Leadership key to alleviating suffering in Syria, Iraq: ICRC head

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer urged leaders Monday to renew efforts seeking to ease the "unprecedented levels" of suffering and fear faced by civilians living in war-torn Syria and Iraq.

"People need leaders who believe in humanity, who protect, homes, schools and hospitals; who protect civilians and treat people they capture with respect; and who allow and facilitate neutral and impartial humanitarian help for those in need," Maurer said.

"We stand ready to talk to anyone, or to act as an intermediary so that more help, more assistance, can be delivered. When the guns fall silent, and they will do one day, it'll be that common respect for human dignity that will provide a way forward. And for the healing process to begin," he added.

The statement comes in the wake of deadly suicide car bomb attacks which shook Iraq's capital city Baghdad on Sunday.

At least 165 civilians were killed by the Islamic State-claimed attacks, with the death toll expected to rise as many of the wounded are in critical condition.

As well as facing the constant threat of terrorism, millions have been displaced by protracted fighting in both Middle-Eastern countries, while hundreds of thousands have lost their lives. Enditem