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International
Conference 2003
Substance
National Societies (NS) and governments received a non-paper on the concept
of next year’s International Conference or IC 2003 as we refer to
it.
That non-paper addresses the issues and sub-themes we are preparing based
on the theme of the Conference, ‘Protecting human dignity’.
In our previous Newsletter (July/August) I introduced the major sub-themes
of the Conference. The first sub-theme discusses issues relevant to ensuring
respect for the law.
In this context, we are dealing mainly with International Humanitarian
Law (IHL), in particular questions aiming at ensuring respect for and
strengthening implementation of IHL. However, external challenges brought
about by new types of conflicts, by non-state actors and other more recent
developments will most certainly impact the deliberations of these specific
issues at the Conference.
New developments are represented by the International Disaster Response
Law (IDRL), which is being developed by the International Federation.
The aim is greater efficiency and effectiveness in delivering our response
in emergencies other than wars and conflicts.
The second sub-theme focuses on reducing vulnerability to disease and
disasters. Here we are dealing with issues very close to the everyday
work of NS. In this context, we want to look at partnerships between NS
and their governments and i.e. how best to develop that partnership when
it comes to building the capacity of NS to effectively deliver their programmes
and services.
The non-paper is a first substance paper to the members of the Conference.
I hope it serves well as a basis for preparation and for initiating a
preparatory dialogue with governments. The paper will ‘develop’
in the coming weeks and months. I hope it will inspire comments and feedback
from NS as well as from governments in building towards the IC 2003.
I hope your NS will study the paper, share it widely within your society
and discuss it with your governments. I also hope you will provide us
with comments, further viewpoints on the suggested issues, your feelings
as to the relevance of the areas addressed and proposed as basis for the
Conference agenda.
The co-hosts, the ICRC and the Federation, or the Standing Commission’s
secretariat are awaiting your feedback - preferably no later than Mid-January
2003.
The Commission will start work on the draft Conference agenda in February.
NS input is quite essential for that work. We want this Conference to
be a real RC/RC Conference, with NS participation and ownership in all
phases of the planning process.
Workshops
Have you already considered a proposal for a workshop during the Conference?
As you know, they are not part of the formal agenda. Workshops are planned
for the late afternoons or evenings to provide an opportunity for more
informal and free floating discussions on topics relating to the theme
but which are not part of the formal agenda.
We look forward to receiving your proposals by January 15, 2003, as the
Commission’s aim is to decide on the workshops at its February meeting.
The Terms of Reference were sent to you in October with the non-paper.
Should you have misplaced them – do let us know. We will send you
a new copy!
Elections
As announced in the last Newsletter, four of the present five elected
members of the Standing Commission will not be candidates for re-election.
I hope you are already busy searching for good candidates for the Commission!
We need a competent, experienced and well-balanced Commission –
regarding both geography and gender!
There is a new Nomination Form for announcing candidates. I look forward
to receiving these forms to the Commission’s secretariat not later
than the end of August 2003 – preferably much earlier! - to allow
NS and governments to carefully study the candidates. The forms will be
posted on the Movement website (www.redcross.int) for easy access.
Other Conference Issues
I’m very pleased to welcome Ambassador Thomas Kupfer as the Commissioner
for the IC 2003. He has been placed at the disposal of the Standing Commission
by the Swiss Government and will work with the co-hosts in preparing for
the Conference. The Swiss government also announced its significant financial
contribution towards the IC 2003, for which I want to express my deep
appreciation.
In spite of this contribution, the Federation and the ICRC are looking
at considerable financial commitments. That is why we would welcome additional
support, mainly sponsorship. Any advise, ideas or direct contacts you
might be able to share with us on potential external support will be highly
appreciated!
The Commission decided to invite 100 observers to the IC 2003. They represent
organisations – governmental and non-governmental – working
with the Movement on a number of issues. The list also includes organisations
and networks, which we feel are of importance in furthering and advocating
the theme of human dignity and the issues discussed at the Conference.
Emblem
The Working Group on Resolution 6 from the 2001 Council of Delegates has
been active. In October it heard representatives of the Israeli Magen
David Adom and the Eritrea NS. Also in October, the SC’s Special
Representative for the Emblem, Mrs Christina Magnuson met together with
colleagues from the ICRC and the International Federation in Damascus
with members of the Organisation of Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies
to consult with them on this important issue.
All these and other contacts and discussions are crucially important in
trying to identify ways and means ahead to resolve the challenges of improved
protection and universality within the Movement.
The IC 2003 is less than a year away. The situation on the ground is not
encouraging government involvement to achieve the needed third additional
protocol.
The Standing Commission sees the emblem issue as one of its highest priorities
and is committed to promote a solution in every way it can, involving
key players both within the political world and within the Movement.
Thank you for your Support!
I feel very honoured to enjoy continuous and substantial support from
NS for the SC’s work.
This year we have received voluntary contributions from 22 NS totalling
so far CHF 81 269. I want to express my warm ‘thank you’ for
this assistance. In addition, we have had staff-on-loan contributions.
Here I want to single out the Norwegian Red Cross for its significant
and continuing staff support to our secretariat.
However, I am still hoping for contributions from a few NS, which traditionally
have supported us… As we asked for less this year compared to the
previous years, it is crucial to receive all contributions to be able
to involve NS in the work of different ad hoc Working Groups and in such
important processes as the Movement Strategy.
Movement Website
This is another good reason to say ‘Thank you’! I was delighted
to receive the green light from NS to use part of their voluntary contributions
from previous years to improve technically and substantially the present
website – www.redcross.int. We now have the means to start the work.
I have recently written to some of you asking for a ‘doer’,
a staff-on-loan to join the ICRC and the Federation’s web-teams
to manage the site. I hope we can have it up and running in the early
part of 2003. It will be an important source of information and exchange
in preparing for the coming IC 2003 and also for following up on the Movement
Strategy…
Regarding which…
You will soon receive a questionnaire on how you are working with it.
Do you have plans regarding integration of some of the actions into your
own national plans? Have you already started implementing some of the
17 actions? What are your experiences? How are you working with the delegations
of the ICRC and the Federation in implementation?
All 17 actions are important. For the sake of evaluating progress in relation
to the strategic objectives, we attach a special focus to
- Action
1: Movement approach to capacity building
- Action
3: Integrity and compliance with fundamental principles
- Action
5: Enhanced dialogue and consultations within the Movement
- Action
7: Better response and coordination in emergencies
- Action
11: Building consistent and coherent image
- Action
15: Relations with key military and political players.
We want to hear about your experiences on the above and other actions
of the Strategy. We are particularly interested in knowing how you work
with these key issues. The Council in December next year expects a first
report on the implementation to give us a sense of how we are progressing
in improving our own internal cooperation mechanisms. That’s what
the Strategy is all about!
Manila = Success
On my visits and missions to National Societies and Movement meetings,
I’m always equally impressed by the quality and amount of work being
done in all parts of the world under the RC/RC flag.
I experienced this again at the Asia Pacific Conference in Manila. The
NS in the region had produced excellent background material for the three
themes discussed, which dealt with health – especially HIV/AIDS
– with refugees and migrants and with disaster preparedness and
response. The resulting MAP – Manila Action Plan – outlines
concrete steps to be taken in these areas by the NS but also by the International
Federation and by the various networks active in the region and the sub-regions.
For me personally Manila meant a good learning experience about NS realities
in dealing with the three thematic areas. In addition I could hear their
ideas and expectations for the coming IC 2003; the round-table discussions
produced valuable aspects for our continued preparations.
I was impressed by the feedback from the Movement Strategy session! It
set in clear terms good examples for how to use it as a tool for planning
and improving our performance as a Movement. I felt inspired and encouraged
by Manila and look forward to similar discussions and exchange at other
regional meetings.
Movement Awards
The time has come to start the search for individuals, whom you would
like to propose for the Henry Dunant Medal in 2003. The guidelines and
forms are on their way to you and we hope to have your proposals by May
1st, 2003.
As a movement, we want to single out those in need of our assistance.
While this is our main role and task, from time to time it is good to
also remember those outstanding individuals, who in the name of the Red
Cross/Crescent continuously contribute to making this great Movement the
success it is. We owe them our thanks, appreciation and recognition.
The Henry Dunant medal provides us with an opportunity to do so.
In conclusion…
As we prepare for the year 2003, I want to thank all National Societies
for their work and commitment and wish them all, their staff and volunteers,
a happy and successful new year.
My very best wishes,
Princess Margriet
Chairman
Nomination form for
election of members to the Standing Commission at the International Conference
of the Red Cross Red Crescent in 2003
Framework for Monitoring and
Evaluation of the Implementation of the Strategy for the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Both documents are presented as PDF files and to view them, you need Adobe
Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have it, you can find the reader
and installation instructions by clicking here.
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