Romania

Extract

On 22 December 1989, after the outbreak of events in Bucharest, ICRC delegates quickly arrived on the spot to provide protection for hundreds of civilians and medical care for the wounded. By 28 December, 34 ICRC delegates and 28 expatriates from National Societies were posted in Romania, working in close cooperation with volunteers from the Romanian Red Cross. On the same date, around 4,500 tonnes of relief goods had arrived or were on their way. During the emergency period, which lasted until the end of the year, the ICRC made repeated radio broadcasts in an attempt to ensure respect for the Red Cross emblem. In the midst of the fighting the emblem had been frequently disregarded. Once the initial emergency phase was over, there was an urgent need for various forms of ICRC humanitarian assistance, particularly in the areas of protection and medical assistance.