Red Cross says trying to work with 'IS'
December 6, 2015
The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the organization was seeking permission from "Islamic State" (IS) to provide humanitarian aid in the huge swathe of territory controlled by the terrorist group.
"Yes, we are of course looking at building a relationship" with 'IS,' ICRC Director-General Yves Daccord told the AFP news agency ahead of a meeting in Geneva beginning on December 8.
Daccord told the reporter there are 10 million people living under 'IS' who are in need of humanitarian assistance. "We are interested in these 10 million people. What happens to them? What are their problems? This is what will guide us," Daccord said.
Emergency meeting
The meeting, in which thousands of ICRC employees gather together to discuss obstacles faced by the humanitarian aid community, is held every four years.
This year's meeting in Geneva will address the issue of the rules of war. The ICRC wants to consider a resolution that will require all states who have signed the Geneva Conventions to participate in an annual meeting in which they disclose how their governments are upholding the rules of war in order to protect civilians, prisoners and the wounded.
According to some diplomats, Russia remains steadfastly opposed to the provision.
blc/jlw (AFP, Reuters)