THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 1, 2022 Page 9 RED CROSS | FROM PAGE 8 goods? In countries around the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations have their own staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to large-scale disaster operations. The American Red Cross sends highly specialized and experienced professionals with technical skills and expertise abroad only after the Red Cross or Red Crescent team requests assistance. Those not already on the Red Cross’s international disaster roster will not have the opportunity to deploy at this time. The Red Cross encourages you to connect with your local Red Cross chapter for future opportunities or to visit redcross.org/volunteer for more information. While we are grateful for the outpouring of support, it’s important to know that neither the American Red Cross nor its global Red Cross partners are currently accepting the donation of in-kind goods, such as food, clothing, blankets or toys. These items can be diffi - cult to manage on the ground and divert resources from the Red Cross’s mission. Other charitable organizations are better suited to manage such donations. International humanitarian law: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called on authorities to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilians and infrastructure delivering essential services, including power and water facilities, schools and hospitals. ICRC President Peter Maurer requested protection for humanitarian action so that aid agencies can maintain access to civilians. ICRC has also called for parties to agree to terms so safe passage of civilians is possible. Protecting Red Cross workers: The Red Cross emblem is strictly regulated under humanitarian law. In armed confl ict, it may be used by medical staff and facilities, including army medics and vehicles. It may also be used by Red Cross and Red Crescent workers, vehicles, facilities and the humanitarian relief they bring. Resources for people affected by the confl ict: ICRC has published a list of resources for people needing urgent help in Ukraine, including medical care, evacuation support, mental health support, shelter and safety tips. The IFRC Psychosocial Center also has resources for talking to children about war. For people fl eeing the war in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) lists a comprehensive guide, including rights when crossing the border into an EU country, eligibility for temporary protection and applying for international protection, as well as the rights of travel inside the European Union. How to find a missing loved one: If you are trying to locate or get in touch with a U.S. citizen, please contact the U.S. Department of State Overseas Citizens Services Offi ce online or call 1-888-4074747. However, if you are looking for a family member who is not a U.S. citizen but is located in either Ukraine or Russia, the Red Cross might be able to reconnect you through its Restoring Family Links program. In neighboring countries where Ukrainians have fl ed, the Red Cross is distributing SIM cards for cell phones, so people can get in touch with their loved ones. Some family members have maintained contact with each other, but the situation is rapidly changing. As of now, most have maintained their own family connections via cell phones, but it is important to note that the telecommunication systems in the region have been aff ected. The ICRC and Ukraine Red Cross will continue to work together to help reconnect families, despite considerable challenges on the ground. How can I learn more about the Red Cross response? ICRC and IFRC have a comprehensive list of resources, including maps, press releases, videos, photos and stories further expanding upon Red Cross eff orts in the region.
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