On December 9-12, 2019, the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) is taking place in Geneva. The event is attended by representatives of the RCRC Movement, national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, governments of States Parties to the Geneva Conventions, as well as international, including non-governmental, organizations.

The main topics of the agenda of the Conference include strengthening respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL); violence prevention and response; security and access to humanitarian assistance; risk reduction and resilience building. Participants of the event are also discussing, inter alia, issues related to state compliance with the norms of IHL; prevention of sexual and gender-based violence; health protection in conflict situations; safety of volunteers and humanitarian personnel; as well as legal aspects in connection with natural disasters and emergencies.

Speaking at the Conference, Y.Klymenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine in Geneva, stressed upon the importance of ensuring proper state implementation of IHL, noted the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Switzerland aimed at finding ways to strengthen respect for International Humanitarian Law, as well as drew attention of the participants of the forum to Ukraine’s efforts in implementing the provisions of IHL on national level under external aggression.

Ukraine is also represented at the Conference by the delegation of the Red Cross Society of Ukraine.

During the course of the event, elections to the RCRC Standing Committee were held. Representatives of Spain, Canada, Kenya, Kuwait and the Cook Islands were elected to the above-mentioned body.

At the Conference a number of thematic resolutions will be adopted concerning the issues related to ensuring better national IHL implementation; restoring family links while respecting privacy; mental health of persons affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters; ensuring climate aspects consideration in the development of legislation in the field of emergency response; international cooperation in the field of prevention and response to epidemics and pandemics; the role of women and leadership in the humanitarian action of the RCRC.