World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day comes at a moment of profound concern. In various conflicts and crises, we are witnessing a dangerous erosion of the values ​​and guarantees which established to protect human life and dignity.

Many of our colleagues have lost their lives, some while driving ambulances, working in hospitals, and responding to emergencies, and others while providing assistance and support to those in need within their communities. We remember them and offer our condolences to their families, loved ones, and colleagues.

These deaths are not individual tragedies, but part of a broader pattern of disregarding the international humanitarian law, the protection due to medical and humanitarian personnel, and the rules that uphold human dignity in the most dire circumstances. When those who care for the wounded, evacuate the injured, and maintain essential health services are targeted, the loss extends far beyond the lives of these individual victims. Communities themselves lose a lifeline, trust is shaken, and our shared humanity is weakened. Nevertheless, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff continue to stand with those in need in armed conflicts, disasters, and other crises around the world, often in the very places where they live, support their families, and face the same risks as everyone else. The presence of these volunteers and staff is a powerful expression of humanity.

On this day, May 8, we call on all those with influence and responsibility to uphold the protection upon which civilians, medical and humanitarian workers, and local communities depend, so respecting the humanitarian emblems, rules, and principles is therefore indispensable.

Today, we also say to our colleagues across the Movement: We see you, we thank you, and we stand with you. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remains united in its humanity in these times of division, violence, and a disregard for human suffering that transcends borders.

Mirjana Spoljarić-Eger President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Kate Forbes President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)