ICRC resumes its activities in Aceh

JAKARTA: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has resumed activities in conflict-torn Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam after four months of suspension.

The reopening of the ICRC office in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh on Dec. 5 marked the reinstatement of its humanitarian mission in the country's westernmost province, where a major offensive against rebels is underway.

In its release made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, the ICRC said it planned to continue its activities of promoting humanitarian law and Red Cross work, visiting people detained in relation to the conflict, supporting the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) chapter in its efforts to assist displaced populations and evacuate casualties throughout the province, and supporting the PMI and provincial authorities in public health services.

In its absence, the ICRC has continued to support the PMI's activities. Both the ICRC and the PMI take this opportunity to recall the importance of respecting the Red Cross emblem: neutral and independent humanitarian work.-- JP