The world has changed — and so must our principles. As crises grow longer, deeper, and more interconnected, the Fundamental Principles that have guided us for six decades remain essential, but no longer sufficient on their own. Solidarity has always been at the heart of our Movement. Perhaps the time has come to name it — and claim it — as a principle for our future.
This summer, Europe experienced record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures pushing vulnerable populations – older persons, young children, and people living in inadequate housing – into dangerous territory.
By 2030, the world will look starkly different from today. Climate shocks will be more frequent and more ferocious, displacing tens of millions. Conflicts, fuelled by resource scarcity, nationalism, and geopolitical fragmentation, will continue to evolve in complexity.
A New Era of Humanitarian Financing: The humanitarian sector is at a turning point. This is a sector-wide crisis, and unless we act collectively, the humanitarian ecosystem as we know will cease to exist.
Relevance is a word that resonates deeply in the world of humanitarian organizations. In an era marked by geopolitical upheavals, climate crises, and shifting societal expectations, remaining ‘fit for purpose’ is not just a lofty ideal—it is an existential imperative. Yet, how often do humanitarian organisations pause to ask themselves the uncomfortable question: Are we still relevant?
The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has served as a pivotal moment for reflection and action within the humanitarian community. As we celebrate the advancements made in international humanitarian law, disaster response, mental health support, and pandemic preparedness, it is crucial to recognize the challenges faced in a politically charged atmosphere. The conference underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity and spirit of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement amidst rising geopolitical tensions. With a commitment to consensus-based resolutions, we witnessed both unity and division, reminding us of the delicate balance required to uphold our core humanitarian values. The collaboration between National Societies and governments, particularly in adopting resolutions that transcend political agendas, exemplified the essence of our Movement—one that prioritizes human dignity above all else. As we move forward, let us carry with us the lessons learned from this conference, ensuring that our mission remains steadfast and unyielding, focused solely on alleviating human suffering and fostering solidarity in an increasingly fragmented world.
Liana Ghukasyan’s 23-year journey with the Red Cross began unexpectedly, when she recognised the emblem from her childhood in Armenia, where it symbolised hope during a devastating earthquake.
Humanitarian funding is skewed by political bias and must recover a credible sense of neutrality to address massive humanitarian needs. To achieve this, Liana Ghukasyan calls on governments to live up to their Good Humanitarian Donorship commitments and take action to ensure aid reaches those who need it most, regardless of geopolitical interests.
In an area dominated by discussions about devastating wars and humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality on social media,...
Liana Ghukasyan focuses on three IFRC priorities that have changed the way humanitarian assistance is delivered and will be instrumental in shaping the humanitarian future.
It is obvious that in a turbulent environment that is in a state of constant change and new emerging humanitarian needs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement faces new challenges but still needs to continue responding adequately to traditional ones. Looking at the long history of the Movement, one can see that the mandate of each component varies and has developed according to the needs of each era though still being bound by one common goal, which is to alleviate human suffering across the globe. After 150 years of humanitarian action it is obvious that because of different mandates, the diversification of activities, a lack of cohesion and weak mutual ties, the Movement has become a loose entity.