Amman Declaration 2024: A unified call for future-ready humanitarian action in the MENA region

Participants in the 11th Red Cross Red Crescent MENA Conference

Participants representing 17 National Societies from the Middle East & North Africa region in the 11th Red Cross Red Crescent MENA Conference

Photo: Jordan Red Crescent

We, the leaders of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (RCRC) in the Middle East and North Africa, participating in the 11th MENA Conference, held in Amman, Jordan from 2 to 3 September 2024.

We recall the "Baghdad Declaration" adopted at the 10th RCRC MENA Conference held in Baghdad in 2018, and appreciate the achievements of the RCRC National Societies in the MENA region, both collectively and individually in implementing the commitments of the Baghdad Declaration, while recalling some commitments that have not been fully implemented as a result of the deteriorating humanitarian challenges that the MENA region witnessed in the previous period, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change, protracted conflicts and displacement, which have had devastating global repercussions and major health, social and economic impacts on communities and individuals in the region.

Given the escalating and unprecedented humanitarian needs, it is imperative for National Societies to evolve and adapt to enhance their effectiveness and preparedness in responding to future challenges. This requires both individual and collective efforts, ensuring a well-coordinated and unified approach to humanitarian action.

We reaffirm the resolutions adopted during the International Meetings of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, particularly the Seville Agreement 2.0 which emphasizes on Coordination within the Movement to achieve collective impact. We highlight the critical importance of coordinated humanitarian action by all components of the Movement, in line with this agreement. Additionally, we underscore the resolutions focused on strengthening integrity within the Movement, upholding comprehensive commitments to community engagement and accountability, and the development of the legal and statutory-base frameworks for National Societies.

We reaffirm our commitment to the outcomes of the Regional Movement Conferences for the Africa and Asia Pacific regions held in 2023, specifically endorsing the Nairobi Declaration and the Hanoi Call for Action.

In line with our focused discussion on the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and in light of the continued escalation of hostilities against civilians, volunteers, medical personnel and facilities and grave violations, we express our full solidarity with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, call for the application of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and call on all parties to work to de-escalate and enable safe, sustainable and unrestricted humanitarian access within the entire Gaza Strip, and remove obstacles to the work of humanitarian organizations, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society. 

We call on all National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to continue their efforts to urge the international community to secure a safe route for medical and emergency medical services teams and relief convoys where needed, and to ensure respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem.
We salute the volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent for their unwavering dedication and commitment. We also honor and pay tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives in the noble service of humanity.

We, the leaders of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the MENA region, have gathered under the theme "Humanity is Action and Compassion" where we discussed: our commitment to coordinated humanitarian action, strengthening the capacity and capabilities of National Societies amidst an unprecedented changing environment, empowering youth and volunteers as central elements of resilience and preparedness leading to more effective humanitarian responses across the MENA region, catalyzing efforts to ensure that our response becomes financially sustainable and capable of facing future challenges. We agree to:

•    Ensure that National Societies in the MENA region are strengthened to be better prepared to confront emerging humanitarian challenges and navigate the complexities of multifaceted crises, in line with the auxiliary role of National Societies in the humanitarian field and in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Fundamental Principles. 
•    Work together to support the official recognition of the auxiliary role of National Societies in their countries, to strengthen their humanitarian status.
•    Commit to assisting National Societies in the MENA region in identifying key areas for capacity building and developing resilient, comprehensive strategies to enhance their readiness, responsiveness, adaptability, and sustainability.
•    Stress the need to ensure an effective humanitarian response with local leadership and efficient coordination among components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other key stakeholders at all levels.
•    Emphasize the crucial importance of locally led humanitarian responses, supported by robust coordination among International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement components and key stakeholders at all levels.
•    Strive to ensure effective coordination and comprehensive, sustainable cooperation within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the MENA region. This approach respects the essential role of National Societies and leverages the complementary strengths of the Movement's components to achieve optimal humanitarian outcomes for communities. 
•    Mobilize our collective and complementary efforts on humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy to ensure that human values are promoted, and that positive changes are made in the interest of protecting and supporting the most vulnerable people.
We call on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the support of relevant National Societies, to promote a stronger understanding of and learning from, effective implementation of the Seville Agreement 2.0, thus enhancing the coordination and operational capacities of Movement components.
•    We support National Societies in the MENA region in pursuing innovative and diversified funding strategies and implementing respectful partnerships through effective resource mobilization mechanisms. 
•    We enhance the financial management systems and policies of National Societies to ensure sustainability, integrity, and accountability.
•    We leverage the opportunities offered by the digital transformation to enhance our ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emerging humanitarian challenges and crises, while actively mitigating risks related to data protection.
•    We invest in empowering and engaging youth by expanding and diversifying opportunities for them to continuously develop their knowledge, leadership, and technical skills. We also ensure their active participation in decision-making at all levels and in relevant, effective, local humanitarian actions.
•    We support the outcomes of the MENA Youth Forum 2024, held virtually on 1 September 2024. 
•    We implement measures to protect, support, and retain volunteers while recognizing and valuing their contributions.

We, the leaders of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the MENA region, agree to prioritize the implementation of the practical commitments under the Amman Declaration 2024, with the support of the IFRC Regional Office, in line with an Implementation Guide the Amman Declaration 2024 to be subsequently developed, while ensuring effective monitoring of progress. 

In conclusion, we express our gratitude to the Jordan Red Crescent Society for hosting the 11th Conference for the Middle East and North Africa, and we extend our thanks to the leaders and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their strong support of both the Conference and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We also commend the Saudi Red Crescent Society for their role in supporting this conference and appreciate the participation of observers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Adopted in Amman, Jordan on 3 September, 2024
 

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