The 31st International Conference in pictures

05-12-2011 Photo gallery

The 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent took place from 28 November to 1 December 2011. Some 1,700 participants spent four days focusing on issues ranging from strengthening international humanitarian law and protection for health care to disaster response laws. Over the next four years, the ICRC will develop an action plan aimed at improving protection for medical personnel and access to health care in armed conflicts. These photos chronicle four intense days.

- On the first day of the Conference, alphorns – traditional instruments from the Swiss mountains – welcomed the delegates and representatives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the States party to the Geneva Conventions.
  © ICRC / T. Gassmann
- Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation, spoke in favour of strengthening international humanitarian law.
  © ICRC / T. Gassmann
- A humanitarian village was set up in the main lobby for the duration of the conference. In a tent erected for the occasion, the ICRC publicized its "Violence against health care must end" campaign.
  © ICRC / T. Gassmann
- Jakob Kellenberger, president of the ICRC, reiterated the importance of strengthening protection for health-care services in armed conflicts.
  © ICRC / T. Gassmann
- The Conference was also a chance for countless behind-the-scenes meetings between the participants. This is a unique opportunity for the representatives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to get to know each other.
  © ICRC / T. Gassmann
- Tadateru Konoé, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, made a speech in support of stronger disaster response laws.
  © ICRC / T. Gassmann
- Orthopaedic device specialist Najmuddin Helaland runs the ICRC physical rehabilitation centre in Kabul. He made a speech in which he called for the prevention of disabilities worldwide, in particular by banning anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. He stressed that signing treaties was not enough; they must be implemented. Those who are injured also need to have access to health centres.
  © ICRC
- Nga Jessie, Chair of the conference, and Niki Rattle of the Cook Islands Red Cross Society celebrate the great honor and the tribute paid to her and the Cook Islands Red Cross.
  © IFRC
- The pledges are a Conference tool enabling National Societies and States to make a commitment on a specific issue. A record 377 individual pledges were submitted.
  © IFRC
- Performances by artists livened up the proceedings. Painter and performer Franck Bouroullec appeared prior to the Conference and painted a portrait of Henry Dunant. The founder of the Red Cross continues to inspire the Movement. See you in four years' time!
  © IFRC

The 31st International Conference in pictures

05-12-2011 Photo gallery

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