Emirates Red Crescent Refutes Misuse Claims of Chad Field Hospital
The Emirates Red Crescent has denied allegations of misuse of its field hospital in Chad, stating that it solely serves vulnerable populations, including Sudanese refugees. The organization asserts that these claims are baseless and politically motivated, stressing the importance of their humanitarian work and partnership with local authorities and the IFRC.
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has categorically denied allegations suggesting that its field hospital in Chad is being utilized for purposes unrelated to humanitarian assistance. This claim emerged in a news story asserting that the facility located in Amdjarass was engaged in non-humanitarian activities. The ERC rebuffed these assertions as both unfounded and misleading, emphasizing that the report lacked any supporting evidence, stating, “the media report failed to provide any evidence for the accusation — because no such evidence exists.” The ERC expressed concern over the politicization of its humanitarian endeavors, underscoring the potential risks these allegations pose to the safety of its medical personnel. In their statement, the organization reiterated, “It is disturbing that the humanitarian and charitable efforts of the ERC could be subjected to false allegations or politicised in such a manner.” Furthermore, the ERC rejected claims of denying access to the Amdjarass facility for representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The organization clarified that any restrictions on access are determined by local authorities, stating, “we will work with the IFRC to determine how such entry could have been prevented.” Since its establishment in July 2023, the Amdjarass facility has been dedicated to assisting vulnerable groups, including Sudanese refugees escaping the ongoing conflict in their homeland. The ERC highlighted that the hospital has treated a total of 8,808 Sudanese individuals and 19,658 Chadian patients, in addition to performing 550 surgical procedures. The ERC emphasized its commitment to delivering essential medical care under challenging circumstances, reinforcing the importance of their operations in the region. Alongside the Amdjarass hospital, another field hospital in Abéché has provided care to an additional 21,761 patients, exemplifying the critical role these facilities play in supporting civilians in dire need, irrespective of their nationality, age, gender, or political affiliation.
The allegations surrounding the Emirates Red Crescent’s operations in Chad come amid heightened tensions and humanitarian crises caused by the conflict in Sudan. The ERC’s response emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between factual humanitarian actions and politicized accusations that could hinder their efforts to provide necessary medical care to those affected by the crisis.
In summary, the Emirates Red Crescent firmly denies the allegations regarding misuse of its field hospital in Chad, reiterating its focus on humanitarian relief efforts for those in need, particularly refugees from Sudan. The organization has called attention to the importance of maintaining the integrity of humanitarian work free from unfounded accusations that could compromise safety and aid delivery.
Original Source: www.khaleejtimes.com
