Published: 26 November 2004
Geneva (International Federation/ICRC) At a ceremony presided by Their Majesties the King and the Queen of Spain on 26 November, the Conde de Barcelona Foundation awarded its International Prize to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for its humanitarian work and its commitment to the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
His Majesty the King of Spain presented the prize to the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro, and the Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jacques Forster, in Barcelona's Palau de la Música.
The prize, which rewards people and organizations whose work contributes to peace and forwards the cause of international solidarity and cooperation, includes a gift of 60,000 euros. The ICRC and the International Federation will use the prize to promote tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for international humanitarian law.
"It is a great honour for the ICRC to receive this award, which acknowledges our work on behalf of people affected by armed conflict," said Mr Forster, on accepting the prize. "We will use it to finance a study on the protection of war victims under Islamic law and international humanitarian law."
Mr Suárez del Toro, expressing his gratitude, said: "The aim pursued by the Red Cross and Red Crescent today, through the Federation, is the protection of human dignity. This is a task that implies scrupulous and universal respect for human rights."
The Conde de Barcelona Foundation promotes intercultural dialogue and communication.