SDC Contribution to the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

As the world’s oldest, largest humanitarian network, the Movement serves to prevent and alleviate suffering of victims of conflict and natural disaster.

A strong and coherent Movement with a functioning governance that is well positioned to carry forward the fundamental principles and international humanitarian law (IHL).

1. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is strengthened, and its governance is assured.
2. Switzerland plays an active role (in collaboration with IFRC, ICRC and relevant NS/States) to identify, manage and mitigate the politicization of existing crisis and avoid incoherence within the Movement.
3. IHL, the fundamental principles and the discussions on other relevant normative questions are brought up to date and are advanced.
4. The 34th Conference is held in a dynamic and results-oriented fashion and is better positioned in the multilateral landscape.
5. The conference is successfully held in Geneva, and the value of Geneva as a humanitarian hub is reiterated.

Expected results:  

1. Pre-Conference consultation in form of a Preparatory Committee meeting
2. Conference organizers empowered and supported by the Secretary General
3. Identification of politicization risks and mitigation measures adopted by the organizer with the support of Switzerland
4. Travel fund for delegations from LDCs
5. Visible role of Switzerland in conference official reception, side-events

Results from previous phases:  

(33rd Conference):

• All resolutions were ultimately adopted by consensus.
• Distinguished Swiss involvement for 6 Resolutions and 7 pledges.
• The conference made good progress to position itself as THE humanitarian event with Geneva as host city, well covered by worldwide media.
• Attendance of participants and observers rose compared to the previous conferences.