ICRC regional delegation: Brussels

Summary of ICRC activities in 2000 (full PDF version)

In 2000, the regional delegation covered: Belgium, France

The ICRC’s delegation in Brussels continued to focus its efforts on strengthening its working relations with European institutions, the Western European Union, and NATO*. One of the core aims of this relatively new delegation, specialized in humanitarian diplomacy, was to secure much-needed political support for ICRC field operations. To this end, the delegation maintained its contacts at various levels with NATO and SHAPE* and strengthened relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The new ICRC President’s first official visit to Brussels took place in February, and was the occasion for meetings at the Belgian Red Cross and with high-level government and EU* officials, including the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid. In discussions with the High Representative and Secretary-General of the Council, the President reiterated the ICRC’s commitment to closer cooperation with the EU, particularly in light of the development of a common foreign and security policy following the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam. During the latter half of the year France held the six-month rotating presidency of the EU, and in preparation for this delegates in Brussels and Paris liaised closely to establish a dialogue with EU representatives on issues pertaining to the ICRC’s mandate. As an essential part of the delegation’s work is to advise on international humanitarian law, the Brussels mission was consulted by the European Parliament on its draft resolution on support for the 1949 Geneva Conventions. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Parliament in March.

Networking in Paris

The liaison office in Paris remained a key element in the ICRC’s network for humanitarian diplomacy. It sought to promote humanitarian law and to increase understanding of the ICRC’s mandate by targeting specific groups such as the French authorities, economic circles, and the press. One initiative worthy of note was the establishment of a strategy designed to spread knowledge of this body of law among the armed forces. The programme was carried out in conjunction with the French Ministry of Defence, and included an awareness-raising project for young people of draft age. The delegation also took an active part in NGO* fora and in symposia organized by the military academy and by universities on topics related to humanitarian law. In April, the ICRC President made his first official visit to France, where he was accompanied by the head of the Paris delegation and the President of the French Red Cross. Discussions with the French Prime Minister and other government officials focused on the ICRC’s role and its mandate in times of armed conflict, with particular reference to the situations in Chechnya and in Kosovo. On a second visit to Paris in June, the ICRC President met the President of the Republic with whom he discussed topics ranging from ICRC activities in Chechnya to the adoption of an additional emblem.

Enlisting support elsewhere in Europe

In his busy first year in office, the ICRC President visited several European capitals, holding fruitful discussions with heads of State, donors and the leadership of the various National Societies. While on an official visit to Italy in May, he had talks with the country’s President and with high-ranking government officials, whom he thanked for their financial support. During his visit to Berlin, talks with the German Chancellor focused on the ICRC’s operational philosophy in contexts of long-term instability, such as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The President also travelled to London in June, where he had meetings with senior members of government, including the Secretary of State for International Development. Dialogue with the Secretary of State covered priority issues for the ICRC – such as women affected by armed conflict, child soldiers and the effort to achieve greater cooperation and coordination between humanitarian agencies. An official visit was made to Stockholm in August where the President met with high-level officials including the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Talks with the Minister dealt with the need for the ICRC to further develop its dialogue with EU officials, particularly in light of the forth-coming Swedish presidency. The President held discussions with members of the Norwegian government and parliament when he visited Oslo in September. While in Oslo, he also met the President and Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross. Finally, the President paid a visit to The Hague on 19-20 December where he met the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs.At this meeting ICRC operations world-wide were reviewed in depth, with particular emphasis on Indonesia and the situation in Chechnya. In talks with the Minister of Cooperation, salient points discussed included the problem of weapons and a proposed overhaul of financial contributions for aid organizations. The new President of the Netherlands Red Cross accompanied the President to ministerial meetings. The President also met the incumbent of the Red Cross Chair on International Humanitarian Law at Leiden University.

*NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
*SHAPE: Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
*EU: European Union
*NGO: non-governmental organization