We are devastated by the news of the killing of our colleague Alireza Sohbatloo, a relief worker from the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), who died in an airstrike on 31 March while providing critical humanitarian support at a medical clinic in Zanjan.

Alireza was 35 years old and had served the IRCS for 15 years. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, his colleagues, and our partner, the IRCS, as they mourn this terrible loss.

In one week, two dedicated members of the IRCS have been killed. A total of three IRCS colleagues have lost their lives while performing their humanitarian duties this month alone.

International humanitarian law grants special protection to humanitarian personnel. All feasible precautions must be taken to protect them. We urge all parties to respect and protect all those not participating in hostilities.