Side Events

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room E, F (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Host:
Red Cross Red Crescent Research Consortium (RC3)

Speakers
See link here

Description of the event
Governments and humanitarian organizations increasingly recognize the importance of evidence-based approaches to enhance humanitarian action. Research improves the efficiency and relevance of policies, programs, and operations for affected populations, boosts impact, enhances credibility and accountability, and helps understand future trends. To improve coordination and visibility of research within the RCRC Movement, the Red Cross Red Crescent Research Consortium (RC3) was launched in 2019 as an open network of RCRC-affiliated entities engaged in research. RC3 fosters cooperation in research, supporting its more than 20 members through sharing resources and expertise and to contribute to the academic debate. By focusing on pressing humanitarian research topics, RC3 members actively produce data and evidence to ensure RCRC actors and the communities they serve are better prepared for existing and emerging challenges. In line with the 34th IC theme, RC3 proposes a panel discussion to showcase the practical benefits of research for navigating uncertainty in humanitarian action. The panel features representatives from IFRC, ICRC, RC3, and National Societies involved in the RCRC research agenda. By profiling different research initiatives and existing collaborations, the event will demonstrate the value of research and of evidence-based decision-making for enhancing impact, improving operations and advocacy, and better responding to humanitarian needs and risks. 

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
European Commission (DG ECHO)
ECOWAS

Speakers
-Mr. Giuseppe Angelini, Head of Unit West and Central Africa, DG ECHO
-Ms. Ivelina Natan, Desk officer for Niger and regional initiatives, DG ECHO
-Mr. Alozie Amaechi, Programme Officer for humanitarian affairs, ECOWAS
-Ms. Claudia Maritano, Legal adviser, ICRC
-Ms. Fatimah Nasir, Red Cross Nigeria

Description
Conflict-related sexual violence refers to any act of sexual nature that is committed using force, threats of the use of force, and/or coercion, perpetrated against any person, and linked to a conflict or other situation of violence. Although conflict-related sexual violence is prohibited under international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL) and international criminal law, it continues to happen – with damaging consequences for victims – and often goes unpunished.
 
This side event will examine efforts to address conflict-related sexual violence in West Africa and the challenges of doing so. It will discuss how to better protect affected populations, enhance accountability and reporting mechanisms, foster collaboration in addressing incidents and ensure survivors receive non-discriminatory assistance.
 
The event will be co-hosted by the European Commission and ECOWAS. It will showcase the ongoing humanitarian dialogue between the two organizations and will bring in partners with expertise in addressing conflict-related sexual violence.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
British Red Cross
Norwegian Red Cross
Ukrainian Red Cross Society
Bahrain Red Crescent Society
Iraqi Red Crescent Society
Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Speakers
Dr Fawzi Amin (Bahrein Red Crescent Society)
Kylie Leach, Australian Red Cross
Dr. Juvenal Francisco Moreno Carillo, Colombian Red Cross
Ievgeniia Lukianchenko, Ukrainian Red Cross
Sean Stacy and Mathias Wouters, Swiss Institute of Comparative Law
Moderator: Robert Beevor, Ministry of Defense, United Kingdom

Description
The ICRC, supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Red Cross, recently commissioned two studies regarding the rules and practices of the use of emblems and other signs and symbols denoting health care. A meeting with experts was held in June 2024 to debate findings and suggest policy recommendations. The side event will present an overview of the comprehensive research and the experts’ policy recommendations. Practical examples will be presented by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies regarding good practices at the national and cross-border level to promote the correct use and to address misuse of distinctive emblems and other regulated signs that denote health care. The event aims to inform and encourage States to review and improve their legislation, policies and practices, to ensure the regulation of the use of distinctive emblems and to ensure that processes to seek authorization to use these emblems, signs and signals are known and accessible. The event will encourage National Societies to cooperate with their respective States in these matters and cooperate within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on exchanging and strengthening good practices. Finally, the event will request States and others to reaffirm their legal commitments with regard to the emblems as a vital means of protecting health care.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Venue: Room Geneva (CCV)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Speakers
Bob Mateso, Chef d’opération-réponse épidemie de la peste, DRC Red Cross
Gwen Eamer, Head of Emergency Operations, International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies
Ambassador Rabea Al-Adsani, Assistant Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait for Prisoners and Missing Persons, State of Kuwait
Omer Fathelrahman Abdelaziz, Focal point for Emergency Preparedness, Response and Management of the Deceased (MoTD), Sudanese Red Crescent Society
Jeyhun Mirzayev, Secretary-General, Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society
Megan Bassendale, Forensic Expert, International Committee of the Red Cross / Founder and Director, Forensic Guardians International
Pierre Guyomarc’h, Head of Forensic Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross

Description
Caring for the deceased is an essential and complex part of any humanitarian response, whether as a result of a conflict, natural disaster, epidemic or other mass fatality event. Caring for the deceased involves searching for, recovering, transporting, storing, analysing, identifying, and disposing of human remains (i.e. through safe and dignified burials). Members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) may be mandated to support States in these processes. However, if volunteers are ill-equipped, untrained or lack a clear mandate and mismanage human remains, it can have serious legal and psychological repercussions for themselves, the families and communities.

This event, hosted by the ICRC and the IFRC with the support of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), will address the Movement’s mandates in caring for the deceased in emergency and mass fatality scenarios. Speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) , the GAM and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will share their experience and best practices, emphasizing ways to treat the deceased with dignity and respect for their communities and prevent long-term missing caseloads, morbidity and mortality.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room E-F (CICG)
Language: English, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts and co-sponsors
GDPC (IFRC/American Red Cross)
ICRC
IFRC
Lebanese Red Cross
Kenya Red Cross and ICHA Lab
Australian Red Cross and Humanitech Lab
Swiss Red Cross
Nepal Red Cross Society

Description of the event
The humanitarian community, broadly, has resourced countless efforts over the past 20 years to usher in digital technology to our humanitarian operations and contexts. Donor agencies, organizational headquarters and tech companies have been committed to transforming humanitarians’ critical analog work and information spaces into digital, including those of the affected and vulnerable communities we serve. Yet, humanitarian agencies have not as rigorously guided tech communities on how to adapt their business for the preservation of our operational methods and approaches which are deeply embedded with our mission checks and balances for achieving  successful humanitarian outcomes.

While exceedingly successful in bringing digital tech into the humanitarian space, we have yet to adequately bring humanitarian accountability to the digital space. This side event will introduce  what works –and what doesn’t– when designing tech for our humanitarian aims while also inviting inputs from governments and partners.

As we invest the same rigor in our adoption of tech as we do to achieve our analog humanitarian aims. While tech creators are trained to determine if a product has met standards for good engineering, it is humanitarians who bear the burden to determine if the process and product are meeting our standards for humanitarian accountability.

In this session we will:

1. Make recommendations on how NS can make better decisions when choosing technology

2. Get input on how NS are currently using and designing technology to support their work; and

3. Ask governments and partners for their support in acheiveing humanitarian accountability of technology.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
African Development Bank (AfDB)

Speakers
Olivier Ray, Director for Mobilization, Movement Cooperation, Communication and Partnerships, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Frederik Teufel, Lead Coordinator, Transition States Coordination Office, Africa Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Abdi Abdullahi, Manager Fragility and Resilience Division, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

Description
In Africa, crises are coming on top of crises: protracted conflicts, economic challenges, climate change and more are compounding the effects on those who are most vulnerable, worsening the humanitarian situation, threatening the progress made in development and widening the gap between what people can get and what they need and want. The 34th International Conference comes at a critical time, when strengthening partnerships has the potential to shape humanitarian action, support sustainable outcomes and empower local actors.
 
This round-table discussion offers a platform for components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, government representatives, partners and observers to share their vision, experience and recommendations for restoring hope and dignity to conflict-affected and fragile settings. The discussions will focus on:
– staying engaged in volatile environments while addressing humanitarian needs, building resilience and mitigating the risks of large development reversals
– sustaining and scaling up impact as part of responsible exit strategies
– promoting respect for international humanitarian law as an initial step towards peace.
 
This event is co-convened by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The AfDB–ICRC partnership recognizes the connection between humanitarian, development and peace initiatives and commits to making progress on conflict prevention, climate adaptation, food security and access to water, private sector mobilization, and social inclusion in conflict-affected and fragile settings.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room Geneva (CCV)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Danish Red Cross
Swiss Red Cross
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Speakers      
Dr. Yaseen Ahmed Abbas, President, Iraq Red Crescent Society       
Ms Kelsey Lemon, Vice President of International Cooperation and Programs, Canadian Red
Cross     
Mr Guy Fones, Cross Cutting Lead, NCD Strategy, World Health Organization (WHO)        
Dr. Hossam Khali Elsharkawi, Regional Director, MENA region, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Description of the event
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for over 74 per cent of all deaths, with nearly 77 per cent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. With an estimated 324 million people needing humanitarian assistance and over 108 million displaced by conflicts and disasters in 2022 alone, alongside rising NCDs that account for 74% of global mortality, the urgency of integrating comprehensive NCD care into humanitarian responses is clearer than ever.

This side event will focus on
1. Discussions on reducing the gaps, challenges and needs of people living with NCDs through community-centric approaches: especially considering diverse emergencies and crises, regional variation, types of NCDs, and populations like elderly. Highlighting the IFRC NCD Vision and Framework 2030, the session underscores the foundational strategy to integrate NCD care seamlessly into the humanitarian program cycle.

2. Identify ways in which key agencies can work together to support and enable person-centric NCD care and support. This event underscores the value of partnerships with stakeholders across sectors to enhance the impact of NCD care initiatives.
Through interactive discussions and shared experiences, this side event aims to reinforce the IFRC network commitment to integrating NCD care into emergency preparedness and response, ensuring comprehensive coverage in the journey towards universal health coverage.

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines in Geneva
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Platform for Disaster Displacement (PDD)

Speakers:

Date: Monday, 28 October
Time: 15:30 – 16:30
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English

Host
The Permanent Mission of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations Office in Geneva
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
International Federation of Red Cross and REd Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Moderator
Ms. Vismita Gupta-Smith, WHO

Speakers

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
Denmark
The United States

Speakers
Lucas Erbes, Director of Human Rights, Gender and International Humanitarian Law, Ministry of Defence of Argentina
Ulrik Graff, Royal Danish Defense College
Lieutenant-Colonel Joris Cuzin, Head of the Law of armed conflict Section, Division of international law and European law, Armed forces Ministry of France
Leong Kwang Ian, Director (Legal Services), Ministry of Defence of Singapore
Jason A. Coats, COL, USA, Chief, Administrative & International Law, Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Marie-Charlotte McKenna, Assistant Secretary International Law Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia

Description
International humanitarian law (IHL) cannot be upheld on the battlefield unless armed forces take effective steps to implement it in their operations, such as by disseminating and providing training on IHL, having IHL advisers and regulations that reflect IHL standards, and putting in place procedures for reporting and investigating and for taking corrective action.
This event will feature military practitioners giving an overview of their respective military’s efforts to implement IHL in its operations, as well as highlighting notable challenges and good practices in these efforts. Panellists will promote awareness of how IHL rules are put into practice, from legal texts to the conduct of armed forces during military operations. The event will also provide an opportunity for military IHL practitioners to network and continue dialogue on best practices for IHL implementation beyond the 34th International Conference.
For more information, visit: https://geneva.usmission.gov/2024ihlevent

The co-sponsors of the event include: Argentina, Australia, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Singapore.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
Republic of Türkiye
Turkish Red Crescent

Speakers:
Panel moderator: Isabelle Granger, Global Lead, Disaster Law and Auxiliary Role, National Society Development Services, IFRC

Confirmed Panellists:
– Representative from the American Red Cross
– Representative from the German Red Cross
– Representative from the Japanese Red Cross
– Representative from the Kenya Red Cross
– Representative from the Turkish Red Crescent  
 
Description
The proposed side event is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the auxiliary role of National Societies within the Movement, particularly in the context of natural disasters. The primary objective is to examine the operational aspects where National Societies can enhance their disaster response capacities at the national level. By sharing insights from diverse experiences, the event aims to stimulate discussions among participants about the critical role of National Societies in disaster scenarios. The ultimate goal is to foster participatory discussions that empower attendees to strategically strengthen and expand the auxiliary functions of their National Societies within their respective countries.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 13:15 – 14:15
Venue: Room Nyon (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Danish Red Cross
Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross

Sponsor: Swiss Federal Department for Foreign Affairs

Speaker
Brigadier-General Rob Holman, MSM, CD, Judge Advocate General, Canadian Armed Forces
Omar Mekky, Regional Legal Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa, International
Committee of the Red Cross
Jonathan Somer, Legal Adviser, Danish Red Cross
Lea Mehari Redae, Director and Co-Founder, Addis Ababa University IHL Clinic, Ethiopia
Ma Wenbo, Deputy Director General, Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), External Liaison
Department
Moderator: Catherine Gribbin, Senior Legal Advisor, Canadian Red Cross

Description
Public opinion plays an important role in decision-making during armed conflict. So, informing the public about international humanitarian law (IHL), in particular young people, is critical to helping ensure compliance with the law and promoting accountability.

Yet the current polarization linked to armed conflicts, the dehumanization of people affected
by armed conflict and other violence and disenchantment about IHL call for a renewed commitment by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to foster a culture of shared humanity and respect for IHL.

This side event is based on the premise that educating people about international humanitarian law, principles and values is key to achieving the objective of the resolution
“Building a universal culture of compliance with IHL”. Using testimonies, visuals and discussion, it will focus on three things:

EVIDENCE: What is the impact of education on IHL, principles and values? How can we measure it?

INNOVATION: What are the cutting-edge products and processes for face-to-face and digital learning?

GOOD PRACTICES: How can we foster knowledge-sharing and exchanges, and how can we encourage target audiences to advocate for compliance
with IHL?

The event will feature initiatives from around the globe: the Jean-Pictet Competition, IHL Youth Action Campaign, If War Comes to You, Forced to Fight, Exploring Humanitarian Law, Project Humanity, Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change, and more.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Venue: Room Geneva (CCV)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Netherlands
Red Cross Society of China
Jamaica Red Cross Society
Kenya Red Cross Society
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Sweden

Co-hosts: The side event is co-hosted by the following Movement partners, including those who further are part of the MHPSS Roadmap Project: Argentine Red Cross, British Red
Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Colombian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, Ghana Red
Cross Society, IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support, The Japanese Red
Cross Society, Liberia National Red Cross Society, Netherlands Red Cross, Palestine
Red Crescent Society, Singapore Red Cross Society, Swedish Red Cross and Swiss
Red Cross.

Speakers:
– Louise Steen Kryger, Danish Red Cross, Senior MHPSS Lead, Matrix Coordinator
– Miriana Bader, Youth Director for Lebanese Red Cross, IFRC Youth Commission member
– Dr. Francisco Juvenal Moreno, Executive Director, Colombian Red Cross
– Dr. Catherine Wanjiku Waweru, Psychiatrist at the Division of Mental Health, Ministry of Health 
– Moderator: Eliza Cheung, Service in charge MHPSS Hong Kong Red Cross branch, Red Cross Society of China, MHPSS Technical Advisor IFRC PS Centre, Lead, Asia Pacific  MHPSS Collaborative.

Description of the event:
Aligned with the conference themes of addressing humanitarian needs, risk management,
and fostering sustainable local actions, the side event will emphasize the importance of effective, innovative, and strong partnerships to alleviate suffering and emotional distress in complex crises. It will highlight the substantial progress achieved in implementing the MHPSS Resolution and Policy adopted at IC33, showcasing how these commitments have been translated into impactful actions for communities through successful collaborations between RCRC Movement entities, States, and external partners.

The event advances Objective 1 of the International Conference (Partnership, Innovative Approaches, and Showcasing Implementation) by facilitating a platform for States and National Societies to present their collaborative efforts in implementing the MHPSS resolution and policy. It will allow participants to discuss challenges faced, lessons learned, and spotlight key examples such as the newly created MHPSS International Movement Hub. Additionally, the event supports Objective 2 (Recommendations and Support for Implementation) by providing practical insights and guidance on how States and National Societies can take specific steps to implement the commitments of the resolution. This
includes a focus on strengthening local systems, emergency preparedness and response, duty of care, advocacy, and other relevant aspects.

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
The International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
The Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations in Geneva
The Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations in Geneva
The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations in Geneva
The Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations in Geneva
Save the Children
Office of the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict
The Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva
Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict

Description
The event will contribute to the theme “Building a global culture of respect for international humanitarian law (IHL)”.
 
There are 468 million children worldwide living in armed conflict zones, which is about 20% of the world’s 2.4 billion children, and they are often victims of IHL violations. In many conflicts across the globe, around half of those affected are children.
 
The event will emphasize the imperative of protecting civilians, including children, in armed conflict situations, in line with the Conference’s overarching theme. It will focus on children and on addressing the pressing need to prevent and respond to violations of IHL affecting children in conflict settings, including the recruitment and use of children as soldiers. The aim is to raise awareness of the consequences of armed conflict on children, including in urban areas, and promote actionable solutions to be undertaken by States and humanitarian actors, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. As we mark 75 years of the Geneva Conventions, the event provides an opportunity to explore how IHL protects children and how the protections established for children affected by armed conflict are complemented by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its Optional Protocols and by policy instruments such as the Safe Schools Declaration, the Paris Principles and the Vancouver Principles.
 
The event will also focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict, which is a long and intricate process requiring a holistic approach and long-term commitment. It will underscore the urgent need for collective action by States and the international community to prioritize the rehabilitation of affected children – whenever possible in their own environment. The objectives of the event are to:
 1. Raise awareness about the consequences of armed conflict for children, including the recruitment and use of children as soldiers
2. Explore prevention and response measures to strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict
3. Outline the child-specific harms of war in cities
4. Present new initiatives on the holistic rehabilitation and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict
5. Provide recommendations for policies and practices to better protect children in armed conflict and promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of affected children

Speakers
– Ms. Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (by video)
– Ambassador Peter Japelj, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, Republic of Slovenia
– H.E. Mr. Christophe Payot, Permanent Representative of Belgium in Geneva
– H.E. Mr. Christopher Grima, Permanent Representative of Malta in Geneva
– Mr. Abdelkader Filali, President of the International Research Center for the Prevention of Child Soldiers.
– Professor Dr. Vasilka Sancin, Director of the Institute for International Law and International Relations at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law (Slovenia)
– Ms. Alessandra Menegon, Deputy Director of Operations for Programs, ICRC
– Ms. Aurélie Lamazière, Senior Programme Manager, Lead on Accountability for Grave Violations Affecting Children, Save the Children
– Colombia Red Cross Representative
 
– Michel Anglade, Director and Representative to the UN, Geneva Office. Save the Children (moderator)
– Dr. Laura Guercio, Secretary General of Universities Network for Children in Armed conflict/UNETCHAC (moderator)

Date: Tuesday, 29 October
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Co-hosts:
European Union
IFRC
Protect Aid Workers

Speakers
– Patrice Lenormand, Head of Unit – South-West Asia and Arabian Peninsula, DG ECHO
– David Annequin, Director, Protect Aid Workers
– Frank Mohrhauer, Director of National Society Development Services, IFRC
– Case presentation: Two volunteers from National Societies (Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar)

Moderator : Representative from Northumbria University

Description of the event
In recent years, providing humanitarian aid has become more dangerous, with alarming levels of violence adding to the existing issues with security, safety, well-being and access. Local and national front-line workers are the most exposed to these risks – accounting for 80 to 90 per cent of the individuals affected by critical incidents.
 
This discussion will spotlight the experiences of humanitarian aid workers, to better understand their needs, and address the challenges that local staff in particular face related to their protection, focusing specifically on the duty of care and incident response management.
 
One of the hosts is Protect Aid Workers, a new rapid-response mechanism led by a group of NGOs and funded by the European Union. It provides support to humanitarians working for national and international NGOs who have experienced a critical incident or are under threat owing to their humanitarian work.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, French

Hosts
International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission
Chile
Germany
Poland

Description
In armed conflicts, the uncertainty around facts and violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) has grown due to misinformation, information warfare and deep fakes. IHL foresees some, albeit limited, mechanisms for establishing facts and enhancing respect for IHL, including the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC). In practice, a lack
of institutional anchoring partly explains why these mechanisms have not been fully effective. The IHFFC’s functioning still primarily depends on States that have accepted its competence. The IHFFC has contributed not only to bilateral exchanges with governments, but also to good offices to ensure an attitude of respect for IHL. In 2017, it conducted its first mission at the request of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and it is currently providing its good offices to the Republic of Poland regarding an incident in the Gaza Strip.

This side event will focus on overcoming the perceived split between the usage of institutional human rights mechanisms for IHL implementation, including the Human Rights Council, and the mandate of the IHFFC as an expert body for dispute settlement. The discussion will seek to identify how numerous commissions and fact-finding missions on one hand and the IHFFC’s expertise in IHL on the other can benefit from each other. The side event aims to illustrate the complementarity of the IHFFC and other bodies, such as UN commissions of inquiry, taking into account their different kinds of expertise, working methods and objectives.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (GGHEiE)
Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES)
Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)
Switzerland

Speakers:
 

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Tonga Red Cross Society
French Red Cross

Speakers
Drew Havea, Vice President, Tonga Red Cross Society
Capitain Béatrice Hainaut, Researcher (Dr.) on outer space – domain “Strategies, norms and doctrines”, Institute for Strategic Research (IRSEM), Paris France
Claudiu Mateescu, Telecommunications Engineer, ICRC
Vanessa Gray, Head of the Climate Change and Emergency Telecommunications Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Chair: Dr. Wen Zhou, Legal Adviser, Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit, ICRC

Description
This side event will explore the potential impact of the disruption of satellite services on civilians and humanitarian operations. It will demonstrate the indispensable role that space systems play today, and showcase how humanitarian actors, such as the International Red Cross and Red Cross Movement, rely on space-based services – in particular navigation, communications, satellite imagery and weather forecasts – to conduct humanitarian relief operations.

The role of space systems in military operations continues to grow – despite the long-term desire and commitment of the international community to explore and use space for peaceful purposes – as does the likelihood that these systems will be targeted in armed conflicts. The disruption, physical damage or destruction of space systems that support essential civilian services could have wide-reaching consequences for civilians and humanitarian organizations.

The side event will aim to evoke discussion on how the Movement’s humanitarian approach could contribute to the protection of critical space-based services used by civilians and humanitarian agencies. It will also explore how to minimize the risk of harm to civilians as a result of the disruption of space-based services and ensure humanitarian actors and first responders continue to have uninterrupted access to such services, both at the national and international levels.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Nyon (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
Australia
Australian Red Cross
United Kingdom
British Red Cross

Description of the event:
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with its global coverage, established mandates, and shared Fundamental Principles, is well-placed to direct global support to locally led humanitarian assistance. Despite strong engagement with the Grand Bargain commitments made at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit, in too many cases local humanitarian organisations are still being engaged as implementing partners or in nominal coordination activities, rather than as leaders at the centre of humanitarian efforts within their communities.

While there has been ample discussion on what localisation is and the need for systemic transformation, the practical aspects of implementation have often been missing or presented in a binary fashion. This session will focus on how to navigate some of those barriers by building confidence in localisation models and approaches. The session will offer a direct exchange between donors, host governments and National Societies operating in contexts such as Asia-Pacific, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Participants will explore practices such as risk and financial management, human resources and capability, the integrated and mutual investment in relationships, dialogue, due diligence and policy engagement to offer different models of partnership and the impact they have made for them and their communities. Critically, the discussion will also assess the kind of evidence that National Societies as auxiliaries to their public authorities can bring to the table.
The session will prioritise audience engagement using an interactive session format allowing participants to choose from several National Society/intermediary/donor partnerships for guided discussions. A session report will distil the discussions to identify and find ways to overcome barriers impeding more rapid progress toward local leadership.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 18:30 – 19:30
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, Arabic

Host
Egypt as the Arab Group Coordinator

Speakers
Abdullah Alrwaily, Secretary General of the Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
Mohamed Bayoumi, Counselor, Member of the National Committee of International Humanitarian Law, Egypt
Khaled Mohamed AlKhamis AlObeidly, Rapporteur of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, State of Qatar
Farida El-Khamlishy, Chairperson of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, Kingdom of Morocco

Description
This event aims to foster dialogue among Arab states, humanitarian organizations, and international stakeholders, with the goal of strengthening the implementation of IHL and building a more cohesive framework for the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas. It aligns with two key themes on the agenda of the 34th International Conference: ‘Building a Global Culture of Respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL)’ and ‘Standing by Our Fundamental Principles in Responding to Humanitarian Needs and Risks.’ The event will also promote and showcase the Arab Region’s progress in fostering cooperation, dialogue, and the exchange of best practices at both the regional and sub-regional levels, with a focus on enhancing respect for IHL and promoting its culture. The session will also present key IHL programs and workshops in the Arab world, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), addressing vital topics such as climate change, the intersections between IHL and Islamic Sharia, and other regional initiatives.

Concept Note: EN – AR

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 18:30 – 19:30
Venue: Room 4 (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Switzerland
Swiss Red Cross
Uganda Red Cross
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC)

Speakers
– Nora Kronig Romero, Director General, Swiss Red Cross
– Olivier Ray, Mobilization, Movement & Partnerships Director, ICRC
– Amb. Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
– Robert Kwesiga – Secretary General, Uganda Red Cross Society
– Xavier Castellanos, Under Secretary General, National Society Development & Operations Coordination, IFRC
 
Description
The objectives of the side event are:
– Promote dialogue and foster relationships and synergies between States, National Societies, the IFRC and the ICRC to strengthen locally-led action with examples of good practice of National Society Development (NSD), and in particular support NSs in establishing a direct connection and dialogue with key international actors, as peers;
– Advocate for other States to prioritize NSD in their dialogue with their National Society and the IFRC/ICRC, without compromising other partnerships and agreements;
– Raise the visibility and promote the National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) as a “whole of Movement” multi-year funding mechanism for fragile contexts to States, other investors and National Societies;
– Highlight the complementarity of initiatives and other mechanisms that enable sustainable NSD such as the IFRC Capacity Building Fund (CBF) and / or Partner National Society (PNS) support (peer-to-peer support);
– Demonstrate with concrete examples how these mechanisms are key instruments for
effectively and sustainably enhance the localisation agenda and improve humanitarian action;
– Explore ways to diversify funding for National Societies, building upon the Uganda RCS experience of NSIA funded project.

Date: Wednesday, 30 October
Time: 18:30 – 19:30
Venue: Room Geneva (CICG)
Language: English, French, Spanish, Arabic

Hosts
Italian Red Cross
British Red Cross
Ukrainian Red Cross Society
Ministry of Defence, Ukraine
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Kingdom
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italy
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland

Moderator: Dr Anne Quintin, Head of the Advisory Service on International Humanitarian Law, ICRC

Panelists:
Dr Rosario Maria Gianluca Valastro, President of the Italian Red Cross, also on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Counselor Cristina Mansilla, Director of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law of the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Lt Col Inna Zavorotko, Deputy Head of the International Law Section of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence
Mr Abdou Moumouni Ouedraogo, Permanent Secretary of the Interministerial Committee on Human Rights and IHL of Burkina Faso
Mr Andrew Murdoch, Legal Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom

Description
In recent years, a number of States across the globe have published voluntary reports on their domestic implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), and many others are in the process of producing theirs. These reports present the work carried out in a particular country to incorporate applicable international legal obligations into domestic legislation and systems. They also showcase good practices and help to identify areas for further development.
This side event will provide an opportunity for representatives of States and National Societies to learn from one another and discuss questions relating to the benefits of voluntary reporting, the resources needed to research, draft and publish a voluntary report, the advantages of involving different entities in producing it and the target audiences it could be publicised to. The side event aims to be practice-oriented – it will provide concrete examples of reporting and address specific practical challenges, such as how to produce a voluntary report while involved in an armed conflict. It will also provide suggestions on how such reports can contribute to building a global culture of respect for IHL by fostering further regional, cross-regional and international exchanges.

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room 3 (CICG)
Language: English, Arabic

Host
Qatar Red Crescent Society

Moderator: Mr. Aiham Al Sukhni, Head of International Relations, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).

Panellists/Speaker(s):
– Mr. Marwan Jilani, Vice President of Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
– Ms. Joëlle Germanier, Director of the Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN).
– Mr. Dylan Winder, Permanent Observer to the UN in New York, and Director of Humanitarian Diplomacy at IFRC.
– Ms. Sara Abdulaziz Al-Khater, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of The Stare of Qatar in Geneva.

Description
Humanitarian diplomacy (HD) faces significant challenges in addressing increasingly complex global crises and the rising humanitarian needs that accompany them. From Gaza and Ukraine to Sudan, we see not only the growing complexity of these crises but also the persistent lack of respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. This underscores the need for more effective HD, especially in engaging governments and decision makers and bolstering institutional support to address these challenges.

Current global crises expose the limitations of existing approaches and the failure to adequately prioritize humanitarian concerns in diplomatic efforts. Strengthening HD through streamlined processes and better coordination among international organizations, governments and other actors is essential in bringing humanitarian issues to the forefront. A clearer understanding of HD and its goals and tools is vital to the success of these endeavours. HD plays a crucial role in ensuring that humanitarian concerns are integrated into diplomatic decision-making, its primary aim being to prioritize such issues with a view to fostering positive humanitarian outcomes. Strengthening humanitarian negotiations and reinforcing the application of humanitarian principles are necessary steps towards improving results. By promoting collaboration between conflicting parties and emphasizing the importance of humanitarian concerns, the international community can more effectively address the needs of affected people.

This side event will explore how humanitarian organizations can better engage States and international actors to prioritize humanitarian concerns. The discussion will also delve into how States perceive the role of humanitarian organizations in diplomatic settings and how to improve cooperation in HD to ensure better humanitarian outcomes.

Discussion sub-questions
·       What are the key challenges facing HD today and how can these be addressed to improve its effectiveness?
·       How can HD efforts ensure inclusivity by incorporating the voices of affected communities into decision-making processes?
·       How can States better integrate humanitarian concerns into diplomatic, negotiation and mediation efforts?
·       What strategies can humanitarian organizations adopt to ensure humanitarian issues are prioritized in diplomatic discussions?
·       What lessons can be drawn from existing international declarations and commitments to prioritize humanitarian issues in order to inform future efforts?
·       What initiatives could be proposed to ensure humanitarian issues are better prioritized and addressed in diplomatic efforts and engagement?

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Lausanne (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Interpeace
Geneva Water Hub (GWH)
Peace and Security Consortium (WPS)

Speakers:

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Nyon (CCV)
Language: English

Host
United Kingdom
  
Chair: Charlotte Hanson,  Head of International Cultural Heritage Protection, department for Culture Media and Sport, UK Government

Speakers  
-Professor Alexandra Xanthaki. UN Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights.
– Stephanie Grant, Director of the Cultural Protection Fund, British Council
– Dr Sofya Shahab, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies 
– Zainab Omgaafar – Curator, Sudan National Museum
– Michael Delacruz, Director of Operations, Blue Shield International
– a presentation by Helen and Michael Mallinson, ‘Safeguarding Sudan’s Living Heritage.’

Description of the event
The protection of cultural property in armed conflict are laid out in international treaty and customary law, including the ‘1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict’ and its two Protocols, as well as the 1977 Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. In regions affected by conflict and disaster, the restoration of cultural heritage can help communities regain a semblance of normalcy and improve social cohesion, both of which are essential for a successful reconciliation process. However, history has shown that rebuilding cultural heritage after destruction is a complex and challenging task, with recovery invariably requiring the involvement of the most affected stakeholders, as well as support from the local, national and international level. At this event, the British Red Cross and the International Cultural Heritage Protection programme (UK Gov) will bring together experts from different fields to explore the relationship between cultural heritage and human rights, and to exchange current research and best practice on cultural heritage restoration strategies. It will also showcase some of the work supported by the Cultural Protection Fund, in Sudan.

Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 12:15 – 13:15
Venue: Room Montreux (CCV)
Language: English

Hosts
European Commission (DG ECHO)
the Secretariat of the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

Description of the event
This session will bring together humanitarian organisations and donors: signatories of the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations and signatories of the Donor Declaration on Climate and Environment. The two are complementary processes, with mutually reinforcing objectives. 

The session will showcase some examples of the progress made to date by the signatories of the Climate and Environment Charter and the Donor Declaration and discuss what is still needed to ensure adequate support for the implementation of the Donor Declaration and Charter commitments. The session will be interactive and encourage an open exchange.