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Romania 1989: the end of the Cold War and the start of ICRC operations in Europe

16-10-2009 Photo gallery

The fall of the Romanian government in December 1989 was a key event in the ending of the Cold War. The need for emergency aid was less acute than media reports had indicated, but the ICRC responded swiftly to the crisis: a first team landed in Bucharest on 22 December, only eleven hours after the fall of the regime. On the ground, the ICRC had its hands full reminding parties of their obligations under IHL and managing the huge quantities of relief goods generously donated by National Societies and others.

  • Photo, Timişoara, residents fill containers at a mineral water fountain.
    • Timişoara. Residents fill containers at a mineral water fountain.
      © ICRC / A.-M. Grobet / ro-d-00001-18
  • Photo, Bucharest, burned-out building.
    • Bucharest. Burned-out building.
      © ICRC / A.-M. Grobet / ro-d-00005-09

    The building is opposite the TV centre, which played a central role in the period around the overthrow of the government. Members of the Securitate (paramilitary security police) who had refused to surrender following the fall of President Ceaucescu entered the building and began firing at soldiers outside the TV centre. The army responded by shelling the building, which caught fire. Alina and her family took refuge in the cellar. When day came, the family had lost everything in the flames.

  • Photo, Timişoara, an orphan speaks to a soldier on an armoured car.
    • Timişoara. An orphan speaks to a soldier on an armoured car.
      © ICRC / A.-M. Grobet / ro-d-00006-17
  • Photo, Francis Amar, head of the ICRC’s Romania operation, makes a live appeal on Romanian TV for compliance with international humanitarian law.
    • © ICRC

    Francis Amar, head of the ICRC’s Romania operation, makes a live appeal on Romanian TV for compliance with international humanitarian law.

  • Photo, soldiers loyal to the fallen government held prisoner by forces of the new regime.
    • © ICRC

    Soldiers loyal to the fallen government held prisoner by forces of the new regime. The ICRC intervened on several occasions to ensure that prisoners were treated correctly.

    (This is a photograph of a TV screen, hence the poor quality and the bar near the top of the image)

  • Photo, Bucharest, Foisor orthopaedic hospital.

    The hospital treated some 50 casualties. Here, the ICRC team is making an evaluation visit.

  • Photo, Bucharest, Cantacuzino Hospital. Distribution of surgical kits donated by the Korean Red Cross.

    The ICRC set up regular deliveries of medicines and basic surgical materials to hospitals all over Romania. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies supplied the materials, on the basis of lists drawn up by ICRC specialists. One kit was provided for every 1,000 beds. The ICRC distributed 302 of these kits at CHF 50,000 a piece. The costs were covered by the National Societies, the EEC and the ICRC.

  • Photo, Constanta.Transferring surgical kits to an ICRC truck for delivery to hospitals.
  • Photo, Cluz Hospital. Stocks of donated food.

    All these goods have been delivered from “central stores” (a gymnasium) elsewhere in the town. The crates contain food from Romania, while the other items come from the West German Red Cross plus other donors in Germany, Italy, the UK, France and elsewhere.

  • Photo, Bucharest. Relief goods in a warehouse.

    The ICRC is trying to coordinate with the Romanian Red Cross the stocks of relief goods from other National Societies that have built up at two large warehouses in the capital. Given the huge quantities delivered, and the limited needs, the ICRC is in the unusual position of having to try and put a brake on the National Societies’ generosity!

  • Photo, Geneva. ICRC headquarters staff prepare vehicles for use in Romania.
  • Photo, Geneva. The “Romania Task Force” meets at ICRC headquarters.

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