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THE ICRC
International Committee of the Red Cross
19 Avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
T + 41 22 734 60 01 F + 41 22 733 20 57
E-mail: shop.gva@icrc.org
www.icrc.org
© ICRC, September 2005
21 Protection in war
22 Protection of civilians
26 Protection of detainees
28 Restoring family links
41 Preventive action
41 Making the rules known
45 Cooperation with
National Societies
Marko Kokic/Federation
45 Why cooperation?
45 Mutual support
49 Resources
49 Who works for the ICRC?
50 How the ICRC is financed
Carina Appel/ ICRC
ABOUT THE ICRC
The ICRC in a nutshell
Despite efforts to achieve world peace in The ICRC’s special role was assigned to it
the wake of two world wars, armed conflict by States through the various instruments
remains a prominent feature of our human of humanitarian law. However, while it
landscape. The resort to arms continues to maintains a constant dialogue with States,
be a means of settling differences between it insists at all times on its independence.
nations, peoples and ethnic groups, with For, only if it is free to act independently of
the accompanying toll of death and any government or other authority, can the
suffering. ICRC serve the true interests of the victims
of conflict, which lie at the heart of its
The International Committee of the Red humanitarian mission.
Cross (ICRC) was founded nearly a century
and a half ago in recognition of this sad The following pages provide an insight into
reality. It seeks to preserve a measure of this unique organization, its origins, aims
humanity in the midst of war. Its guiding and ideals, how it works, why it works in
principle is that even in war there are limits: a certain way and who, ultimately, are the
limits on how warfare is conducted and beneficiaries of its actions.
limits on how combatants behave. The set
of rules that were established with this in
mind and endorsed by nearly every nation
in the world is known as international
humanitarian law, of which the Geneva
Conventions are the bedrock.
The ICRC’s mission is to protect - searching for missing persons; - spreading knowledge of
and assist the civilian and military - transmission of messages humanitarian law;
victims of armed conflicts and between family members - monitoring compliance with
internal disturbances on a strictly separated by conflict; that law;
neutral and impartial basis. - reunification of dispersed - drawing attention to violations,
families; and contributing to the
Its tasks include: - provision of food, water and development of humanitarian
- visits to prisoners of war and medical assistance to civilians law.
civilian detainees; without access to these basic
necessities;
The ICRC around the world
Although the ICRC is the product of a
private Swiss initiative, its work and scope
are international. The organization has
delegations and missions in some 80
countries around the world and employs
a staff of over 11,000 people, most of
them nationals of the countries in which it
works. About 800 people work at the ICRC’s
headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland,
providing vital support to and supervision
of field operations, and determining and
implementing institutional policies and
strategies.
Legal status Origins and history
The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and The ICRC owes its origins to the vision and
independent humanitarian organization. determination of one man: Henry Dunant.
Its mandate to protect and assist the The date: 24 June 1859. The place: Solferino,
victims of armed conflict has been con a town in northern Italy. The Austrian and
ferred on it by States through the four French armies were locked in bitter battle
Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their and, after 16 hours of fighting, the ground
Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005, was strewn with 40,000 dead and wounded.
worthy successors to the First Geneva That same evening, Dunant, a Swiss citizen,
Convention of 1864. passed through the area on business. He
was horrified by the sight of thousands of
The ICRC’s mandate and legal status set soldiers from both armies left to suffer for
it apart both from intergovernmental want of medical care. He appealed to the
agencies, such as United Nations organi local people to help him tend the wounded,
zations, and from non-governmental insisting that soldiers on both sides should
organizations (NGOs). In most of the be treated equally.
countries in which it works, the ICRC has
concluded headquarters agreements with On his return to Switzerland, Dunant
the authorities. Through these agreements, published A Memory of Solferino, in which
which are subject to international law, the he made two solemn appeals:
ICRC enjoys the privileges and immunities
usually only granted to intergovernmental - for relief societies to be formed in peace-
organizations, such as immunity from time, with nurses who would be ready to
legal process, which protects it from care for the wounded in wartime;
administrative and judicial proceedings,
and inviolability of its premises, archives - for these volunteers, who would be
and other documents. Such privileges and called upon to assist the army medical
immunities are indispensable for the ICRC services, to be recognized and protected
because they guarantee two conditions through an international agreement.
essential to its action, namely neutrality
and independence. The organization In 1863, a charitable association known as
has concluded such an agreement the Geneva Society for Public Welfare set up
with Switzerland, thus guaranteeing its a five-member commission to consider how
independence and freedom of action from Dunant’s ideas could be made a reality. This
the Swiss government. commission – made up of Gustave Moynier,
Guillaume-Henri Dufour, Louis Appia,
Théodore Maunoir and Dunant himself –
founded the International Committee for
Relief to the Wounded, which later became
the International Committee of the Red
Cross (ICRC).
Olav Saltbones/Norwegian Red Cross
Camp for Sudanese refugees, Chad.
Since 1863, the red cross has been a
symbol of hope for countless people
affected by armed conflict throughout
the world.
The five founders then set about ensuring Representatives of 12 governments took
that the ideas put forward in Dunant’s book part and adopted a treaty entitled the
would become a reality. In response to their “Geneva Convention for the Amelioration
invitation, 16 States and four philanthropic of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies
institutions sent representatives to the in the Field”, which became the first treaty
International Conference which opened in of humanitarian law. Subsequently, further
Geneva on 26 October 1863. It was at that conferences were held, extending the basic
Conference that the distinctive emblem – a law to other categories of victims, such as
red cross on a white background, the reverse prisoners of war. In the aftermath of the
of the Swiss national flag – was adopted and Second World War, a Diplomatic Conference
the Red Cross came into being. deliberated for four months before
adopting the four Geneva Conventions
To formalize protection of medical services of 1949, which reinforced the protection
on the battlefield and to gain international of civilians in wartime. These Conventions
recognition of the Red Cross and its were supplemented by three Additional
ideals, the Swiss government convened a Protocols, adopted in 1977 and in 2005.
Diplomatic Conference in Geneva in 1864.
Thierry Gassmann/ICRC
RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT
A global movement
The International Red Cross and Red The ICRC, the International Federation
Crescent Movement is present and active and each country’s National Society are
in almost every country and comprises independent organizations. Each has its
around 100 million members and own status and exercises no authority over
volunteers. It is united and guided by the the others. They meet every two years in the
seven Fundamental Principles – humanity, Council of Delegates and gather every four
impartiality, neutrality, independence, years, in principle, with representatives of
voluntary service, unity and universality – the States party to the Geneva Conventions
which provide a universal standard of for an International Conference of the Red
reference for all its members. Red Cross and Cross and Red Crescent.
Red Crescent activities have one central
purpose: to prevent and alleviate human
suffering, without discrimination, and to
protect human dignity.
- National Societies;
Boris Heger/ICRC
in the international field. It promotes
cooperation between National Societies
and strengthens their capacity to prepare
effectively for disasters and to carry out Doctor treating Colombian refugees
health and social programmes. in the Darien region of Panama.
Voluntary service is one of the
Fundamental Principles of the
Movement.
Thierry Gassmann/ICRC
11
Emblems of humanity
From the very beginning, the ICRC’s were not comfortable with either of the
founders recognized the need for a single, existing emblems. The Magen David Adom,
universal and easily recognizable emblem the Israeli Society, wanted to use its own
familiar to all. To their mind, the emblem symbol – the red shield of David – whereas
had to protect not only people wounded other Societies prefered to use both the red
in battle but also those bringing them cross and the red crescent. Neither were
aid. It was also to protect all medical units, possible under the Geneva Conventions
including those of the enemy. The idea rules. In addition, in some conflicts, the use
was that the mere sight of it would prompt of the red cross or the red crescent could
combatants to show restraint and respect. have created problems if misinterpreted by
The red cross on a white background (the either party.
reverse of the Swiss national flag) was
adopted by the International Conference To solve these problems, the Diplomatic
of 1863 (see p. 7) as the distinctive sign Conference of December 2005 brought
of societies bringing relief to wounded together the States party to the Geneva
soldiers (the future National Societies). A Conventions and adopted Additional
year later it was recognized by a Diplomatic Protocol III, creating a new emblem, the
Conference as the distinctive sign of red crystal. This emblem, free from any
army medical services and sanctioned by religious, cultural or political connotations,
humanitarian law with the adoption of gives States and National Societies greater
the Geneva Convention of 1864. However, flexibility in the use of the emblems and
in 1876, the Ottoman Empire decided to puts an end to the question of proliferation
use a red crescent instead of the red cross. of emblems.
Several States followed suit and in 1929 the
red crescent in turn was granted official The National Societies already using the
recognition, along with the Iranian red lion red cross or the red crescent can continue
and sun (not currently in use). to do so.
Over the years, the Movement has been Today, all of the 186 National Societies use
considering the possibility of introducing the same emblem as the medical services
changes relating to the use of the emblem of the military forces in their country during
in order to tackle specific problems. Some conflict – the so-called protective use.
Societies that wished to join the Movement
12
Use and misuse of the emblem
Use of the emblem as a protective device Misuse of the emblem as an indicative
is the visible manifestation of the protection device undermines its significance in the
accorded by the Geneva Conventions eyes of the public and thus diminishes its
to persons (members of army medical protective power in wartime.
services, National Society volunteers, ICRC
delegates, etc.), medical units (hospitals, In cases of misuse of the emblem as a
first-aid posts, etc.) and means of transport. protective device, the ICRC’s role is to
remind the belligerents of their duty to
Use of the emblem as an indicative respect the emblem and of the steps to
device shows that a person or object be taken against those making improper
has a connection with the Movement. To use of it, since primary responsibility for
avoid confusion with the emblem used respecting the emblem lies with States.
as a protective device, the red cross, red Where the emblem has been misused as
crescent and red crystal used for indicative an indicative device, the ICRC requests the
purposes are smaller in size. National Society concerned to take the
necessary action to stop such practices.
Misuse of the emblem as a protective
device in time of war jeopardizes the
entire protective system established by
humanitarian law.
Marko Kokic/CICR
13
14
Teun Anthony Voeten/ICRC
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
How do you define a conflict? What is the difference between law – to minimize suffering in
An international armed conflict international humanitarian law armed conflict – this body of law
involves the armed forces of at and human rights law? contains rules that are much more
least two States. International humanitarian law specific than those contained
A non-international armed is very close to human rights in human rights treaties, such
conflict is an armed confrontation law, in that both are concerned as rules pertaining to the
within the territory of one State with the protection of every means and methods of combat.
between the State armed forces human being’s physical and moral Although distinct, human rights
and organized armed groups, or integrity and dignity. However, law and humanitarian law are
between such armed groups. given the nature of humanitarian complementary. 15
Development of the law
As the nature of warfare changes, new areas At the request of the international
of humanitarian law need to be explored community, the ICRC has recently
and developed. Beginning with the first undertaken a worldwide study on customary
Geneva Convention in 1864, the ICRC international humanitarian law rules. The
has worked to improve the protection of study, completed in 2004, identifies where
victims by promoting the development current recognized practice can complete
and adoption by States of new legal written law and treaties, particularly those
standards. Its legal experts organize and applicable to non-international armed
participate in meetings and conferences on conflicts.
humanitarian themes. Through its Advisory
Service on International Humanitarian Law, In addition, the ICRC promotes awareness
the ICRC also encourages States to adopt of and compliance with the law (see also
legislation to apply humanitarian law at Preventive action, p. 41).
the national level. ICRC legal experts at
Geneva headquarters and in the field give The ICRC’s operational activities are
technical assistance to States, for example,complementary to its legal work. Apart
on legislation to prosecute war criminals from providing help to populations in
and to protect the red cross, red crescent need, the ICRC, through its presence in the
and red crystal emblems. field, is in a privileged position to monitor
respect for humanitarian law, to observe
The ICRC also seeks ways to improve at close hand the problems that victims of
implementation of the law. In 2002, it armed conflict face in their daily lives and
launched a project on the reaffirmation and to initiate the development of new law.
development of international humanitarian
law. As part of the project, the ICRC is
reflecting internally on a range of current
and emerging issues relating to that law,
as well as consulting externally on these
topics.
Whom does international Third Geneva Convention (1949) Additional Protocol II (1977)
humanitarian law protect? protects prisoners of war. strengthens the protection of
First Geneva Convention (1949) Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) victims of non-international
protects the wounded and sick in protects civilians. armed conflicts.
armed forces in the field. Additional Protocol I (1977) Additional Protocol III (2005)
Second Geneva Convention strengthens the protection of establishes a new emblem, the
(1949) protects the wounded, sick victims of international armed red crystal.
and shipwrecked among armed conflicts.
forces at sea.
16
When violations occur...
If the ICRC observes a violation of the rules
of war, it makes a confidential approach
to the authorities responsible for the
incident. Where violations are serious,
repeated and established with certainty,
and when confidential representations to
the authorities have failed to improve the
situation, it reserves the right to take a
public stance by denouncing such failure
to respect humanitarian law, provided
that it deems such publicity to be in the
interests of those affected or threatened by
the violations. Such a step is exceptional.
18
18
The ICRC also concerns itself with weapons Unregulated availability of arms
under development, whose effects have Another growing concern in humanitarian
not yet been seen on the battlefield. The circles is the unregulated proliferation of
1990s saw a brief but intense campaign small military-style weapons. In most of
to bring about the prohibition of blinding the conflicts in the last decade, death and
laser weapons, a goal achieved in 1995. injury have resulted less from the major
Equally alarming are the voices in the conventional weapons, such as missiles,
scientific community that warn that the tanks, aircraft and warships, than from
current advances in life sciences and small arms and light weapons. Anyone,
biotechnology could be put to hostile use. even children, can operate them, as they
The ICRC has learnt that such advances, are light and easy to carry, simple to handle
meant to benefit humanity, could be and require little or no training. Unlike
used perversely to make more effective major weapon systems, their availability
biological or chemical weapons. As a result, is subject to few internationally accepted
in 2002 the ICRC launched a rare public norms. Even after fighting has ended on the
appeal to governments, military bodies battlefield, armed violence often persists,
and the scientific community, reminding fuelled by the easy access to weapons. In
these institutions of their legal and moral some conflict and post-conflict situations,
obligations to do everything possible to rapid-fire assault rifles are easier and
prevent poisoning and the deliberate cheaper to obtain than food.
spread of infectious disease as methods of
warfare. There is strong evidence to suggest that
the widespread availability of military-style
weapons is having a detrimental impact on
respect for humanitarian law and on the
delivery of assistance to the victims of war,
whom that law seeks to protect. The ICRC
has contributed its expertise to the growing
international discussion on this problem,
highlighting the cost to civilians of the
free flow of weapons and ammunition,
and has urged governments to take into
account the recipient’s likely respect for
humanitarian law when making decisions
on arms transfers.
Teun Anthony Voeten/ICRC
19
19
20
Marko Kokic/Federation
PROTECTION IN WAR
In its activities to protect people in A diversified strategy
situations of armed conflict or violence, The first formal step taken by the ICRC
the ICRC’s mission is to obtain full respect when a conflict breaks out is to remind
for the letter and spirit of international the authorities of their responsibilities
humanitarian law. It seeks to: and obligations towards the civilian
population, prisoners, and wounded and
- minimize the dangers to which these sick combatants, giving priority to respect
people are exposed; for their physical integrity and dignity.
After carrying out independent surveys,
- prevent and put a stop to the abuses to the ICRC puts forward recommendations
which they are subjected; to the authorities for tangible measures –
preventive and corrective – to improve the
- draw attention to their rights and make situation of the affected population.
their voices heard;
At the same time, the ICRC takes action
- bring them assistance. of its own accord to respond to the most
urgent needs, notably by:
The ICRC does this by remaining close to
the victims of conflict and violence and by - providing food and other basic
maintaining a confidential dialogue with necessities;
both State and non-State actors.
- evacuating and/or transferring people at
risk;
Boris Heger/ICRC
population. People who are not, or no
longer, taking part in the hostilities may
under no circumstances be attacked:
they must be spared and protected. In
international armed conflicts, the Fourth Red Cross messages are a lifeline
Geneva Convention of 1949 and Additional for families who have lost contact
Protocol I of 1977 contain specific provisions with each other as a result of armed
that protect civilians and civilian property. conflict.
In non-international armed conflicts,
the civilian population has the right to
protection by virtue of Article 3 common to
the four Geneva Conventions.
When people are displaced within their People who have fled across international
country’s borders as a result of an armed borders are considered refugees and
conflict, they form part of the affected benefit from protection and assistance
civilian population. As such, they are from the Office of the United Nations High
protected by humanitarian law and benefit Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In
from ICRC protection and assistance such cases, the ICRC acts only at a subsidiary
programmes. level, particularly where refugees are
protected by humanitarian law or when its
presence is required as a specifically neutral
and independent intermediary (during
attacks on refugee camps, for example). It
also provides Red Cross message services
to enable refugees to re-establish contact
with family members from whom they have
become separated as a result of an armed
conflict (see Restoring family links, p. 28).
Boris Heger/ICRC
23
23
The ICRC believes that it is often Disappearances, hostage-taking, torture,
violations of humanitarian law that cause imprisonment, forced recruitment into
displacement in the first place. In addition the armed forces, displacement – these all
to its operational work on behalf of happen to women and girls, as well as men
refugees and displaced people, therefore, and boys.
the ICRC strives to disseminate and to
promote respect for humanitarian law so as More specific – but not exclusive – to
to prevent displacements (see Preventive women and girls is the crime of sexual
action, p. 41). violence. Since wars began, rape and other
forms of sexual violence have been used
Women and war as a means of warfare, to humiliate and
The ICRC assists women victims of conflict subjugate the enemy. Violations such as
as part of its broader mandate to protect rape, enforced prostitution, sexual slavery
and assist all victims of conflict. However, and enforced impregnation or enforced
since women do have specific protection, termination of pregnancy are heinous
health and assistance needs, the ICRC attacks against the life and the physical and
focuses attention on ensuring that these psychological integrity of the person, and
needs are adequately and appropriately are recognized as such under humanitarian
addressed in all its activities. In particular, law.
it puts emphasis on the protection which
must be accorded to women and girls, Although women are frequently portrayed
and to spread awareness among weapon solely as victims, this does not reflect reality.
bearers that sexual violence in all its forms
Women throughout the world are showing
is prohibited by humanitarian law and not only that they can be extremely resilient,
should be vigorously prevented. but also that they can put their ingenuity
and coping skills to full use in their daily
Women and girls predominantly experience roles as heads of household, breadwinners
armed conflict as civilians and as such and care providers within their families and
are often exposed to acts of violence, communities. Such capacities are helping
including: to sustain and rebuild communities torn
apart by conflict.
- death and injury from indiscriminate
military attacks and the prevalence of Women also take an active part in war, in
mines; direct combat as part of a military force,
and may support their menfolk who are
- lack of the basic means of survival and fighting. As combatants captured by the
health care; enemy, women are afforded protection
equal to that of men under humanitarian
- limitations on their means to support law. The law recognizes women’s need
themselves and their families. for special protection according to their
specific needs. Women fighters, like their
male counterparts, must also be instructed
in the law of war, so that they can act in
Jessica Barry/ICRC
24
Children and war
Although the ICRC acts impartially to The ICRC registers children who have been
assist all the victims of war and internal separated from their parents as a result
violence according to their needs, it cannot of armed conflict and searches for their
be denied that the needs of children are next-of-kin in order to restore contact; the
radically different from those of women, children are reunited with their families
men and the elderly. All too often children wherever possible. If the children are too
are helpless, first-hand witnesses of young or traumatized to give details about
atrocities committed against their parents their identity, the ICRC takes a photograph,
or other family members. They are killed, which is then circulated widely or displayed
mutilated, recruited to fight, imprisoned in public in the hope that their relatives will
or otherwise separated from their families. recognize them.
Cut off from the environment familiar to
them, even those who manage to escape The ICRC gives children, along with other
lack any certainty as to their future and that civilians, food aid and other material
of their loved ones. They are often forced to assistance, both in emergencies and
flee, abandoned to their own devices and over the long term. It also improves their
rejected without an identity. access to safe water and medical care (see
Assistance for conflict victims p. 31).
26
26
Conditions for ICRC visits
Before beginning visits to places of - repeat visits to detainees of their choice
detention, the ICRC first submits to the as frequently as they may feel necessary;
authorities a set of standard conditions.
Delegates must be allowed to: - restore contact between detainees and
family members;
- see all detainees falling within the ICRC’s
mandate and have access to all places - provide urgent material and medical
where they are held; assistance as required.
Jaime Razuri/AFP
of gathering, processing and passing on
information on protected persons, notably
prisoners of war and civilian internees.
For detainees and their families, receiving Canete, Cocahuasi, Peru. After 23 years,
news of their loved ones is always of huge first as a forced recruit of the rebels
importance. In a wide range of contexts, and then as a prisoner of the military,
the ICRC has given prisoners of war, Evita is reunited with her brother
civilian internees, security detainees and under ICRC auspices.
sometimes even ordinary detainees the
opportunity to communicate with their
relatives.
28
28
Dispersed families Missing persons: the right to know
Preservation of the family unit is a universal Even after the guns have fallen silent, the
right guaranteed by law. The ICRC does families of missing persons continue to
everything possible to reunite people be haunted by the unknown fate of their
separated by conflict, by establishing their loved ones. Are they still alive? Are they
whereabouts and putting them back in injured or imprisoned? Humanitarian law
touch with their families. Special attention obliges all parties to a conflict to provide
is given to particularly vulnerable groups, answers to these questions and recognizes
such as children separated from their the right of the families to know what
parents or elderly people. happened. The ICRC assists in this process
by collecting information on missing
Sometimes, a travel document provided by persons or by putting mechanisms in place
the ICRC is the only means for a destitute together with the authorities with the aim
person without identity papers to join his of clarifying the fate or whereabouts of
or her family settled in a third country or to persons unaccounted for and informing
return to his or her country of origin. The their families.
growing number of refugees and asylum
seekers has meant that the ICRC is called At the end of 2001, the ICRC launched a
upon more and more often to issue travel project on “The Missing” which aimed to
documents for people who have received heighten awareness – among governments,
authorization to settle in a host country. the military and international and national
organizations – of the tragedy of people
unaccounted for as a result of armed conflict
or internal violence, and of the anguish
suffered by their families. A process of
consultation, drawing on the knowledge of
experts from all corners of the globe,
culminated in an international conference
on missing persons and their families,
convened by the ICRC in Geneva,
Switzerland, in February 2003. The
Brcko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 13 years conference brought together 350 partici
after he went missing during the conflict, the family of this pants from 86 countries, and its
young man still do not know whether he is alive or dead. recommendations form a strong basis for
future work. The ultimate goals are to
ensure that the authorities and leaders
responsible for solving the problem of
missing persons are held accountable, to
enhance assistance to families and to
prevent further disappearances.
technicians.
31
In certain conflicts, unlawful tactics may be
used by either side, such as blockades on food
and other essential goods, obstruction of
water supplies, and deliberate destruction
of crops and infrastructure. In such cases,
before providing assistance, the ICRC
attempts to prevent or bring an end to
violations by drawing the parties’ attention
to their responsibilities under international
humanitarian law.
32
32
Economic security
Economic security means that a household Depending on the degree of loss of
is self-sufficient and can meet its own basic economic security, the ICRC provides one
economic needs. In a conflict or crisis, in of three types of assistance:
which displacement, theft, looting and the
destruction of property and infrastructure - economic support: to protect victims’
are commonplace, households may no vital means of production, so that they
longer be able to provide for themselves, can maintain their productive capacity
thereby becoming dependent on outside and economic self-sufficiency at the
aid. household level as far as possible;
In its approach to assistance in the context - survival relief: to protect the lives of
of an armed conflict, the ICRC focuses on conflict victims by providing them with
the dynamics of household economics the economic goods essential to their
and is concerned with both the means of survival when they can no longer obtain
production to cover all the basic economic these by their own means;
needs of a household and the provision of
resources to meet those needs. Although - economic rehabilitation: to support
some needs are more important than conflict victims in restoring their means
others – food and water, for instance, of production and, where possible,
are vital – there is too often a tendency regaining their self-sufficiency.
to forget, in crisis situations, that human
beings need more than just food to live on.
The ICRC therefore takes into account all
of a household’s basic economic needs,
such as housing, clothing, cooking utensils Goma, Democratic Republic of the
and fuel. Congo. Sewing workshops are just
one way of helping people who have
no means of livelihood to regain a
measure of self-sufficiency. Boris Heger/ICRC
33
Halting the downward spiral... Over and out
The ICRC takes action the moment the early In the past, emergency aid and
signs of a crisis are detected, by reminding development programmes were regarded
the authorities of the protection due to as distinct and separate spheres, requiring
civilians under humanitarian law, including a different kind of response. There is now
respect for their persons and property. If increasing acceptance of the interrelation
the population suffers economic problems between the two, leading to a broader
through obvious impoverishment and its approach to humanitarian assistance. Thus,
means of production are deficient or likely when economic rehabilitation activities
to become inadequate, the ICRC intervenes are undertaken, a link is created with
by providing economic support. development programmes allowing for a
smooth transition from the emergency to
This could include food distributions to the development phases. Development
support the economy, aid designed to agencies must then take up the baton,
diversify and intensify production, or investing resources and manpower so as
the protection of livestock by veterinary to reduce the structural vulnerabilities that
services. Where possible, it gives priority can encourage the outbreak of crises.
to economic support activities. Other
types of assistance, however, are often also
essential, because the ICRC is powerless to
prevent the process of impoverishment and
decapitalization generated by a conflict.
When this happens, the ICRC provides
survival relief, by delivering essential
goods which can no longer be obtained by
the victims’ own means of production.
Boris Heger/ICRC
... and turning it upwards again
When things start to improve, the
population requires help to recover and
regain its self-sufficiency so that survival Darien province, Panama.
relief operations and assistance can Distributions of seeds and agricultural
eventually be phased out. ICRC economic tools enable refugees to provide for
rehabilitation programmes aim to their own basic needs in the longer
restore and reinforce means of production term.
through a range of activities, including
the distribution of seeds, agricultural
tools and fishing tackle, the provision of
veterinary medicine or the rehabilitation
of irrigation systems, to help both resident
and displaced populations meet their own
needs.
34
Water and habitat
The ICRC’s water and habitat programmes diseases, typhoid and cholera, are the
aim to: immediate signs of the breakdown of
these life-sustaining systems. Further down
- ensure that victims of armed conflict have the road, water shortages reduce food
water for drinking and domestic use; production, aggravate poverty and disease,
spur large migrations and undermine
- to protect the population from a State’s moral authority. As water and
environmental hazards caused by the shelter are so essential to survival, ensuring
collapse of water and habitat systems. access to them is a priority for humanitarian
organizations.
Even in peacetime, millions of people
throughout the world have difficulty In order to provide access to water, improve
gaining access to clean drinking water, hygiene levels and protect the environment,
proper housing and decent sanitation. The the ICRC carries out a range of activities:
problem is further compounded in wartime,
when destruction of infrastructure and mass - rehabilitation of water-treatment plants,
displacement can expose millions more distribution networks or gravity water
to death and disease. In the heat of battle, systems linked to pumping stations;
water sources may be deliberately targeted;
people may have to leave their homes and - construction of wells, harnessing
seek water in hostile environments; or the and protection of water sources and
infrastructure that provided water may be drainage systems, construction of water-
damaged by the fighting. storage containers;
live in it.
35
Health services
- construction and rehabilitation of The aim of ICRC health programmes is to
latrines and sewage-treatment systems; ensure that the victims of conflict have
collection and treatment of waste, access to essential preventive and curative
including hospital waste; health care of a universally accepted
standard.
- renovation and reconstruction of health
facilities and schools; As a direct effect of conflict, people can
be killed, injured or displaced, medical
- work on infrastructure in places of structures destroyed and supply lines
detention to provide inmates with at disrupted. At the height of a conflict, the
least the minimum water requirements number of people who are wounded, fall
and ensure decent sanitation and living prey to infectious disease or are affected
conditions; by malnutrition can reach epidemic
proportions and quickly outstrip the
- setting up and organization of camps for capacities of existing local health services.
displaced people; Meanwhile, as an indirect consequence of
conflict, the destruction of health facilities,
- introduction of vector-control shortages of qualified staff and lack of
programmes, protection of foodstuffs, medical supplies can mean that the more
decontamination of living spaces, common health problems go unattended
reduction of energy consumption, use of and basic health services such as antenatal
alternative energy. care, vaccination programmes and elective
surgery fall by the wayside. Therefore,
while rapid assistance is needed to attend
to the most urgent needs, support for the
existing health system is essential to ensure
that normal health services are restored or
maintained. Leigh Daynes/British Red Cross
37
Health in prisons
In an unsafe environment, gaining access ICRC medical staff accompany delegates
to the wounded and transporting them on their visits to places of detention in
to hospital can present considerable order to assess the inmates’ health and
difficulties. The ICRC, in partnership with detect any consequences of ill-treatment,
the local National Society, develops whether physical or psychological. The
programmes for pre-hospital first aid and doctors and nurses who conduct these
the evacuation and transportation of visits are well versed in the specific
injured patients. problems of prison health, such as hygiene,
epidemiology, nutritional needs and
The ICRC also builds National Societies’ vitamin deficiencies. They identify priority
capacities to respond to emergency public health problems in prisons that
situations by, for instance, running need to be controlled. When the risk of a
first-aid courses for volunteers, which health problem in prison is so great that
cover organization as well as life-saving the response capacity of the penitentiary
techniques. The ICRC may provide National health service is overwhelmed, the ICRC
Societies with communications equipment implements vector-control programmes
and ambulances to assist them in preparing to address such problems as tuberculosis,
for emergencies. HIV/AIDS and vitamin deficiencies.
Thierry Gassmann/ICRC
Making a difference
Humanitarian action has become the
domain of many organizations, groups
and individuals. As more entities respond
to ever-pressing needs for humanitarian
assistance around the world, dialogue
Ralf Maro/ICRC
43
44
Marko Kokic/Federation
COOPERATION WITH NATIONAL SOCIETIES
47
Relations with the military Relations with the private sector
Recent years have seen a closer connection With the advent of globalization, the
being forged between military and private sector is playing an increasingly
humanitarian action, even to the point prominent role in international relations.
where it is no longer clear where one ends Companies operating in conflict zones or
and the other begins. The ICRC has raised unstable environments often make their
its concerns about these developments own security arrangements to protect their
in international forums, for it maintains investments, which can in turn affect the
that the neutral and independent nature dynamics of the conflict itself. The ICRC
of humanitarian action and the necessity has therefore adopted a comprehensive
of providing protection and assistance to strategy aimed at developing relations
all victims without discrimination make it with the corporate world in a coherent
imperative that humanitarian activities be fashion. The first objective of this strategy
conducted independently of political and is to establish a substantive dialogue with
military considerations and objectives. At the private sector based on the promotion
the same time, the ICRC believes there is of humanitarian principles. The second
much scope for constructive interaction is to enhance the ICRC’s efficiency and
and cooperation between humanitarian professionalism through exchanges
organizations and the military, which can with the private sector, i.e. to draw on
be enhanced by mutual consultation. It specific skills and competencies, improve
continues to advocate nonetheless for purchasing policy and step up fundraising
a clear distinction to be maintained – in efforts.
substance and in appearance – between
military and humanitarian operations (see
also Preventive action, p. 41).
The Committee’s single Swiss nationality, - kind, that is, goods such as food (rice,
a peculiarity of the ICRC – the origin of beans, oil, etc.) and/or non-food items
which lies in its foundation in Geneva by (such as vehicles, blankets, plastic
nationals of a traditionally neutral country sheeting, kitchenware and tents);
– guarantees that the ICRC’s action on
an international level will be exclusively - services, such as specialist staff.
humanitarian, independent, impartial and
neutral. Appeals for funds
To obtain the necessary funding, the ICRC
Because the Committee’s members are all launches appeals, generally once a year.
of the same nationality, it does not mean The appeals explain the issues and needs
that the ICRC’s staff is exclusively Swiss. that the ICRC has decided to address and
Indeed, the ICRC has embarked on a policy the objectives it has set for a given year.
of “internationalization”. Today, half of The appeals cover the ICRC’s activities at
expatriates employed by the ICRC do not its headquarters, on the one hand, and its
hold Swiss passports. operations in the field, on the other hand.
1994–2004 800
600
400
200
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
50
50 Private sources/Various International organizations
The number and intensity of the situations Contributions must also be made available
covered by the ICRC vary from year to year, in time, so that they can be used with
as do its budgets. The general trend over sufficient flexibility, where, when and for
the last decade, however, is towards an whom they are most needed.
increase in the number of conflict situations
and in the ICRC’s budget. Donor requirements versus ICRC
operational flexibility
Immediate action The bulk of cash financing for the ICRC’s
Unlike many other organizations, the ICRC field operations comes from a group of
does not wait to receive the funds before it governmental and supranational donors
acts. On the contrary: once it has decided calling themselves the Donor Support
to respond to urgent needs in the field, it Group. All of the members of the group
acts immediately. donate at least 10 million Swiss francs to
the ICRC in a given year. However, major
However, at any given time, the ICRC efforts are constantly being made to
may have only very limited reserves to broaden the number of regular donors.
cover its operations. It thus takes financial Budgetary difficulties or internal control
risks and counts on its contributors to structures within the different donor States
come forward with the required funding sometimes lead them to “earmark” their
as soon as possible. Since funds are not contributions to the ICRC by attaching
without limits, the ICRC seeks to ensure particular conditions and requirements.
not only that its operations and activities The ICRC accepts this, provided the balance
answer essential needs and have a realistic and independence of its operations is not
dimension, but also that the budgets it jeopardized. Otherwise, the conditions
wants to see financed are in tune with attached to the contribution are re-
what can reasonably be expected from its examined with the donor. Where no
contributors. agreement is reached as to an acceptable
allocation of a proposed funding, the
While the ICRC seeks to keep this balance, contribution may have to be refused.
the institution’s existence and ability to Fortunately, this occurs very rarely.
operate ultimately depend at all times
on the goodwill of the international
community to meet its financial needs.
400
200
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005*
* initial budget + Budget Extension Appeal for Sri Lanka and Indonesia
51
Boris Heger/ICRC
If you would like to find out more Here you will find:
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greater detail some of the subjects - spotlight on issues and topics of Federation and
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52
Mission
The International Committee of the Red
Cross is an impartial, neutral and
independent organization whose
exclusively humanitarian mission is to
protect the lives and dignity of victims of
war and internal violence and to provide
them with assistance. It directs and
coordinates the international relief activities
conducted by the Movement in situations
of conflict. It also endeavours to prevent
suffering by promoting and strengthening
humanitarian law and universal
humanitarian principles. Established in
1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement.
Discover the ICRC
Armed conflict is a prominent feature of
our human landscape. The International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was
founded nearly a century and a half ago
to preserve a measure of humanity in the
midst of war. Even in war there are limits:
limits on how warfare is conducted and
limits on how combatants behave.