A) Objectives of the pledge:
The Austrian Strategy on Humanitarian Assistance which was finalised in 2023 emphasises that longer-lasting crises and conflict situations as well as the overlap of multiple crises make a strong humanitarian commitment indispensable. The conditions under which humanitarian assistance is provided, in particular ensuring humanitarian access, protecting humanitarian personnel and protecting and respecting international humanitarian law, are becoming increasingly difficult. They require renewed efforts to increase the effectiveness and impact of humanitarian measures and to sustainably alleviate human suffering.
The Strategy underlines the central role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the provision of humanitarian assistance as well as in respecting and advancing international humanitarian law. In recognition of the long-standing and close collaboration between Austria and the ICRC, Austria pledges to further deepen the partnership with the ICRC by establishing Strategic Consultations on an annual basis.
The compliance with international humanitarian law is essential for the protection of civilians and for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. The pledge is therefore related to the theme of Commission I at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent (RCRC Conference) entitled “Building a Global Culture of Respect for International Humanitarian Law” as well as Commission II entitled “Respond to Humanitarian Needs and Risks”.
B) Action plan:
Austria will hold Strategic Consultations with the ICRC on an annual basis.
The Consultations will focus on priority topics in the partnership between Austria and the ICRC and will include discussions on humanitarian assistance, international humanitarian law and humanitarian disarmament.
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
Progress will be measured by:
- Number of Strategic Consultations held;
- Summary reports of the Strategic Consultations;
- Implementation of the measures developed and agreed during the Consultations.
D) Resource implications:
Austria will cover the financial and human resource cost resulting from its participation the Strategic Consultations.