2024-05-12 20:00:00
ICRC staff confirmed that all four people were in good health. At the end of the liberation, they were transferred in the organization’s vehicles to another area to be delivered to their families.
“We participated in this operation as a neutral intermediary to help these people regain their freedom and reunite with their loved ones. This is part of the humanitarian work we carry out in the country to mitigate the effects of armed conflicts and violence. Our action focuses on impartially helping those in need, without any discrimination,” said Samuel Mark Fensterheim, protection delegate of the ICRC Subdelegation in Cali.
In Colombia there are eight non-international armed conflicts, according to the current legal classification of the ICRC based on the criteria of international humanitarian law (IHL), which generate multiple humanitarian consequences. This situation directly affects the civilian population. That is why it is essential to insist that all parties to the conflict respect IHL, regardless of whether ceasefires exist or not.
The release took place in a rural area of the department of Cauca. Photo: Alberto Cataño / ICRC Colombia
“International humanitarian law protects civilians, as well as those who have ceased to participate in hostilities. Parties to the conflict must guarantee the protection conferred by these rules at all times and places, as this reduces and alleviates suffering. generated by armed conflicts,” added Fensterheim.
The ICRC will not provide additional information about the release, in order to protect the released people as well as the mission and the neutral and impartial work carried out by the organization, which has confidentiality as a fundamental tool. This tool allows the ICRC to enjoy the trust of all parties, guarantee the safety of the people concerned and enable the organization’s humanitarian access to the areas most affected by armed conflict and violence.
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