Red Cross Red Crescent Movement faces up to new challenges
14 November 2001

The Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement concluded its biennial meeting in Geneva today. In its final statement, the Council of Delegates stated that "the terrorist attacks of 11 September delivered a cruel blow to the most fundamental values of human societies..." In addition to throwing thousands of families into a state of grief and the population of Afghanistan into the misery of another war, it has forced upon the world a sharpened awareness of the threats that weigh upon the whole of humanity.

The Council also noted with concern an increase in intolerance and an upsurge in the number of xenophobic and racist acts. In response to this last challenge, the Movement, "enriched by the diversity of cultures of the National Societies", is determined to intensify its action to reject exclusion in all its forms, to promote a culture of tolerance, justice and peace across all civilisations.

The Council of Delegates appealed to all governments and leaders of international political organisations to do their utmost to ensure that the Geneva Conventions are fully respected within the context of all existing or future conflicts, wherever these may cause victims.

In addition, a resolution on the future "additional emblem" was approved. Accordingly, high level consultations will continue in earnest to allow this emblem with no religious, political or cultural connotations whatsoever to become the alternative emblem for those National Societies who do not wish to be identified with either the cross or the crescent. All emblems have, or will have, an unimpeachable legal and protective value as symbols of impartial and neutral aid and protection to the victims of war, natural disasters and other catastrophes.

As part of the ongoing efforts to better harmonise the work of the Movement, an overall strategy document was adopted by the Council. This document outlines the Movement's three key strategic objectives as the "strengthening of the components of the Movement", "improving co-operation and coherence" and "improving relations with governments and external partners".

Other important themes discussed by the Council included the Movement's strategy with respect to antipersonnel land mines and other remnants of war, internally displaced persons and refugees, and the International Criminal Court. The Council also endorsed ongoing efforts to consolidate international disaster response law with a view to improving access to victims of catastrophes.

The International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as well as of the 178 recognised National Societies.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

International Federation
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service Tel.: +41 22 730 4428 / + 41 79 217 3357

International Committee of the Red Cross
Kim Gordon-Bates, Press Officer Tel: + 41 79 217 3216

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.