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Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development On the current Middle-East Crisis and the Red Cross response
August 1, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
It is with great pleasure that I have accepted your invitation to report on the response and significant contribution of the various members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement since the onset of the Middle-East Crisis.
Joining me are Jenna Clarke, Communications Officer, International Programs, José Garcia-Lozano, Director, International Programs, and Sylvain Beauchamp, Senior Policy Advisor, International Humanitarian Law.
In order to paint a complete portrait of the situation, I would like to address the following points:
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The role and responsibilities of the various members of the Red Cross Movement during a conflict such as this;
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The role of the Canadian Red Cross as auxiliary to the Canadian Government;
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The current situation report of ICRC operations as well as those of the National Societies of the affected countries:
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The current situation report of the Canadian Red Cross;
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Questions related to the emblem, the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is composed of:
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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC);
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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies;
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185 National Societies throughout the world.
All Red Cross Movement programs and activities are guided by The Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality. These principles allow us to provide help immediately to whomever needs it, whatever their race, political beliefs, religion, social status, or culture.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) directs and coordinates the Red Cross Movement international relief efforts during conflicts.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies directs and coordinates the international assistance provided by the Movement, to victims of technological or natural disasters and to refugees. The Federation also provides emergency medical assistance.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies represent the work and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in their respective countries, where they are auxiliary to the public authorities.
The ICRC, the Federation and the National Societies are independent organizations who are working very closely, as my presentation will show.
The Canadian Red Cross Society serves the Canadian population since 1896, thanks to the work of its volunteers and the financial support of Canadians. It is recognize by the Canadian government as a voluntary relief society, auxiliary to the public authorities.
I will now share with you the most up-to-date information regarding the response of the ICRC, the Federation and National Societies in the current Middle-East crisis, as well as the role that the Canadian Red Cross has been playing to date in support to the International Movement’s operations and to the Government of Canada in the country.
Let me emphasize that I am not in a position to speak on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross; but as a member of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement I can say that we share the ICRC’s concerns and we are able to speak about their actions as well as other activities of the Movement as a whole.
Nineteen days after the conflict began, the ICRC observed with great concern the continuous escalation of hostilities and deplored the recurring lack of respect for international humanitarian law by the warring parties.
The ICRC is alarmed by the increasing number of civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing armed conflict and points out that issuing advance warning to the civilian population of impending attacks in no way relieves a warring party of its obligations under the rules and principles of international humanitarian law. In particular, the principles of distinction and proportionality must be respected through out the conduct of hostilities.
The ICRC has continually and urgently called for a distinction to be drawn at all times between civilians and civilian objects on the one hand, and military objectives on the other. All necessary precautions must be taken to spare civilian life and objects and to ensure that the wounded have access to medical facilities.
The ICRC also emphasizes that civilians need to be informed of the locations of family members so they can keep in touch with their relatives and be reunited with them if they wish. In particular, vulnerable people, especially children and the elderly, are to be registered whenever needed, visited regularly and promptly reunited with their families, when appropriate and if they so wish.
Primarily, the ICRC is focusing on:
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Food relief (a logistics chain via a hub has been established in Larnaca, Cyprus). A sea lift capacity has been developed and, as of Sunday July 30, an ICRC chartered ship has landed supplies in Tyre. Previously, the ICRC shipped supplies on ingoing evacuation vessels; and
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Coordinating the Lebanese Red Cross movements with the Israeli Defence Forces so that the Lebanese Red Cross can perform its medical evacuation role which it is doing extremely well.
The ICRC is requesting some 92 Million Dollars to support medical facilities serving 650,000 people as well as treat up to 5,000 war-wounded. The appeal, which the Canadian Red Cross is actively supporting, also will help the ICRC fund medical supplies, meet the food and non-food relief needs of 200,000 people and improve access to clean water for more than a million people..
The ICRC continues to assist the MDA or Magen David Adom (the equivalent to a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in Israel) which provides the ambulance and emergency medical services in northern Israel, as it does for the country as a whole.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent is dealing with refugees crossing from Lebanon (reported figures for this population movement is 150,000). Its activities with these refugees include providing food and water, medical care, shelter and restoration of family links. Approximately 150,000 people are reported to have taken refuge in Syria so far, a third of whom have already moved on to third countries. According to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), 90% of those who have remained in the country now live with relatives, friends or host families. Others are staying in hotels, schools or public buildings.
Now, I would like to focus attention on the role of the Canadian Red Cross.
Since the beginning of the evacuation, the Canadian Red Cross has been intimately engaged in the planning and the provision of reception services in collaboration with the designated provincial authorities. Canadian Red Cross volunteers are on hand at the airport in Montreal as the first entry point for travellers from Lebanon as well as all other Canadian final destinations such as Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria. For those who need it, basic needs - shelter, food, psycho-social help if required - will be available for 72 hours while returnees sort our their personal situations.
Here are some statistics from our Quebec Zone which has been our most active operational entity:
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Over 11,000 people who have arrived through Montreal to date.
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Of this number, 4,198 evacuees ( or 37% of the total arriving) have received assistance from the Red Cross:
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We have over 500 CRC trained volunteers working on the operation around the clock which represents over 6,000 hours of volunteer time.
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We have organized accommodation in 19 hotels in and around Montreal alone.
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1,110 evacuees have transited to other provinces: Further assistance has been provided to those who have travelled on to Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia.
The Canadian Red Cross continues to raise funds in support of ICRC operations and will support the ICRC’s appeal which I mentioned earlier. We are urging the public to make cash donations to address the emergency needs of the affected population. To date, Canadians have donated approximately $300,000, corporate donors $37,000, CIDA $500,000 and the Province of Ontario $100,000.
Over the years, as an extension of our auxiliary role to the public authorities, the Canadian Red Cross has been a key partner of the Government of Canada. This unique and important auxiliary role is recognized among other things in international law through the Geneva Conventions and in Canadian law through The Canadian Red Cross Society Act. We have been part of Canada’s humanitarian response from the Boer War and the Halifax Explosion through to the 2004 Tsunami and the current crisis affecting the Middle East. Our auxiliary role means that we seek to increase the public understanding of international humanitarian law which includes promoting respect for the protective nature of the Red Cross emblem both in Canada and abroad. We are also there for the Government and people of Canada in providing disaster services and preparedness, in assisting evacuees and refugees and in planning for emergencies such as the potential spread of avian flu. Unfortunately, in a world of conflict and disasters, there continues to be a very strong demand for our services.
At some point in the near future, The Canadian Red Cross would welcome an opportunity to open a dialogue with you as Parliamentarians and Government officials about our ongoing and evolving status as “auxiliary to government”. We at the CRC believe it is time to review the relationship and update it to reflect current realities and future scenarios. In this way, roles and responsibilities can be clearly defined and understood by all parties. More importantly, at a moment’s notice, we can assist and protect those among us who are most vulnerable.
Before responding to questions, let me conclude my remarks by saying that The Canadian Red Cross Society values its partnership with you and respects the confidence that the public and our Government has in us. We feel that with over 110 years of experience, we are not only your vehicle for humanitarian assistance but also a channel for Canadians to demonstrate their caring for others. Red Cross values are Canadian values. In upholding our Fundamental Principles, we are the Red Cross in Canada. But we are also Canada’s Red Cross – ready, willing and able to demonstrate our commitment to humanitarian service.
Thank you for your attention.
The Red Cross will collect donations from Canadians wishing to help. Donations can be made online; by calling the 24-hour toll-free line at 1-800-418-1111; at any local Red Cross branch; or by mailing a cheque earmarked "Middle East Crisis" to The Canadian Red Cross Society, National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.