Joint pledge of the United Kingdom and the British Red Cross: Recognition of the special partnership over 150 years

A) Objectifs de l’engagement

The United Kingdom Government and the British Red Cross have worked together since the latter was established in 1870.  Throughout the past 150 years, the UK Government has recognised the status and role of the British Red Cross Society as an auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field.  The work of the British Red Cross, both as an auxiliary and on its own initiative, has evolved over the decades to meet the needs of the UK population.  The Society’s international activities have also developed, often with the support of the UK Government.  The partnership between the UK Government and the British Red Cross has been and remains much valued. 

 To mark the 150^th anniversary of the British Red Cross in 2020, the UK Government and the British Red Cross pledge the following:

1. To continue to work together in the United Kingdom’s National Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to promote, monitor and implement IHL, including by forging and strengthening links with other States’ National IHL Committees, and by helping other States establish such Committees. 
2. To work together to raise awareness of the special status and role of the British Red Cross as an auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field.
3. To hold an event which commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the British Red Cross.

B) Plan d’action

1. National Committee on International Humanitarian Law

        a.   Continue to hold regular meetings of the Committee and regular events to mark significant anniversaries and to raise awareness in the UK of topical issues.   Timeframe: 2020-2023.

        b.   Make contact and exchange information with at least one other National IHL Committee per year.   Timeframe: 2020-2023. 

        c.   Encourage the establishment of National IHL Committees by other Commonwealth countries, and provide support for the establishment of one new National IHL Committee.   Timeframe: 2020-2023. 

        d.   Respond to any requests for advice from States wishing to establish a National IHL Committee.   Timeframe: 2020-2023. 

2. Promotion of the British Red Cross’s auxiliary status and role

a.   Consider opportunities to promote increased awareness and understanding of the British Red Cross’s auxiliary status and role, both among specific relevant groups and among the general public in the UK.   Timeframe: 2020-2023.

       b.   Work together to clarify and consolidate the areas in which the British Red Cross as an auxiliary co-operates at all levels with the UK public authorities, taking account of current needs.   Timeframe: 2020-2021.

       c.   Work together to give effect to any developments in the British Red Cross’s auxiliary status and role.   Timeframe: 2022-2023. 

3. 150^th anniversary event 

a.   Consider organising a suitable event to mark the British Red Cross’s anniversary and to promote its contributions to the United Kingdom and its people over the past 150 years.   Timeframe: 2020 (public health circumstances allowing).

        b.   Consider opportunities to promote increased awareness and understanding of the British Red Cross’s services, both in the UK and overseas, within Government departments and elsewhere.   Timeframe: 2020-2023.

C) Indicateurs permettant de mesurer les avancées:

1. National Committee on International Humanitarian Law

        a.   Number of Committee meetings and number of events held per year.

        b.   A total of four or more exchanges with other National IHL Committees.

        c.   Establishment of one new National IHL Committee in a Commonwealth country.

        d.   Response rate of 100% to communications from States wishing to establish a National IHL Committee.

2. Promotion of the British Red Cross’s auxiliary status and role

       a.   One or more meetings held to consider opportunities.

       b.   Research and analysis to clarify and consolidate the British Red Cross’s auxiliary role in the light of current needs.

       c.   Action plan created and appropriate implementing measures undertaken.   

3. 150^th anniversary event

a.   Event held.

        b.   Promotional opportunities identified and undertaken.

D) Ressources nécessaires:

Many of the actions will be able to be undertaken through the regular activities of officials and of British Red Cross staff. 

Some financial resources may be required for certain actions, such as meetings to discuss the auxiliary role and the anniversary event.  These may be found from regular budgets or there may be additional requests for funding.