The full text of this message reads as follows:

Dr. Pir Hossein Kolivand,

President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society

I want to thank you and your team for your commitment in responding across affected provinces in Iran and supporting search and rescue, emergency medical response, psychosocial support, and relief assistance, and courage over the past weeks in delivering humanitarian services to people in need.

I am deeply concerned by the reports of attacks affecting humanitarian personnel, civilians, and civilian infrastructure. Such incidents are unacceptable and contradict the fundamental obligation to respect and protect civilians’ humanitarian workers, medical services, and civilian infrastructure at all times.

Humanitarian personnel operate under the principles of humaniry, neutrality, independence and impartiality, and must be able to carry out their life-saving work safely and without obstruction.

Upholding these obligations is essential to protect lives and ensure safe access for humanitarian action.

On behalf of the IFRC MENA Regional Office, I wish reiterate our strong condemnation of any violence directed against humanitarian workers and volunteers, as well as against the services and infrastructure that support the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Please be assured of our continued solidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and our steadfast support for your vital humanitarian mission.

 Yours sincerely,

Dr. Hossam ELSHARKAWI

IFRC MENA Regional Director