Statement by Nepal Red Cross Society, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The Red Cross in Nepal expresses its deep concern with increased incidents of vandalisation of ambulances in relation with ongoing demonstrations in Terai/Madhes in the past four weeks. The incident that happened on 11 September 2015 at Sonukhada of Mahottari district has astounded the Red Cross – an injured person in need of urgent medical care was taken out from the ambulance and killed; the ambulance was then torched.

According to both national and international norms, medical transports including ambulances, medical personnel and medical facilities, must be respected and protected, and their work must be facilitated. Injured people must have access to health care in safety in all circumstances.

The Red Cross calls on all parties to exercise restraint and urge them to allow ambulance services to carry out their tasks during demonstrations and strikes (bandh) and to ensure that the injured people receive health care without any discrimination.

The Red Cross works to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without discrimination, and to protect human dignity. Its humanitarian activities are solely guided by its fundamental principles – primarily humanity, independence, impartiality and neutrality.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is made up of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and 189 National Societies.