Information for Delegates

Message from the Chairman of the Standing Commission

Dear Delegates,

In the name of the members of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, I should like to welcome you most cordially to the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent here in Geneva. We are thankful to the Swiss Government and to the city of Geneva for their generous and constant support in the realisation of this Conference.

Geneva is the city which proudly bears the name of the Conven-tions which are the international cornerstone of humanitarian work. This year we are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which, together with our Movement's Fun-damental Principles, are the basis in the day to day work to sel-flessly help those in need. Humanitarian action has proved its worth to millions from all walks of life who have seen for themselves its unmeasurable contributions.

This conference is our opportunity to immerse ourselves in the needs of those who depend on that action. It is up to us to ensure that humanitarian work is better understood, and that the tools we have to assist those in need are appropriate. Our challenge in the week ahead is to find solutions for people who count on our help.

This is a conference about people, not paper. I wish you success in making it fruitful.

Princess Margriet of the Netherlands
Chairman of the Standing Commission

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