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Membership
of the MDA in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Statement
delivered by Jaap Timmer, International Federation Representative
in Israel, at the International Friends of Magen David Adom Convention,
Jerusalem
22 October
2001
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
Thank you, and especially the Chairman Stuart Jackson for allowing
me to take the floor. It is, as far as I know, the first time that
you have invited someone from the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies and I feel therefore extremely
honoured to be able to speak on the issue about which we feel all
very strongly: the membership of Magen David Adom in the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Let me start with emphasizing again that the International Federation,
and with that I mean the organization that comprises all National
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, wants MDA to become a member
as soon as possible. In this we all share the same goal. Some differ
of opinion on the road to follow to establish this, but the full
membership is our established goal, approved by our Governing Board
and stated in many different forums around the world.
Where do we stand? And I would like to respond to that question
by touching briefly four subjects:
- the emblem
- the membership
- humanitarian activities developed by MDA
- the relation between the Societies of the Friends of MDA and
the National Societies in the respective countries
I have seen the documents for this conference, which give you an
extensive update on the history and the present relation between
MDA and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. It describes clearly
why MDA is not yet a member of the International Movement of the
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies because of the issue of the
recognition of the red shield of David. The documents give you,
in my view a broad view of the present situation and I do not want
to repeat that. I just want to add a little to it as in my view
progress has been made. I also want to be open with you and explain
how things are.
Although we have often found ourselves discussing the issue of the
Emblem, it is important today to distinguish between that question
and the other - the principal question confronting MDA. That other
is, and I quote, "full voting rights" in the International
Federation. The reason these issues must be distinguished is that
emblems are set by international law, through treaties concluded
by governments, for protective purposes in time of conflict. Protective
emblems are carried by armed forces medical units. In normal, peacetime,
circumstances National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies use emblems
for what is known as indicative purposes. This entails the use of
the emblem for their normal work but also (sometimes with illustrative
markings added) to mark the particular work being done – for
example the blood service, ambulance services, emergency relief.
So, the issue of special interest to MDA as a Society is the way
the solution by governments of the emblem debate will enable the
Society to achieve its goal of full voting rights as a member of
the International Federation.
To start with the first topic, the emblem: although it is the property
of governments (because of its establishment by the Geneva Conventions)
and changes for rules governing its protective use can only be made
by governments, the International Red Cross Red Crescent Conference
- which unites governments, National Societies, the ICRC and the
International Federation - decided in November 1999 to create a
joint working group of Governments and National Societies to expedite
a solution. The Joint Working Group was formed early in 2000 and
picked up from work done in expert groups which had met in 1996-97
at the initiative of the International Movement's Standing Commission.
These groups contained a wide variety of expertise, including persons
representative of MDA and its concerns.
The Joint Working Group, which included representation from the
Government of Israel held two sessions in the first half of 2000.
The Government generously included MDA members in its delegation,
and the American Red Cross provided an opportunity to the International
Friends of MDA, through Stuart Jackson, to observe proceedings as
well.
The outcome was a compromise. Like all compromises it is less than
perfect from the point of view of any of the negotiators. It did,
however, contained elements which met the basic needs of all those
in the meetings. This is why the Government of Switzerland, in its
capacity as depositary for the Geneva Conventions, foreshadowed
the convening of a conference of governments - a "diplomatic
conference" - to finalize negotiations and adopt a third protocol
additional to the Geneva Conventions. Had this conference been able
to be convened, it would have been able to solve the emblem problem
once and for all, and would have created the conditions under which
MDA could have joined the International Federation before the end
of 2000.
Unfortunately, however, the resurgence of violence and confrontation
between Palestinians and Israelis at the end of September 2000 led
the Swiss Government to postpone its plans for the diplomatic conference.
As things stand today it is not possible to predict when the conference
will be called, for it is also clear that a protocol establishing
a new protective emblem with the force of international law behind
it requires very wide agreement among governments if it is to be
effective.
Nevertheless the International Federation and the ICRC did not leave
the issue lying down. Meetings were held with Governmental representatives
to check on the draft proposal in order to assure that, as soon
as the circumstances allow, the proposal will be adopted with the
consent of all parties. These talks included extensive discussions
with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and with MDA. The
outcome was that we were convinced that although there was still
be a need negotiation to arrive at a final text, the basic elements
of the draft protocol text are secure.
In this situation, the International Federation in partnership with
the ICRC is using every opportunity to remind governments that the
draft protocol text was not discarded or abandoned because of the
resurgence of conflict. It is simply waiting for circumstances to
mend to the point that the diplomatic conference can be convened.
At the same time, we are emphasizing that the draft protocol is
not simply an instrument done to achieve a goal for Israel - the
establishment of an additional protective emblem free of any religious
connotations will be helpful to the work of the International Red
Cross and Red Crescent Movement in many other parts of the world.
It will also resolve similar emblem problems for some other countries
- Israel is not alone in having difficulty accepting either the
Red Cross or the Red Crescent.
My second topic, membership is a different although related matter.
The Statutes of the Movement lay down 10 conditions which must be
met before the ICRC can give to an applicant National Society the
recognition necessary for it to become what the Statutes call a
"component of the Movement". The fifth condition is that
the Society must accept either the Red Cross or the Red Crescent.
So, you might ask: why not change the rules? There are a few reasons
for not following that track. The first is the one I have already
mentioned about the need for an internationally validated protective
emblem for use by armed forces medical services. Leaving the emblem
issue and focussing on the membership of MDA would hamper this aspect.
The second reason is an internal one. Changing the rules for MDA
alone would, we know from our consultations, open up serious problems
in some other countries where the Red Cross is used by the National
Society despite the very different religious and cultural conditions
of the country itself. We would soon be faced with demands for other
emblems representing other values, and the resulting proliferation
would seriously damage the unity of our humanitarian movement.
The final reason is that we want MDA to be accepted by consensus.
Not only out of respect for MDA, but also because we want MDA to
enter the Movement as a full and accepted partner for all the other
Societies, including the Societies of all Israel's neighbours. I
am sure you will understand the significance of this point - it
is one which we believe the Government of Israel and many in MDA
itself also share. It is not possible to imagine MDA fulfilling
its humanitarian mandate effectively unless it is able to have a
stable working relationship with the other Societies in this region.
The award on 8 October in Oslo of the Lisl and Leo Eitinger Human
Rights Prize to both MDA and the Palestine Red Crescent Society
is a testament to this principle.
However, and now I come to the issue of my work and where the Movement
can do something.
The International Federation's office in MDA's Tel Aviv headquarters
is all about the contents and the substance of the membership. Nobody
wants MDA to become 'a paper member', a member on paper only, the
member in a corner being neglected by others. We want MDA to join
fully in the activities of the International Federation and the
Movement and to be involved in the design and implementation of
internationally agreed policies. Practical co-operation, the exchange
of knowledge, the development of a better mutual understanding has
not been developed as it should have been in past years, and I sincerely
regret this.
Fortunately this has changed in the past months. A large part of
the change was the result of the work done towards a third additional
protocol to the Geneva Conventions and a clear understanding of
how the emblem problem was to be solved. This has led to a number
of tangible results, at the forefront of which is the establishment
of the International Federation's office in Tel Aviv and consequently
my being with you today. Your invitation to me is also proof of
a new willingness to stand alongside the Red Cross Red Crescent.
A number of typical RCRC activities have already been started or
are now being set up with MDA, some of them with the support of
the American Red Cross.
Another activity of my office is to work with MDA on the other things
which must be done so full membership can be a reality. These involve
ensuring the conformity of MDA's own statutes with the requirements
of the International Movement, and our work with MDA on this is
exactly the same as the work we do with other National Societies
in Formation as they proceed to full membership.
This brings me to my third topic: humanitarian activities and MDA's
opportunities:
Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response
Disaster preparedness and disaster response are core areas of the
International Federation. The purpose of strengthening the cooperation
with MDA in this field is: a) the participation of MDA in joint
international RCRC emergency relief operations world wide and b)
preparation for efficient cooperation in case of a large disaster
within Israel.
Israel has a large potential of human resources of well trained
professionals in emergency operations. The International Federation
could benefit from these resources. Effective deployment will require
training of candidates in the working modalities and knowledge of
the RC/RC Movement. These trainings are offered by the International
Federation and one of the MDA staff and one representative of the
Home Front Command of the IDF participated in a course in Germany
recently.
We also held discussions on this issue with MDA and the Home Front
Command in September. This has lead to a much better mutual understanding.
We will continue these discussions as both MDA and the IDF Home
Front Command have shown interest in developing, what we call within
the Basic Health Emergency Response Units, for disasters with thousands
to ten thousands of victims, for instance in case of serious earthquakes.
Such units could be useful for disasters inside as well as outside
Israel. It will also enable MDA to be incorporated in our international
joint relief operation.
These discussions also enable MDA and the International Federation
to put communication channels and procedures in place in case Israel
suddenly found itself in need of assistance.
Cooperation with other National Societies
The cooperation with other Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
enables MDA to exchange knowledge and experience in specific fields.
Cooperation and working relations with neighboring Societies is
of importance for sharing knowledge on joint problems for 'cross
border operations', procedures which have already been developed
with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Jordanian Red
Crescent Society. Other National Societies from elsewhere in the
world are now demonstrating increased interest in working with MDA,
utilizing the links provided by the International Federation.
Tracing
The tracing of missed persons due to a conflict, the transfer of
Red Cross Red Crescent messages and the reunion of family members
is a special task. An office has been set up, and with some support
it might develop into a highly demanded service given the Diaspora,
the holocaust, the refugee problem in the region and the high influx
of new immigrants. It also has the potential, as is the case with
other Societies in the world, to extend the services not only for
missing persons due to conflicts, but also to those looked for due
to a disaster or other reasons.
Dissemination and advocacy
The dissemination of IHL and the Fundamental Principles is another
traditional task of National Societies. In Israel the ICRC is already
involved in dissemination activities, especially towards the army
and police forces. MDA has drafted an extensive program, as you
can see in the documents you have received, which includes also
the own staff and volunteers, as well as to the general public through
the educational system.
I mentioned here advocacy. With advocacy we refer to the responsibility
of a National Society to explain a Movement position on a humanitarian
issues and, based on our principles to speak out for the vulnerable
and the people in need when they are not in a position to do it
themselves. The Eitinger Peace Award in Oslo, which I have already
mentioned, is a case in point, but the new arrangements will open
opportunities for MDA to advocate humanitarian positions in many
other contexts as well.
Volunteers and activities at branch level
Volunteerism is at the heart of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Israel ranks very high in the world on the contribution of volunteerism
to the development of its Society and MDA is very successful in
recruiting and training volunteers. The International Federation
will be sharing knowledge on all aspects of volunteerism and from
its side is able to support MDA with an instrument which we call
'Vulnerability - Capacity Assessment' to determine, in a professional
way, new humanitarian activities at local and national level.
Governance and policies
I should note that MDA is, in formal terms within the Movement,
a "National Society in Formation". As such MDA, even without
full voting rights, can and should contribute to discussion about
the policies of the Movement and the International Federation. This
requires active involvement in the discussions on policy issues.
It also means that MDA will be able to bring to discussion its position
on such issues as the Conduct of International Relief Operations,
Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, Street Children, Aging,
Youth, First Aid, International Disaster Response Law, etc. On this
note, MDA participated in a meeting of National Society Legal Advisers
in September on an equal footing with the representatives of about
40 other Societies.
And last but not least, Blood. Although a number of National Societies
have in recent years withdrawn from active involvement in blood
issues for different reasons, many still rank blood collection and
blood banking among their highest priorities. MDA's experience in
this field is highly respected and the International Federation
appreciates MDA's active participation in the cooperation between
the group of National Societies with blood services. Last month,
as part of the programs initiated since the opening of the International
Federation's office in Israel, MDA attended the Colloquium on Blood
Donors recruitment in South Africa organized by the Red Cross.
All these activities, and others I do not have time to outline today,
are beneficial, in my view, to both MDA and to the International
Federation. They enable both of us to experience the value of MDA
as a part of our international family. It is our clear intention
to use that experience to take us forward together to the goal we
both share of membership and full voting rights I mentioned at the
beginning of this statement. In the meantime, we will use cooperation
in all its forms to build our relationship and show clearly to governments
that the humanitarian work of National Societies can develop while
the protective emblem question is still awaiting the diplomatic
conference essential to its solution.
My fourth and final point is the one of special relevance to you.
It is about the relationship between the Friends of MDA and the
National Societies in your countries. It is a long-established rule
of the Movement that one recognized National Society cannot fund-raise
in the territory of another, or have any other activity or presence
in that territory, without the local National Society's express
consent. This means that, following MDA's recognition within the
Movement, there will be a need to regulate the relations between
the national MDA Friends groups and the relevant National Societies.
IMDAC has for years assisted MDA in building up MDA and improving
it services. It will be in the interest of all of us to continue
this support. Nevertheless this is an issue to be solved and a number
of MDA Friends Associations have already been in discussion with
their National Society. To give just one example, there have been
very productive discussions about future arrangements between the
British Red Cross and the British Friends of MDA. They believe that
the agreement will be beneficial to both of them, and profitable
for MDA. Although different arrangements might be needed in different
countries, I can promise today that the International Federation
is willing, should you wish, to help facilitate discussions and
the sharing of experience. Let us know when you are ready, and we
will be happy to meet you or your representatives. I see no reason
why this should be a particularly difficult issue in most countries,
especially if we approach it with an open and creative mind.
I would like to end with thanking the Chairman of the Executive
Committee. Mr. Yochanan Gur and the General Director Avi Zohar for
enabling the progress I just outlined and for all the support I
received from Mr. Haim Dagan, the Operational Director. But a special
word of appreciation should be directed to Dr. Moshe Melloul, who
has turned MDA's membership of the Movement into a real commitment.
Let me assure you that this is highly appreciated by the highest
levels of the Movement. Our ultimate goal, MDA's full membership,
can only be
reached as long as it is a joint effort. You have our commitment
too!
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