The ICRC continues to remain impartial in Libya

By Mohau Ramashidja

 Journalism students at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) had a public lecture about the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) it does in war torn countries worldwide.

With the current trend of rebel after rebel toppling dictatorial governments in Africa, Libya finds itself as one of the most war torn countries in the world. In such incidences many lives are lost and families are separated from their loved ones. With the situation getting out of hand the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) steps in to play an impartial role; providing aid for both parties partaking in the war.

“Our role is to play an impartial role and remain as neutral as possible in order to provide for the humanitarian needs that are needed in Libya,” said ICRC spokesperson Tebogo Mogaswa. With the ICRC providing humanitarian services worldwide to those who need it. It continues to be an independent non-governmental organization promoting humanitarian laws and principles which serve as a fundamental basis to protect human rights.

The ICRC was established in 1863 under the leadership of Henry Dunant and the assistance of his friends Gustave, Defour, Appia, and Maunior. Since then, the symbol of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent has been a great sign of hope in many countries all over the world. “With the current situation in countries such as Libya and Somalia, we continue to provide food, water, medical assistance if needed and we have a tracing system that we use to help and try unite family members who were separated by outbreaks of wars, ” added Tebogo Mogaswa.

The work of the ICRC has gained momentum in recent years; it now has permanent presence in approximately 35 countries in Africa, including 25 delegations, 5 missions and a number of country offices and over 5 thousand people work for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Africa both being expatriates and national staff. “The work of the ICRC in Somalia has been questioned by the media recently as we do not have offices there. However the ICRC has been monitoring the happenings in Somalia as we have a delegation in Nairobi, Kenya which makes it easier to help out Somalia the best way we can.”

As countries such as Libya continue to fight for peace and freedom in their country; the International Committee of the Red Cross continues to remain to be an impartial, neutral and independent organization which continues with its international humanitarian mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence providing them with assistance.

It continues to direct and coordinate the international relief activities conducted by the movement in situations of conflict. It also endeavors to prevent human suffering by promoting and strengthening universal humanitarian law and principles.