The International Federation Of The Red Cross Criticizes Myanmar Military For Attacking Medical Teams

IFRC Team in Myanmar (Twitter / @ ifrc)

JAKARTA - The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) has condemned the violence of the security forces in the Myanmar coup which resulted in the deaths of more than 500 civilians. The IFRC also highlighted the violence that the humanitarian team received in the field.

"Myanmar Red Cross first aid workers and medics have been arrested, intimidated, or injured. And Red Cross property and ambulance have been vandalized. This is unacceptable", said Alexander Matheou, IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Director, quoted by CNA, Thursday, April 1.

"Health workers should never be targeted. They should be given unrestricted humanitarian access to people in need", he added.

In carrying out their duties, the Myanmar Red Cross team also provided care for more than 2 thousand people. However, in the statement, it did not explain which group was responsible, whether it was the police or the military.

Saddened and horrified by the loss of life in #Myanmar. @Ifrc and @ICRC are supporting @MyanmarRedCross volunteers to provide life saving first aid, but it is not enough. There must be an immediate end to the violence. pic.twitter.com/zGhodlgpby

- Alexander Matheou (@AJMatheou) March 28, 2021

Earlier, a video circulating on social media showed members of the security forces attacking medics. Not only that, but the security officers also shot the ambulance.

Many health workers were also arrested and intimidated. In fact, if the violence becomes more massive, then the health of the Myanmar people could be threatened.

Moreover, with the high transmission of COVID-19 in Myanmar. Currently testing, traceability, and treatment have declined sharply.

"We can face a perfect storm in Myanmar where another wave of COVID-19 infections collides with an increasingly severe humanitarian crisis that is spreading across the country", Matheou concluded.

MEDIA contacts for more information

Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain: [phone], [email protected]

London: Patrick Fuller, [phone], [email protected]

Geneva: Ann Vaessen, [phone] , [email protected] pic.twitter.com/1L6z6ooGsx

- IFRC Asia Pacific (@IFRCAsiaPacific) April 1, 2021