South Korea's Humanitarian Aid to Iran Sparks Controversy; Foreign Ministry: Through Red Cross

SEOUL (CNA) – The South Korean government's recent announcement to provide $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran has sparked controversy over 'aiding the Iranian regime.' However, the South Korean Foreign Ministry responded that this humanitarian aid is conducted through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ensuring no possibility of diversion by the Iranian regime. Yonhap News reported that the South Korean Foreign Ministry announced on April 14 that it would provide a total of $500,000 (approximately NT$16 million) in humanitarian aid to Iran, after which some public opinion questioned whether the aid would be used for other purposes. The South Korean Foreign Ministry refuted the claims of diversion, emphasizing that the government's humanitarian aid to Iran is carried out through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which strictly adheres to established international humanitarian principles and implements aid activities. The ICRC is directly responsible for activities on the ground, from assessing the situation and formulating plans to actual implementation, to ensure that aid reaches the victims. The report also pointed out that, in addition to South Korea, Switzerland, the European Union, and Germany also provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran through professional international organizations. The South Korean Foreign Ministry emphasized, 'Humanitarian aid conducted through international organizations is the most reliable way to prevent it from being used for political or military purposes in conflict situations.' The South Korean Foreign Ministry also stated, 'We express strong regret for unfounded distortions of the international humanitarian aid system.' The Foreign Ministry also stressed that since the aid is conducted through an international organization, there is no possibility of it being diverted by the Iranian government. According to reports, international relief organization personnel also stated that this aid is not channeled through the Iranian government but is directly implemented by the ICRC, so there is absolutely no possibility of it being used for military purposes. Lee Kyung-joo, head of humanitarian aid at the Korea Council for International Cooperation (KCOC), said, 'International organizations like the ICRC are the last line of defense born in conflicts between countries, and they are neutral communication channels.' The ICRC Korea office responded to this controversy by stating that it is currently expanding its activities in Iran and the Middle East to respond to urgent needs as much as possible, and expressed deep gratitude for South Korea's recent support for humanitarian aid to Iran. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150417