2024 could tragically be the deadliest year for Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff

In the wake of a devastating six months, the British Red Cross pays respect to all those who have died and recalls the spirit of the Geneva Conventions on their 75th anniversary.

2024 is on track to be one of the deadliest years in recent history for Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers, according to the latest reports.

As armed conflicts become more protracted, urbanised and complex the risks to medical and humanitarian workers have dramatically increased. At least twenty-eight volunteers and staff lost their lives while on duty so far this year.

The shocking number of deaths comes as the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement marks 75 years since the signing of the four 1949 Geneva Conventions: a set of rules for armed conflict which are the cornerstone of modern international humanitarian law, also known as the law of war. The rules found in the Geneva Conventions are designed to be followed even in the extreme circumstances of war and when followed, they save lives.

The ideas that led to the Geneva Conventions are also the ideas that are behind the origins of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. During the week that marks 75 years of the Geneva Conventions the British Red Cross will be launching a curated exhibition at their headquarters named ‘Caught in Conflict: 75 years of the Geneva Conventions’. The exhibition will explore the unimaginable destruction conflict casts on civilians. It features belongings rescued from rubble in destroyed cities in Iraq and historical items from the Second World War.

The president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Kate Forbes will also be visiting the British Red Cross in London to coincide with the anniversary.

Béatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO of the British Red Cross, said:

“When crisis hits, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers are often first to the scene delivering lifesaving aid. As they serve others, they often face great risks, including to their lives. Our thoughts are with our dear colleagues who lost their lives while helping others, and with their loved ones and families who deeply miss them. International humanitarian law is clear, medical and humanitarian workers must be protected, and the red cross and red crescent emblems must be respected.

“In a world facing an unprecedented number of armed conflicts, the Geneva Conventions are just as relevant today as they were 75 years ago. We will continue to play our part to ensure that these important rules are fully understood and respected. When this happens lives can be saved, and unnecessary loss can be avoided. We must preserve our shared humanity, no matter what the circumstances”

Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent said;

“Every day, our brave volunteers and staff members risk their lives to provide essential humanitarian aid and relief to those in dire need, often in the most dangerous and challenging environments. The Geneva Conventions serve as a crucial safeguard during times of conflict, providing safety and dignity.

“The protection offered by the Geneva Conventions must be continually defended and reinforced. I call upon all governments and all parties to honour their commitments under these treaties and ensure the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers and the civilians they serve.”

The purpose of the Geneva Conventions is to preserve our common humanity even in the worst situations. They are some of the only treaties to have been accepted by every single country in the world and have been fundamental in protecting people, including medical and humanitarian workers, during armed conflicts over the last seven decades.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Additional events

• There will be a global press conference taking place with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, in Geneva at 10am (CEST) to mark the anniversary of the Geneva Convention. Key quotes and AV will be available on request.
• A spokesperson with field experience of working to respond to disasters and conflict is available for interviews.

Summary of figures

• So far this year tragically 28 Red Cross and Red Crescent national society volunteers and staff and two from the International Committee of the Red Cross have lost their lives while on duty. 26 were killed in violence and conflict, and two in an accident.
• These numbers are self-reported by Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and may not include all duty-related deaths of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff during these time periods.

• IFRC in memoriam page for all those who have lost their lives this year and the past six years. This memoriam page lists by year each tragic loss of life from the movement from 2017 to 2024.

Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and the Geneva Convention

The ideas which led to the creation Geneva Conventions, are also at the origins of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the British Red Cross. International humanitarian law and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have evolved and developed in parallel. The Movement plays a special role in ensuring respect for international humanitarian law and promoting its ideals.

The rules found in the Geneva Conventions can be found in military handbooks worldwide. They proactively aid combatants’ decision-making and can help to protect civilians and those not taking part in fighting.

Free information and advice for journalists reporting on conflict: Information on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and a field guide and handbook for media professionals reporting on conflict. 

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk