Brussels, 15/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - Horror and disgust at a “barbaric act” - this is what European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva felt about the beheading of British humanitarian worker David Haines by Islamic State jihadists. It was in the strongest terms that on Monday 15 September Georgieva condemned this “barbaric act, which reminds us of the enormous risks to which those who risk their life to save the life of others are exposed”. She stated that last year over “450 murders, abductions or attacks against humanitarian convoys” had taken place. Georgieva was speaking at the opening of the international high level conference in Brussels on coordinating the response to the Ebola epidemic (see other article) and she invited all participants to respect a minute's silence in tribute to David Haines - “a dedicated, wonderful relief worker and father of two children”.
On Sunday 14 September, it was through a press release that Georgieva expressed her indignation, stating: “I condemn this horrible and despicable act”, committed by “ISIS terrorists”. Offering her condolences to Haines' family and friends, she paid heartfelt tribute to him and recalled the principles of international humanitarian law which must be respected by everyone.
“David was a dedicated humanitarian worker whose only motivation and mission was to provide assistance to civilians affected by the conflict in Syria. His mission was a peaceful one, like that of all other humanitarian organisations whose only fight is to promote humanity and solidarity and deliver assistance, irrespective of identity, religion or nationality. Humanitarian aid is the common good of all nations and people. As such, international humanitarian law must be respected by everyone. All parties to a conflict must uphold the security and protection of relief workers”, Georgieva stated. (AN)