International Conference Of The Red Cross And Red Crescent Affirms Commitment To Emblem Solution

American Red Cross
Friday, 12 December 2003

Upon the conclusion of the 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, delegations from governments and components of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement adopted a resolution affirming their commitment to find lasting solutions to issues surrounding the Movement's emblems and related laws. These issues, which include challenges to the protective value of these emblems in times of conflict, also currently prevent the admission of Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israeli equivalent to a Red Cross Red Crescent national society, and the Red Cross Society of Eritrea.

"The American Red Cross is heartened by this decision, which represents an important step towards increased protection of humanitarian workers around the world, as well as the long sought membership for MDA in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement," said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO, American Red Cross. "We are grateful to the leaders within our Movement who helped ensure adoption of this resolution."

For more than 50 years, the American Red Cross has supported the admission of MDA. In 2000, the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross adopted a policy of withholding dues to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) until such time as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recognizes and the Federation admits MDA as a full voting member. Since 2000, in protest of non-admission, the American Red Cross has withheld $20 million in dues to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its voluntary headquarters contributions to the ICRC.

Although this decision does not yet reach the threshold set by the Board of Governors to trigger a change in our policy, we believe it constitutes important progress towards the goal of a truly universal Movement.

The resolution welcomes the progress achieved during the last four years towards negotiating a diplomatic solution while simultaneously establishing levels of cooperation, inclusion and opportunities for participation for these two societies, similar to those of full members. Based on the longstanding model of consistent cooperation established between the American Red Cross and MDA, the ICRC and the Federation have dramatically increased their operational collaboration with MDA and facilitated the establishment of bilateral relationships with Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.

Participants also noted regret for the current political climate in the Middle East, which has made it impossible for the Swiss government to convene the diplomatic conference to adopt the Third Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, the final step before the Movement's recognition and admission of MDA. The resolution calls for a convening of the diplomatic conference as soon as circumstances permit.

"The American Red Cross remains committed to working together with Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations and governments towards the adoption of a permanent diplomatic solution and the expansion of cooperation and collaboration among all national societies," Evans noted.

In November of 2002, the American Red Cross and MDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing its longstanding relationship of mutual assistance in times of need. The agreement includes a focus on preparedness for weapons of mass destruction attacks, international tracing and family reunification and biomedical services. In 2003, the ICRC signed its first cooperation agreement with MDA, resulting in approximately $1.6 million in new funding for MDA.

"The American Red Cross views the ICRC agreement as a positive step," said Evans. "We are hopeful the agreement will result in additional MDA operational collaboration with the Movement and ultimately lead to full membership for MDA."

The American Red Cross Board of Governors has considered the admission of MDA to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement a policy priority for more than 50 years. "The Red Cross remains committed to securing full membership for MDA in the Movement," said Evans.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org