Statement by Mr Robert Tickner, Under Secretary General, Humanitarian Values and Diplomacy (Acting), on behalf of the IFRC, at 63rd Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme, in Geneva
Mr. Chairman,
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to address the Executive Committee and we again place on record our appreciation of the leadership given by the High Commissioner.
The IFRC, on behalf of our global network of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies who are often at the forefront of humanitarian action related to migration, re-state our strong and ongoing commitment to working with UNHCR and other actors in the migration field to address the increasing humanitarian needs of migrants.
Red Cross and Red Crescent member Societies in 187 countries around the world provide unconditional support consistent with our Fundamental Principles of humanity, independence, impartiality and neutrality – meaning we have a shared duty to assist these persons in distress, irrespective of their nationality, administrative or legal status, and for as long as they will need us. We provide unconditional support because the duty of humanity is above all other considerations and because the humanity of a person does not depend upon which borders he or she crosses.
For example, during the current humanitarian crisis in Syria, the Lebanese Red Cross, the Jordan National Red Crescent Society, the Turkish Red Crescent Society, the Iraqi Red Crescent, The Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society and other National Societies are providing support such as emergency first aid, food and psychological support to tens of thousands of people faced with little choice but to leave their homes and seek safety across borders.
In one of the most politically charged and complex conflicts and regions on earth, we can see our Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies clearly demonstrating our Fundamental Principles on a daily basis. They are part of what we call in the IFRC the power of humanity.
With regards to migrants who also happen to be unaccompanied minors, we consider that their status as children in danger should prevail in any situation. To protect them is a moral duty, along with giving them the best possible conditions to grow up and become responsible adults, as provided for in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
On October 16th this year we will launch one of our flagship publications - the World Disasters Report, which will highlight the plight of forced migrants. In 2011 there were over 70 million people, or more than one in every 100 of the world‟s citizens, displaced by conflict, political upheaval, violence and disasters and other drivers such as climate change, environmental degradation and development projects.
More than 20 million people are trapped in a state of "protracted displacement" – living in camps or in unplanned and informal parts of cities, typically unable to work and unable to access even basic social services.
Tragically the number of people forcibly displaced is increasing as the drivers of forced migration become more complex. Unfortunately at the same time in some cases, the support of governments also appears to be diminishing.
And so, it is becoming ever more clear that migration issues require harmonised actions and policies at the international level because migration, by definition, does not know any frontiers, its causes are many, and its potential solutions often politically fraught. Despite this, one principle is clear; every vulnerable person needs access to humanitarian organisations, and humanitarian organisations always need to be able to have access to vulnerable persons. This requirement is essential.
Mr Chairman, this brings me to the migration resolution of the 2011 31st International Conference of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement which was passed in November last year at an event attended by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the world, the ICRC and 164 Governments which are party to the Geneva Convention. This landmark resolution calls for governments to ensure that migrants, irrespective of their legal status, have access to the support that they need and that they are treated at all times with respect and dignity.
Through the resolution 164 governments agreed on principles that:
Request States, in consultation with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to ensure that relevant laws and procedures are in place to enable National Societies, in conformity with the Statutes of the Movement and, in particular, the Fundamental Principles, to enjoy effective and safe access to all migrants without discrimination and irrespective of their legal status;
Calls upon States, within the framework of applicable international law, to ensure that their national procedures at international borders, especially those that might result in denial of access to international protection, deportation or interdiction of persons, include adequate safeguards to protect the dignity and ensure the safety of all migrants. States are also called on, in line with such relevant international law and national legislation, to grant to migrants appropriate international protection and to ensure their access to relevant services, such as Restoring Family Links. States and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are invited to consult in the implementation of the aforementioned safeguards, as appropriate;
Strongly encourages enhanced cooperation between public authorities, at all levels, and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to pursue practical actions in formal and non-formal settings:
a. to promote respect for diversity, non-violence and social inclusion of all migrants;
b. to enhance cultural awareness between migrant and local communities;
c. to promote through formal and non-formal education, humanitarian values and the development of interpersonal skills to live peacefully together; and
d. to enhance social cohesion through the engagement of local and migrant populations and civil society organisations in voluntary service, community and sport programmes.
Encourages States and the Components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in conformity with the Fundamental Principles and Statutes of the Movement, to continue to collaborate and build partnerships which recognise the role of the Movement in working with migrants and which could include relevant partners from international organisations (such as IOM and UNHCR, UNODC), non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Through this resolution and in cooperation with States, we will continue to assist vulnerable migrants whatever their circumstances. However, we will do better if we are not alone and if we maintain and deepen our effective partnerships with organisations such as UNHCR.
We are honoured to be part of this UNHCR ExCom meeting and assure you that the IFRC will remain committed to creating a stronger and wider consensus on humanitarian response to migration and continue to support a collaborative approach with UNHCR, and other international partners with similar objectives.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.