ICRC @160: Organisation expresses determination to remain neutral in armed conflicts
……laments involvement of new weapons, technologies in warfare
Chima Azubuike
As the International Committee of the Red Cross, commemorates 160 anniversary of creation by its co-founder Henry Dunant in 1863, the organisation has expressed resolve to remain neutral in a bid to work to protect civilians from horrors of conflict.
17th February is marked as its day of creation, ICRC is revered for providing
relief to millions of people adversely affected by armed conflict.
According to a press statement signed by Aliyu Dawobe, and Pat Griffiths, which was obtained by our Correspondent, the organisation disclosed that technological advances have changed warfare drastically since 1863. “But one thing has remained sadly consistent: the level of suffering that civilians caught in conflict are made to endure.”
Our Correspondent reports that the ICRC works in 100 countries with a workforce of more than 21,000 people. Over the years ahead, the ICRC, alongside its partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, “will continue its work to ensure that the neutral, impartial and independent nature of our humanitarian activities is understood by all, even as new weapons and technologies continue to be introduced.”
The ICRC’s co-founder, Henry Dunant, wrote this 160 years ago, after witnessing the horrors of combat, “Houses were riddled with holes, shattered and ruined, and their inhabitants, who had been in hiding, crouching in cellars without light or food for nearly 20 hours, were beginning to crawl out, looking stunned by the terrors they had endured.”
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, was quoted as saying that more work was required in bringing succour to the sufferings of the people, adding that the Organisation has made great impact in reducing
“After 160 years of work the International Committee of the Red Cross can say the world has made real progress to reduce civilian harm on the battlefield. Yet, we still see massive suffering in conflicts today, meaning much more work remains to be done to reduce the pain and heartbreak,” Spoljaric said.
While lamenting the consequences of armed conflict, the ICRC President called for respect for international humanitarian laws, adding that would preserve humanity.
Spoljaric added, “Respect for international humanitarian law has been, and will continue to be, the only way to preserve a minimum of humanity during conflict. The laws of war must be elevated to a political priority.”
