Iran Press/Europe: In a meeting with the Norwegian Red Cross president on the third day of the 24th IFRC General Assembly, Kolivand highlighted that, in theory, the Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations are meant to provide neutral and impartial humanitarian services worldwide.
However, he lamented that in practice, power dynamics often undermine these principles. He cited the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement's mandate to assist the needy, the displaced, and those affected by conflict, which Iran's Red Crescent and Norway’s Red Cross are both committed to.
Raising concerns, Kolivand stated, "We have made extensive efforts to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, even attempting to channel support through the Red Cross. Yet, we faced barriers and couldn’t succeed. We even offered to transfer Iranian donations through the IFRC, but it was unable to deliver the aid to Gaza."
Kolivand pointed out the large volume of humanitarian supplies wasted at Egypt's Port Arish, intended to support those in need in Gaza. "The sight of these destroyed supplies is a testament to a failure of humanitarianism and goes against every humanitarian value," he said.
Kolivand also discussed the aftermath of a terror-related explosion in Lebanon that injured 3,000 people, primarily affecting their eyes and faces. "If Norway suddenly faced 3,000 cases requiring eye surgeries, it would be impossible to manage in a short period, given the need for advanced medical equipment," he noted, underscoring the severe humanitarian needs that often remain unaddressed in conflict zones.
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