The International Red Cross (IRC) president Peter Maurer’s visit to Moscow casts further doubt on the organization’s credibility and standards as Russia continues to shell Ukrainian cities and humanitarian corridors while people starve to death in Mariupol.
During his two-day visit on March 23-24, Maurer shook hands with Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, who invited him for an in-depth discussion “without politicizing the problems”.
Maurier thanked him for what he describes as longstanding “positive cooperation” with Russia in various parts of the world. These include the Middle East, Afghanistan, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine, hoping that that cooperation would continue.
During the talks, Maurer discussed the supply of humanitarian aid to conflict zones, which would make it acceptable for both Russia and Ukraine. He also sought permission from Russia to set up an office in Rostov-on-Don, a southern port city close to Ukraine, in order to improve its work in an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow.
Explanations required
The ICR conveniently conducts its activities behind the shield of secrecy. However, its activities in Ukraine have frequently raised questions about its efficacy, use of funding and neutrality as a whole.
Following Russia’s launch of a full-scale war against Ukraine on Feb. 24, the International Red Cross has begun collecting donations for humanitarian relief from both private and corporate actors, including celebrities.
Given Maurer’s decision to visit the aggressor state, the IRC should now promptly provide: i) a detailed account of how this money has been spent; and ii) the proportion of donations spent on actual humanitarian relief versus the maintenance of the IRC’s vast network of offices and staff, including salaries, lodging, and travel expenses.
Maurer should give a first-hand account of the reasons for visiting Moscow, where Lavrov cynically underscored that Russia is interested in solving problems “accumulating in Ukraine”, beyond the trite “neutrality” and “impartiality” stance.
Did he confront Moscow over its manipulation of the concepts of safe corridors and evacuation of the victims of war and prisoner of war exchanges?
He is likewise encouraged to explain whether he is aware of what is happening on the ground in Ukraine, including the forced deportation of Ukrainians to Russia where he proposes to open an IRC office.
Accounting for the IRC’s activities in war-torn eastern Ukraine since 2014, on both sides of the front (contact’) line, is also required – secrecy should not serve as a fig leaf.
Donors want to know the truth, the Red Cross should not create the impression that it stands above public scrutiny and the need to adhere to international standards consistently, not as it suits it.
