Following the attack on its delegation in Baghdad, the ICRC moved to another part of the city. It also opened an office in Amman, Jordan, for its activities in Iraq.

Riyad, Jacqueline, Khalid and Sally, four ICRC staff who chose to remain in Baghdad, all share a strong commitment to saving lives and supporting their families, a difficult and often dangerous task. Their daily lives have become a struggle for survival, with the risk of death never far off. Even the simple act of going to work can be a perilous undertaking.

Riyad: "Today, with all the lurking dangers, getting to work remains a dangerous affair. We are now used to this new climate of fear. I don’t know whether this is good or bad, but we have no choice.”

Jacqueline: "All I want now is to be able to walk down the street, watch people talking and laughing and feel safe again."

Khalid: "I have nothing but envy and respect for my colleagues still working in Baghdad for their unwavering will.”

Sally: "It is said that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and this is exactly what I felt. I still think I am lucky to be alive and this has given me the strength to go on."

Riyad Riyad