TEHRAN –The secretary general of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Meysam Afshar, and Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, are representing Iran in the 34th International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent.

The conference is held every four years, bringing together representatives of the states parties to the Geneva Conventions, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

This year, the event is being held from October 28 to 31 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is co-organized by the ICRC and the IFRC.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the IFRC president, Kate Forbes, pointed out the importance of readiness to address crises resulting from climate-related disasters before and after they occur. 

The official also stressed the need to increase humanitarian efforts to strengthen communities before disaster strikes to save lives and livelihoods. 

“Last year, over 117 million people were forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, and the escalating impacts of climate change and disasters,” The official noted.

Forbes went on to say that the conference provides an opportunity to come together and reinforce the commitment to provide impartial, neutral, and independent assistance where it is needed.

The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is being held with the theme, Navigate Uncertainty – Strengthen Humanity. 

This year’s conference agenda focuses on important issues such as compliance with International Humanitarian Law, safeguarding humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians and humanitarians.

The International Conference is a platform for collaboration and dialogue. Its apolitical nature ensures that the focus remains steadfastly on humanitarian action and our collective commitment to save lives and alleviate suffering. Discussions will focus particularly on compliance with international humanitarian law; enhancing the protection of civilians and humanitarians; the promotion of sustainable locally-led humanitarian action; anticipation, preparation, and adaptation in the face of the climate challenge, the importance of ‘disaster law’; the impact of digital technologies in warfare.

By bringing diverse voices together – including representatives from 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and 196 States party to the Geneva Convention – the International Conference serves as a vital space where humanitarians and governments can come together, set aside differences, and focus on a shared responsibility to protect and help those in need.

Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Pirhossein Kolivand, will also attend the conference.

The official is scheduled to hold meetings with the president of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the secretary general of the ICRC, and the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to share expertise and enhance joint activities.

He will also hold a meeting with the secretary general of the IFRC, focusing on ways to provide aid to the war-torn areas in Lebanon and Gaza, as well as to end the war.

MT/MG