The IFRC has awarded more than one million Swiss francs to the Red Cross of Belarus, the Red Cross of Poland and the Lithuanian Red Cross, whose volunteers and staff help thousands of vulnerable people by providing food, water, blankets and vital medical assistance. The ICRC complements the response by providing support and additional technical expertise to Red Cross partners, in particular to keep migrants in touch with relatives and other protection issues.
Birgitte EbbesenThe IFRC Regional Director for Europe said: “There are extremely vulnerable people at the border, including people with disabilities, pregnant women and hundreds of children – many of them without a parent or family member. They have slept hard in the cold. Many days now. Our volunteers have been able to provide help. but many are still hungry and cold. These are mothers, sisters, sons and daughters, people whose lives matter and should be protected and treated with compassion and dignity. “
Martin SchรผeppThe ICRC Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia said: “In order to protect human life, health and dignity, alleviate suffering and prevent further tragedies, all Red Cross partners and other humanitarian organizations need immediate and unrestricted access to all migrants. The ICRC provides support and additional technical expertise for our Red Cross partners in reuniting people with divorced family members and other protection issues. “
All migrants, regardless of their legal status, must have effective access to humanitarian, medical and protection assistance. Whether it is international protection or voluntary repatriation, the rights of migrants must always be respected and the authorities should avoid separating family members and endangering their lives and physical integrity.
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross
Source: The Nordic Page