If members of the ICRC request access to medical treatment areas of a detainee facility, what should you do?

When members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) request access to medical treatment areas of a detainee facility, forwarding the request through your Chain of Command is an appropriate course of action. This ensures that all protocols and procedures are followed, respecting the established guidelines within the facility. The Chain of Command serves to manage access requests and confirm that the necessary security and operational considerations have been taken into account.

By routing the request this way, it allows higher authorities, who have the full context of the facility's operational requirements and security risks, to evaluate the ICRC's request. Additionally, it ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards regarding the treatment of detainees and the presence of outside organizations. This careful approach upholds the integrity of the facility's protocols while also acknowledging the ICRC's important humanitarian role in assessing conditions for detainees.

Allowing access immediately or taking them to the areas yourself could bypass important protocols that are in place, potentially compromising the security of the facility or the wellbeing of the detainees. Informing detainees of their presence is also not advisable, as it could interfere with ongoing operations or security measures. Thus, routing the request through the appropriate command structure is the most responsible and effective action to take in this scenario