(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Doha, August 07 (QNA) - Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has issued an official statement strongly censuring the attack on its Al-Sakhoor Primary Health Care Center in Aleppo City, which caused severe damage to the structure of the building and an ambulance, with no casualties.
The statement noted, "QRCS stresses again its utter condemnation of any hostilities whatsoever against civilians, relief workers, and medics. Such actions undermine the humanitarian efforts in Syria and contradict with all relevant international treaties and conventions.
As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which is concerned with the protection of vulnerable people and alleviation of their suffering, QRCS calls upon all parties to the conflict to comply with the letter and spirit of Article 3 of the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Second Additional Protocol, which stipulate that "the wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for".
The customary international humanitarian law also criminalizes attacks on hospitals, medical units, and transports. This protection is guaranteed by the Red Crescent emblem, which is to be respected.
QRCS began the operation of Al-Sakhoor Health Care Center several months ago, for the benefit of 100,000 beneficiaries, at a cost of $185,000.
This is part of QRCS's program to support the medical sector in Syria, by rehabilitating and managing 17 health care facilities in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Rif Dimashq, and Ghouta. These facilities employ more than 300 doctors, nurses, midwives, technicians, and administrative staff. At least six mobile clinics have been dispatched to remote areas.
During 2016, QRCS plans to conduct medical projects and activities in Syria with a budget exceeding $4 Million (QR 14.5 Million). (QNA)