With
reference to our discussions, I would like to stress the International
Federation’s position on some of the matters we have been
addressing these past days, which are at the heart of this International
Conference.
The Federation would like to fulfill—and thus strongly
supports — the three objectives that have been laid out,
for the sole and exclusive reason that we believe these help
to strengthen our International Movement, and consequently,
help us to improve and build on our efforts to reduce vulnerability.
We are endeavouring to see two new National Societies become
members on this occasion of the adoption of the Third Additional
Protocol and the subsequent amendment to our Statutes.
We are doing this on the basis of the mandate of the States
Parties to the Geneva Conventions which gathered on the occasion
of the Diplomatic Conference of 2005. I believe that this is
an opportunity to make progress on one of the matters that have
been the source of divergent points of view within our Movement.
The adoption of the “red crystal” can therefore
pave the way for the definitive membership of both National
Societies, a wish that they themselves have been expressing
for some time.
As I see it, more importantly, this paves the way for a rapprochement
between them, which they have both initiated, as demonstrated
by the Memorandum of Understanding that they have signed (which
we have heard about in the report).
Along these lines, we recently discussed the issue of relationships
between National Societies. What has arisen from this, specifically,
is an analysis on the conditions for cooperation when one National
Society conducts activities on another’s territory.
Resolution XI—adopted by the 10th International Conference
of the Red Cross in 1921, and the inspiration behind the preamble
to the Third Additional Protocol—as I understand it, is
about respect and cooperation to meet humanitarian needs; it
is about unity and the universal character of our work.
The foundation of the League in 1919 laid the framework for
solidarity among National Societies. Some rules had to be established
to help facilitate mutual assistance, and prevent obstacles
and impediments from arising.
The Resolution of 1921 not only reflects the matters in which
we can help, but specifies how this help must be provided.
It addresses the precautions that must be taken whenever we
want to act on our solidarity, in every case, making sure to
comply with the views and wishes of those on the receiving end.
It goes without saying that any intention to engage in a cooperative
effort must receive the consent of the local National Society
concerned, and be conducted in careful observance of any reservations
it may have.
Solidarity among members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent can
only be forged on the basis of agreement, of a common front
from which to tackle a humanitarian problem and jointly find
a solution to it.
At this International Conference, I would especially like to
address the governments, and ask for their full support in fostering
this cooperation among the components of our global organization,
laying the groundwork for and guaranteeing the independence
of their work.
The complex humanitarian challenges that reality has thrown
our way over time have required the support of States, whose
participation has made it possible to set out shared formulas
enabling the international community to protect the life and
dignity of persons.
This Third Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions will
further facilitate this, everywhere in the world.
I would also like to say that, for us, the Red Cross and Red
Crescent should continue to build on its internal solidarity.
The global humanitarian network that the International Movement
is today did not emerge by chance, but grew from joint recognition
of the requirement to respond to humanitarian need, built on
an understanding of the importance of agreement on the need
to take full account of the responsibilities of others .
At this International Conference, the Governments and Members
of the Red Cross and Red Crescent cannot but seize this chance
to strengthen their cooperation and build new ways of sharing
the resources of the whole Movement.
Otherwise, it would be disloyal to those persons whose vulnerability
is addressed by our Fundamental Principle of Humanity.
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