The International Committee for the Red Cross is calling for immediate and unrestricted access to victims of violence in Syria.
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In a statement, the Geneva-based ICRC said it deplored the loss of life and level of injuries which have occurred in Syria since anti-government protests broke out.
“It is urgent that the emergency medical services, first aid workers and others performing life-saving tasks swiftly reach those in need,” Marianne Gasser, the head of the ICRC delegation in Damascus, said in a press statement.
“The violence has resulted in a large number of casualties and we fear that if the situation worsens more lives will be lost.”
The ICRC said it has been coordinating its response to events in Syria with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent which has been delivering essential supplies and emergency response equipment.
Both organisations have been cooperating with Syria’s health ministry to deliver aid, the ICRC said.
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The Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross is a neutral and independent organization whose mission is to protect victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It also directs and coordinates international relief activities in situations of conflict.
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