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THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC) & CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS. Larry Maybee Delegate to Armed & Security Forces Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The International RC/RC Movement: . National Societies. 186 National Societies (since 1864).
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THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC) & CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS Larry Maybee Delegate to Armed & Security Forces Southeast Asia and the Pacific
The International RC/RC Movement: National Societies 186 National Societies (since 1864) The International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)(1919) The ICRC (1863)
The ICRC: "The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance.“ International mandate given by States in the Geneva Conventions
Protection of Civilians: Internally displaced persons (IDP) Women, children, most vulnerable Monitoring hostilities, reporting IHL violations
Aim of detention visits: • Prevent disappearances, summary executions, torture and ill treatment • Improve of conditions of detention • Assistance if needed (not substitution) • Restore family links • Visits, standard methods • Don't challenge reasons • Don't ask for release • Principle of Confidentiality
How the ICRC works: In close proximity to victims (access is critical) In dialogue with all parties & armed groups Confidentially & bilaterally– all parties Predictably & consistently – in all contexts In accordance with the RC/RC principles of Neutrality, Independence and Impartiality
Neutrality : Towards Belligerents
Impartiality : Towards Victims
Independence : • The ICRC is independent with regard to decision making and action. Its humanitarian activities are based solely on its own assessment of needs. • The ICRC believes that humanitarian activities must not be associated with (or subordinated to) political or military objectives. STATES NGOs ARMEDGROUPS
The ICRC worldwide: • - Present in 80 countries • More than 13,000 employees • 1200 expatriates & 12,000 national staff • 75 different nationalities • Annual budget approx. CHF/USD 1 Bn (plus emergency appeals) • Visits to 800,000 detainees in 88 countries in 2010
ICRC Relations with Military Forces (Civil-Military Relations):
ICRC & Civil-Military Relations: Engagement with the military is natural (inevitable) for an organisation like the ICRC (sharing the battle space) What are the respective parties seeking from each other (humanitarian organisations & military forces)? What concerns does each side have about the other? For the ICRC, why are the humanitarian principles (neutrality, independence & impartiality) so important? What are the risks if these principles are not followed?
"In one moment in time our service members will be feeding and clothing displacedrefugees – providing humanitarian assistance. In the next moment, they will be holding two warring tribes apart – peacekeeping. Finally, they will be fighting a highly lethal mid-intensity battle. All in the same day, all within three city blocks.« (confusion, perceptions)
Partners in the Mission? "Those are the guys who are going to win it for us… That's how we're really going to defeat the root causes…" Military commander, referring to aid workers – 2003 (perceptions)
“Today, like 20 years ago, you come here to try and make sure prisoners are well treated, wounded taken care of, our families not bombed, or starved, or humiliated. We respect that. Now, be warned: just as we do not expect you to support our religious, social, political views and actions, so we expect you not to support – in any way – our enemies’. Know when so-called humanitarian action becomes a sword or a poison – and stop there.” Discussion between senior ICRC delegate and anti-government tribal leader regarding ICRC safe passage Afghanistan, 2010
The Integrated Approach: Activities: Elements: Administration DIPLOMATIC/POLITICAL Governance Rule of Law END STATE Stabilisation STABLE AND FAIR SOCIETY MILITARY / SECURITY Civilian Control Training IHL/HR Market Access ECONOMIC Free Trade POLITICAL OBJECTIVES Education Healthcare HUMANITARIAN / SOCIAL Basic Svcs Victims of Conflict
The ICRC asks for : Access to all areas (continuing/ongoing) – including conflict affected Information on the security situation in the field Mainly for the safety of our teams and the civilians/victims Access to detainees Not armed escorts Not the use of military (logistic) assets
Immediate assistance in emergency situations Constructive dialogue (confidential & bilateral) Coordination of movement (to ensure safe access) Useful information on the situation of civ populations Monitoring compliance with IHL (all parties/groups) Its services as neutral intermediary between parties to the conflict: PW & detainee exchanges Mortal remains Humanitarian corridors Evacuate wounded & civilians IDP resettlement The ICRC can offer:
Conclusions & key messages: Challenge for all actors to adequately understand and respect each others' roles, mandates & capacities Clear separation between military & HA – clarity in terms, use of uniforms & vehicles, objectives & comms Obligation to ensure sufficient space for the function of impartial, independent humanitarian actors ICRC has a specific legal & principle-driven approach focused on those in need Trust and dialogue - (exchange of information on issues of mutual concern, particularly protection)
