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12 November 2001 Red Cross Red Crescent delegates from around the world stood for a moment's silence last night in Geneva, out of respect for 17 of their colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty since the International Movement's Council of Delegates last met two years ago. Last night also saw the awarding of the prestigious Henry Dunant Medal to two individuals for humanitarian service including Madame Phlech Phiroun who was the only member of the Cambodian Red Cross leadership to survive the Khmer Rouge period and Mr. Roger Durand who has devoted his life to spreading the message of Red Cross founder Henry Dunant. Opening the Council, Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, chairman of the Movement's Standing Commission, said "Governments must respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. People have a right to live in dignity and in security. "When outside assistance is needed in emergencies, the security of Red Cross/Red Crescent delegates and volunteers bringing that assistance must be guaranteed. Especially in times of conflict and unrest, parties have the obligations to ensure this fundamental right. Each life lost is one too many. The significance of the protection of the emblems for people in war and conflict. "Since we met at our last Council of '99, it is my sad duty to inform you that eight ICRC delegates and local staff, three International Federation/ National Society delegates and six Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have lost their lives in the line of duty while helping victims and people in need." Unfortunately, Madame Phlech Phiroun, was unable to accept the Henry Dunant medal in person due to illness. She is a qualified social worker who has served the Red Cross devotedly from the early '60s. In March 1975, with the political situation worsening, Madame Phiroun decided to stay in Phnom Penh in order to continue her duties as President of the Cambodian Red Cross. However in April, when the Khmer Rouge entered the capital city, the Red Cross premises were ransacked and all activities were ceased, Madame Phiroun had to flee into the countryside along with all the city's inhabitants. In 1979, after the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge and the People's Republic of Kampuchea was proclaimed, it became apparent that Madame Phiroun was the only member of the Red Cross to have survived the Khmer Rouge period. Madame Phiroun made a significant contribution to re-creating an active National Society, despite the difficult political situation within Cambodia. There can be no doubt that her personality and her exceptional commitment ensured the rebirth of the National Society in Cambodia. The other recipient of the Henry Dunant Medal, Mr. Durand has had a long fascination with the life of Henry Dunant, and is like him a citizen of Geneva. In parallel with his life as a teacher of History and French in Geneva, Mr Durand has carried out extensive research into the life and work of Henry Dunant and the early years of the Red Cross. He is the editor of more than 50 academic papers and editor of several books on Henry Dunant, and is currently editing his complete works. In 1975, Mr Durand founded the Henry Dunant Society, and continues to preside over the Society to this day. Through his enthusiasm and academic rigour, and through the work of the Society, Mr Durand has been able to revive interest in Henry Dunant's life and in the early history of the Movement. In 2000, he founded the association Genève: un lieu pour la Paix and is playing key role in organising numerous events, exhibitions and lectures to commemorate the centenary in 2001 of the awarding of the first Nobel Peace Prize to Henry Dunant and Frédéric Passy. The Council of Delegates follows the closure in Geneva on Saturday of the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and brings together all the component parts of the Movement including the International Committee of the Red Cross. The meetings run from November 11 to 14. Among the issues to be discussed are an overall Strategy for the Movement, the plight of internally displaced persons and refugees, international disaster response law and the promotion of international humanitarian law. Related links More about the Federation's General Assembly |
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