The insecurity among the population is enormous, says the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Many people don’t know “when and if it will start again”. This endless uncertainty influences decisions in everyday life, such as whether parents send their children back to school. There was this in the ZiB2 Mirjana Spoljaric EggerPresident of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), guest.
For many people, it is not the humanitarian crisis that is most urgent, but rather the question of “when will it finally be over.” It’s about security, about knowing “how the month will end” and whether “it will be good.” This security is currently lacking.
Talks in Tehran
Spoljaric was recently in Iran and held talks with government representatives there. “I met the foreign minister, I met senior military officials and the president of the Red Crescent.” From their point of view, the Iranian leadership appeared to be prepared. She was signaled “with certainty and with the appropriate arguments” that they were prepared for any eventuality.
At the same time, it warns of the dimensions of a possible escalation. With a population of around 90 million people, the ICRC cannot help to the same extent as in smaller countries. “Targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure would have unimaginable humanitarian consequences in Iran, but also in Iran’s neighboring states.”
No military solution
Regarding statements from the USA that the war is over, Spoljaric says: “I hope that the war is over. For us it is not over yet.” There is only security “when we have the certainty that an agreement has been concluded”. Until then, we will push for de-escalation, because “de-escalation today is the only way we can ensure the protection of the civilian population.” One thing is clear to her: “In my view, there is no military solution to this conflict and there will not be.”
She sharply criticizes dehumanizing rhetoric. This makes crimes more likely and undermines international humanitarian law. Its brutalization is “one of the greatest security threats to the population.”
Neutrality and conversations
Regarding the meeting with Hamas representatives, Spoljaric emphasized: “We are not neutral when it comes to the crimes.” The Red Cross clearly addresses violations: “This is illegal.” Discussions are still necessary. “Wars are ultimately only ended through negotiations with those who wage the wars.”