We, the members of the Governing Board of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), are gravely concerned about the escalating human toll of violence and conflict around the world. Today, we call on all parties to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian workers and civilians and allow unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to deliver essential assistance. 

Amid tremendously challenging circumstances, including armed conflicts and neglected global crises, 2023 was one of the deadliest years for humanitarian aid workers ever recorded, with over 400 lives lost. In the first four months of 2024, we have seen a continually grim trajectory of humanitarian aid workers killed while working in service to others. 

Over the past six months, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have lost 30 dedicated volunteers and staff members from Algeria, Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Libya, Palestine and Sudan. We mourn these losses and honor their service. They were not just colleagues but beloved family members and friends, tragically killed while trying to help others. This is unacceptable according to international humanitarian law, our Fundamental Principles and for humanity as a whole. 

It is in this context that we reiterate our call that National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society volunteers and staff are granted safe and unhindered access and space to provide humanitarian services according to our Fundamental Principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. 

The imperative to safeguard civilians extends to vital institutions, including hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure. These institutions must be shielded from harm to maintain stability, provide critical services, and offer hope during the darkest hours of crisis and conflict. 

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society volunteers and staff, who tirelessly provide crucial aid and medical care, need safety to carry out their lifesaving work. Their protection without impediment is paramount.

We mourn the loss of our dedicated personnel. At the same time, we use this moment to hold their unwavering commitment as a beacon of humanity’s highest ideals. As IFRC Governing Board members, we unite in urging political solutions to safeguard civilians, and to ensure the protection of humanitarian aid workers for a path towards lasting peace and stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Today U.S. Mission Uganda observes World Malaria Day to reaffirm our commitment to support Ugandans in the fight against malaria. Through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and other collaborations, we are working closely with local partners to eliminate malaria and improve health outcomes.

Launched in 2005, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) supports implementation of malaria prevention and treatment measures as well as cross-cutting interventions. PMI’s 2021-2026 strategy titled “End Malaria Faster” envisions a world free of malaria with the goal of preventing malaria cases, reducing malaria deaths and illness, and eliminating malaria in PMI partner countries.

Today, Ambassador Popp attended World Malaria Day events in Namutumba District to highlight U.S. government investments in malaria prevention and response. This work is implemented by the U.S. Peace Corps and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through partners Holistic Initiative to Community Development (HOLD) and John Snow Inc. (JSI). Working through host organizations, Peace Corps Volunteers reach vulnerable households through evidence-based interventions.

During his visits across Uganda, Ambassador Popp has engaged with community leaders, healthcare workers, and local residents to discuss the challenges of malaria control and explore innovative solutions. He has observed firsthand the impact of U.S.-funded initiatives, such as the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and the provision of life-saving treatments and diagnostics.

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, causing illness and death, particularly among children and pregnant women. U.S. Mission Uganda has been a key partner in providing technical and financial assistance to Uganda’s malaria control efforts.

Through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative and USAID in Uganda, we have:

supported the training of 4,000 Ugandans in indoor residual spraying.
protected 3.2 million residents in 770,000 houses from malaria with the distribution of 2.5 million mosquito nets.
supplied 5 million testing and treatment kits to health facilities.

These efforts have led to a significant reduction in malaria cases and deaths.

U.S Mission Uganda is proud of the work we are doing with our partners to create malaria-free households where no child or pregnant woman dies because of malaria; where communities and health facilities have the medicines they need to save lives; and where there are enough trained health workers to properly diagnose and treat each Ugandan infected with malaria.

This World Malaria Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we have made together and to recommit to the actions needed to reduce malaria deaths and eliminate malaria as a public health threat.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Uganda.

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of Sinai, that precious part of the sacrosanct land of Egypt. It is the day that testifies to the robustness and resilience of the Egyptian will and the steadfastness of our determination to reclaim every inch of our land.

Today, we remember the sacrifices of our noble martyrs and the heroism of our valiant soldiers who restored dignity and sovereignty to our beloved land of Sinai. The liberation of Sinai was not just a return of land, but rather an affirmation of the ability of this people to achieve the impossible and preserve its resources. Let us make this occasion an opportunity to renew our covenant to continue building our nation, strengthening our unity, and promoting its standing among nations.

Long live Egypt… Long live Egypt… Long live Egypt.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The UK-Rwanda Treaty has been ratified as the Safety of Rwanda Act receives Royal Assent, marking the end of a crucial week in Parliament and getting flights to Rwanda one step closer.

The internationally binding Treaty between the UK and Rwanda addresses the Supreme Court’s findings on the partnership last year, introducing measures that make clear Rwanda will not return anyone to an unsafe country. The Treaty works hand in hand with the Safety of Rwanda Act, which has now received Royal Assent, and confirms that Rwanda is safe for the purposes of relocating people. 

Home Secretary James Cleverly and Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Vincent Biruta signed the Treaty during a ceremony in Kigali in December 2023. Today, Thursday 25 April, the government completed ratification, including laying a statement in Parliament confirming its intent to ratify the Treaty. This allows for the final phase of operational planning to get flights off the ground to Rwanda, to begin.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said:   

“We said that we would do what was necessary to get our landmark partnership delivered and today marks another key step forward.”

“Our robust Act and Treaty make clear once and for all that Rwanda is a safe country. I am grateful for the ongoing collaboration from our Rwandan partners – who expedited work on the Treaty – for getting us to this position.”

“We must do everything in our power to make clear that if you come here illegally you cannot stay, remove the incentive for dangerous Channel crossings and break the business model of the callous criminal gangs driving this trade.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Vincent Biruta said:

“We are pleased to have taken this important step forward in the implementation of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership.”

“Rwanda has always been ready and prepared to receive migrants and asylum seekers. To ensure the partnership’s success and in parallel to the ratification of the Treaty, Rwanda implemented legislation and fast tracked the application of Treaty guarantees that address concerns raised in the legal process about the protection of asylum seekers.”

“Rwanda stands ready to work with the United Kingdom and to provide those who come here with the support and opportunities they will need to build new lives in our safe and welcoming country.”

Under the Treaty, Rwanda has strengthened its end-to-end asylum system through its own new legislation and created a specialist asylum appeals tribunal to consider individual appeals against any refused claims. It will have two co-presidents, from Rwanda and another Commonwealth country, and be made up of judges from a mix of nations.

It enhances the role of the independent Monitoring Committee, which will ensure adherence to obligations under the Treaty and have the power to set its own priority areas for monitoring.  

The UK and Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership paves the way for an innovative new model for tackling illegal migration, with countries across Europe exploring similar agreements, including Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Italy in their deal with Albania.

The agreement goes hand-in-hand with wider action to stop the boats, with the number of small boat arrivals falling by more than a third in 2023.

This includes work with international partners which prevented more than 26,000 crossings last year, as well as work helping to dismantle 82 organised crime groups since July 2020.

The UK’s new agreement with Albania has cut Albanian small boat arrivals by more than 90 per cent; and we recently signed a ground-breaking deal with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, marking another crucial step in securing our borders.    

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Kingdom Home Office.