IRC unaware of Belarus representative going to DNR with Z-sign
Emblem of the International Red Cross / icrc.org
The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent did not know of and did not participate in the organization of the visit of the Secretary General of the Belarusian Red Cross Dzmitry Shautsou to the DNR, the official representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross told Euroradio.
"We were not aware nor involved in the visit of the Secretary General of the Belarus Red Cross to Donetsk. We are currently looking into the issue.
It is essential that all components of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement maintain their independence from governments and weapon bearers. Doing so allows us to provide help impartially, prioritizing people most in need wherever they are and whichever side of the frontlines they’re on.
The ICRC and IFRC, as international components of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, support National Societies to remain committed to our Fundamental Principles. In case issues appear, the ICRC and IFRC engage bilaterally with the National Societies concerned," said the ICRC representative.
The Secretary General of the Belarusian Red Cross, Dzmitry Shautsou, was photographed wearing a Z-chevron during a humanitarian mission to Donbas. The official reason for the trip was the delivery of humanitarian aid. The letter "Z" has been a symbol of Russian aggression in Ukraine for more than a year.
The BRC office would not provide a comment to Euroradio on the situation but said that the information would appear in the official feeds of the organization.
