There have been reports of gunfire coming from the region where your colleagues are allegedly being held. What is your response?

The ICRC is aware that an exchange of gunfire took place in the region on Monday, March 16. We're very concerned to hear about this development in light of the consequences it could have on our staff. Their safety is paramount. We repeat our call that no action should be taken that could put the lives of Mary Jean, Eugenio, and Andreas in danger. The responsibility for their well-being lies with all those involved in this situation.

We do not have any further information at this time about these latest developments. Obviously, we hope that we will be able to speak with our colleagues as soon as possible to know they are okay.

When was the last time you spoke with your colleagues?

We were able to talk to Mary Jean, Andreas, and Eugenio on Wednesday, March 11. It was our first direct contact with them in almost three weeks so it was very good to speak with all three and hear that they were together. They sounded calm and composed, considering the enormous stress caused by this situation.

It has been just over two months since the three were snatched. How are the families coping with the ordeal?

It is incredibly difficult for them, especially when there is breaking news or conflicting information in the press. We are doing our best to keep them informed, comfort them and give them the support they need. It goes without saying that we are doing everything we can to obtain the safe and swift release of their loved ones.

Unless you've lived through something like this yourself, I think it's impossible to imagine their anguish. The uncertainty and anxiety created by this type of situation is very difficult for the families to bear. It's frustrating for everyone that this has gone on for so long. Only the safe and rapid release of our colleagues can bring the families any real relief.

As ICRC workers, Mary Jean, Eugenio, and Andreas are responsible for alleviating the suffering of those who have been adversely affected by situations of armed conflict or internal violence. Our colleagues and their families have suffered immensely over the past two months. We hope it will not be long before they are home together again.

 

 

"People wounded in fighting are given priority for medical treatment, but women, even pregnant mothers, are often given scant attention despite their special needs," said Nadine Puechguirbal, the ICRC's adviser on issues relating to women and war.

In the world's least developed countries, many of which are at war, women are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than in developed countries, according to UNICEF. While armed conflicts and other violence affect entire communities, women are particularly at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence. Because of poor security conditions or because they have no means of transportation, it is often impossible for women to reach a health-care facility so as to give birth safely.

"International humanitarian law stipulates that the specific health-care needs of conflict-affected women must be met, including in places of detention," explained Ms. Puechguirbal. "Parties to a conflict have an obligation to comply with the law and do everything possible to ensure that women receive the health care they require."

  

During the recent conflict in Gaza the lives of numerous women were put at risk when ambulances couldn't get through to them because of the fighting. The conflict also prevented women in labor from reaching a safe place to have their babies. Women are currently facing the same difficulty in Somalia, where the death rate of pregnant women and newborn babies is among the highest in the world. According to UNICEF, only nine women in 100,000 actually make it to a hospital to give birth in Somalia.

 

The ICRC is addressing the specific health needs of women in war-torn countries around the world by supporting hospitals and basic health-care services. In some countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is making counseling services available to victims of sexual violence. "The first priority after a rape is to obtain medical care," explained Charlotte, a Red Cross volunteer providing counseling. "But medicines can only treat the body. The victims of these attacks bear invisible, psychological wounds."