Ouagadougou – On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Burkinabe Red Cross Society express their deepest concern about the spiralling violence throughout Burkina Faso, and call on all parties concerned to uphold international humanitarian law.
For some years now, Burkina Faso has faced a number of security and humanitarian challenges. In the light of ongoing armed violence, including a series of tragic incidents, the ICRC and the Burkinabe Red Cross Society are extremely concerned about the humanitarian impact on the civilian population.
The ICRC and the Burkinabe Red Cross Society are also concerned about the false information about the Red Cross circulating in the press and on social media. “In our digital age, information circulates extremely fast and is easily manipulated. We need to be responsible about what we share, especially on social networks. Misinformation and disinformation can have a major impact on our humanitarian work, with negative repercussions for the people we help,” explains Lazare Zoungrana, secretary-general of the Burkinabe Red Cross Society.
It is important to remember that the Fundamental Principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence govern all the actions of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We do not support any party to an armed conflict or other situation of violence. Although our humanitarian principles are often challenged, they remain at the core of our work and serve only one purpose: to ensure access and help to people in need. The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement save lives.
About the ICRC and the Burkinabe Red Cross Society
Over the last 160 years, the ICRC has worked to protect and help victims of armed conflict and other violence. It currently operates in more than 100 countries around the world, including Burkina Faso.
The Burkinabe Red Cross Society is a key national humanitarian organization. With a network of more than 13,000 Red Cross volunteers working in 45 provincial committees across the country, the Burkinabe Red Cross Society responds to crises and disasters, and implements development programmes.
Together, the ICRC and the Burkinabe Red Cross Society remain committed to meeting the humanitarian needs of communities affected by armed violence, now and in the future.
