50 years of the Fundamental Principles: A UK and Ireland perspective
The International Red Cross Red Cross Movement is celebrating 50 years of the seven Fundamental Principles that govern its work. At one of the events taking place all over the world, staff and volunteers from the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland, the Irish Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) gathered in Belfast to discuss the continuing relevance of the Fundamental Principles.
The Fundamental Principles were proclaimed in Vienna in 1965, as a response to the Movement's experience in responding to suffering over the previous century.
Speakers at the Belfast event included Nabih Jabr, deputy secretary general of the Lebanese Red Cross, Rebecca Dodd from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Professor Kieran McEvoy from Queens University Belfast and Stella Cummings, vice president of the Red Cross in Northern Ireland, who talked about what it was like to deliver impartial humanitarian assistance in Derry/Londonderry during the Troubles.
Rebecca Dodd, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Paul Faith © British Red Cross.
This opportunity to reaffirm the Movement's commitment comes at a time when the humanitarian landscape is changing: conflicts are becoming more protracted, more people are displaced today that at any time since the Second World War, and disasters are increasing in both frequency and intensity.
"Generating respect for the fundamental principles is critical and has always been a struggle," said ICRC humanitarian and policy officer Markus Geisser. "The proliferation of crises and different actors, together with the instrumentalization of aid by States and non-State armed groups, has made it much more difficult to apply both the Principles and international humanitarian law," he explained. "We need to remain focused on humanitarian goals," concluded Geisser, stressing the importance of independence in an aid world that constantly walks a tightrope between States, national authorities and donors.
Sharon Sinclair, NI Operations Director, British Red Cross, and Tom Horwell, Vice Chair, Irish Red Cross. Paul Faith © British Red Cross.
"We are known as a humanitarian organization and humanity is undoubtedly the number one priority in our work," said the Red Cross director in Northern Ireland, Sharon Sinclair. "However, there are six other Principles to which all Red Cross members sign up," she continued, in her opening address alongside Irish Red Cross vice president Tom Horwell. "Unprecedented simultaneous conflicts, disasters and health emergencies around the world show that the Fundamental Principles are needed today more than ever."
The event was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, a region emerging from decades of armed violence. "The central purpose of our Movement is to work without discrimination to help others," said Sean O'Boyle, of the British Red Cross Northern Ireland, adding that the principles of neutrality and impartiality are very much relevant in a society that is emerging from conflict, such as Northern Ireland.
Participants watch a presentation on the work of the Lebanese Red Cross.
Nabih Jabr from the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) drew parallels with Lebanon, a country with both a legacy and an ongoing threat of sectarian conflict and instability. "Throughout the conflicts, the LRC had good access, because we were trusted by all sides," he said "The LRC is a National Society that serves all, but that doesn't mean it's open to all," he continued, explaining that the LRC could not accept volunteers who were not willing to abide by the Fundamental Principles of neutrality and impartially. Jabr also outlined the challenges of the Syrian refugee crisis and spoke about Lebanese volunteers being criticized and sometimes isolated by their own communities for being perceived as helping 'the enemy'.
Neutrality and impartiality were two principles that generated much debate throughout the day. "Neutrality is about 'staying out' to 'stay in', said the ICRC's Markus Geisser. "By staying out of politics and remaining neutral, we are better able to help people in conflict and reach people in need."
Dr Eric Bernes, head of first aid and prehospital emergency care at the ICRC. Paul Faith © British Red Cross.
Dr Eric Bernes, head of first aid and prehospital emergency care at the ICRC, reminded the audience how important it was to ensure that the sick, the wounded and emergency responders all get the respect and the support they need, in accordance with humanitarian values and principles.
"Whatever the culture, wherever the place, these fundamental principles transcend boundaries and have a meaning for everyone," said Dr Bernes. "We need to remember that we are all potential victims and we are all potential care givers, so the Fundamental Principles should guide the actions of every human being, not just those in the Red Cross Red Crescent."
Observing one of the portraits in the 'Silent Testimony' exhibition by Northern Irish artist Colin Davidson, which features images of people affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland, are: Rebecca Dodd (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) Liam O'Dwyer (secretary general, Irish Red Cross), Riccardo Conti (head of office, ICRC Belfast) and Sharon Sinclair (Northern Ireland operations director, British Red Cross). Paul Faith © British Red Cross.
The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- Humanity
- Impartiality
- Neutrality
- Independence
- Voluntary service
- Unity
- Universality
