150 Years of ICRC humanitarian help

150 Years of ICRC humanitarian help

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123150 years ago, an ambitious idea became reality with the establishment of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) and Relief Societies, known today as National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.  

The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes – and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. The IFRC (International Federation of the Red Cross) is responsible for the coordination of relief activities in areas where a natural disaster as occurred.

The ICRC is also working together with other organizations and countries on the new aspects in war and the regulation needed. Subjects that are under investigation are UAVs and cyber warfare.

The ICRC started work in Israel and the West Bank territories in 1948, following the first Israeli-Arab conflict. Its presence became permanent in the aftermath of the 1967 war. The ICRC works together with Israeli authorities through bilateral and confidential dialogue. The organization focuses on the protection of civilians and the welfare of detainees held in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention, and helps the needy. The ICRC supports the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Magen David Adom (the Israeli National Society). Since the ICRC has a permanent office in Israel, it will offer its services to the Israeli authorities if needed. As part of its support of Magen David Adom, the two organizations held a joint work shop earlier this month on how global collaboration can prepare doctors and nurses to handle wounded and give urgent surgical treatment during the event of a natural disaster.  The coordination with MDA and Israeli authorities regarding preparedness for emergency situation is on growing, says Ran Goldstein, the ICRC spokesperson in Israel.

“ICRC and MDA are part of the same movement and as sisters of the movement we are here to support MDA in their humanitarian actives” says Goldstein. During the last conflict between Israel and Gaza, ICRC representatives and MDA staff visited affected places together. ICRC documented the cases where there were Israeli civilians casualties and the organization will share it findings with the responsible authorities in Gaza.

The ICRC is also supporting the MDA in its regular activities, budgetary issues and courses. The ICRC is also holding regular workshops and lectures on its activities and roles to members of the IDF, Israeli Civil Administration and to the government’s activities coordinator in the West Bank.