TEHRAN – The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Pirhossein Kolivand, has urged the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to condemn the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, and take necessary measures to hold them accountable for the violation of international humanitarian law, particularly targeting residential units and medical centers.
Kolivand in a letter to WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his profound concern, and strong condemnation regarding the attacks being carried out against healthcare and medical infrastructure in the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Israeli regime and the United States of America.
“According to documented field reports, a total of 292 medical and relief centers, including hospitals, health centers, pharmacies, medical centers affiliated with the Red Crescent Society, as well as 48 ambulances and relief vehicles, have been damaged or destroyed during these attacks. Furthermore, these incidents have resulted in the martyrdom of 22 medical personnel and relief workers, and the injury of 113 others.”
Out of 35 hospitals affected by war, 13 remain fully operational, five are partially operational, and seven have been evacuated due to safety concerns, Kolivand added.
“In addition, the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center of the Red Crescent has sustained severe damage, and 17 relief bases and Red Crescent branches have been destroyed.
These actions constitute clear and grave violations of binding rules and principles of international humanitarian law, in particular, the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, especially the First and Fourth Conventions; additional Protocol I of1977, particularly Articles 12 and 15; the fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality in armed conflicts; and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2286 (2016).”
The official urged WHO to not only censure these illegal attacks, but take necessary measures toward documentation, independent investigation, and ensuring accountability of those responsible for the violation of IHL, and provide support for the reconstruction of damaged healthcare infrastructure and the protection of medical personnel.
Moreover, in an online meeting with the president of the ICRC, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, on Monday, Kolivand elaborated on the cases of the violation of IHL during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes from February 28 to March 23.
“The damage includes 62,253 residential units, 19,162 business units (more than 25,000 of them were in Tehran), 275 medical centers and EMS facilities, 498 schools, 17 branches, centers and posts of the Iranian Red Crescent, 48 relief vehicles, and three relief helicopters, and the martyrdom of 21 medical staff and one aid worker.”
The official also highlighted the strikes that targeted the Dena destroyer, cultural and tourism centers, civilian airliners, and energy infrastructure.
According to Kolivand, a majority of those martyred or wounded in the airstrikes are under 18, and a significant number are women and pregnant women.
“What were the Geneva Conventions adopted for? Are these rules only meant to be cited on paper?” he asked Spoljaric.
Kolivand underscored that the ICRC should not suffice to just express solidarity with the people of Iran, the committee, as a neutral institution, is expected to respond to these violations of IHL, and provide firm support for civilians and those affected.
The official concluded by saying that all documents and data on the airstrikes and damages have been provided to the ICRC, and that he expects collaborative efforts and cooperation between the IRCS and the ICRC to continue throughout the ongoing conflict.
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