Diplomatic Conference on the adoption of a Third Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions

07-12-2005 Statement

Statement by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Dr. Jakob Kellenberger, on December 7, 2005

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank you for giving me the opportunity to underline what I said yesterday:

The Third Additional Protocol is an exclusively humanitarian project. Please deal with it as such, from a purely humanitarian perspective. We cannot solve longstanding unresolved political problems in the framework of a humanitarian conference on this Protocol.
By adopting this Protocol you increase the credibility of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a universal Movement. Thanks to this Protocol the fundamental principle of universality can become a reality.
This Protocol improves the protection of those in need of protection.
This Protocol clarifies the role of National Societies in different situations and the use of the emblem.
I confirm that the ICRC is ready to provide medical assistance to the population in the Golan.
You have at this very moment a huge humanitarian responsibility. The importance of the Third Additional Protocol from a humanitarian perspective is evident. I urge you to adopt it on these very humanitarian grounds. It is time.

Thank you.