14 December 2015, Geneva – The Philippines underscored the importance of building stronger relationships with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and other humanitarian partners in addressing humanitarian challenges at the global meeting of governments and Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations, said that with the humanitarian crises becoming increasingly complex, the international community need to work together, in the spirit of real cooperation, for the great cause of humanity, adding that, “we, the people, are the key to achieving the aspirations of the International Conference --- our relationships and trust, forged altogether.”
The Philippines also projected the great importance of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and its relevance to the current humanitarian landscape.
The 32nd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a unique global forum that happens only every four years, brings together governments and National Societies to analyze and discuss common humanitarian issues and come up with a common vision for the future of humanitarian action.
This year, for three days, from 08 to 10 December, the Philippines, together with 168 other governments, 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the IFRC, the ICRC and more than 100 observers convened in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss solutions to violence, identify concrete steps in safeguarding safety and access to humanitarian assistance and services and reduce disaster risk and strengthen resilience.
The International Conference featured a series of plenary sessions, debates, and side events to inform its members and intensify discussions on humanitarian issues and generate practical recommendations and action points to improve humanitarian assistance and services worldwide. A drafting session was convened to discuss resolutions or action points agreed upon by both governments and National Societies on the issues of IHL compliance and detention, sexual and gender-based violence, healthcare in danger, safety of volunteers and staff, legal framework regarding disasters and emergencies and urban risk and climate change.
Governments and National Societies likewise made pledges and commitments during the International Conference, setting goals to work on in the next four years in the areas of youth engagement, assistance and protection for migrants, and strengthening community resilience, among others. END