Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - 19 October 2004
It has allowed the Federation to strengthen its partnership with UN agencies and speak out on humanitarian issues in fora such as the General Assembly, the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council), and the IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee), which brings together the major UN Agencies, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and other major humanitarian actors, to coordinate policy and address operational issues.
Endorsement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), in particular the eradication of poverty, is also evidence of the Federation's will to engage in common goals with the UN. "In our view, the Goals are achievable, but not without active participation from the communities," explains Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro. "This is where we can play a special role because of the commitment of our 100 million volunteers and members, working at the community level. The Federation believes that the building of partnerships for development is a principal ingredient for success with the MDGs, and this is what we are seeking."
Evidence of these increased relations can be seen in the recognition of Federation positions in UN documents. "Over the last five years alone, more than 20 UN resolutions and reports from the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's office have reflected the work done by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their International Federation in the field of disaster response and preparedness, health and care in the community, HIV/Aids, or on issues such as the humanitarian impact of sanctions on vulnerable populations," says Markku Niskala.
The observer status has also allowed the Federation, which speaks out on humanitarian issues in the name of its 181 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to advance on major global projects such as its International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) initiative, begun in 2000. The project aims to study, compile and analyze existing international law, treaties, regulations, declarations, guidelines and UN resolutions dealing with disaster preparedness and the provision of emergency relief in the event of natural or technological disasters.
"The first stage of the project has been completed. The involvement of governments is crucial to the furtherance of the IDRL initiative, since only they can make international law," underlines Encho Gospodinov, Head of the Federation's Office in New York.
"We can see that the Federation's observer status to the UN is much more than a privilege; it is an important tool to allow us to deliver assistance to people in need more quickly and efficiently. In these times of globalization, the United Nations is the only 'Global club', and the Federation has an important voice in it," he adds.
041019
IF041001
Copyright © 2004 - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IFRC Contact.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .