Protecting Human Dignity in Conflict: Red Cross Chief on Key Issues and Role of International Law

Защита человеческого достоинства в условиях конфликта: глава Красного Креста о ключевых проблемах и роли международного права

Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric. Protecting human dignity in conflict: Red Cross chief on key issues and the role of international law Humanitarian aid

This week, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, took part in an informal interactive dialogue at the UN General Assembly on protecting human dignity in armed conflict and respect for international humanitarian law. She stressed: “We stand ready to work with all UN General Assembly member states to ensure respect for international humanitarian law on the ground and to raise awareness of what it means and why it is important to respect it.”

In an interview with the UN News Service, the head of the ICRC explained how the organization defines human dignity, protects it and responds to human rights violations in conflict situations.

What dignity means in the context of armed conflict?

According to Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, human dignity goes far beyond mere survival: “Dignity means that people receive not just calories to survive, but everything they need to live in human conditions. They must have shelter, personal space, access to water, health care and sanitation. These are the basic things we seek to ensure in armed conflicts.”

Without these conditions, the head of the ICRC notes, a person loses his or her dignity, and assistance that does not take these aspects into account cannot be called humanitarian in the full sense of the word.

Where the protection of dignity is especially important?

The ICRC seeks to protect human dignity wherever it is threatened: “Every time people are deprived of basic dignity, it is a moral failure of the international community. It means that we have failed to provide the necessary support to those trapped in armed violence.”

Spoljaric emphasizes that the Red Cross does everything possible to reach everyone who needs help. However, this requires the consent and active support of the parties to the conflict. Humanitarian organizations must have access to civilians.

How the ICRC Protects the Dignity of Displaced Persons?

The Red Cross pays special attention to those who have been forced to leave their homes because of the war: “People are always at the center of our efforts. Everyone who finds themselves in a difficult humanitarian situation has the right to decide what is best for them. International humanitarian law guarantees that people are not obliged to leave – they can stay without losing the protection provided for, for example, by the Geneva Conventions.”

If evacuation is inevitable, then, according to the head of the ICRC, it must take place in compliance with all precautions. Displaced persons must receive food, water and medical care throughout the journey.

What does the ICRC do when parties to a conflict violate international law?

The ICRC consistently and very firmly responds to violations of international humanitarian law, but does so confidentially: “We discuss violations directly with the party concerned, without making them public. It is this principle of confidentiality that has enabled the ICRC to maintain dialogue with more than 200 armed groups and all governments of the world for decades.”

According to her, the organization has a responsibility to promote the norms of international humanitarian law and to ensure their respect wherever possible.

Can technology help protect human dignity in conflict??

Modern technologies can both alleviate and aggravate the consequences of armed conflicts: “Technology can help, for example, to speed up mine clearance. But it can also contribute to the increased use of lethal weapons.”

Therefore, the head of the ICRC emphasizes, it is important that any technological innovation serves, first and foremost, the interests of protecting people. “In all technological developments, we must put humanity at the forefront,” she says.

On the role of the ICRC in the release of hostages in the Middle East

The ICRC has been working in the region for decades, including in Gaza, Spoljaric recalls. The organization maintains dialogue with both sides in the conflict: “We have been negotiating with both the Israeli authorities and Hamas for many years. This is why the ICRC was able to play a role in implementing the ceasefire agreement, including the release of hostages and detainees.”

Spoljaric emphasizes that the ICRC staff are unarmed and have no means of protection other than that based on the trust of both parties to the conflict.

“We rely solely on the trust and security guarantees we receive through our many years of work as a neutral intermediary, never taking sides,” says the head of the ICRC.

The ICRC will continue its efforts to protect human dignity and rights in conflicts around the world, adhering to the principles of neutrality, impartiality and humanity.

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