PROFILE FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION TO THE STANDING COMMISSION OF
THE RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT
Prepared by the Policy and Planning Advisory Commission of the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Adopted by Council of Delegates Geneva, 1 - 2 December 1995
Responsibilities
Standing Commission members' duties, as defined under Article 18 of the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, encompass the following administrative, executive and governing responsibilities:
- to establish the provisional agenda of the International Conference,
- to establish by consensus the list of observers to the Conference,
- to promote the Conference and secure optimum attendance,
- to further the implementation of the resolutions of the Conference,
- to prepare the provisional agenda of the Council of Delegates,
- to establish by consensus the list of observers to the Council,
- to promote harmony in the work of the Movement and, in this connection,
coordination among its components,
- to settle, pending final decision of the Conference, any difference
of opinion which may arise as to the interpretation and application
of the Statutes and Rules of Procedure,
- to settle, pending final decision of the Conference, any question
which may be submitted to it by the ICRC or the Federation in connection
with any difference which may arise between them,
- to select recipients of the Henry-Dunant Medal,
- to establish by consensus ad hoc subsidiary bodies to assist it in its work and to nominate its members.
The forthcoming elections of the five persons who are members of different
National Societies, each elected in a personal capacity, affords an opportunity
to choose candidates best qualified to fulfil the responsibilities of
carrying out the statutory functions of the Standing Commission. To that
end the Advisory Commission has elaborated the following profile of candidate
for election to the Standing Commission:
Profile of membership: Qualifications required
The ideal qualities for membership on the Standing Commission can be
categorised as those of leadership, motivation, character, knowledge,
experience and availability to attend meetings and handle Commission affairs.
1. Leadership
The candidate should have a vision both for the Movement and for its
role and influence within the larger international humanitarian community;
to be capable and willing to address with creativity and determination,
challenges facing the Movement; to be able to motivate and inspire fellow
Commission members and other leaders of the Movement, to constructive
and positive action in carrying out that vision.
2. Motivation
Membership on the Commission should not be sought for reasons of personal
ambition, prestige or as an honorary position within the Movement nor
for private ambition. Candidates should be motivated to act together with
other members to serve in a personal non-partisan capacity, the sole interests
of the Movement in the fulfilment of its humanitarian ideal and goals.
3. Integrity
Candidates should have a high consciousness of the ethical and professional
responsibilities and commitment that membership on the Commission implies
towards the Movement and beyond it. They should be inspired at all times
in their decisions and actions by the Red Cross / Red Crescent fundamental
principles.
4. Character
The candidate should possess independent judgement; be sensitive to,
and respect the concerns and opinions of others; be resolute and non-partisan
in making decisions, and tolerant in carrying them out; have the courage
to recommend what is right, even if that choice may not be popular; be
reliable in meeting responsibilities and deadlines; be ready to work with
team spirit to build within the Commission, conditions promoting unity
and harmony among the components.
5. Knowledge
The candidates should be familiar with the Fundamental Principles
of the Movement; the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and their additional
Protocols and other relevant instruments of the Laws of War, of the Law
of Human Rights, of the Law of Refugees; know the origins and historical
development of the Movement; and both know and respect the Statutes and
Rules of Procedure of the Movement.
Understanding of the functioning of the various components of the Movement, particularly Federation and ICRC functioning, is required.
The candidate should understand and respect the purpose and functions of the Standing Commission, and its inter-relationship with other bodies of the Movement; the purpose, functions, and inter-relationships of other components of the Movement; the relationship between the Movement and States party to the Geneva Conventions; and the role of the Movement within the larger international humanitarian community, in particular its relations with the United Nations system.
Fluency in English would facilitate communication among members of the Commission and knowledge of at least one other official language of the Movement is desirable.
6. Experience
Extensive experience with a National Society is desirable but, in
its absence, a willingness to learn quickly through review of written
materials is required.
Beyond experience in Red Cross / Red Crescent national and international affairs, the candidate should be unusually discerning concerning human events and actions, particularly within the larger international community; have experience of cross-cultural relations; have an interest to understand and keep informed on developments in international socio-economic and political affairs having direct impact on the Movement activities.
Candidates should have experience and understanding in matters of governance.
7. Availability
The candidate must have the availability to attend meetings of the
Commission and to carry out Commission assignments.
It is advisable that the five members of different National Societies,
each elected in a personal capacity, should not simultaneously hold other
elective functions in the Federation to preserve their availability and
to ensure their independence of judgement when dealing with matters before
the Commission related to differences which may arise between the ICRC
and the Federation.
