ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross – Core Contribution

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and universal humanitarian principles. 

As the custodian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a permanent mandate under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations, reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during armed conflicts.

The ICRC is among the most important partners of Switzerland in the implementation of the core mandate of its Humanitarian Aid. The ICRC’s work to promote and safeguard the respect for IHL as well as to strengthen the protection of civilian populations in armed conflict is highly consistent with Swiss strategic priorities.

The ICRC serves its unique mandate to ensure protection and assistance for victims of conflict very effectively and plays a critical role in the delivery of humanitarian objectives.  Of great importance is also ICRC’s advocacy role to promote respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and the right of all humanitarian actors to access and assist people affected by conflict. In accordance with its mandate to protect victims of armed conflicts, the ICRC clearly put a lot of effort into contributing to the development and clarification of IHL, promotion of law as well as promoting compliance with and better understanding of IHL. By addressing basic needs it contributes to conflict prevention and resolution.

ICRC is appreciated because it is a result-oriented organization that responds rapidly to emergencies and humanitarian needs, drawing on its extensive reach, logistic capabilities and field presence.

Switzerland has been appreciated (by ICRC and the donor community) for its expertise and efforts put into joint ICRC-Switzerland initiatives, like the Montreux Document, compliance initiatives, activities/events organised around the “150 years of humanitarian action” and active discussions around new warfare trends.

3rd (total contribution), 1st for contribution to ICRC seat in Geneva.

Top 10: USA, GB, SWI, European Commission, SWE, NOR, GER, NED, CAN, AUS

Switzerland is contributing financially and strategically to the work of the other members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and the Swiss National Red Cross Society. Switzerland is also contributing strongly to the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which is the movement’s highest body of governance.

Phase 14 01.01.2015 - 31.12.2015   (Completed)