Statement of India delivered by H.E. Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (28-31 October 2024), 30 October 2024, Geneva
Madam Chair
1. At the outset, our warm felicitations and congratulations on your appointment as the Chair of the 34th International Conference.
2. We thank ICRC President Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, and IFRC President Ms. Kate Forbes, and their able teams, as well as the Standing Commission for their tireless efforts in preparing for this important Conference.
Madam Chair,
3. This Conference is particularly poignant as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. As a party to all four Conventions, India remains committed to their full compliance. We are cognizant that many are questioning the efficacy and relevance of international humanitarian law in the world of today, with technological changes, involvement of non-state actors and a general weakening of global resolve to uphold international humanitarian law. While we strongly believe that existing frameworks are the right way to address international humanitarian law, we hope that this Conference will be able to deliberate on the new challenges that are facing humanitarian situations.
4. We value the important work the ICRC carries out, predicated on its independent and impartial approach in addressing the sufferings of victims of armed conflict. We believe that ICRC's adherence to its mandate and core principles of neutrality, independence and confidentiality, should be the lodestar for all its activities. These principles give primary status to the ICRC among other humanitarian actors, and must be preserved.
5. We are concerned about the increasing threat to humanitarian actors. Their safety and ability to work is of paramount importance. For their part, they must also work in accordance with the applicable legal frameworks, and should not provide legitimacy nor operational space, even inadvertently, to terrorist groups.
6. Technological developments hold great promise but they may also present risks for civilian protection and may challenge the rules of international humanitarian law. Any new technology of warfare must be capable of being used in strict compliance with international humanitarian law.
Madam Chair,
7. The magnitude and scale of some of the unprecedented natural disasters that the world witnessed during the last couple of years, together with a number of other complex emergencies, has not only exerted pressure on the humanitarian response system, but also disrupted progress towards the 2030 agenda and the SDGs. The IFRC and National Societies have proven their immense contribution in addressing humanitarian emergencies and disasters. Indian Red Cross Society too has become an indispensable player in extending humanitarian support.
8. India has been at the forefront of being a first responder in our region and beyond. Our Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations are a statement as much of our capability as our sense of responsibility to our fellow human beings, driven by our civilizational principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family”. One example is the BHISHM Cube – a state-of-the-art portable medical unit for swift action in emergencies and disaster situations – which India has provided to many countries as part of our Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. The Indian Air Force team has set up a demonstration of the BHISHM Cube here at the Conference, and I invite those of you haven’t seen it yet to take a few minutes to visit it. As our capacities increase, India will play an even larger role in such operations.
9. Madam Chair, we looking forward to productive deliberations during the Conference.
I thank you.
