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What does the ICRC do in Northern Ireland?
27-03-2013 FAQ
From its office in Belfast, the ICRC works to tackle humanitarian problems in Northern Ireland arising from violence and the legacy of conflict. Here we explain what we’re doing and why.
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| A young child points up at a mural in East Belfast. Murals are still used to mark territory between divided communities, despite the signing of a peace agreement in 1998. |
What activities does the ICRC carry out in Northern Ireland?
The ICRC is tackling the humanitarian problems caused by violence or the legacy of conflict through a number of projects and initiatives. It works with community-based organizations in Belfast and Londonderry/Derry that seek to ease sectarian tension or to limit violence within or between communities. The goal is to deal with the impact of conflict on people’s day-to-day lives. The ICRC also seeks to assist where it can in tracing persons who disappeared during the ‘Troubles.’ And it engages in a frank but discreet dialogue with a wide variety of contacts in response to the humanitarian challenges it identifies.
The ICRC provides assistance solely on the grounds of humanitarian need and it interacts with individuals and groups across society - its activities are not limited to one or another section of the community.
What is the history of the ICRC in Northern Ireland?
The ICRC has travelled to Northern Ireland since the 1950s and undertook prison visits until 1999, after the Good Friday peace agreement was signed. The ICRC conducted an assessment of needs in Northern Ireland in 2010 and decided the humanitarian situation warranted a full-time presence in the region. The ICRC Belfast office opened in April 2011 and now has three staff working on a range of issues.
What is the ICRC hoping to achieve in Northern Ireland?
The ICRC believes its impartial and independent approach can help address humanitarian problems in Northern Ireland. A major focus is on tackling the consequences of conflict and mitigating the threat of violence by working with grassroots groups in local communities. The ICRC promotes human dignity amid strife while, in line with its non-political and neutral character, taking no stand on the causes of violence in Northern Ireland. The ICRC is careful not to duplicate the work done by other organizations – it hopes its status as an international ‘outsider’ can offer a valuable alternative perspective.
How is the ICRC’s work in Northern Ireland funded?
To fund its work globally, the ICRC relies on the generous support of its donors, principally governments, national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, and supra-national organizations such as the European Commission. The ICRC’s overall budget for its operations in Britain and Northern Ireland in 2012 and its expenditure in 2011 can be found online.
How can I contact the ICRC office in Belfast?
You can get in touch with the ICRC Belfast office by e-mail.
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