Reflections on the 2024 International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Author: Yvette Zegenhagen, Executive Director External Engagement, Australian Red Cross

The International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (International Conference) is an apolitical and unique diplomatic forum that brings together all components of the Movement alongside States Party to the Geneva Conventions and has been the catalyst for some of the most impactful humanitarian progress in history - from shaping the Geneva Conventions of 1949 to informing weapons treaties and advancing pandemic preparedness.

With the 2024 conference now behind us, we pause to reflect on the insights gained, the milestones reached and what’s next in our ongoing mission to alleviate human suffering wherever it is found.

New resolutions were adopted, setting out shared humanitarian commitments for the next four years and beyond

The International Conference concluded with the adoption of five key resolutions, aimed at advancing humanitarian solutions to global challenges. Congratulations to Australian Red Cross Head of International Humanitarian Law, Kylie Leach, for leading Australian Red Cross’ negotiations in the drafting committee that negotiated the final texts of all the resolutions.

1. Building a culture of compliance with IHL: This resolution renews States' commitment to uphold IHL by promoting compliance, urging warring parties to end violations of IHL and ensuring responsible arms transfers.
   
   
2. Protecting civilians and other vulnerable groups from the human cost of information and communications technologies (ICT) during armed conflict: This newly adopted resolution sends a powerful message that all States and National Societies are committed to safeguarding civilian populations from malicious ICT activities and encourages continued work on the ICRC-led (and Australian Red Cross supported) project to explore options to translate the protective emblems of the red cross, crescent and crystal into the digital realm.
   
   
3. Strengthening disaster risk governance through comprehensive legal and regulatory frameworks: This will ensure the ongoing global strengthening of disaster laws and policies in the context of an increasingly hazardous world, with a particular focus on low to middle-income countries and the IFRC’s new Disaster Risk Governance Guidelines.
   
   
4. Enabling local leadership, capacity and delivery in principled humanitarian action and strengthening resilience: This resolution will focus on localisation within the Movement, aiming to enhance support for our National Societies and local actors around the globe in delivering effective, community-driven humanitarian responses across disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, pandemic preparedness and crisis recovery.
   
   
5. Protecting people from the humanitarian impacts of extreme climate and weather events: In light of escalating climate-related disasters and their compounding effects on humanitarian challenges, this resolution provides the framework for collaboration between State Parties and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement to expand anticipatory action, ensuring better disaster preparation and humanitarian response.

But that’s not all. A sixth resolution was also adopted at the International Conference.

One of the most powerful moments of the conference was the endorsement of the resolution on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Magen David Adom (Israeli National Society) and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (the resolution having been adopted by consensus at the Council of Delegates, which comprises all National Societies, the IFRC and the ICRC). In light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we knew this would face political pressure, but both National Societies remained resolute. They rose above external pressures, staying true to the core principles of neutrality, universality and humanity.

Through their unwavering dedication, compassionate dialogue and commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, they demonstrated how our humanitarian network can bridge even the deepest divides. Their actions were a true testament to the power of humanity – showing that, despite our differences, we are all united in solidarity as one global family.

Closing the conference, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric concluded, “In today´s highly polarised context, this [the adoption of these resolutions] is a critical achievement, and we will build on it to continue promoting a culture of compliance with IHL, and to translate these resolutions into impactful actions for those affected by conflict."

The Movement adopts its first-ever Global Migration Strategy

The Movement has a long history of supporting migrants, including refugees.

One of the landmark moments this year was the adoption of the first-ever Global Movement Migration Strategy, due in no small part to the long-standing leadership, advocacy and efforts of Australian Red Cross. This strategy was adopted at the Council of Delegates, which brings together all components of the Movement (ICRC, IFRC and National Societies) every two years. The new Movement Migration Strategy provides us with the opportunity to come together across all Movement components with a collective vision, shared objectives and commitments to guide our work in the context of migration, leveraging our distinct added value within the broader humanitarian response.

Specifically, this new strategy offers a practical framework for delivering migration-related humanitarian support across the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Its purpose is to harness the distinct and overlapping mandates and resources of the ICRC, the IFRC and National Societies with a collective vision and shared purpose as we seek to uphold the dignity, safety and rights of migrants, enabling them to engage meaningfully in their communities and empowering them to thrive.

The Global Migration Strategy is an incredible achievement for our teams and the people who have worked so hard and passionately on this project. Congratulations to all who helped shape and drive this forward, including Sanushka Mudaliar (Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab, Director), Nicole Batch (Australian Red Cross, Head of Migration Development) and former Director of Australian Programs, Vicki Mau.

Humanitarians honoured for their dedication to helping people in crisis

The International Conference is not only a time for reflection and discussion but also a moment to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of humanitarians who have gone above and beyond and whose dedication, courage and innovation have had a lasting impact on communities in need.

Ms. Aidah Kenneth from the Papua New Guinea Red Cross was announced as a recipient of the inaugural Movement Family Links (RFL) Medal during the 2024 Council of Delegates. Aidah was one of the five Red Cross people awarded the prestigious, first-of-its-kind award in Geneva.

Australian Red Cross Head of Migration Development Nic Batch was on the RFL Medal selection committee as part of our membership of the RFL Leadership Platform. “All five winners of the Family Links medal were incredibly inspiring. I was delighted to see PNG Red Cross recognised on a global stage in this way because it demonstrates the reach and importance of RFL work as a core service across the Movement, and it shines a light on the valuable work done by our colleagues in PNG in difficult circumstances that people would not otherwise be aware of.”

Aidah’s medal was presented by Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain: “Aidah’s incredible dedication to reconnecting families torn apart by conflict, particularly through her tireless work in Bougainville, reminds us of the profound impact compassion and resilience can have.”

As we wrap up our reflections on the 34th International Conference and the broader Movement statutory meetings, it’s clear that these events were more than just a series of sessions and adopted resolutions. They were a unique opportunity to connect, engage and collaborate with a diverse range of partners, governments and other key stakeholders.

Australian Red Cross met over 30 other National Societies and key Movement stakeholders in a series of bilateral meetings, worked closely with the Australian Government on a number of areas of work, including the localisation agenda and the protection of humanitarian workers in armed conflict, and facilitated and spoke on a range of panels and events as part of the broader conference program.

The two weeks were packed with real, meaningful conversations that will continue to shape our work long after the conference ends. With new relationships, fresh ideas and strengthened partnerships, we’re more inspired than ever to carry forward our mission of alleviating human suffering and building a more compassionate world.