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The joy at the release of Ingrid Betancourt has been tempered by the news that a Colombian soldier wore the symbol of the Red Cross relief organisation. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has apologised to the Red Cross for the error, he claimed that was made by a nervous soldier acting against orders.
Misusing the Red Cross emblem violates the Geneva Conventions but, more significantly, it undermines the organisation's neutrality.
The action of a soldier in the South American jungle puts at risk the lives and safety of humanitarian workers the world over. If you cannot trust the person who is wearing a Red Cross or Red Crescent symbol then the reputation of the organisation is diminished. Millions of people across the world depend on the organisation to deliver aid, food, or just to establish their whereabouts. Guantanamo is a case in point, but there are unfortunately many other areas where their humanitarian work is needed. The Red Cross or Red Crescent is a sign of humanity and the consequences of it being compromised will make the least able even more vulnerable. What the soldier did could have compromised Betancourt's rescue. It must not be allowed to compromise an organisation that benefits us all.
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