Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has commended the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for all their humanitarian contributions toward the country and people.

Minister Ngafuan made the commendation Wednesday, August 05, when the ICRC Liberia office Head of Delegation, Mr. Julien Lerisson, paid a courtesy call on him at his Foreign Affairs offices.

Speaking further, Minister Ngafuan, who is the Dean of the Liberian Cabinet, thanked the humanitarian organization for its many contributions to Liberia. Minister Ngafuan was especially grateful to them for support during the deadly Ebola virus disease crisis in 2014.

The Minister said the Red Cross Movement has always stood with Liberia and its people during difficult moments, including the years of civil conflict throughout the 1990s.

In welcoming Mr. Lerisson to Liberia, Foreign Minister Ngafuan assured him of his Ministry’s support and better coordination with the ICRC and urged him not to hesitate to call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for any help that may be needed.

For his part, Mr. Lerisson presented a letter from the ICRC President, Mr. Peter Maurer, in which he (Mr. Maurer) commends the Liberian Government for defeating Ebola.

Mr. Lerisson spoke of the support that the ICRC continues to provide the Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS). He stated they also include the prison in their support to the Liberian Government.

He also spoke of the need to pass the Fire Arms Act into law. According to him, as UNMIL draws downs, it was expedient that the law on small arms be enacted. He also asked that the International Humanitarian Law or the Geneva Act be ratified by the National Legislature.

International Humanitarian Law is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.