On May 19, a reference group of 14 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society representatives met in Geneva to help the Federation set the course for a new project to strengthen the humanitarian advocacy of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The project aims to develop a manual to assist National Societies in providing advice to their governments on legislation related to disaster management and health emergencies.
“Good laws can powerfully impact risk factors that we alone cannot change and also multiply the impact of our programmes,” noted Federation Deputy Secretary-General Ibrahim Osman as he opened the meeting, “Weak laws can foster risk and undermine both our efforts and those of vulnerable communities.”
Participants noted that National Societies’ auxiliary status to public authorities and their close connection with community-based work in health and disasters gave them a unique perspective on disaster law and policy. Moreover, the Movement’s fundamental principles and non-confrontational approach call for a particular style in humanitarian advocacy.
The manual will address legislative issues across the disaster management spectrum from risk reduction to rehabilitation, with special attention devoted to the facilitation and regulation of international disaster assistance, in light of the focus of the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent on this issue. The development plan foresees a wide consultation process with National Societies as well as advice from outside experts.
“This manual will be a powerful tool for National Societies to enhance their dialogue with their governments,” predicted Jordanian Red Cross President, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid.