The Daily IIJ

The course director (Dieter Schneider) introduces Mr Friedrich Steinemann to the Participant.
First, Mr Steinemann talks about the origins of ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)

He said that ICRC was founded in 1859 to one battle: Solferino, one man:  Henry Durant and one vision. In 1863 the committee of Geneva was born and 1919 the league.

Meanwhile, he said that the movement composition is International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the National Societies.

According to him the movement roles are:

1 ICRC

-Assistance and Protection for conflict victims

-Guardian of International Humanitarian Law

-Official recognition of National Societies

2 National Societies

-Assistance to victims of conflict and disaster

-Activities in favour of the most vulnerable

3 Federation

-Promotion of National Societies activities

-Coordination of international Movement assistance for victims of natural disasters.

After he explain the movement statutory Bodies which are the International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent in that case the participation of states party to the Geneva conventions, council of delegates and Standing commission.

Mr Friedrich spoke about the movement Fundamental Principles which is:

-HUMANITY
-IMPARTIALITY
-NEUTRALITY
-INDEPENDENCE
-VOLUNTARY SERVICE
-UNITY
-UNIVERSALITY

He said at the beginning of hostilities the ICRC action is to remind the parties of their obligations, offers its services, and makes an assessment of the needs and acts in favour of victims according to the needs.

Further, he said that the ICRC activities are protection in war which includes protection of civilians, protection of detainees, restoring family links.

Assistance for armed conflict victims: economic security, water, habitat and health services.

He recalled that there is some preventive action which includes promotion of international law (IHL), national measures of implementation of IHL and Mine UXO/awareness programs.

According to the country Director the ICRC around the world delegations in over 60 countries, activities in more than 80 countries, over 12,000 employees.

Abdou Karimou MAIGA for Daily IIJ