Access to victims the key challenge facing humanitarian: Red Cross Chief

Access to all those affected by war are the biggest challenge facing humanitarian action, Jakob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday.

Kellenberger, who was visiting Singapore at the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, spoke at a public lecture on the challenges facing humanitarian action.

He said that humanitarian organizations like the ICRC need full access to detainees in war-torn areas like Afghanistan and Lebanon.

He added that accessibility is still the biggest obstacle in getting emergency supplies like food, water and medical supplies to people affected by the conflicts.

The Red Cross Chief praised Singapore for getting very active in humanitarian work, especially for its good support and coordination in relief and humanitarian work for the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Source: Xinhua