Plan of Action for the years 2000-2003

27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Annex 2 of the resolution 1

The members of the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, held in Geneva from 31 October to 6 November 1999, adopt the following Plan of Action for the coming four years in order to improve the care and protection of victims of armed conflicts and disasters and more generally of the most vulnerable people. They will implement the actions set out in the Plan of Action in accordance with their respective powers, mandates and capacities.

In adopting this Plan of Action, the International Conference recognises the unique nature of the co-operation between the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement [1] and States [2] and the specific mandates of each component of the Movement. It also reaffirms the commitment of States, adhering to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, to meet their existing obligations under international humanitarian law to support the work of each component of the Movement and to respect at all times the components' adherence to the Fundamental Principles.

The Plan of Action is divided into long term goals and specific actions which represent the main areas where a renewed effort is required from States and the Movement for their respective commitments in the coming four years. [3]

The 28th International Conference will evaluate the results attained over the next four years. The Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent will encourage and further the implementation of the Plan of Action, according to its statutory mandate, through consultations with States party to the Geneva Conventions, components of the Movement and other actors, as to the best methods of achieving this.

1.        The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (referred to herein as the "ICRC"), National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (referred to herein as "National Societies") and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (referred to herein as the "International Federation"). Throughout this document the term "Movement" covers all the aforementioned components.
2.        Throughout this document the term "States" refers to States party to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
3.        In this document actions to be undertaken solely by States or the Movement only commit the specific actors.