South Africa: ICRC calls on states to support humanitarian action
From the Swiss Consulate in Cape Town, South Africa, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) presented its annual appeal to carry out humanitarian operations in more than 20 African countries during 2026.
Almost 40% of the ICRC's operations and total budget are devoted to the continent, reflecting both the scale of humanitarian needs and its commitment to the affected populations.
The ICRC's appeal is not only intended to finance its operations, but also to obtain the necessary support from States to promote greater respect for international humanitarian law (IHL), which will pave the way for lasting peace.
Around 130 conflicts are underway around the world. How can we turn a blind eye to the devastation of war? A contribution to humanitarian action is a gesture of resistance and hope, reminding us that even in war there must be human rules," said Mirko Manzoni, Swiss Ambassador to South Africa.
Remarks by the Swiss Ambassador to South Africa Mirko Manzoni at the launch of the ICRC appeal in Cape Town.
Humanitarian crises that cannot be ignored
Africa is experiencing a worrying intensification of armed conflicts, which have not only multiplied but also expanded, destabilizing entire regions.
From the Sahel to the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, violence in countries such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Somalia, and South Sudan has cross-border effects and exacerbates humanitarian crises, while millions of people are forced to flee within and outside their countries.
“Humanitarian crises continue to be managed, but not addressed. It is essential to strengthen our operational capacity and remedy deficiencies to meet current challenges,” said Patrick Youssef, ICRC regional director for Africa.
Around 40% of the world's armed conflicts are in Africa, and almost 40% of the ICRC's resources are allocated to operations on the continent.
Respect for IHL paves the way to peace
From South Africa, a founding member State of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment on International Humanitarian Law, the ICRC insists that states lend it their highest political support.
Patrick Youssef, ICRC Regional Director for Africa, at the launch of the ICRC appeal in Cape Town.
