Serb List: Raid on the Red Cross facility endangers the mandate of one of the world's most important humanitarian organizations

The Serb List, responding to the raid by Kosovo Police on the premises of the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija, stated that the Red Cross is a supranational and neutral humanitarian organization operating in accordance with international law and the Geneva Conventions, and that this raid threatens the work and mandate of one of the oldest and most significant humanitarian organizations in the world.

According to the Serb List, the raid by the Kosovo Police represents a blatant violation of all relevant international conventions.

"We remind the public that the Red Cross is a supranational and neutral humanitarian organization that operates in accordance with international law and the Geneva Conventions, which oblige all parties to respect its status, impartiality, and mission. An attack on the premises of this institution is a gross violation of all relevant international conventions, including the Fourth Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949), the 1977 and 2005 Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as the fundamental humanitarian principles: neutrality, independence, and humanity," the Serb List stated.

As they emphasize, the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija is a legitimate organization recognized as a full-fledged part of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which has, throughout its years of operation, brought together all communities and selflessly provided assistance to members of all ethnic groups – Serbian, Albanian, Roma, Bosniak, and others.

"Their work symbolizes humanity, solidarity, and cooperation – especially in a region where these values are most needed. In addition, this organization actively engages in the education and training of youth, primarily through first aid programs and disaster preparedness, thereby directly contributing to the building of a safer and more humane society. What is particularly concerning is that such actions directly endanger the functioning of the voluntary blood donation system, which has been organized for many years by the Red Cross of Kosovo and Metohija. Thanks to their efforts, healthcare facilities in Kosovska Mitrovica, Gracanica, and Pasjane are supplied with blood. An attack on this institution calls into question the stability of the healthcare system and the safety of patients who depend on regular blood supplies," the statement emphasized.

They add that, due to this incident, as well as numerous previous unilateral and violent actions by Kosovo institutions, the Serb List will request an urgent meeting with the embassies of the Quint countries in North Mitrovica to directly highlight the threats to the basic rights of the Serbian people, security on the ground, and the functioning of humanitarian and health services.

"We call on the international community, including representatives of the UN, EU, and OSCE, to respond without delay, condemn this act, and take concrete steps in line with their mandates. The Serb List will, as always, continue to stand by its people and all humanitarian workers, preserving dignity and international law despite provocations."