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| Section The ICRC in Iraq
©AFP
Distribution of ICRC assistance material to vulnerable families.
In 2008, Iraq is the ICRC's biggest humanitarian operation worldwide, with increased emergency assistance for the civilian population affected by the conflict. This includes the provision of emergency relief, support to hospitals dealing with large-scale emergencies as well as efforts to improve health care for the population and maintain vital water and sanitation infrastructure.  Key document15-3-2008 Iraq: no let-up in the humanitarian crisisFive years after the outbreak of the war in Iraq, the humanitarian situation in most of the country remains among the most critical in the world. Because of the conflict, millions of Iraqis have insufficient access to clean water, sanitation and health care. The current crisis is exacerbated by the lasting effects of previous armed conflicts and years of economic sanctions. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Report Includes PDF, Photo 25-2-2008 Iraq: dire state of health system must take priorityAfter years of sanctions and recurrent wars, and more significantly since 2003, the Iraqi health system has steadily deteriorated. Pascal Olle, the ICRC's health programme coordinator for Iraq, explains the state of the health system and what the current needs are. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo Feature26-2-2008 Iraq: Latifa visits her son, detained at Camp BuccaAs well as visiting people held by international forces in Iraq, the ICRC makes it possible for families to come to see their loved ones. Each time is a special moment for Latifa, the grandma from Mossul. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo 25-9-2007 Mine victims in Iraq: the story of Safin MustafaSafin Mustafa Aziz comes from a village near Erbil. He was out playing with his younger brother when the two were ripped apart by a mine. With courage and determination – and a little help from a blind donkey – he survived and prospered. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo 25-9-2007 Mine victims in Iraq: Fakhradin's storyFakhradin Najim Hawez lives in Erbil, northern Iraq. After fleeing from his home during the conflict of 1991, he reached safety – but was later maimed by a landmine when returning from a trip home to see his parents. More trouble was yet to come… (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo 24-9-2007 Iraq mine victims: Peshawa's storyPeshawa knew mines were dangerous, and refused to take home the curious object his friend wanted to give him. But he made the mistake of throwing it to the ground… Now, with one leg amputated, he works as a tailor near his home in Kirkuk. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature 29-8-2007 The Missing in Iraq: a harsh reality, an unsolved tragedyNot knowing the fate of family members missing as a result of armed conflict or violence is a harsh reality for hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, including Iraqis. Mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, sons and their extended families are desperate to know the whereabouts or fate of their loved ones. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo 28-8-2007 Iraq: young boy returns from hellSeparated from his youngest son who suddenly disappeared in Iraq, a father sacrificed his professional life in Jordan and most of his belongings to get him back. The ICRC's Hicham Hassan reports. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature 27-2-2007 Women in Iraq: “Like being inside a big prison”The plight of women in Iraq is of growing concern, with increasing reports of murders, rapes and kidnappings, as well as general intimidation and oppression. Three Iraqi women give their views on living under the threat of violence. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Feature Includes Photo International Review of the Red Cross17-6-2008 Special issue : Conflict in Iraq The war in Iraq presents challenges to all those involved in it, including humanitarian actors. In this issue of the Review, various authors look at the socio-political and humanitarian environment in Iraq today and assess the impact of the conflict on humanitarian law and humanitarian action. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) International Review of the Red Cross 31-3-2008 International humanitarian law and its implementation in IraqDespite the fact that four years have elapsed since the end of the major combat operations, completion of the requirements for national sovereignty in accordance with the various resolutions of the Security Council has not been achieved. The author explains the different rules which were and are applicable to the situation in Iraq and presents the current humanitarian problems from the perspective of international humanitarian law. (Info resources\International Review\2008 - No. 869) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-3-2008 A neutral, impartial and independent approach: key to ICRC's acceptance in IraqThe article describes the context of the ICRC’s operations in Iraq. The many serious attacks and continuing threats to the ICRC delegates, led to a low-visibility presence and required a new modus operandi in which a real presence on the ground was backed up by remote control mechanisms for assistance activities in the most insecure areas. The authors argue that despite inherent security risks, there is room for independent, neutral and impartial humanitarian action in Iraq. (Info resources\International Review\2008 - No. 869) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 Humanitarian implications of the wars in IraqThe current situation in Iraq could be described as a "war on civilians". Going beyond the direct victims of the conflict, this article deals with the daily problems faced by Iraqi society, such as the lack of security in terms of housing, education and health care. The forcible eviction of many Iraqis is, however, remains the main problem threatening the basic cohesion of Iraqi society. (Info resources\International Review\2007 - No. 868) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 30-6-2006 The Iraqi High Criminal Court: controversy and contributions This article explores in detail the legal basis for the formation of the High Criminal Court under the law of occupation. It addresses the relationship between the Iraqi model of prosecuting crimes in domestic fora incorporating international law and the alternative model of transferring jurisdiction to an international forum. (Info resources\International Review\2006 - No. 862) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF Interview14-3-2008 Baghdad, March 2003 – A delegate's accountRoland Huguenin was ICRC spokesman in Baghdad in March 2003. He remembers the fear of ordinary Iraqis about the imminent military offensive, the bombings, the suffering endured by the capital's population, and the frustrated hopes. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Interview Includes Photo 22-9-2007 Iraq: a desperate situationBéatrice Mégevand-Roggo is the ICRC’s head of operations for the Middle East and North Africa. She has just returned from a visit to Iraq and spoke to us about the serious humanitarian crisis the country is experiencing, the suffering of the population and the problems that aid workers face in this dangerous environment. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Interview Includes Photo Legal article31-12-2004 International Humanitarian Law in the Iraq ConflictThe armed hostilities in Iraq throughout the last almost two years have raised numerous questions from the perspective of international humanitarian law. This article aims at addressing some of them. The focus will be on identifying the applicable law throughout the various stages of the hostilities and various problems that entail its practical application. (Humanitarian law\Conduct of hostilities) Legal article Official Statement17-4-2007 Iraq: civilians bear the brunt of violence Address by Angelo Gnaedinger, ICRC Director-General at the International Conference on Addressing the Humanitarian Needs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Iraq and in Neighbouring Countries, Geneva, 17-18 April, 2007 (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Official Statement Operational update5-6-2008 ICRC activities in Iraq in May 2008Many Iraqis are continuing to suffer as a result of the outbreak of fighting that has affected parts of the country in recent months. Whereas the inhabitants of Mosul are slowly getting back to normal life after months of armed violence, in other regions the situation remains tense. The lack of an adequate infrastructure to ensure the provision of sufficient clean water and access to medical care continues to have severe consequences for the population. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Operational update Includes Photo 13-3-2008 Iraq: ICRC activities in 2007People in Iraq continued to be subject to relentless violence throughout 2007, living in fear of their lives as a result of indiscriminate attacks, targeted killings, abductions and intimidation. Despite security constraints, the ICRC continued to help people in need. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Operational update 4-10-2007 Iraq: ICRC activities, April to July 2007As the deadly strife continues in Iraq, civilians continue to bear the brunt of daily atrocities. The ICRC continues its humanitarian activities: visiting prisoners, trying to keep families in contact and helping the victims of violence. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Operational update 3-7-2007 Iraq: ICRC activities April to May 2007The Iraqi people continue to suffer as casualties increase by the day in a conflict which shows little sign of coming to an end. In partnership with the Iraqi Red Crescent, the ICRC remains active in Iraq to try to help those affected by the violence. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Operational update 10-4-2007 Iraq: ICRC activities January to March 2007The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to affect the entire population with civilians bearing the brunt of the relentless violence and insecurity that is disrupting lives and livelihoods in many parts of the country. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Operational update 22-3-2007 Iraq: how ICRC and Red Crescent helped victims of violence in 2006People in Iraq remained subject to appalling violence throughout 2006, including indiscriminate attacks, targeted killings, abductions and intimidation. Essential services remained out of reach for many. Despite security constraints, the ICRC and Iraqi Red Crescent continued working to help people in need – highlights. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Operational update Photo Collection20-12-2006 Iraq: the humanitarian efforts of the Iraqi Red Crescent These photos show just some examples of the work carried out by staff and volunteers of the Iraqi Red Crescent on behalf of Iraqis caught up in the conflict and violence that has affected the country over the past few years. (Info resources\Photos\Middle East and North Africa) Photo Collection Includes Photo Press article2-1-2008 Haunted guests: Iraqis seek refuge with their neighbours In the largest population movement in the Middle East since 1948, a huge influx of Iraqis is putting pressure on services in Jordan and Syria. How are their Red Crescent Societies responding to the needs? Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 3, 2007 (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Press article Includes Photo 31-8-2006 Iraq: No life Without a homeSince the attack on the Al-Askari mosque in Samarra on 22 February, involuntary population movements in Iraq have been on the increase. The Iraqi Red Crescent assists displaced families, providing them with relief, food and tents. One of its staff shares his personal impressions of a visit in May to the Nahrawan camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Baghdad. – Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 2, 2006 (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Press article 20-7-2005 Iraq: the ICRC carries on scaled back activitiesFollowing deliberate attacks on its personnel, the ICRC has been forced to reduce its presence in Iraq. It continues, however, to visit those held in connection with the conflict and, in collaboration with the Iraqi Red Crescent, it provides emergency assistance to those caught up in the violence. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Press article 19-5-2004 Protecting life and dignity: "No war is above international law"Jakob Kellenberger, ICRC president, says the organization condemns indiscriminate terrorist attacks unreservedly, but insists that the response to them must remain within the framework of the law. Article published in the Financial Times (UK) on 19 May 2004 and reproduced here with the FT's kind permission. (Humanitarian law\Reaffirmation and development) Press article Press briefing7-5-2007 Iraq: an ever deepening humanitarian crisisThe ICRC's head of operations for the Middle East and North Africa, Béatrice Mégevand-Roggo, has spoken of an ever deepening humanitarian crisis as she launched an appeal for additional funds to meet the needs of the Iraqi people. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Press briefing Includes Photo 11-4-2007 Iraq: a conflict that spares no oneAt a press conference in Geneva on 11 April to launch a new report on the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Iraq, the ICRC's director of operations, Pierre Krähenbühl, described the situation of Iraqi civilians as intolerable and called on all those with military and political influence on the ground to act now to ensure that the lives of ordinary Iraqis are spared and protected. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Press briefing Includes Photo 8-5-2004 Iraq: ICRC explains position over detention report and treatment of prisonersIntroductory statement and summary of main points made by the ICRC's director of operations, Pierre Krähenbühl, at a press conference at the organization's headquarters, 7 May 2004, following the publication by the Wall Street Journal of excerpts of an ICRC report. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Press briefing Includes Photo Report11-4-2007 Iraq: civilians without protectionThe ever-worsening humanitarian crisis in Iraq (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Report More in this section5-8-2004 Iraq post 28 June 2004: protecting persons deprived of freedom remains a priorityIn view of the continuing hostilities in Iraq, the protection of persons deprived of freedom remains one of the ICRC's priorities. The ICRC's main objective is to visit all persons detained in connection with the hostilities in order to monitor whether their treatment, their conditions of detention and the judicial guarantees accorded correspond to the requirements of applicable law. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) 30-7-2003 Nadisha: "Not a victim of war – a victim of murder"Nadisha Yasassri Ranmuthu (37), an ICRC IT technician was murdered on 22 July in an attack on his vehicle just north of the town of Hilla in Iraq. His Iraqi driver, Mazen Hamed Rashid, was seriously wounded. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Includes Photo 16-4-2003 Caught in the cross-fire: Baghdad, 8 April 2003 Vatche Arslanian (47), the ICRC’s logistics coordinator in Iraq, was killed on 8 April when his vehicle was caught in cross-fire in Baghdad. Tributes were paid to him by relatives, colleagues and friends at a memorial ceremony in Geneva on 15 April. (The ICRC worldwide\Middle East and North Africa\Iraq) Other site23-2-2005 Monitoring IHL in IraqLink to the site of the International Humanitarian Law Research Initiative (Info resources\Other sites\Institutes and universities) Other site |
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