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ANNUAL REPORT 2015 VOLUME I

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  • ANNUAL REPORT2015

    VOLUME I

  • This report is primarily an account of the ICRCs work in the field and its activities to promote international humanitarian law. Mention is made of some of the negotiations entered into with a view to bringing protection and assistance to the victims of international and non-international armed conflicts and other situations of violence. Other negotiations are not mentioned, since the ICRC feels that any publicity would not be in the interests of the victims. Thus, this report cannot be regarded as covering all the institutions efforts worldwide to come to the aid of the victims of conflict.

    Moreover, the length of the text devoted to a given country or situation is not necessarily proportional to the magnitude of the problems observed and tackled by the institution. Indeed, there are cases which are a source of grave humanitarian concern but on which the ICRC is not in a position to report because it has been denied permission to take action. By the same token, the description of operations in which the ICRC has great freedom of action takes up considerable space, regardless of the scale of the problems involved.

    The maps in this report are for illustrative purposes only and do not express an opinion on the part of the ICRC.

    All figures in this report are in Swiss francs (CHF). In 2015, the average exchange rate was CHF 0.9638 to USD 1, and CHF 1.0745 to EUR 1.

    International Committee of the Red Cross19, avenue de la Paix1202 Geneva, SwitzerlandT +41 22 734 6001 F +41 22 733 2057Email: [email protected] www.icrc.org ICRC, May 2016

  • | 1

    ANNUAL REPORT2015

    VOLUME I

  • 2 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

    CONTENTS

    VOLUME IAbbreviations and definitions 4

    Message from the president 8

    ICRC management framework and descriptions of programmes 10ICRC corporate management framework 10Programme descriptions 14ICRC field structure 19Planning and budgets 21Contributions 21Description of the accounting model 22Internal control system 23Internal audit 23External audit 23

    Annex 1: The ICRCs operational approach to result-based management improving humanitarian action 24

    Managing ICRC operations: the cycle and the results 24Result-based management in ICRC programmes 28Result-based management and standard reporting to donors 30

    Annex 2: The ICRCs operational approach to women and girls 33Background and approach 33Women and girls in ICRC programmes, by target population 34

    Annex 3: The ICRCs operational approach to children 38Other situations of violence 38Protection under International law 38The ICRCs multidisciplinary approach 38Children in ICRC programmes, by target population 39

    Annex 4: The ICRCs operational approach to displacement 44Displacement and the displaced 44Phases of displacement 44The all victims approach 44The multidisciplinary approach 45Relations with the Movement and humanitarian coordination 46Displacement in ICRC programmes, by target population 46

    HEADQUARTERS 51

    ICRC governing and controlling bodies 52Meetings and decisions of the governing bodies 52Missions 52

    Directorate 54Strategic orientations for 20152018 54

    Office of the director-general 56Leading the directorate 56Managing the ICRCs performance 56Positioning the ICRC in external debates 57Organizational model 57Movement coordination and cooperation 57People management 58Ombuds office 58Legal counsel 58

    Operations 59Health care in danger 60Central tracing agency and protection 60Assistance 61Human resources development 62Relations with other organizations and contribution

    to the humanitarian debate 63

    International law and policy 64Legal capacity and protection of the ICRC 64

    International humanitarian law 64Integration and promotion of the law 66Research, training and debate on IHL 67Dialogue with armed, security and police forces,

    and other weapon bearers 67Multilateral diplomacy, policy and humanitarian action 68

    Communication and information management 70Communication 70Archives and information management 72Information and communication technology 73

    Human resources 74

    Financial resources and logistics 77Finance and administration 77Funding 77Logistics 80

    OPERATIONS 83

    The ICRC around the world 84

    Operational highlights 86Conflict environments and challenges for humanitarian action 86Operations: review, approach and thematic challenges 86

    ICRC operations in 2015 a few facts, figures and results 90

    User guide: layout of delegation sections 94

    User guide: yearly results 95

    User guide: figures and indicators explanations 96

    AFRICA 102

    Introduction 104

    Delegations 112Algeria 112Burundi 116Central African Republic 121Chad 127Congo, Democratic Republic of the 132Eritrea 139Ethiopia 143African Union 149Guinea 152Liberia 157Libya 163Mali 168Mauritania 175Morocco 179Niger 182Nigeria 188Rwanda 195Somalia 200South Sudan 207Sudan 214Uganda 220

    Regional delegations 225Abidjan 225Antananarivo 231Dakar 236Harare 242Nairobi 247Pretoria 253Tunis 258Yaound 263

  • CONTENTs | 3

    Regional delegation 527Kuwait 527

    MAIN FIGURES AND INDICATORS 533

    Protection figures and indicators 534Assistance figures and indicators 536

    FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 541

    The financial year 2015 542

    Consolidated financial statements of the ICRC 2015 543Consolidated Statement of Income 544Consolidated Statement of other Comprehensive Income 544Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 544Consolidated Statement of Changes in Reserves 545Consolidated Statement of Cash-Flows 545Explanatory notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements 545Ernst & Young audit opinion 563

    Financial and statistical tables 565A. Income and expenditure related to the 2015 Emergency and

    Headquarters appeals 566B. Income and expenditure by delegation related to

    the 2015 Emergency appeals 568C. Contributions in 2015 572D. Contributions in kind, in services and to integrated

    projects (IPs) 2015 577E. Comparative balance sheet and statement of income

    for the last five years 578F. Assistance items figures 578

    Funds and foundations 584Statutory financial statements of the ICRC Special Fund

    for the Disabled 585Statutory financial statements

    of the Foundation for the ICRC 591Condensed financial statements

    for the seven funds managed by the ICRC 594 Augusta Fund Clare Benedict Fund Maurice De Madre French Fund Omar El Mukhtar Fund Florence Nightingale Medal Fund Jean Pictet Fund Paul Reuter Fund

    ANNEXES 599

    ICRC organizational chart 600

    ICRC decision-making structures 601

    ICRC strategy 20152018 603

    The ICRC and its work with other components of The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement 608

    Legal bases 609Universal acceptance of the Geneva Conventions

    and their Additional Protocols 609

    States party to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols 610

    AMERICAS 270

    Introduction 272

    Delegations 278Colombia 278Haiti 284

    Regional delegations 288Brasilia 288Caracas 293Lima 297Mexico City 302Washington 309

    New York 314

    VOLUME IIASIA AND THE PACIFIC 320

    Introduction 322

    Delegations 330Afghanistan 330Bangladesh 337Myanmar 343Nepal 349Pakistan 355Philippines 360Sri Lanka 366

    Regional delegations 371Bangkok 371Beijing 377Jakarta 381Kuala Lumpur 385New Delhi 390Suva 396

    EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA 402

    Introduction 404

    Delegations 412Armenia 412Azerbaijan 417Georgia 423Ukraine 429

    Regional delegations 436Moscow 436Paris 442Tashkent 447Western Balkans 453

    Brussels 459London 463

    NEAR AND MIDDLE EAST 468

    Introduction 470

    Delegations 478Egypt 478Iran, Islamic Republic of 483Iraq 487Israel and the Occupied Territories 494Jordan 501Lebanon 507Syrian Arab Republic 514Yemen 521

  • 4 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

    ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

    A Additional Protocol I Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977

    Additional Protocol II Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II), 8 June 1977

    Additional Protocol III Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III), 8 December 2005

    1977 Additional Protocols Additional Protocols I and IIAfrican Union Convention on IDPs

    Convention for the Prevention of Internal Displacement and the Protection of and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, 23 October 2009

    AIDS Acquired immune deficiency syndromeAnti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

    Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on their Destruction, 18 September 1997

    armed conflict(s) International and/or non-international armed conflict(s): International armed conflicts exist whenever there is a resort to armed force between two or more States. Non-international armed conflicts are protracted armed confrontations occurring between governmental armed forces and the forces of one or more organized armed groups, or between such groups. The armed confrontation must reach a minimum level of intensity. International armed conflicts are governed, inter alia, by the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and Additional Protocol I, as applicable, while non-international armed conflicts are governed, inter alia, by Article 3 common to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol II, as applicable. Customary international humanitarian law also applies to both international and non-international armed conflicts.

    B Biological Weapons Convention

    Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, 10 April 1972

    C CHF Swiss francsChemical Weapons Convention

    Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, 13 January 1993

    Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons

    Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, 10 October 1980

    Convention on Enforced Disappearance

    International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, 20 December 2006

    F Fundamental Principles Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, universality

    G 1949 Geneva Conventions Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, 12 August 1949 Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, 12 August 1949 Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 12 August 1949Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, 12 August 1949

    H Hague Convention on Cultural Property Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, 14 May 1954

    Health Care in Danger project

    Health Care in Danger is a project of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) that aims to improve the security of the delivery of effective and impartial health care in armed conflict and other emergencies. It involves working with experts to develop practical measures and promoting the implementation of these measures by States, components of the Movement, humanitarian organizations, health-care professionals and other relevant actors. Launched in 2011, it is scheduled to run until 2017.

    HIV Human immunodeficiency virusI ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross, founded in 1863

    IDPs Internally displaced peopleInternational Conference International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which normally takes place once every

    four yearsInternational Federation The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, founded in 1919, works on

    the basis of the Fundamental Principles, carrying out relief operations in aid of the victims of natural disasters, health emergencies, and poverty brought about by socio-economic crises, and refugees; it combines this with development work to strengthen the capacities of its member National Societies.

    IHL International humanitarian law

  • ABBREVIATIONs AND DEFINITIONs | 5

    IOM International Organization for MigrationK KCHF Thousand Swiss francsM Montreux Document The Montreux document on pertinent international legal obligations and good practices for States

    related to operations of private military and security companies during armed conflictMovement The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement comprises the ICRC, the International

    Federation and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. These are all independent bodies. Each has its own status and exercises no authority over the others.

    N National Society National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies embody the Movements work and Fundamental Principles in over 180 countries. They act as auxiliaries to the public authorities of their own countries in the humanitarian field and provide a range of services, including disaster relief and health and social programmes. In times of conflict, National Societies help civilians and, where appropriate, support the military medical services.

    NATO North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationNGO Non-governmental organizationnon-refoulement Non-refoulement is the principle of international law that prohibits a State, a party to an armed

    conflict or an international organization from transferring a person within its control to another State if there are substantial grounds to believe that this person faces a risk of certain fundamental rights violations, notably torture and other forms of ill-treatment, persecution or arbitrary deprivation of life. This principle is found, with variations in scope, in IHL, international human rights law and international refugee law, as well as in a number of extradition treaties. The exact scope of who is covered by the principle of non-refoulement and what risks must be taken into account depends on the applicable legal framework that will determine which specific norms apply in a given context.

    O OCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian AffairsOHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsOptional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child

    Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, 25 May 2000

    other situations of violence This refers to situations of collective violence that fall below the threshold of an armed conflict but generate humanitarian consequences, in particular internal disturbances (internal strife) and tensions. The collective nature of the violence excludes self-directed or interpersonal violence. If such situations of collective violence have significant humanitarian consequences to which the ICRC can provide a relevant response, the ICRC may take any humanitarian initiative falling within its mandate as a specifically neutral, impartial and independent organization, in conformity with the Statutes of the Movement, article 5(2)(d) and 5(3).

    P POWs Prisoners of warR RCMs Red Cross messages

    remotely piloted aircraft Any aerial vehicle, including those from which weapons can be launched or deployed, operated by one or more human operators who are not physically located on board

    Restoring Family Links Strategy for the Movement

    In November 2007, the Movements Council of Delegates adopted the Restoring Family Links Strategy for the Movement. The strategy, which covers a ten-year period, aims to strengthen the Movements family-links network by enhancing the capacity of its components to respond to the needs of those without news of family members owing to armed conflict, other situations of violence, natural disasters or other circumstances, such as migration.

    Rome Statute Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, 17 July 1998S Safer Access Framework A set of measures and tools, grounded in the Fundamental Principles, that National Societies can

    use to prepare for and respond to context-specific challenges and priorities; such measures put a premium on mitigating the risks they face in sensitive and insecure contexts and on increasing their acceptance and access to people and communities with humanitarian needs

    San Remo The International Institute of Humanitarian Law, in San Remo, Italy, is a non-governmental organization set up in 1970 to spread knowledge and promote the development of IHL. It specializes in organizing courses on IHL for military personnel from around the world.

    Seville Agreement and its Supplementary Measures

    The 1997 Seville Agreement and its 2005 Supplementary Measures provide a framework for effective cooperation and partnership between the members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

  • 6 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

    Strengthening IHL process This process implements Resolution 1 of the 31st International Conference, at which the ICRC was tasked with pursuing further research and consultations in cooperation with States and, where appropriate, international/regional organizations and other relevant actors to identify options and propose recommendations with a view to (i) ensuring that IHL remains practical and relevant in providing legal protection to all people deprived of their freedom in relation to non-international armed conflict and (ii) enhancing the effectiveness of mechanisms for monitoring and promoting compliance with IHL. The ICRC reported on the outcomes of this process at the 32nd International Conference in December 2015.

    Study on customary IHL The study on customary IHL was published in 2005 by the ICRC as mandated by the 26th International Conference in 1995 after extensive research on State and international practices relevant to IHL. It identifies 161 rules of customary IHL, most of them applicable in both international and non-international armed conflicts, and outlines the practices underlying those rules. Since 2007, the study has been regularly updated through the continuous collection of practices and is freely accessible on the ICRCs online customary IHL database.

    T TB TuberculosisU UN United Nations

    UNDP United Nations Development ProgrammeUNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganizationUNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesUNICEF United Nations Childrens Fund

    W WFP World Food ProgrammeWHO World Health Organization

  • ABBREVIATIONs AND DEFINITIONs | 7

  • 8 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

    In 2015, the world was finally forced to sit up and take notice of the global impact of the humanitarian crises that have been unfolding in the Middle East and other parts of the world for many years now first, because of the highly mediatized situation of migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, arriving in Europe, and secondly, because of the surge in violent extremism and its rever-berations on international relations and public policies in a great number of countries.

    During the year, the arrival on Europes shores and borders of massive numbers of migrants was symptomatic of one of the most serious ongoing humanitarian problems of our time one that ultimately calls for a political solution. With the majority of those men, women and children fleeing the armed conflicts in Afghanistan and the Syrian Arab Republic (hereafter Syria) or insecurity in the Horn of Africa many having seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed, their loved ones killed or injured and their chances of a viable existence in temporary accommodations poor at best their plight suddenly became harder for the world to ignore. In the absence of political agreements to end the fighting, it became all the more vital to ensure a sustained and principled humanitarian response in the conflict-affected countries and their regional neighbours.

    The crisis affecting Europe was just one part of a much bigger picture: countless migrants living in or crossing through countries affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence in various parts of the world, particularly across the Arabian Peninsula, Central America,

    the Sahel region of Africa, and South-East Asia, continued to risk their lives in search of safety and a better future for themselves and their families. Addressing the needs and vulnerabilities of people in their countries of origin and along migration routes therefore became a priority for humanitarian action, with almost 80% of ICRC activities and nearly all areas of its growing response focusing on key conflict environments and neighbouring regions.

    The palpable spread of violent extremism over the past year with the increased use of social media networks to promote violence and to radicalize and recruit large numbers of people from around the world to commit atrocities, including on foreign soil was another stark reminder of the turmoil in the Middle East and other conflict-affected regions. It compounded the effect of widespread violations of IHL and resulted in a prevailing unease that no one is fully immune to the effects of conflicts that may originate on the other side of the globe.

    For the ICRC, these trends have manifold implications and pose many challenges. In 2015, several of our biggest operations were conducted in places where violent conflict caused massive displacement of people, within and across national borders. Our operation in Syria was the largest in terms of expenditure for the third successive year, followed by South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia all of them suffering the effects of protracted armed conflicts, often with regional and even global repercussions. The alarming humanitarian consequences of Yemens deepening armed conflict, resurging tensions in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, perennial fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, intensifying violence in Burundi and its repercussions for the Great Lakes region, and the Ukraine conflict were also among our top operational priorities throughout the year. In many of these contexts, we gave our programming a regional dimension in order to mitigate the effects of violence. Through carefully measured growth, the initial field budget of almost CHF 1.4 billion was supplemented with budget extensions for 11 contexts amounting to an additional CHF 210.3 million to address the evolving humanitarian needs.

    The number, complexity and systemic impact of simultaneous conflict-driven crises around the world and the epic scale of the humanitarian needs they generated meant we had to be more pragmatic and innovative than ever to overcome the constraints to the ICRCs neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian approach, while adhering to the Fundamental Principles adopted 50 years ago and demonstrating their continued relevance in such a fast-evolving environment.

    In the past year, lack of respect for even the most fundamental rules of IHL by numerous States and non-State armed groups remained an overriding challenge. Flagrant violations including direct attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, and disregard for the rules governing humanitarian access characterized many of the armed conflicts where we worked. A critical issue remained gaining acceptance and access in order to work close to people in need of protection and assistance, on all sides of front lines, and to engage all parties to conflicts. The security risks inherent in this approach were sadly evident, with one staff member killed in Mali in March and two

    MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

    K. C

    ook-

    Pelle

    grin

    /ICRC

  • MEssAGE FROM THE PREsIDENT | 9

    others in Yemen in September. Four colleagues who had been abducted were still being held at years end.

    In the case particularly of non-State armed groups, the ICRC faces unprecedented challenges in seeking to engage with them in order to gain humanitarian access to vulnerable people in areas under their control. We made strenuous efforts at the policy, strategic and operational levels over the past year and will continue to do so to try to deliver an impartial humanitarian response for all those in need and to tackle the ethical and practical dilemmas that may arise in such situations. Front-line humanitarian negotiation in new strategic environments became a key focus of our efforts to enlarge the humanitarian space.

    We reiterated the basic message that respect for IHL and the principle of humanity is the single most effective way to reduce suffering in war. We did this at every level, notably at the UN General Assembly in New York, United States of America, and in a joint statement with the UN secretary-general in Geneva, Switzerland, in October. At every opportunity, we highlighted the importance of respecting the key principles guiding the conduct of hostilities, namely distinction, proportionality and precaution; of treating people deprived of their freedom humanely; of stopping the use of illegal weapons and the illegal use of weapons; and of proactively protecting those not or no longer participating in hostilities.

    The rise of violent extremism, and the response to it, has likewise posed challenges. It bears repeating that all intentional attacks against non-combatants and all attacks aimed at spreading terror are prohibited under IHL. While the ICRC fully respects the right of States to take lawful measures to prevent attacks on their citizens and to ensure State security, the narrative and some of the practice related to countering violent extremism have raised a number of concerns about restrictive measures that may be difficult to monitor and safeguard against, and highlighted dilemmas in balancing military and security necessities with protection issues. Understanding and responding in the most appropriate way to this new reality, while underscoring the relevance of IHL or other applicable legal standards, was and will continue to be one of our global humanitarian diplomacy priorities.

    The year also saw the adoption of the new Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, both of which have implications for humanitarian action, particularly in situations of protracted armed conflict or violence. On the humanitarian policy front, the ICRC needed to engage proactively on these issues and offer a clearer understanding of the distinctiveness of humanitarian action, but also of the possibilities of working better with those involved in longer-term stabilization efforts. Other significant areas of concern included the need to strike a better balance between the work of local and international actors, and between private and public efforts to respond to crises.

    The 32nd International Conference, held in Geneva in December2015, brought together representatives from 169governments, 185National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation, the ICRC and more than 100 observers. It was a key opportunity to achieve policy consensus and deliver substantive, concrete

    outcomes on a number of issues of pressing humanitarian concern. In the domain of IHL, while States failed to agree on the creation of a formal compliance mechanism, they nevertheless agreed to continue negotiations towards enhancing the implementation of IHL. They also agreed to continue working for stronger legal protection for people detained in relation particularly to non-in-ternational armed conflicts. Critical resolutions on Health Care in Danger and sexual and gender-based violence matters of grave humanitarian concern in many armed conflicts or other emergencies around the world were adopted, marking significant progress towards enhancing protection in those regards.

    At the Council of Delegates, the various components of the Movement demonstrated their commitment to work together, adopting a logo for use in fundraising and promotional activities in specific situations and a resolution strengthening internal coordination and cooper-ation. More broadly, both meetings provided a unique platform for further strengthening and developing key partnerships within the Movement, and for enhancing joint planning on issues of common interest in conflict- or disaster-affected contexts an essential consideration if we are to tackle the magnitude and complexity of the humanitarian needs that we face today.

    Peter Maurer

  • 10 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

    ICRC CORPORATE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKINSTITUTIONAL STRATEGYAccording to the ICRC mission statement, the overall human-itarian mission of the institution, as an impartial, neutral and independent organization rooted in IHL, is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

    On this basis, the ICRCs four-year strategy is made available publicly and in the ICRCs yearly Headquarters Appeal. It assesses

    opportunities and challenges in the environment in question, analyses the most important stakeholders, and defines the organizations desired positioning, the scope of its action, and its ambitions. It sets strategic orientations and fields of activity for fulfilling the ICRCs humanitarian mission. It clearly states the values and principles guiding the ICRCs action and approach.

    KEY SUCCESS FACTORS/AREAS OF RISKThe ICRCs six key success factors/areas of risk, which belong to the institutional risk management framework, are the elements critical to the organization and its work. They are:

    X three factors related mainly to the ICRCs own capacity to act (internal key success factors/areas of risk): relevance (of response), organization and processes, and human resources capacity and mobility

    X three factors related mainly to the external environment (external key success factors/areas of risk): access (to victims), reputation/acceptance, and positioning

    In each area, the ICRC can encounter risks and opportunities; by influencing these areas, the ICRC can reduce its vulnerability to the risks and take better advantage of the opportunities, thus improving its response to the needs of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence and positioning itself as a main player in this respect.

    The ICRCs key success factors/areas of risk constitute a common reading grid for analysis in yearly and other reviews by the Directorate. Such reviews include the results achieved, an assessment of risks, and the definition or updating of management objectives and action plans to mitigate the main risks and reinforce the key success factors. These aim to ensure the organizations efficient management according to available resources and priorities and thus preserve the ICRCs reputation and enable it to continue to demonstrate its added value. Annual reviews are submitted to the ICRC Assembly.

    The ICRCs key success factors/areas of risk are defined as follows: X The relevance of the ICRCs response refers to meeting the most pressing needs of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence in an evidence-based, result-oriented and timely manner, and using the ICRCs traditional modes of action (support, substitution, persuasion, mobilization and denunciation).

    X Organization and processes pertain to the structure of the ICRC and its decision-making, working and information management processes. It includes the management models, structures, procedures and rules that govern the work of its staff and contribute to the ICRCs reputation as a professional, effective and efficient organization.

    X Human resources capacity and mobility refer to the organizations values, policies and methods for managing its staff. It also refers to the willingness and readiness of staff members to better serve the ICRC and people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.

    X Access to victims refers to reaching people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence in order to assess their needs and vulnerabilities, to deliver aid and to monitor the compliance with IHL and other applicable norms by the parties concerned. The ICRCs access to those in need depends greatly

    ICRC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND DESCRIPTIONS OF PROGRAMMESICRC corporate management framework 10Institutional strategy 10Key success factors/areas of risk 10Comprehensive analysis and multidisciplinary

    and complementary approaches 11Modes of action 11Levels of intervention 11Result-based management 12Coordination 12Services at headquarters 12Target populations in field operations 13

    Programme descriptions 14Protection 14Assistance 15Prevention 17Cooperation with National Societies 18General 19

    ICRC field structure 19Regional breakdown 19Operations worldwide 20

    Planning and budgets 21

    Contributions 21Levels of earmarking 21Contributions in kind/cash for kind 21Contributions in services 21

    Description of the accounting model 22Overview 22Cost type accounting 22

    Internal control system 23

    Internal audit 23

    External audit 23

    Annexes 24The ICRCs operational approach to result-based management:

    improving humanitarian action 24The ICRCs operational approach to women and girls 33The ICRCs operational approach to children 38The ICRCs operational approach to displacement 44

  • ICRC MANAGEMENT FRAMEwORk AND DEsCRIPTIONs OF PROGRAMMEs | 11

    on its reputation and on the acceptance of the organization by parties to the conflict and by key decision-makers.

    X The ICRCs reputation refers to the way in which the organization is perceived by parties to the conflict and by other key stakeholders. Acceptance of the organization involves parties to the conflict and other key stakeholders recognizing and accepting the neutral, impartial and independent nature of the ICRC and its specific mandate under IHL and the Statutes of the Movement to protect and assist those affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. The ICRCs reputation and the extent to which the organization is accepted directly influence its ability to gain access to victims and to attract qualified staff and funding.

    X Positioning refers to the space the ICRC occupies within the humanitarian landscape (in terms of purpose, complementarity, benchmarking, etc.), its perceived added value for the people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, and donors perception of the organizations relevance, effectiveness and efficiency.

    COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND COMPLEMENTARY APPROACHESThe ICRC endeavours to respond to the humanitarian needs arising from todays complex armed conflicts and other situations of violence in the most timely, humane and professional way possible. Each situation requires thorough analysis a sensitive, but objective assessment of the scope of human suffering, peoples needs and vulnerabilities and their strengths for the the design and imple-mentation of tailored and efficient humanitarian responses.

    Situations have to be considered holistically, in a way that integrates local, regional and global elements and takes into account the broad range of problems facing the populations the ICRC aims to help. Therefore, for any action to be undertaken, a comprehensive analysis is carried out of the situation, the points of view of the people affected (e.g. residents, migrants, IDPs, people deprived of their freedom, and other specifically vulnerable people/groups be they women, girls, men or boys), the actors present, and the stakes and dynamics involved. This enables the ICRC to identify the people adversely affected and their specific needs, vulner-abilities and strengths. An effective response requires a clear understanding of the cause of the problems and a good knowledge of local facilities and of peoples capabilities and their potential. The direct involvement of those affected is therefore essential to ensure that their views, concerns, vulnerabilities and capacities are taken into consideration in the definition of the response. The ICRC endeavours to obtain an overall perspective of a human-itarian issue by looking at all aspects of the problem and all possible responses. It is also important that the ICRC ensures the coherence of its activities in the medium and long term.

    The ICRCs mission is a dynamic one that combines the defence of individual rights by fostering respect by the authorities and other actors of their obligations, with a response to needs, through neutral, impartial and independent action. The organization combines four approaches in its overall strategy after analysing a situation in order to, directly or indirectly, in the short, medium or long term, ensure respect for the lives, dignity, and physical and mental well-being of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. In such situations, the ICRCs action under its four programmes (protection, assistance, prevention and cooperation) seeks to prevent and eradicate the causes of human suffering and to alleviate it where it already exists, as well as to strengthen the

    Movement, as a network. The ICRC promotes the adoption of and respect for legal norms, makes confidential representations in the event that obligations are not fulfilled or laws are violated, delivers relief aid, helps strengthen peoples resilience to the difficulties that they face, initiates early recovery measures, launches commu-nication campaigns and trains first-aid volunteers, all towards a coherent humanitarian mission. Effective monitoring and critical evaluation, drawing on lessons learnt from past experience, are also crucial to this process, as is coordination with the numerous actors present on the increasingly complex humanitarian scene.

    To carry out comprehensive analyses, set objectives and define and implement plans of action, the ICRC works with multidisciplinary teams composed of specialists and general staff, both male and female, who are led and coordinated by management with clear policies and priorities. The implementation of the ICRC mission is characterized by the strategic use of various modes of action at different levels of intervention, the delivery of various services at the headquarters, and, in its field operations, a focus on different target populations associated with a diverse range of activities requiring varied skills and expertise (programmes).

    MODES OF ACTIONThe modes of action used by the ICRC are the following:

    X persuasion: confidential representations addressed to the authorities and aimed at convincing them to enhance respect for IHL and/or other fundamental rules protecting persons in situations of violence and to take measures which improve the circumstances of people affected by such situations

    X mobilization: activities aimed at prevailing on third parties to influence the behaviour or actions of the authorities, to support them, or to directly provide services to people in need

    X support: activities aimed at providing assistance to the authorities so that they are better able to carry out their functions and fulfil their responsibilities

    X substitution: activities to directly provide services to people in need, often in place of authorities who are not able or not willing to do so

    X denunciation (resorted to by the ICRC only in exceptional circumstances and under strict conditions): public declarations regarding repeated violations of IHL or other fundamental rules protecting persons in situations of violence committed by specific actors, for the purpose of bringing a halt to such violations or preventing their recurrence

    The modes of action used by the ICRC depend on the situation, the problems encountered and the objectives to be achieved. They aim to make the relevant actors aware of their responsibilities, and to foster compliance with these. The ICRC does not limit itself to any one of mode of action; on the contrary, it combines them, striking a balance between them either simultaneously or consecutively.

    LEVELS OF INTERVENTIONThe activities carried out under the ICRCs programmes are conducted at the following complementary levels to reach common objectives in aid of the populations affected, including their early recovery:

    X preventing or alleviating the immediate effects of an emerging or established pattern of abuse or problem (responsive action)

    X restoring dignified living conditions through rehabilitation, restitution and reparation (remedial action)

    X fostering a social, cultural, institutional and legal environment conducive to respect for IHL and/or other fundamental rules protecting persons in situations of violence (environment-building action)

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    RESULT-BASED MANAGEMENTOn the basis of an analysis of the given situation and of the humanitarian issues, and often within a longer-term strategy, the ICRC defines objectives with plans of action and indicators for the coming year or, in some cases, for the next two years for each context where it operates. The plans of action and indicators describe how the ICRC aims to work towards the objectives in question. Changes in situations and humanitarian issues may require objectives, plans of action and indicators to be revised during the year. Objectives and plans of action and indicators are organized according to target populations and list activities according to programme; the accounting system is structured accordingly (see descriptions below).

    ICRC Appeals provide donors with information about these objec-tives, their plans of action and indicators and the corresponding budget. The ICRC also produces an Annual Report, which provides information descriptive, quantitative and financial regarding those objectives and plans of action and indicators. Whenever possible, the reporting is result-oriented. It includes a description of the products and services resulting from processes that use a combination of resources, and their effect or results at output, outcome or impact level.

    The ICRC works according to the following definitions of the terminology used, adopted on the basis of common usage in existing literature:

    X input: human, technical, material and financial resources and logistical means that enable a person/organization to do something

    X activity: any action or process through which inputs are combined to generate goods and services (outputs)

    X output: the products, goods and services that people receive as a result of ICRC activities and that are expected to lead to the achievement of outcomes

    X outcome: short and medium term short-term outcome: the likely, or achieved, short-term

    effects of the output that are expected to lead to the achievement of medium-term outcomes

    medium-term outcome: the likely, or achieved, medium-term (one- to five-year) effects of the short-term outcome that are expected to contribute to the impact

    X impact: primary and secondary long-term effects to which interventions contribute, positively or negatively, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended. The ICRC, as any other actor, is likely only to contribute to an impact.

    COORDINATIONBesides its close coordination and cooperation with its Movement partners, notably with National Societies, the ICRC coordinates its humanitarian response with all other actors be they State or non-State authorities, UN agencies, international, regional, national or faith-based organizations and acknowledges that coordination of the humanitarian response is complex because of the diversity of humanitarian actors, particularly at regional and local level. It has adopted a pragmatic approach to institutional and operational coordination, believing that humanitarian coordi-nation should be reality-based and action-oriented.

    Through its participation in coordination meetings at regional and field level, as well as bilateral discussions, the ICRC seeks to contribute to: providing the best possible protection and assis-tance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence; avoiding gaps and duplication; and ensuring that

    any humanitarian response supports the peoples own resilience to difficulties and their recovery efforts. It is firmly convinced that the needs of those affected should be met by the organi-zations best placed to do so in operational terms, including existing skills, available capabilities, access and funding in the context concerned.

    It does not hesitate to share with other humanitarian actors to the extent compatible with its neutral, impartial and independent stance and its commitment to confidentiality its analysis of the context or security situation, results of needs assessments and its technical expertise. In order to preserve this strictly humanitarian approach, the ICRC favours interaction with humanitarian actors operational on the ground and has always refrained from being associated with any approach that involves objectives that are anything other than humanitarian. This has proved particularly useful in situations in which the UN plays a strong political role or is engaged in peace operations alongside humanitarian work. While the ICRC remains outside the set-up of UN agencies and the cluster system, to facilitate effective humanitarian coordination, it participates as a standing invitee in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and as an observer in Humanitarian Country Teams clusters and other fora. The organization also maintains relations with many other interna-tional actors, including the humanitarian branches of regional inter-governmental organizations and international NGOs and their consortia, such as the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, engaging them on issues of humanitarian action, coordination and policy-making. The ICRC proactively participates, in coordi-nation with its Movement partners, in the preparations for the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit.

    SERVICES AT HEADQUARTERSIn setting its headquarters objectives and plans of action, the ICRC has drawn up a standard list of six services, divided into three broad categories. These are defined as follows:

    X Guidance Environment scanning/analysis: services that analyse/

    monitor the organizations external environment Policy and guidelines/Research and development: services

    either that formulate policies and strategic positions and ensure that they are implemented in a coherent manner (monitoring and follow-up), or that develop specific expertise for transfer to units and divisions at headquarters and in the field

    X Internal support Corporate support: services aimed at all units and

    divisions at headquarters and in the field and which provide back-office support to ensure that the organization runs smoothly

    Support for action: services that support units and divisions at headquarters, as well as field delegations (often at their own request), in fulfilling their mission in a given context (contextualization of expertise)

    X External interaction External relations/Humanitarian diplomacy/Mobilization:

    services that manage relations with the various actors in the ICRCs environment; undertake diplomatic dmarches and representations; and promote the organizations position

    Services and products: services and products aimed at National Societies, international organizations and NGOs, governments and States, and at beneficiaries/individuals

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    TARGET POPULATIONS IN FIELD OPERATIONSIn setting its field objectives, the ICRC has drawn up a standard list of five target groups, divided into two broad categories. These are defined as follows:

    X Affected populations/persons are individuals or segments of the population suffering the direct and/or indirect effects of a confirmed or emerging armed conflict or other situation of violence, who do not or no longer take a direct part in the hostilities or violence. The aim of ICRC action for such people is to ensure that they are respected and protected and to alleviate the suffering caused by the situation, in accordance with the provisions of IHL and other fundamental rules protecting people in situations of violence. The ICRC distinguishes between three different groups of people: civilians:

    all people who do not or no longer take a direct part in hostilities or violence but whose physical or mental integrity and dignity are either threatened or otherwise affected during an armed conflict or other situation of violence

    people deprived of their freedom:all individuals deprived of their freedom, with a special focus on those held in connection with an armed conflict or other situation of violence, such as POWs, civilian internees and security detainees

    the wounded and sick:people civilians or weapon bearers injured or suffering from disease or otherwise in need of medical assistance or care in an armed conflict or other situation of violence

    X The second broad category comprises actors of influence and the Movement. The ICRC endeavours to work with influential individuals or institutions to promote full respect for IHL or other fundamental rules protecting people in situations of violence, and to ensure that the people in need receive protection and assistance. actors of influence:

    Certain individuals or institutions have a capacity to stop or prevent the violation of IHL or other fundamental rules protecting people in situations of violence, and to protect or aid those affected when humanitarian problems arise. Those actors are also in a position to facilitate (or hinder) the ICRCs access to the people affected and/or foster accep-tance of the ICRCs work. This category not only includes political authorities, armed, police and security forces, and non-State armed groups, but also the media, associations of various kinds, NGOs, community leaders, religious authorities and other opinion-shapers, economic entities, academic institutions, the youth and other representatives of civil society.

    the Movement:Besides the ICRC, the Movement comprises the National Societies and their International Federation. There are over 180 National Societies in the world, carrying out humanitarian services for the benefit of the community. The ICRC considers the National Society its primary local partner in each country, sharing the same Fundamental Principles and working in partnership with it while at the same time contributing to further enhancing its emergency preparedness and response capacities. Partnership with National Societies is a valuable asset towards obtaining the best possible access to beneficiaries and delivering a relevant humanitarian response, and is one of the distinguishing features of the ICRCs cooperation within the Movement.

    Particular concernsThe ICRC pays particular attention to some categories of people more vulnerable to specific risks, and to situations which may engender or exacerbate vulnerability.

    Armed conflict and other situations of violence, such as internal disturbances, including violent protests and riots, generate immediate additional health-care requirements for wounded and sick people whether they are directly involved in the fighting or not that exceed peacetime needs. The right of wounded combatants and civilians to be spared further suffering during armed conflict and to receive assistance is asserted in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. International human rights law protects health care at all times, including during internal disturbances. Safeguarding health care has been a priority for ICRC delegations and National Societies for several years, with staff often pioneering approaches to overcome day-to-day challenges. Operational responses always have the same objective: sick or wounded people, including the weapon-wounded, not or no longer participating in armed conflict or other situations of violence, are protected in accordance with IHL and/or other applicable norms and have access to effective, timely and impartial medical services; political authorities, weapon bearers, influential civil society representatives and, therefore, the public are aware of the (potential) impact of fighting on the delivery of medical care and help safeguard these services.

    Violence between parties fighting for territorial control often leads to civilians being uprooted from their homes. Forced displacement could aim at, among other things, weakening enemy forces by targeting communities considered to be supportive of them or at facilitating appropriation of property or access to natural resources. IDPs are those compelled to flee their homes, leaving most of their personal belongings behind, often to resettle in over-pop-ulated areas in conditions of extreme poverty, without gainful employment and seldom having the benefit of basic services such as a clean water supply, sewage systems, health care or education.

    Children are not spared in armed conflict; they not only represent a large segment of the population but are also more vulnerable than adults. They should benefit both from the general protection guaranteed by law to people not taking a direct part in hostilities and from specific protection accorded to them, as a particularly vulnerable group (children are covered by 25 articles in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols). Despite these, children are a major beneficiary of the ICRCs prevention, protection and assistance programmes worldwide. They are often the witnesses of atrocities committed against their relatives. Many of them are killed, wounded or imprisoned, torn from their families, forcibly recruited into combat, and otherwise exploited by fighting parties, compelled to flee or left without even an identity.

    Women and girls mostly experience armed conflict as civilians, and as such are often exposed to acts of violence. Such acts include not only death or injury from indiscriminate attacks and mine explosions, but also direct assault. The loss of male relatives and deprivation of access to the basic means of survival and health care make women and girls vulnerable; however, in many cases they also display remarkable strength, taking on the responsi-bility of protecting and supporting their families in the midst of armed conflict. It is therefore imperative to understand in which way, owing to their status and role in a given context, women and girls are affected and how humanitarian programmes can best

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    contribute to alleviating their plight and to reinforcing their own capabilities and positive coping mechanisms.

    Migrants can become vulnerable at many stages of their journey and face difficulties that affect their physical integrity, dignity and well-being, and that of their families. Migrants may pass through areas affected by conflict or violence, or be expelled, trapped and/or held in hostile environments, placing them at risk of facing violence or other forms of abuse. In these situations, they are often the first potential victims of various actors, including armed/criminal groups or militias, which seek to take advantage of their vulnerability along the migratory process. In some cases, they are directly targeted by the parties to the conflict for the simple fact of being foreigners.

    In armed conflict and other situations of violence, sexual violence, including rape, is widespread and can be used as a tactic of warfare against the civilian population, affecting both individuals women, girls, men and boys and entire communities. Persons deprived of their freedom are subjected to sexual abuse, in addition to other forms of ill-treatment. Such acts are strictly prohibited by IHL and international human rights law. They violate human dignity and are deeply damaging to the individuals physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being; in most cases, the suffering extends to the victims family and, in some circumstances, to the whole community. The stigma associated with the issue, the fear of reprisal or rejection and the feelings of shame or guilt may prevent survivors from coming forward, such that the full extent of the problem is often concealed; many victims continue to suffer in silence.

    As the ICRC aims to provide a comprehensive response to all populations affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence, neither its programmes (protection, assistance, prevention and cooperation with National Societies) nor their corresponding budgets are designed to cater solely to one of the specific groups described above. Donors wishing to help the ICRC manage contri-butions to its programmes in the most efficient way possible are referred to the proposed criteria for levels of earmarking set out in the Contributions section of this chapter each year.

    PROGRAMME DESCRIPTIONSICRC programmes aim to respond to the diverse humanitarian needs arising from armed conflicts and other situations of violence, in line with the organizations mission. The means and measures by which a programme is implemented are called activities; ICRC programmes involve a wide range of activities that fall within the ICRCs specific areas of expertise and which often require particular professional skills. ICRC operations are structured into four main programmes: protection, assistance, prevention and cooperation with National Societies.

    PROTECTIONIn order to preserve the lives, security, dignity and physical and mental well-being of people adversely affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, the ICRC has adopted a protection approach that aims to ensure that the authorities and other players involved fulfil their obligations and uphold the rights of individuals protected by law. It also tries to prevent and/or put an end to actual or probable violations of IHL and other bodies of law protecting people in such situations. Protection focuses both on the causes and circumstances of violations, targeting those responsible and those who can influence them, and on the consequences of the violations.

    The programme covers all activities designed to ensure protection of the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. The beneficiaries include, inter alia, resident and displaced civilians, vulnerable migrants, people deprived of their freedom (in particular POWs, security detainees, internees and other vulnerable people), people separated from their relatives because of conflict, violence or other circumstances, such as natural disasters or migration, and missing persons and their families. Fighters and other persons participating in the hostilities also indirectly benefit from the ICRCs work in this domain, particularly in relation to the organizations advocacy on prohibiting certain weapons and tactics of warfare.

    As a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organi-zation, the ICRC seeks to ensure that all the parties to a conflict and all authorities provide individuals and groups with the full respect and protection that are due them under IHL and other fundamental rules protecting persons in situations of violence. In response to violations of these rules, the ICRC endeavours, as much as possible through constructive and confidential dialogue, to encourage the authorities concerned to take corrective action and to prevent any recurrence. Delegations monitor the situation and the treatment of the civilian population and people deprived of their freedom, discuss their findings with the authorities concerned, recommend measures and conduct follow-up activities.

    Protection of people deprived of their freedomThe objective of the ICRCs activities for people deprived of their freedom is to ensure that their physical and mental integrity is fully respected and that their living conditions and treatment are in line with IHL and other fundamental rules and interna-tionally recognized standards. As circumstances dictate, the ICRC strives to prevent forced disappearances or extrajudicial execu-tions, ill-treatment and failure to respect fundamental judicial guarantees, and, whenever necessary, takes action to improve living conditions and treatment. These involve, in particular:

    X negotiating with the authorities to obtain access to people deprived of their freedom wherever they may be held, in accordance with procedures that guarantee the effectiveness and consistency of ICRC action

    X visiting detainees and having discussions in private with them, assessing their living conditions and treatment and identifying any shortcomings and humanitarian needs

    X monitoring individual detainees (for specific protection, medical or other purposes)

    X re-establishing and maintaining family contact (such as by facilitating family visits or forwarding RCMs)

    X fostering a confidential and meaningful dialogue with the authorities at all levels regarding any problems of a humanitarian nature that may arise and the action and resources required to improve the situation, when necessary

    X under specific conditions, providing material assistance to detainees, implementing technical interventions, or engaging in cooperation with the authorities on specific issues and supporting them in undertaking reform processes

    Visits to places of detention are carried out by the ICRC in accor-dance with strict conditions:

    X delegates must be provided with full and unimpeded access to all detainees falling within its field of interest and to all premises and facilities used by and for them

    X delegates must be able to hold private interviews with the detainees of their choice

    X delegates must be able to repeat their visits

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    X detainees falling within the ICRCs field of interest must be notified individually to the ICRC, and the ICRC must be able to draw up lists of their names

    Protection of the civilian populationProtection activities for the civilian population are intended to ensure that individuals and groups not or no longer taking a direct part in hostilities are fully respected and protected, in accordance with IHL or other fundamental rules protecting persons in situa-tions of violence. These involve, in particular:

    X engaging in dialogue with the relevant parties at all levels to discuss humanitarian issues, to remind them of their legal obligations and to support their compliance efforts

    X monitoring individuals and communities who are particularly vulnerable and/or exposed to serious risks of abuse, reducing their exposure to those risks and reinforcing their own protection mechanisms

    In 2013, the ICRC adopted a specific strategy aimed at strength-ening its response in this field during emergency situations.

    Restoring family linksFamily-links services encompass a broad range of activities aiming to: prevent family members from becoming separated; enable relatives to restore and maintain contact with each other; reunite families; and clarify the fates of people who had been reported missing and to prevent more incidents of people becoming unaccounted for. The Movements worldwide family-links network composed of the services of the National Societies and the ICRC is committed to helping people reconnect with relatives who had become separated from them as a result of armed conflict, other situations of violence, natural disaster, migration or other circumstances that require a humanitarian response; the networks efforts include:

    X organizing the exchange of family news (through various means, such as RCMs, telephones, satellite phones, radio broadcasts and the Internet)

    X tracing people separated from their families, including vulnerable adults and minors (unaccompanied and separated children, children associated with armed forces or armed groups, etc.)

    X registering and keeping track of individuals to prevent their disappearance and enable their families to be informed about their whereabouts

    X reuniting and repatriating people X facilitating family visits to persons deprived of their freedom or across front lines

    X collecting, managing and forwarding information on deaths X issuing ICRC travel documents for people who, owing to conflict, violence, migration or other circumstances, are unable to obtain or renew documents that would permit them to travel, in order for them to return to their country of origin, be reunited with their family or be resettled in a third country

    Missing personsActivities for missing persons are intended to shed light on the fate and/or whereabouts of people who are unaccounted for as a conse-quence of an armed conflict, other situation of violence or migration, and thereby help alleviate the suffering caused to their relatives by the uncertainty surrounding their fate. The ICRC pursues a strictly humanitarian approach to the issue, which involves:

    X supporting the development of normative frameworks, including for engaging in activities aimed at preventing disappearances, and encouraging governments to enact or implement legislation to prevent people from becoming

    unaccounted for, to ascertain the fate and whereabouts of missing persons through appropriate mechanisms and measures, and to protect and support the families of missing persons

    X working closely with families of missing persons and with the relevant authorities and organizations to accelerate the tracing process, including by: providing technical advice to national authorities; chairing coordination mechanisms between former parties to a conflict; collecting tracing requests; providing support for the collection and management of ante-mortem data and the recovery and identification of human remains; promoting best practices in forensics as they relate to the search for the missing; and publishing and updating lists of persons reported missing

    X assessing the multifaceted needs (e.g. psychosocial, economic, legal, administrative) of families of missing persons and the local resources available to meet those needs, and helping address them in close coordination with the authorities, National Societies, NGOs, family associations and other service providers

    ASSISTANCEThe aim of assistance is to preserve life and/or restore the dignity of individuals or communities adversely affected by an armed conflict or other situation of violence. Assistance activities address the conse-quences of violations of IHL or other fundamental rules protecting people in situations of violence. They may also tackle the causes and circumstances of such violations by reducing exposure to risks.

    Assistance programmes are designed to preserve or restore acceptable living conditions for people affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence, to enable them to maintain an adequate standard of living in their respective social and cultural context until their basic needs are met by the authorities or through their own means. The beneficiaries are primarily resident or displaced civilians, vulnerable groups such as minorities and the families of people who are unaccounted for, the sick and the wounded (both military and civilian) and people deprived of their freedom.

    Economic securityEconomic security activities are designed to ensure that house-holds and communities have access to the services and resources required to meet their essential economic needs, as defined by their physical condition and social and cultural environment. In practice, this translates into three different types of intervention:

    X relief interventions: to protect lives and livelihoods by providing people with the goods and/or services essential for their survival when they can no longer obtain these through their own means