful support in this critical endeavor.

 

Pirhossein Kolivand
President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society and
Chair of the National Committee on Humanitarian Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran”