Peran ICRC dalam Memberikan Bantuan Medis Darurat kepada Korban Serangan Senjata Kimia di Ghouta Timur = ICRC’s Role in Providing Emergency Medical Assistance to Victims of Chemical Weapons Attacks in Eastern Ghouta

Background: The use of chemical weapons is a serious violation of international law because the effects of chemical weapons are long-term and cause unnecessary suffering such as the use of sarin gas in Ghouta in August 2013. Objectives: This study aims to determine the role of the ICRC in providing emergency medical assistance and the obstacles faced by the ICRC in providing emergency medical assistance to victims of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta. Methods: This research is a normative research conducted by examining various formal legal rules such as laws, international conventions, and literatures that contain theoretical concepts which are then associated with the problems to be discussed in this research. Results: The results of this study indicate that (1) the International Committee of the Red Cross provides emergency medical assistance in the form of antidotes, procurement of mobile health units, rehabilitation programs, conducts special training for volunteers in handling chemical weapons cases, and evacuates victims to referral facilities if needed. (2) The challenges faced by the ICRC include; logistical constraints faced by the ICRC in conflict areas, difficulties in coordination and collaboration, security issues for ICRC medical officers and volunteers who sometimes become objects due to mistargeting. Conclusion: from the role of the ICRC which adheres to humanitarian principles, the ICRC continues to strive for assistance to be delivered to victims in need despite facing many challenges.

Keyword : Chemical Weapons; International Committee of the Red Cross; Medical Assistance.