Iran's Red Crescent Chief: Over 82,000 Civilian Units Damaged in War
Tehran - BORNA - Dr. Pirhossein Kolivand, stating that this incident has caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, said: based on the latest reports, 82,417 civilian units have been damaged, including 62,440 residential units and 19,187 commercial units across various provinces of the country. In addition, in Tehran province, 25,280 residential and commercial units have been damaged.
He added: in this incident, vital centers have also been damaged; in such a way that 281 medical, pharmaceutical, health, and emergency centers, 498 schools, and 17 Red Crescent centers have been damaged. In addition, part of the relief equipment, including 3 helicopters, 48 operational vehicles, and 46 ambulances, has also been damaged.
The head of the Red Crescent, emphasizing the decisive role of rescuers in reducing human casualties, stated: “Our rescuers, with exemplary روحیه and under very difficult conditions, were able to rescue thousands of compatriots from under the rubble and from high-risk areas, and with precise scene management, transferred the injured in the shortest possible time to medical centers and hospitals to receive specialized services. These efforts are a clear manifestation of the deep commitment of the Red Crescent Society to preserving human dignity, safeguarding human lives, and upholding the lofty principles of humanitarian law.”
He continued: during the relief operations, a number of relief personnel were also injured, and with utmost regret, one of the devoted Red Crescent rescuers, martyr Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh from Isfahan, attained martyrdom while serving compatriots and during the execution of a relief mission.
Kolivand, referring to the international responsibilities of the Red Crescent Society in documenting and legally pursuing these crimes and aggressions against civilians, stated: the International Affairs and Humanitarian Law Department of the Red Crescent Society sends documentation related to violations of humanitarian law, damage to civilian places and infrastructure, medical, educational, and relief centers, as well as the human آثار of these incidents on a daily and continuous basis to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council, the United Nations, and other relevant international bodies, so that these authorities, in accordance with their duties, responsibilities, and legal obligations, take the necessary legal follow-ups and appropriate actions regarding these clear and documented violations.
He noted: the purpose of this action is not merely recording events, but rather the serious pursuit of the rights of the nation, defense of civilians, prevention of the recurrence of such disasters, and compelling responsible international bodies to fulfill their legal and human duties. The Red Crescent Society follows this path with all its specialized capacities with precision, continuity, and responsibility.
The head of the Red Crescent also referred to the psychological and social dimensions of the incident, emphasizing the importance of increasing the resilience of the affected community, and said: alongside relief and rescue services, psychological and social support is also being carried out strongly. Sahar teams, with field presence in the affected areas, are trying, by providing supportive, educational, psychological, and social services, to prevent secondary damages and help rebuild morale, calm psychological conditions, and enhance the resilience of families, especially children, adolescents, and survivors.
He added: the services of Sahar teams in such conditions are not merely a simple supportive intervention, but rather a deep, human, and strategic action to restore a sense of security, hope, and stability to the affected community. These teams, using trained and specialized personnel, are present alongside the people to reduce their psychological suffering and facilitate a gradual return to normal conditions.
Kolivand also referred to the role of the 4030 system and said: this system also, as an important arm in providing consultation, guidance, response, and psychological support, has stood alongside the people so that affected individuals and their families can benefit from advisory and support services at any hour of the day and night. Strengthening public resilience, reducing anxiety, responding to psychological concerns, and helping crisis management at the family and community level are among the most important functions of this system under current conditions.
He emphasized: today, effective service is not limited only to rescue from under rubble; rather, maintaining the psychological calm of society, supporting the affected, safeguarding human dignity, and legally pursuing the damages inflicted on civilians are all part of one great humanitarian mission—a mission that the Red Crescent pursues with all its capacity.
The head of the Red Crescent finally emphasized the continuation of relief operations and said: the Red Crescent will remain alongside the people with all its strength, and until full return of conditions to normal, relief, medical, supportive, psychological, and legal services will continue. This incident, although bitter and painful, once again showed that the people of Iran, with solidarity, self-sacrifice, patience, and a strong spirit, will overcome even the most difficult conditions.
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