The American Red Cross blog reports that the ARC is not accepting designated funds or blood from the public for activities in Iran.
http://redcrosschat.org/2009/06/29/clarification-on-situation-in-iran/
The Red Crescent isn't doing anything at all, apparently.
"The Iranian government's Emergency Center of the Ministry of Health is responsible for treating people who have been injured or affected by the emerging situration in Iran..."
Edited 7/5 to add:
I've been trying to find out what will happen to the money people have sent to the Red Cross for Iran, but have received no information yet. Mostly ummms and uhhhs. Oddly, a comment I posted to the Red Cross Blog asking about this money has been held "in moderation" since Thursday morning. I'll stop short of accusing them of anything until Tuesday - that's more than enough time to "moderate" any comment.
3 comments:
My sister was in the Navy. Overseas.
We learned EARLY not to trust the Red Cross. Sorry, I have nothing good to say about them.
Sincerely,
Chico Horse
MBrand, I'm hearing lots of stories about the Red Cross being underhanded over the years. I'll give blood, but I'm never giving money again.
The local chapter representative just didn't understand the situation and you got to him/her before our International team gave the chapters guidance. I promise that we did not intentionally "lie" to anyone.
These situations are complicated and can be confusing, even for us.
When international disasters happen, we are often able to accept donations for the affected people. These donations are requested by the originating national society and are routed through the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent.
In this case, the Iranian Red Crescent didn't have a role in responding to the injured during the protests, and they didn't ask for help. Other national societies can only help when a request is issued.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, on the other hand, steps in to provide humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
Again, the ICRC didn't step in here because an in-country protest is not considered a conflict zone.
We would love to solicit your help in raising awareness about this sometimes confusing process.
Perhaps you could contact your local chapter and ask how you might teach International Humanitarian Law in your community.
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=22874749b48bb110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
Thanks, Katy. You seem like a passionate advocate and we could really use you!
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