Mesures prises:
1. National Committee on International Humanitarian Law
The United Kingdom National Committee on International Humanitarian Law continues to meet biannually to advance IHL policy and practice. The British Red Cross is a full member and active participant in the meetings. The UK Government works together with the British Red Cross (BRC) in the promotion of the formation of national IHL committees and has offered practical assistance to those wishing to do so. In this regard, the IHL Committee has also been establishing relations with the National IHL Committees/Commissions of other States.
The UK is currently working alongside the BRC in organising an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the 25th anniversary of the UK National Committee on International Humanitarian Law. This is likely to be held in October 2024, and will showcase the partnership between the BRC and the UK Government, increasing awareness and understanding of what the BRC can offer.
2. Promotion of the British Red Cross’s auxiliary status and role
The UK Government has deepened its partnership with the BRC in priority areas. The BRC has facilitated engagements between UK officials and the National Red Cross and National Red Crescent Societies to help build relationships in countries where the BRC auxiliary role can add the most value and impact change.
The impact of British Red Cross’ auxiliary role has increased since 2020 through a secondee programme into HMG. There are currently 2 secondees into the FCDO working on climate-related issues, and the priority policy issue of locally-led action.
In 2024 the FCDO – BRC Dialogue was reinstated, which strived to strengthen our strategic relationship with the BRC, particularly fully utilising their role as an auxiliary to the UK Government. It was agreed that we would continue to promote the work of the BRC as a humanitarian auxiliary and clarify priority focus areas for our continued co-operation. This includes continuing to support the BRC’s overseas work with partner National Societies, which contributes to enhancing the auxiliary role of other National Societies, and raises awareness of the auxiliary role more generally.
The British Red Cross also provides psycho-social support workers continue to accompany the FCDO Rapid Deployment Team to major emergencies involving UK nationals overseas. BRC also delivered training to FCDO officials on personal well-being.
3. 150th anniversary event
The 150th anniversary of the founding of what became the British Red Cross was in 2020, however the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately meant that an event could not be organised.
