RCST High-Level Meetings in Geneva

By Ganjina Bobokulova, Information/Communication Officer, IFRC CR in Tajikistan

The leadership of the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) participated in the high-level events of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement taken place from 23 November to 1 December 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. S. Nasriddinov, Tajik Ambassador in Switzerland accompanied Mr. Z. Muhabbatov, RCST  Secretary General and Mr. N. Valiev, RCST Programmes Coordinator to represent Tajikistan in the IFRC General Assembly (23-25 November 2011), the Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (26 November 2011) and the 31^st International Conference (28 November – 01 December 2011).

IFRC General Assembly

The main focus of the agenda of the 18^th session of the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was on the IFRC’s Strategy 2020. Furthermore, the thematic items have been discussed in plenary and workshops, the latest also being part of the official agenda of the General Assembly.

During the Statutory Meetings, delegates had the opportunity to learn more about Movement actors and their programmes, dialogue with each other and exchange ideas in the humanitarian village.

At the 18th Federation General Assembly, the Maldivian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) became the 187^th member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

IFRC held a special award ceremony during the 18^th General Assembly to honour volunteers for their remarkable actions in the humanitarian field.

Tajikistan Delegation Meetings

In the framework of the IFRC General Assembly the leadership of the RCST met with Tadateru Konoe, IFRC President and Bekele Geleta, IFRC Secretary General. Z. Muhabbatov said, that during these meetings, he informed the leadership of the most authoritative humanitarian organization in the world about the National Society’s latest achievements and new programmes. “We are glad to participate in and meet with the representatives from all over the world. We believe that these meetings will be very productive for our future work and cooperation”, said RCST Secretary General.

Mr. T. Konoe and Mr. B. Geleta appreciated the activities of the RCST and expressed satisfaction from the level of cooperation of the National Society with the IFRC Country Representation in Tajikistan.

The RCST leadership had fruitful and friendly negotiations with the Canadian Red Cross, as well as with Iran, Afghanistan, and Qatar Red Crescent Societies representatives.

Council of Delegates

Representatives from all components of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement attended the Council of Delegates taken place on 26 November. The Council of Delegates met prior to the International Conference in order to address matters that concern the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, including the adoption of an agenda and confirmation of resolutions proposed for the International Conference.

International Conference

The International Conference is one of the most important humanitarian forums in the world. It brings together all the components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement with states that are party to the Geneva Conventions. Together they examined and decided upon humanitarian matters of common interest and any other related matter. The International Conference meets every four years, unless it decides otherwise. The International Conference meets every four years.

The 31st International Conference attended by 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 159 government delegations and observers from over 50 international organizations. At the conclusion of the event, the following resolutions were passed: resolution on migration, resolution including the protection of volunteers, resolution on health inequities, resolution on disaster law, resolution on health care in danger, resolution on strengthening legal protection for victims of armed conflicts.

“These resolutions, along with pledges made in support of increased humanitarian action, provide a solid and compelling foundation for our future work”, noted Mr. B. Geleta.

“We need to continue improving ourselves to adapt to a fast changing world. Toward that end, we are reviewing our accountability arrangements to benchmark them against the best global standards. We also discussed and agreed on the need to better leverage National Societies’ auxiliary status to strengthen their partnership with their respective governments in a sustainable way”, said IFRC Secretary General.

Volunteers lead by example in the promotion of peace

Stephen Ryan

Every day, 4,200 people die in violent circumstances – a figure that is, annually, equivalent to the population of Vienna. Violence, often perceived as something that happens somewhere else, in a conflict zone or a dangerous quarter of a distant city, has become embedded in parts of our culture and, for many, is seen as a normal part of life. Through a number of initiatives and projects, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is attempted to provide an alternative to this idea.

Violence, discrimination and exclusion are too often dealt with in isolation, as if they are separate issues. And yet they have common root causes. The work of the Red Cross Red Crescent is guided by its Fundamental Principles, supported by values such as peace, equality and compassion. Every day, all over the world, volunteers challenge discrimination and promote tolerance, fostering a culture of peace built on these very values.

Young people in particular can offer innovative solutions to the problems of violence in their communities. Recognizing this, the IFRC has developed the ‘Youth as agents of behavioural change programme’ (YABC), to empower young people to be the change they want to see in the world. Already, 285 volunteers across 75 countries have been trained as peer educators through the programme. Rather than waiting until tomorrow, these young people are leading the way today.

Other programmes, such as Bulgaria’s pioneering ‘Together for a better life’, will promote anti-discrimination, with the aim of creating ambassadors for marginalized groups. This was one of the programmes recently recognized in the IFRC Youth Awards.

Promoting a culture of non-violence is not limited to the young. The Red Cross Red Crescent engages volunteers of all ages, bringing different perspectives and skills to the Movement, but encouraging everyone to contribute toward the vision of promoting human dignity and peace in our world.

Bekele Geleta, IFRC Secretary General, used his address at the 18th General Assembly in Geneva to highlight the importance of promoting peace across all parts of the Movement. “In these challenging times, the realization is growing within governmental systems that they urgently need you: the National Societies,” he said. “They are recognizing that the Red Cross Red Crescent, through voluntary involvement, is a positive force for promoting good citizenship and social stability in turbulent times.”

A culture of non-violence and peace may seem like a fanciful dream, but unless we take the first steps – and encourage others to join us – it will never become a reality. The IFRC and its 187 National Societies can provide the example that is needed.

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