Transcript Diplomacy for Humanity NATIONAL SOCIETY A

Diplomacy for Humanity
THE AUXILIARY ROLE OF NATIONAL SOCIETIES, DIPLOMACY AND WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS
AND PARTNERS
DEFINITIONS, CASES AND SHARING EXPERIENCES
Dr George Nangale
President of Tanzania Red Cross Society
Presented at the Sino-African Cooperation Seminar in Beijing on 19th to 25th August 2014
What is Humanitarian Diplomacy?
• Is a way of life characterized by the essence and ways that achieve its
aim through persuasion, negotiations, rendering of unselfish aid,
sincere concern and compassion, in the interest of vulnerable people,
and with full respect for the fundamental humanitarian principles;
• As a universal phenomenon, Humanitarian Diplomacy cut across
nationality, religion or political affiliations;
• Based on the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Red
Crescent Movement, the notion of Humanitarian Diplomacy provides
a means of influence on governments and provides a tool of influence
upon opinion leaders on behalf of the vulnerable citizens across
countries.
The Genesis
• The Henry Dunant story provided by his book, A memory of Solferino,
was probably the first example of humanitarian diplomacy at the time
which aroused mankind to unite and take a first step towards
humanitarian diplomacy;
• This resulted into creation of a new society – “The Geneva Committee
for Relief to the wounded” in 1863 and later “The International
Committee of the Red Cross” in 1876 and the rest is history;
• A hallmark example of the use of humanitarian diplomacy was the
acceptance of definition “International Humanitarian Law” (in short
IHL) as proposed by Jean Pictet, a Swiss lawyer in 1950s.
The International Humanitarian Law
• Initially accepted in political journalism, juristic literature, IHL was
affirmed by the Geneva Diplomatic Conference on Reaffirmation and
Development of International Humanitarian Law Applicable in Armed
Conflicts in 1974 to 1977;
• The development of humanitarian law is connected with the adoption
by the Geneva Conference on 22nd August 1864 of Convention “for
the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the
field”, a development of which the Movement founder, Henry Dunant
played an invaluable role.
Humanitarian Diplomacy at National Society
level – Relationship with Governments
• National Societies have always maintained a relationship with the Governments in respective
countries. However, practice have shown that such relationship varies across nations depending
on different factors such as history, economy and perceptions;
• In countries experienced with frequent natural disasters (such as earthquakes, heavy storms) or
man-made disasters (such as long-term wars and armed conflicts), governments are much aware
and do understand the key role the Red Cross Red Crescent plays in such times, therefore tend to
support and pay due attention to the Movement;
• Similarly, practice show that National Societies in economically developed countries are stronger
and better organized because governments in their countries traditionally support their National
Societies;
• The fact that humanitarian diplomacy features love to mankind as an important factor, most
rulers and government leaders tend to gesture and associate with advocates and practitioners
such as National Societies of Red Cross Red Crescent. In Tanzania, the President of the country
always serves as the Patron of Tanzania Red Cross Society.
Humanitarian Diplomacy at National Society
level – Relationship with Communities
• National Societies have been linked with community resilient
activities and programs for many years. Such support have ranged
from helping the elderly, the disabled, the children and the most
vulnerable in the poor communities;
• Lately, National Societies have related with communities through
establishment of Rehabilitation Centres, Health Clinics, Blood Bank
programs, Clean Water Supplies Facilities and supporting Food
Security, Health Support Schemes, such as Malaria initiatives amongst
the poor;
• In Tanzania such community resilient programs initiated and managed
by Tanzania Red Cross Society exist.
Humanitarian Diplomacy at National Society level –
Relationship with Partners within the Movement
• National Societies have related to each other through PNS
arrangements where bilateral or multilateral cooperation based on
mutual understanding and support to specific humanitarian missions.
Such associations include the Sino-African Cooperation, African
National Societies (ANS);
• In Tanzania such cooperation and joint programs have existed over
decades with a number of National Societies, e.g. - Spanish Red Cross,
Korea Red Cross, American Red Cross, French Red Cross, Kenya Red
Cross, Iranian Red Crescent, ICRC, IFRC.
Humanitarian Diplomacy at National Society level –
Relationship with Partners Outside the Movement
• Lately, National Societies have related with other likely-minded
organizations in their countries to support vulnerable people based
on the fundamental humanitarian principles;
• In Tanzania, TRCS have worked jointly with many organizations and
private companies to support its course. Such organizations include
The Scout, Tanzania Girl Guides, Pathfinder, The Global Fund, UNICEF,
UNESCO, Vodacom, MCI (Tigo), etc.;
• Others are UNFPA, UNHCR, WFP and World Vision.
Humanitarian Diplomacy-The Role of the
Federation in the Processes
• The International Federation with brings together the 189 National
Societies with a Secretariat in Geneva, a Governing Board and a
President who oversees the activities of the Federation between
General Assemblies is at the centre of the Humanitarian diplomacy of
the Movement;
• With mobilized resources, the Federation provide emergency
assistance to National Societies confronted with force majeure,
conflicts or catastrophes as they happen;
• Furthermore, through its Zone and Regional structure, the Federation
provide technical and administrative support to National Societies
through consultancy, meetings and program support.
Cases and Experiences with Tanzania Red Cross Society
• I have provide a summary of some of the cases and experiences in
Humanitarian diplomacy with Tanzania Red Cross Society by an 8minute video;
• Enjoy the Video and Thank You for your Attention.