ICRC president calls for sustained international engagement to prevent further military escalation in the Middle East during visit to Iraq [EN/AR]

Reliefweb | 12-05-2026 03:16pm |

During her two-day visit to Iraq, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, emphasized the urgent need for sustained international engagement to prevent further military escalation in the Middle East, which could jeopardize years of progress in the region. She highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by millions of Iraqis who continue to suffer the repercussions of past conflicts and called for a collective effort to de-escalate tensions. In her discussions with key Iraqi leaders, including President Nazar Amidi and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Spoljaric addressed the challenges posed by the recent transfer of nearly 6,000 detainees from Syria, including many children, stressing that Iraq should not bear this burden alone. The ICRC is actively involved in supporting detainees and improving living conditions in Iraqi prisons, ensuring humane treatment and access to essential services.

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