International Federation Of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies

International Federation Of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies

I welcome the opportunity to address the World Summit for Social Development on behalf of the 163 National Societies that comprise the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and are united in the mission of improving the situation of humankind's most

vulnerable.
The International Federation co‑ordinates and implements world‑wide disaster relief and development programmes which include health, social welfare, women and youth activities. Through these programmes we deal with a number of the key issues with which this Summit is concerned. In our work to prevent and alleviate suffering we are acutely aware of both the causes and consequences of grinding poverty. Millions of women and children are denied opportunity to fulfil themselves and are forced to live in denigration and subjection.
Increasingly the current trend of violence and the devaluation of human life sets a stage for more violence, civil conflict and the maiming of countless lives that is likely to affect succeeding generations. Far too many refugees and displaced persons are driven from their homes, often to

become wanderers for years in their own and other lands. In fact, thirty‑four percent of the 19.4 million people we served world‑wide last year were refugees and displaced persons, and caring for them absorbed some 61 percent of resources sought. Already this year we are finding that 71

percent of our required resources must be dedicated to care of refugees and displaced persons.
As the United Nations Secretary General has said in his opening statement on this event, the World Summit for Social Development offers humanity a unique opportunity. The Summit can focus global attention on the social dimension of development. It can set down a framework for action and gain commitment to it. It can stand as a base point of reference for measuring

practical progress in the years ahead.

organisations, non‑governmental organisations and communities ‑- must be prepared for a long application of untiring effort.

promotion of non‑discrimination, tolerance and mutual respect for and value of diversity; equity and equality of opportunity and social mobility; gender equality and equity and empowerment of women; giving special attention to health, including family planning and reproductive health, as

a fundamental right in humanitarian assistance and a factor of development; recognising and addressing the dangers to society of armed conflict; and elimination of all forms of violence.
Thus, we support and seek to join with all interested partners in the several objectives before this Summit that call for removing obstacles to equality and equity for women, particularly in the areas of literacy, income and health.
We support improving the situation and protecting the rights of children in improving circumstances as street children and children in and affected by armed conflicts. In this context I draw special attention to those living in a country under sanctions. We are also concerned about protection and assistance for vulnerable groups such as the displaced, refugees and immigrants, the homeless, older persons and people with disabilities.
We support empowerment of people living in poverty, with special emphasis placed on capacity‑building and community‑based management. We seek, with you, the protection and full integration into economies and societies of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons. This aim is part of our Red Cross/Red Crescent mission, and it is given shape and direction through the tasks of our world‑wide Strategic Work Plan for the Nineties.
We will also continue to work for the promotion of peace and reconciliation, and respect for human rights, based on the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In this connection, I join with the International Committee of the Red Cross

in alerting you to the 26th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which will take place in Geneva 4 to 7 December 1995. At this conference the States party to the Geneva Conventions and the members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent world‑wide will address key issues in the conceptualisation and practise of international humanitarian law and other major humanitarian issues the world faces today.

In conclusion let me focus on the critical issue of follow‑up to this Summit. This will require an effective partnership and co‑ordination among governments and all organisations involved in social development activities. We stand prepared to collaborate in such a vital and challenging task for the benefit of all humanity.


George Weber

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

17 Chemin des Crêts, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland

Tel:+41-22/730 4222; Fax:+41-22/733 0995