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Measures
to protect human dignity agreed at Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference 6 December 2003 The 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent closed today with commitments by States party to the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to taking a wide range of measures between now and the next Conference in 2007 to protect human dignity. Over 1,500 representatives of governments and members of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement agreed on an Agenda for Humanitarian Action, which focuses on enhancing protection of people affected by armed conflict and reducing the impact of disasters and disease on vulnerable groups. “This was the first International Conference of the 21st century, and it came at a time when the world is facing major challenges to peace and security and widespread threats to health. Never before have we had such outstanding attendance, in terms of both the number of participants and the level of representation from States and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies”, said Conference President Jaime Fernandez. The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger, said the Conference was “marked by its clear affirmation of the validity and pertinence of international humanitarian law in contemporary armed conflicts”. Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, thanked the Conference participants “for making major commitments to minimizing the impact of disasters and disease through risk reduction measures and improved support to vulnerable communities”. Kellenberger particularly welcomed the two objectives of the Humanitarian Agenda which focused on issues relating to the devastating effects of armed conflicts, “the one aiming at ensuring respect for and restoring the dignity of persons missing as a result of armed conflict and their families, and the other at strengthening protection from the indiscriminate use and effects of weapons through controls on weapons development, proliferation and use”. States undertook to improve systems for ascertaining the fate of missing persons and to take effective measures to search for and identify human remains. It was also agreed that all States would pursue the ultimate goal of global elimination of anti-personnel mines. Furthermore, the Conference decided on a call to protect humanity from poisoning and the deliberate spread of disease. “We all agreed that urgent action is required to prevent the misuse of biotechnology for hostile purposes and the erosion of the prohibitions on poisoning and the deliberate spread of disease contained in international humanitarian law,” said the ICRC President. Suárez del Toro hailed the commitment by States to reducing disaster risk through measures such as improved, sustainable management of natural resources, the environment and land use, appropriate urban planning, and the enforcement of building codes. “Many lives can be saved through implementation of existing laws and policy, as we have seen in recent natural disasters, particularly earthquakes”, he said. The President of the International Federation warmly welcomed the action set out in the Humanitarian Agenda to reduce the growing vulnerability to diseases such as HIV/AIDS among groups that are socially marginalized and lack access to preventive measures, treatment, care and support. “States have also shown support for the eradication of discrimination in the workplace against people living with HIV/AIDS, and we look to them to help our National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies build sustainable volunteer capacity in the areas of HIV/AIDS and health promotion,” said Suárez del Toro. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Denis McClean, International Federation, Geneva, tel. +41 79 217 33 57 Antonella Notari, ICRC Geneva, tel. +41 79 217 32 80 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. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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