Humanitarian organisations are raising alarm as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to take a toll on civilian infrastructure and emergency services. The head of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent federation has warned that several humanitarian facilities have already been damaged during the fighting, raising concerns about the safety of aid workers and the ability to respond to growing humanitarian needs.

Red Crescent facilities hit during conflict

According to Jagan Chapagain, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), multiple facilities operated by the Iranian Red Crescent Society have sustained significant damage since the conflict began roughly a week ago.

Chapagain said the affected sites include relief posts and warehouses that are crucial for humanitarian operations. Such facilities typically store emergency supplies and serve as operational bases for aid workers responding to crises.

The damage to these locations could complicate relief efforts, particularly as the conflict continues to impact communities and strain emergency response systems across parts of the country.

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Humanitarian concerns grow as conflict spreads

Chapagain warned that communities on all sides of the conflict are already facing severe consequences. According to him, the fighting has resulted in deaths, injuries and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.

Homes, schools, hospitals and other essential public facilities have reportedly been affected, further worsening conditions for people caught in the conflict.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Chapagain emphasised that humanitarian personnel and their facilities must be protected during armed conflicts.

He stressed that Red Cross and Red Crescent staff work to provide neutral humanitarian assistance and should be allowed to carry out their work safely

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As the conflict in Iran continues, humanitarian organisations are urging all parties involved to respect international humanitarian principles and safeguard aid workers and civilian infrastructure. The IFRC has reiterated that protecting humanitarian personnel and facilities is essential to ensure that life-saving assistance can reach communities in need.