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The ICRC Conference wraps up in Geneva. Ambassador Cornado: “A success”

“A success, which outlines a strategic path of common commitment of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and of the Member States, to face the great humanitarian challenges of our time” Permanent Representative of Italy to the International Organizations of Geneva, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, said on the results of the negotiation marathon that led to the adoption of six major Resolutions in the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which ended late yesterday in the Swiss city.

The Conference, which coincided with the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, represents the most important global forum for discussion on International Humanitarian Law, the set of rules tha protect civilians and the most vulnerable during conflict.

“Our country has been active on all the negotiating tables” – added Cornado – which revolved around crucial issues such as the mental health of both civilian populations and humanitarian workers exposed to conflicts; emergency assistance following natural disasters, including those caused by climate change; new digital technologies and the evolution of war instruments and offensive capabilities; the conflict-migration link; the challenges posed by war operations in urban contexts.

It is essential that the Geneva message reaches out to all the populations affected by conflicts in the world: we will be at your side and we will strive to make the humanitarian response more effective and focused ”.

In the negotiation on the resolution “Bringing IHL home: a roadmap for better national implementation of international humanitarian law”, the Italian Delegation successfully worked to highlight the importance of protecting children in armed conflicts, and the specific needs of the most vulnerable.

Our country has also presented a solemn commitment (“pledge”) open to all members, which calls for targeted action to protect minors involved in armed conflicts. The commitment also aims to guarantee access to education, and the safety of school facilities.

The Italian proposal has received the highest level of support, in the context of the Conference, by representatives of membership belonging to all regions of the world. “This convergence will give further strength and credibility to the joint commitment of the Governments and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the years to come, in defense of the most vulnerable”, concluded Cornado.