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Protecting
Human Dignity
“Protecting human dignity”
was chosen in 2003 as the theme and overall goal of the International
Conference, and as the slogan for Red Cross Red Crescent
activities worldwide, in response to the increasing threats
to human dignity.
The conference, its declaration and the Agenda for Humanitarian
Action which it endorsed, focused on two main ways of contributing
to the protection of human dignity: enhancing respect for
the relevant laws and reducing the vulnerability of populations
to the effects of armed conflicts, disasters and diseases.
Put simply, “protecting human dignity” is about promoting
respect for each and every human being, in a spirit of solidarity,
irrespective of their origins, beliefs, religions, status or gender.
The declaration highlighted specific commitments undertaken by the
participants of the conference (components of the Movement and States)
– namely:
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1. reaffirming and applying the principles and rules of international
humanitarian law (IHL),
2. increasing respect for humanitarian principles and values,
3. to promoting tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for diversity
among all peoples
All three of these are directly relevant to the core area of Promotion
of the Movement’s Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values.
The first commitment is related to both “Principles” and
“Values” – while the seven Fundamental Principles
can be seen as expressing the essence of International Humanitarian
Law, the concept of “humanitarian values” captures the
spirit that led to the creation of this body of law.
The second commitment is a simple and clear endorsement of the need
for increased respect for humanitarian principles and values. The
third is directly linked to the current area of focus of the Federation’s
work in the promotion of humanitarian
values – reducing discrimination. Since 2001, the Federation
has been promoting the Reducing
Discrimination initiative, working with National Societies in
various ways to find ways to tackle discrimination in all its forms. Click here for more information
about this initiative.
The declaration itself can also be seen as an expression of the Fundamental
Principles. Echoing the principle
of humanity, it calls on States and components of the Movement
to protect the dignity and prevent suffering and distress to civilians
and combatants by upholding international humanitarian law, human
rights law and refugee law.
Following from the principle
of impartiality, States
party to the Geneva Conventions and components
of the Movement resolved to work together to reduce the disproportionate
risk faced by vulnerable people towards the effects of disasters and
infectious diseases.
Lastly, in response to the increasing attacks on humanitarian workers,
the declaration reaffirms the responsibility of States to respect
the Movement’s adherence to all of its Fundamental Principles,
“in order to provide impartial, neutral and independent protection
and assistance for all those most in need”, and the responsibility
of the Movement to cooperate with States.
The protection of human dignity is a central point around which many
distinct but complementary factors are joined. These include the Fundamental
Principles, humanitarian values, international humanitarian law, human
rights law and refugee law; they also include the International Conference
itself, and the humanitarian activities of those who attend it.
The specific threats to human dignity tackled in the Agenda for Humanitarian Action represent some of the most pressing
humanitarian challenges facing the world today. By working together,
the combined efforts and influence of these factors above will lead
to greater protection against these threats.
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