The Red Cross denounces the hateful comments it receives about its operations in Ukraine. Internet users accuse the International Committee of the Red Cross, the ICRC, of “ pact with Russia in its aggression of Ukraine. False accusations, says the ICRC, which fears that its volunteers in the field will be taken to task.
With our correspondent in Geneva, Jeremiah Lance
A Red Cross soaked in blood. Another modified to look like a Nazi cross or the double S of ” Red Cross which uses the typography of SS. You only have to type the name of the Red Cross on social networks to see the flood of insulting remarks against the humanitarian organization. Many of these comments are a direct result of her alleged assistance in the forced evacuation of thousands of Ukrainian civilians to Russia. Except it’s wrong.
►Also listen: Ukraine: “ The war in the city generates extremely brutal humanitarian consequences »
” The Red Cross was not involved in any forced evacuation of civilians to Russia from Mariupol or any other Ukrainian cityexplains Ewan Watson, spokesman for the ICRC. We will never participate in an operation that would be against the will of people and against our principles. But this kind of information floods social networks and is sometimes relayed in the traditional media. This is not only wrong, but it can also threaten the safety of our personnel in the field. »
A photo also angered several internet users. Including the former Ukrainian ambassador to Austria. That of ICRC President Peter Maurer, all smiles alongside the Russian Foreign Minister, during his visit to Moscow. A communication error, perhaps. Still, it is the mission of the Red Cross to dialogue with all parties in a conflict. In particular to organize prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of the bodies of soldiers.