Icrc Annual Report 2002 PDF

Annual
Report
2002
This report is primarily an account of the ICRC’s 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 civil wars and internal disturbances and
tension. Other negotiations are not mentioned, since the ICRC
feels that any publicity would not be in the interest of the victims.
Thus, this report cannot be regarded as covering all the
institution's 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 (Sfr).

On 31 December 2002, the average exchange rate was:
Sfr 1.5720 to US$ 1.
ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002
MISSION
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
is an impartial, neutral and independent organization
whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect
the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence
and to provide them with assistance.
It directs and coordinates the international relief activities

conducted by the Movement in situations of conflict.
It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting

and strengthening humanitarian law
and universal humanitarian principles.
Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin

of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

International Committee of the Red Cross
External Resources Division
19 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
T +41 22 734 6001 F +41 22 733 2057
E-mail: rex.gva@icrc.org www.icrc.org
Original: English
June 2003
1
CONTENTS
Message from the president PART 2 .................. 39
and the director-general . . . . . . 4 Latin America & the Caribbean 200
The ICRC around the world (map) . 40
Organizational changes in 2002 . . 6 Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Operational highlights . . . . . . . . . . 42
ICRC operations in 2002: Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
PART 1 .................. 7 a few facts and figures . . . . . . . . . 46 Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Regional delegations
Institutional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Buenos Aires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Management Control . . . . . . . . 8
Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Caracas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Humanitarian diplomacy . . . . . 9 Angola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Mexico City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Media services . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Burundi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Planning, Congo, Democratic Republic of the . 61
monitoring and evaluation . . . . 10 Congo, Republic of the . . . . . . . . . 66 Europe & North America . . . . 230
Political analysis . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Eritrea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Ethiopia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Albania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Relations
ICRC mission to the OAU . . . . . . . . 79 Bosnia and Herzegovina . . . . . . . . 236
with the corporate sector . . . . . 14
Guinea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Macedonia,
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 former Yugoslav Republic of . . . . . . 240
Protection
Rwanda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Southern Caucasus :
and Central Tracing Agency . . . 15
Sierra Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Armenia and Azerbaijan . . . . . . 244
Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Somalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sudan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of . . . 253
Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Relations Uganda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Regional delegations
with international organizations 22 Regional delegations Budapest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
International law Kyiv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
and communication . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Abidjan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Dakar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Moscow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Historical research . . . . . . . . . . 25 Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Policy and cooperation Harare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
within the Movement . . . . . . . . 25 Lagos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Brussels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
International humanitarian law . 28 Nairobi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pretoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Paris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Human resources and finances . . . 36 Yaoundé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 International Tracing Service . . . . . . 280
Human resources . . . . . . . . . . 36
Finance and administration . . . 37
Archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Asia & the Pacific . . . . . . . . . . 142 Middle East & North Africa .. 282
Information systems . . . . . . . . 38 Afghan conflict : Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Library and research service . . . 38 Afghanistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Iran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Pakistan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Israel, the occupied territories
Myanmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 and the autonomous territories . . . . 301
Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Sri Lanka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Syria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Timor Leste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Yemen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Regional delegations Regional delegations
Bangkok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Kuwait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Kuala Lumpur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Tunis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
New Delhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Protection and assistance statistics 335
Suva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Tashkent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
CONTENTS
PART 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 Contributions in kind, in services ANNEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
and to delegated projects in 2002
Table 8
The financial year 2002 . . . . . . . . 344 Contributions in kind, Organizational chart . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Financial statements 2002 in services and ICRC decision-making structures . . 413
of the ICRC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 to delegated projects in 2002 . . 382 International advisers . . . . . . . . . . 415
Table 1 Relief and medical assistance tables The ICRC and the International
Balance sheet Table 9.1 Red Cross and Red Crescent
as at 31 December 2002 . . . . . 346 Contributions in kind Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Table 2 received and purchases Legal bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
Statement of income and made by the ICRC in 2002 . . . . 387 Universal acceptance of the
expenditure for the year ended Table 9.2 Geneva Conventions and their
31 December 2002 . . . . . . . . . 347 Relief supplies Additional Protocols . . . . . . . . . 417
Table 3 dispatched by the ICRC in 2002 388 States party to the Geneva
Cash flow statement for the year Table 9.3 Conventions and their
ended 31 December 2002 . . . . 348 Relief supplies distributed Additional Protocols (map) . . . . . . 418
Table 4 by the ICRC in 2002 . . . . . . . . 390 States party to the Geneva
Statement of changes Special funds Conventions and their
in reserves for the year ended Table 10.1 Additional Protocols (table) . . . . . . 420
31 December 2002 . . . . . . . . . 349 Foundation for the Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Table 5 International Committee
Notes to the Financial Statement of the Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 10.2
392
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
as at 31 December 2002 . . . . . 350
Auditor’s letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 Augusta Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Income and expenditure in 2002 Table 10.3
Table 6.1 Florence Nightingale
Income and expenditure Medal Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
related to the 2002 Emergency Table 10.4
and Headquarters Appeals . . . 368 Clare R. Benedict Fund . . . . . . . 398
Table 6.2 Table 10.5
Income and expenditure Maurice de Madre French Fund . 400
by delegation related Table 10.6
to the 2002 Emergency Appeals 370 Omar El Muktar Fund . . . . . . . . 402
Contributions in 2002 Table 10.7

Table 7.0 Paul Reuter Fund . . . . . . . . . . . 404
Summary of all contributions . . 374 Table 10.8
Table 7.1 ICRC Special Fund
Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375 for the Disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Table 7.2 Table 11
European Commission . . . . . . . 377 Comparative balance sheet
Table 7.3 and statement of income
International organizations . . . . 377 and expenditures
Table 7.4 for the last five years . . . . . . . . 409
Supranational organizations . . .
Table 7.5
377
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
National Societies . . . . . . . . . . 378
Table 7.6
Public sources . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Table 7.7
Private sources . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
AND THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
As in previous years, the main challenge faced by the ICRC in 2002 was that of overcoming
the many obstacles standing in the way of protecting and assisting the victims of armed
conflict. There was no overall substantial improvement in 2002 as far as conflict was con-
cerned. There were positive developments in some contexts, such as Afghanistan, Sri
Lanka, Angola and Sierra Leone, but in others, including Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nepal and
Colombia, the situation deteriorated.
In 2002, the ICRC was present and active throughout the world, operating out of more than
220 delegations and offices with a staff of nearly 11,000. Delegates visited some 376,000
persons held in 1,566 places of detention in 75 countries (compared with 340,000
detainees visited in 72 countries in 2001). Each month of the year, over 343,000 people
were provided by the ICRC with food and other basic necessities, and an average of 1,200
wounded and 14,200 sick patients were treated in hospitals managed or supported by the
ICRC. Primary health-care activities reached 2,700,000 people overall. A total of 16,921
disabled individuals – 10,098 of whom were mine victims – were fitted with ICRC-provided
prostheses.
Against the background of recent developments in international relations – in particular, the
fight against terrorism – the debate on the relevance of international humanitarian law (IHL)
continued. The ICRC’s position on this topic can be summarized as follows:
• on the whole, IHL adequately responds to the needs of modern-day armed conflicts; its
provisions establish a delicate balance between military imperatives and the protection of
human dignity;
• the main problem lies with the proper and faithful application of that body of law in all
armed conflicts; the ICRC is committed to strengthening existing mechanisms and/or pro-
moting new ones able to better ensure the rights of civilians and other protected persons;
this commitment includes, in particular, a call for States that have not already done so to
ratify the ICC Statute and to adopt implementing measures on the national level;
• there is a case for clarifying certain concepts of existing law and for developing the law in
certain areas, provided that the result is an enhancement of the protections afforded to vic-
tims of armed conflict.

Because the ICRC is aware of the need for IHL to take into account problems of humanitar-
ian concern arising from the use of certain weapons and from advances in technology, it
actively supports development of that body of law in certain areas. For example, in 2002 it
not only continued to promote ratification of the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel
mines, but also drew the attention of the international community to the problems caused by
other "explosive remnants of war" (such as hand grenades, artillery shells, cluster-bomb
submunitions, etc.). The ICRC actively participated in various meetings of governmental
experts, where it worked to develop a new protocol to the 1980 Convention on Certain Con-
ventional Weapons.
In September the ICRC launched a public appeal on "Biotechnology, weapons and human-
ity". The possible use of biological weapons has major implications for IHL and indeed for
the future of humanity. The aim of this initiative was to prevent the hostile use of rapidly
developing biotechnologies and to urge States to adopt at a high political level a declaration
reaffirming existing prohibitions on biological and chemical warfare and containing specific
commitments to future preventive action. The appeal was made not only to governments but
also to the scientific and medical communities and to the biotechnology industry.
4
Following the publication in October 2001 of the English version of Women facing War, a
study on the impact of armed conflict on women, in 2002 the ICRC published Arabic, French
and Spanish translations and launched a travelling exhibition on the subject. In addition to
its efforts to promote the study and a related series of films outside the organization, the
ICRC adopted an internal plan of action to ensure that ICRC programmes take into account
the needs of women affected by armed conflict.
In 2002, the ICRC Assembly decided to modify the structure of the ICRC Directorate in order
to enable senior management to better meet the challenges facing the organization in the
coming years. The reorganization gave the director-general, as head of the Directorate, clear
decision-making managerial authority. In addition, two new departments were created, in
recognition of the strategic nature of human-resources management and communications.
The Departments of Operations and of International Law and Cooperation within the
Movement were refocused on their primary tasks. Operational support and fundraising and
financial-resources management were integrated in one department. The respective respon-
sibilities of the Presidency and the Directorate remained unchanged.
The importance for the ICRC of projecting a clear and well-perceived identity, particularly in
view of the numerous humanitarian organizations and other actors on the ground using dif-
ferent rules of engagement and following different working principles, was confirmed in
2002.
The present ICRC Annual Report offers an overview of issues and priorities that marked the
year 2002. It illustrates the diversity of activities carried out to honour the organization’s
main priority of working in proximity to those it seeks to help and protect. The ICRC is more
determined than ever to pursue its strictly impartial and fully independent humanitarian
activities.

Angelo Gnaedinger Jakob Kellenberger
Director-General President
5
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES IN 2002
Since 1 July 2002, the Directorate has been structured in a new way. It comprises a
director-general and five departments – Operations; International Law and Cooperation
within the Movement; Human Resources; Resources and Operational Support; and Commu-
nication – and the divisions belonging to them.
A number of divisions now fall within new departments. In particular, Logistics and External
Resources are no longer part of Operations but come under the newly created Department of
Resources and Operational Support, which also oversees the Finance and Administration
Division. The new Department of Communication focuses on promoting international
humanitarian law and now includes the Media Relations Division (formerly known as the
Media Service, part of the Department of Operations). Human Resources is now also a
department in its own right.
More comprehensive explanations of structural changes appear in the relevant sections of
this Annual Report.
6
7
PART1

INSTITUTIONAL Since 1 July 2002, the Directorate has
been structured in a new way. It comprises
a director-general and five departments –
MANAGEMENT CONTROL
Management Control Commission
MANAGEMENT CONTROL
Operations, International Law and Cooper- The Management Control Commission,
HUMANITARIAN DIPLOMACY ation within the Movement, Human made up of five members of the ICRC,
Resources, Resources and Operational assists the Assembly in overseeing the
MEDIA SERVICES
Support, and Communication – and the organization's work, controls the imple-
PLANNING, divisions belonging to them. mentation of Assembly decisions and
MONITORING AND EVALUATION ensures that the ICRC's activities are con-
The objective of this new structure is to
POLITICAL ANALYSIS modernize the ICRC's senior management ducted efficiently.
body so as to enable it to rise to the In 2002 the Commission met on nine
RELATIONS numerous challenges that it will face and
WITH THE CORPORATE SECTOR occasions. The items dealt with included a
to implement its future projects. This re- review of the ICRC's accounts for 2001
organization is based on the following and the 2003 budget, before both were
four priorities: submitted to the Assembly for approval.
• the refocusing of the Department of The Commission also closely followed the
Operations and the Department of Law work of the external and internal auditors.
and Cooperation within the Movement
on their primary missions; Management control
• recognition of the strategic nature of The management controller and his team
human resource management; of four internal auditors use standard inter-
nal auditing methods to review activities at
• integration of operational support and headquarters and in the field with the aim
the mobilization and management of of improving the ICRC's performance. The
financial resources; controller reports his findings directly to
• coherence in external communication. the president and the Assembly. He also
issues recommendations to management.
The role of the director-general in his new
post is to set the administration's general In 2002, the management control team
priorities, direct the decision-making carried out 11 field audits in delegations
process and supervise the implementation and missions in Belgrade, Budapest,
of the decisions taken. Although some Buenos Aires, Conakry, Pristina, Kyiv,
units are directly attached to the office of Lima, Luanda, Skopje, Tirana and Zagreb.
the director-general, the latter does not At headquarters, two audits were carried
manage specific issues; this responsibility out: on revenue accounting (following up
is devolved upon the relevant depart- from 2001) and the production and distri-
ments. The director-general is accountable bution of publications.
to the Presidency and the Assembly – the
organization's supreme governing body – External auditors
as regards the Directorate's objectives and
KPMG have been the ICRC's external audi-
activities and the results achieved.
tors since 1998. In 2002, KPMG audited
the ICRC's accounts for the year 2001 and
submitted their report to the Assembly. In
the course of their audit, KPMG visited del-
egations in Colombia, Nairobi, the Philip-
pines and Sierra Leone.
8
HUMANITARIAN DIPLOMACY MEDIA SERVICES to the implications for all humanity should
new biological weapons systems emerge.
Aware that protecting the victims of armed Like the rest of the world, and the rest of This is a long-term project for the ICRC
conflict requires a broad-based approach, the world's media, the ICRC's Media Rela- with a strong media-communications
the ICRC not only takes action in time of tions Unit entered a post-11-September component.
war to alleviate suffering and safeguard phase in 2002. Emphasis was placed on
victims' rights, but also takes diplomatic rules, such as those in the Geneva Con- The ICRC's Media Relations Unit put much
initiatives with States, international organi- ventions, and their continued relevance. effort into making its communication
zations and representatives of civil society The ICRC's media-relations activities over activities relevant to modern needs. Sub-
to promote knowledge and development the year followed two distinct and comple- stantial changes were made to the ICRC
of humanitarian law, explain the ICRC's mentary paths. News, the organization’s weekly news-
position on issues of humanitarian con- sheet. At the end of the year, the ICRC
First, the ICRC’s position with respect to News was given a "real-time" format
cern, and raise awareness of current
IHL and the supposed "new conflictual through e-mail distribution and immediate
crises and the needs of the victims.
environment" needed to be reiterated. publication on the Web. The aim was to
Working through its network of contacts Rarely before was the ICRC so pressed to provide more timely information by taking
(international organizations, regional re-affirm the validity of time- and State- better advantage of electronic means of
organizations, the International Red Cross honoured humanitarian treaties. The case communication. The real-time publication
and Red Crescent Movement, NGOs, etc.), of the people held in the Guantanamo and of news items also helped make the
the ICRC pursues two objectives in its Bagram detention facilities, and in particu- ICRC's website more relevant and more
humanitarian diplomacy: lar the contentious absence of a clear practical as an information tool for the
legal status for those individuals, was media and others.
• timely exchange of the information nec-
repeatedly queried by a wide spectrum of
essary for its activities, at headquarters
media outlets.
and in the field;
Second, owing to the phenomenal media
• obtaining the support of key political
interest in the legal consequences of the
actors in seeking solutions to problems,
events of 11 September 2001 and the
both operational and legal, in the
ensuing military operations in
humanitarian domain. During the year
Afghanistan, the ICRC was at pains to
under review, the ICRC's concerns
emphasize to the media that other major
focused on the needs of women and
human tragedies were occurring in other
children in times of armed conflict, on
parts of the world. For the ICRC, it was
the situation of IDPs, and on the wide-
important to maintain a fair and represen-
spread availability of small arms and
tative balance in assisting media
light weapons.

inquiries. Media coverage of Colombia,
The regional delegations have specific Nepal, Israel and the occupied and
tasks to perform with regard to operational autonomous territories, Afghanistan,
activities on the one hand and humanitar- Congo and Angola, among other places,
ian diplomacy on the other. In the latter was facilitated. Information was provided
sphere they play a major role, particularly to journalists and to National Society
in establishing and maintaining regular press offices either on the ground or
contacts with governments and regional through timely briefing notes, press
organizations. They are also in a releases and ICRC News stories.
favourable position for sustained dialogue
The year under review also saw the launch
with National Red Cross and Red Crescent
of a new ICRC initiative. On 25 September,
Societies.
the ICRC made its "Biotechnology,
For regular contact with the United Nations weapons and humanity" appeal to gov-
and multilateral and regional organiza- ernments, pressing upon them, and on
tions around the world, the ICRC relies on society at large, the urgent need to impose
its delegations in New York, Brussels, some form of control over the extraordi-
Paris, Cairo and Addis Ababa, which act nary advances seen in the field of biotech-
as liaison offices. nological research, and the need to face up
9
INSTITUTIONAL
PLANNING, MONITORING Planning for Results (PfR) appraisal was supported by concrete
examples of where results has been
AND EVALUATION The annual planning methodology – PfR –
achieved and where performance fell short
was first introduced in 1999 and contin-
Considerable efforts have been devoted to ues to be central to the ICRC's perform- of expectations. Overall, global perform-
improving management and operational ance management activities. PfR is organ- ance was deemed to have improved and
delivery, strengthening accountability and ized around the explicit identification of to be moving forward positively. Based on
control, and optimising opportunities for results based objectives for ICRC opera- an eight point rating scale (with eight
learning. Within this context of perform- tions, formulated along three dimensions: being the highest performance score pos-
ance management, the ICRC continues to target population, programme capacity, sible) the average rating as determined by
regularly examine the relevance of its and geographic setting. heads of delegations and divisions for
operational activities, attentive to ques- overall performance in 2002 in his/her
tions regarding costs and economy, While the PfR remains firmly rooted and area was approximately 5.9, up from 5.5
periodically analysing the relationship accepted within the ICRC, opportunities in 2001.
between inputs/activities and outputs continue to be identified to fine tune and
achieved (efficiency), and building the lighten the system. In 2002, the system In addition to the above, other internal
necessary capacity to assess systemati- contained approximately 1,500 results- monitoring, technical assessments and
cally the relationship between the objec- based general objectives for the field and selective operational reviews were com-
tives established and the results achieved 140 general objectives for headquarters. pleted in 2002 in all the programme
(outcomes- and impacts-effectiveness). The direct link between expected results areas. These activities were conducted pri-
defined in the planning system and marily in support of internal management
The logic of performance management resources allocated in the financial system needs and secondarily in support of exter-
has been structured around key functions has been maintained. More specifically, nal accountability requirements. For
– planning, monitoring and evaluation – the average annual budget per general example, the system of periodic internal
which enables the ICRC: objective was just under half a million management reporting introduced in
• to establish general and specific per- Swiss francs for the field and over one mil- March 2001 was continued, consisting of
formance objectives and targets; lion Swiss francs for headquarters. three types of report:
• to identify measurable performance Overall, the PfR provides a meaningful • weekly operational reports, which pro-
indicators, organized according to basis for the management of ICRC tasks vide factual progress reporting between
agreed upon programme performance and operations. It offers the opportunity for the field and headquarters;
frameworks (benchmarking); better thematic review and trend analysis • monthly statistical reports, which pro-
(by programme, target population or geo- vide information, including beneficiary
• to link objectives to performance graphic location). The PfR also provides a
budgeting and accounting; data, for the respective programme sup-
basis for the ICRC's Emergency Appeals port services and the External
• to measure performance through moni- and Headquarters Appeal, and is the foun-
Resources Division; and

toring and controlling activities; and dation for internal quarterly reporting, peri-
odic donor reporting and this document, • quarterly institutional reports, which
• to implement evaluations in support of the Annual Report. provide a combination of analytical
performance improvements in opera- reporting and progress reports reviewed
tions, knowledge management and against the general objectives. These
learning based on past practices. Monitoring and reporting on results documents are used not only as an
To ensure that planning and operational internal management tool, but also as a
Substantial progress has been made in
implementation remain relevant and effec- main source for donor reporting.
2002. Momentum has been maintained
tive, the ICRC continues to encourage the
to consolidate and capitalize on internally The benefits accrued to systematic internal
use of tools and techniques, such as
and external initiatives. An example of the monitoring and reporting continue to be
monitoring, operational assessments and
latter is the ICRC's commitment to and realized within the ICRC. Synchronized
reviews, as a means of checking perform-
chairing of the Active Learning Network with the PfR system, it provides systematic
ance on a regular basis.
on Accountability and Performance in access to management information,
Humanitarian Assistance (ALNAP). Exam- For example, as part of the annual plan- affords a structured basis for assessing
ples of the former are described below in ning exercise all field delegations and performance, and contributes to improved
greater detail. headquarters units undertook an annual management reflection. Donors have con-
global review of performance against the firmed that external reporting tends to be
2002 objectives set for their areas. The
10
INSTITUTIONAL
more concise, relevant and useful in In addition, several other evaluation initia- Avenir
establishing overall performance account- tives were launched in 2002 and by the Among the achievements in 2002, special
ability. While much has been accom- end of the year were at various stages of mention should be given to the evaluation
plished, it is recognized that there is room completion. These included: of the ICRC's change management initia-
for improvement, especially in areas tive – Avenir. Between 1996 and 2002,
• evaluation of the ICRC's H.E.L.P. train-
related to improvements in performance the ICRC embarked on a major organiza-
ing course;
monitoring. Efforts continue to refine pro- tional change programme called Avenir.
gramme performance frameworks, includ- • evaluation of the ICRC's psychological The programme was conceived and
ing the specification of indicators at the support programme for field staff; implemented around four main strategic
output, outcome and impact levels. orientations (proximity to the victims, dia-
• evaluation of the ICRC's cooperation
programme in Indonesia; logue, humanitarian principles and effi-
Evaluating results: ciency), 12 strategic decisions linked to
internal independent evaluations • as part of harmonization efforts, the these orientations, and 129 practical
ICRC's support to the monitoring and measures or actions. To assess the
Evaluation is an important part of the evaluation of the implementation of the
ICRC's performance management pro- achievements, their relevance and appro-
Movement strategy. priateness, their sustainability and the
cess. Building on the ICRC's performance
review policy, evaluation guidelines were major results of Avenir for the ICRC, an
completed in 2002 and distributed independent evaluation was carried out by
throughout headquarters and to all field a four-person external evaluation team
delegations. These guidelines are one of from July to September 2002.1
several elements in the new training mod- The evaluation team focused on strategic
ules being developed for heads of ICRC considerations, the choices made, the
field delegations (Cycle de Direction). practical results realized and their effec-
ICRC evaluations/reviews completed in tiveness, the change management pro-
2002 and directly linked to support from cess itself, the ICRC's strategic position
the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation globally, and the culture of the orga-
Unit included: nization. The evaluation did not under-
take a detailed analysis of the many
• evaluation of the ICRC's mine-awareness specific areas linked to implementation
programmes in Croatia, Bosnia and (129 measures),2 mainly because of
Herzegovina, and Kosovo; time and resource constraints. Carried out
• evaluation of the ICRC's protection sup- over a relatively short time period, the
port programme in the prison system evaluation adopted a qualitative inquiry

in Côte d’Ivoire (1999-2002); method (documentation review, more
than 100 interviews, self-evaluation work-
• evaluation of the ICRC's cooperation shops, survey amongst heads of delega-
programmes in Russia; tion, and two visits to delegations in
• review of the ICRC's cooperation pro- Colombia and South Africa).
grammes in South Africa;
• evaluation of rural water supply pro- 1 A Closer Look at Avenir: Insights – Lessons –
gramme in East Timor (1988-2001). Recommendations: Final Report, completed by
an independent, external evaluation team com-
posed of Professor Wolf-Dieter Eberwein (Wis-
senschaftszentrum, Berlin), Dr Hugo Slim
(Oxford Brookes University), Jean-Pierre Wolf
(KEK-CDC Consultants, Zurich), and Boris Maver
(Geneva, October 2002).
2 The examination of detailed implementation
measures was the subject of a series of internal
reviews carried out by the Directorate and dis-
cussed with the Assembly throughout 2001 and
2002 (Bilan de la mise en œuvre de l'étude
Avenir: Exercice de complétude).
11
INSTITUTIONAL
Was Avenir a success? The evaluation is not always satisfactory. Moreover, Cross Society from 1999 to 2002.3 This
team concluded that the overall concept financial dependency on a few donors evaluation was commissioned and car-
behind Avenir was sound. Avenir played a has not diminished. ried out by an independent evaluation
creative role in permitting and accelerating team, and focused on the management
In terms of improvements, the evaluation
the debate on a number of problems, both and results of the partnership. The evalua-
team highlighted several areas:
new and existing prior to Avenir. It affected tion involved visits to partner agency
a number of changes, judged by the eval- • with respect to strategic positioning, it headquarters, extensive interviews, and
uation team to be appropriate, significant was suggested that the ICRC define visits to ICRC delegations in Moscow and
and sustainable. At the same time, the more clearly its role in the international Sierra Leone.
exercise was thought to have been too humanitarian system and better utilize Overall the evaluation team concluded
ambitious in trying to respond to all prob- the capacity and analytical potential of that the time and resources committed by
lems at the same time. The team noted the institution; partners had been cost-effective. Through
that Avenir's methods produced a culture its special mandate, the ICRC was
• in terms of humanitarian principles,
of completion based on outputs at uniquely positioned to respond to conflict
additional consideration should be
the expense of a culture of results more situations and strengthen respect for inter-
given to the strategy of communication
concerned with outcomes and change. national humanitarian law. It verified that
and dissemination; and
They observed that the participatory the ICRC's work was contributing to the
energy and ownership of Avenir tended • concerning the management of future achievement of overall objectives and
to be lost in later phases of the process, change processes it was recommended commitments to humanitarian response in
and that the leadership of the change that the ICRC: time of conflict.
process could have been clearer and more – define priorities in advance;
charismatic. – assume better control of the process; The evaluation acknowledged that there
– identify more clearly the indicators of has been a growing understanding of and
Other observations made by the evalua- confidence among partners in the overall
success;
tion team included: quality of the ICRC's work. It also recog-
– coordinate and integrate the process
• Avenir's commitment to be closer to the from the highest to the lowest levels nized that the ICRC had undergone
victim is fundamental. Advances have of the organization in order to opti- substantial management changes. The
been made, but the criteria to gauge mize participation. evaluation confirmed the widely held
progress in this area were not suffi- assessment in the humanitarian world
ciently clear; Overall, the evaluation team confirmed that regarding the quality of the ICRC's work
the Avenir strategy was appropriate. While and its professionalism based on the
• considerable progress was achieved relevant results had been achieved, sus- capability and commitment of its staff,
with respect to dialogue, but it tended tainability of results was only partially real- often working in demanding and danger-
to be selective and not targeted ized. These accomplishments need to be ous environments.
sufficiently;
monitored continuously in the future and

adapted where necessary. These evalua- Several factors were singled out by the
• partial success was realized concerning evaluation team as having contributed to
dissemination and communication of tion findings have been reviewed by the
Directorate and presented to the Assembly the above success including: the consis-
international humanitarian law, but visi- tency and relevance of humanitarian aims
bility in the public debate overall was and their implications factored into the
Directorate's strategic priorities for the next and priorities; predictable and substantial
not enough; non-earmarked funding to core pro-
four years (i.e. Programme de Direction).
• efficiency had been achieved with the grammes; mutual trust among partners;
employment of modern management respect and openness; the adoption of a
External donor evaluation non-intrusive approach to relationships;
methods, but they tended to be heavy
and incomplete, with insufficient follow- Complementing the evaluation of Avenir periodic monitoring visits; the quality of
up; was a second major evaluation commis- leadership and staff capacity; the close
sioned externally and covering the alignment of support and partner objec-
• the global role of the ICRC generally is partnership arrangement between the tives with the ICRC's activities in assis-
recognized, but the position is fragile; ICRC, the UK Department for International tance, protection, preventive action and
• concerning the culture of the organiza- Development (DFID), and the British Red cooperation with National Societies; and
tion, there exists a high level of compe- most importantly, the continued preserva-
3 Evaluation of the DFID ICRC Strategic Partnership
tence and commitment to the ICRC's 1999-2002: Final Report completed by Valid tion of the ICRC's independence and
mission, but the human resource policy International (September, 2002). impartiality.
12
INSTITUTIONAL
The evaluation recommendations in- POLITICAL ANALYSIS • The upsurge of religious radicalism: it
cluded: clearer definition of partner is important to gain a better understand-
responsibilities; development of lighter or In assembling its programme, the new ing of religion as an identity factor and
more strategic mechanisms (e.g. reduced ICRC Directorate, which took up its duties as a source of violence (without calling
reporting requirements); enhancing the during the summer, embarked on an in- into question the pacifying role that can
understanding among delegates of protec- depth study of present-day developments also be played by religion). How could
tion definitions and approaches, the role and their impact on the ICRC. For although the ICRC open a debate with the various
of non-state actors and weapons bearers; the ICRC is fully able to analyse conflict religious movements on issues of
implementation of protection guidelines for situations at the regional level, it must humanitarian concern?
civilian populations; implementation of improve its understanding of the overall
challenges posed by the environment in • Fighting terrorism: terrorism and
transition guidelines; follow-up on major
which it works. counter-terrorism raise many questions
studies (People on War, Women and War
in connection with the ICRC's opera-
and communication initiatives linked to The Directorate's analysis of current devel- tional activities, in particular the organi-
the Strategy of the International Red opments focused primarily on five topics: zation's ability to maintain dialogue
Cross and Red Crescent Movement);
• State sovereignty: the concept of sover- with groups and factions of all persua-
continuation of harmonization efforts
eignty has long been based on the sions that go underground and are
between the ICRC and the International
"Westphalian model", which dates from described – rightly or wrongly – as "ter-
Federation; and close monitoring of the
the 17th century and views the States rorists" (in the absence of any agree-
ICRC's human resource management pol-
as the only entities entitled to use force ment on a definition of terrorism). How
icy and practices, Planning for Results
(it thus put an end to private wars) and can greater respect be achieved for
system, as well as controlling systems for
as wielding complete power within their human dignity and for the instruments
cost-effectiveness.
own borders. It considers those borders that protect it?
Here as well, the recommendations were to be inviolable and the principle of • The growing complexity of conflicts:
carefully reviewed by the Directorate espe- non-intervention to be sacrosanct. This several aspects of this trend have been
cially within the context of strategic priori- model is currently under great pressure discussed in greater detail: the emer-
ties over the next four years. The ICRC (from economic and financial global- gence of armed conflicts waged for eco-
signalled its intention to follow up on a ization, from the emergence of entities nomic reasons, i.e. where natural
number of themes concerning: non-state which negate national frontiers, from the resources become prime factors; the
actors, protection of the civilian popula- displacement of large groups of people, information revolution, which has given
tion, the link between protection and etc.). But the State is by no means rise to information-warfare scenarios;
assistance, activities in the phase of tran- dead. In fact, the quest for security is and the broader issue of weapons
sition, promotion of IHL, harmonization strengthening some of its components. development.
with other Movement components, human Do bilateral and multilateral humanitar-

resources and performance management ian diplomacy suffice? What other Finally, the Directorate has looked at the
(planning, monitoring and evaluation). means can be used to exert influence? direction in which humanitarian endeav-
These were highlighted as key topics for our is going, studying the impact of the
the ICRC in the years to come. • Globalization: globalization means that trends observed, such as the growing
the political and economic decisions of involvement of States in humanitarian
the major powers are affecting increas- work, the risk of humanitarian action
ingly remote areas with increasing being used for political purposes, and the
immediacy. In some cases, this helps growing demand for "accountability".
integrate hitherto marginalized groups
into the world economy and reduce
poverty. In others, it intensifies tensions
within particularly vulnerable societies,
the result being that the risk of violence
grows even greater. What role should
be played by the ICRC, which witnesses
some of the adverse effects of global-
ization firsthand?
13
INSTITUTIONAL
RELATIONS WITH The ICRC is seeking to enhance its opera-
tional capacity and overall professional-
THE CORPORATE SECTOR ism by drawing on specific skills from the
In 1999, the ICRC adopted a comprehen- private sector, improving acquisitions pro-
sive strategy aimed at developing its rela- cedures for both goods and services, and
tions with the business community. The stepping up efforts to raise funds from
centrepiece of the strategy was to estab- large corporations. The ICRC has taken an
lish a dialogue with the private sector on important step in this direction by setting
the ICRC's core activities by promoting up a suitable framework for future partner-
humanitarian principles among firms ships which includes clear guidelines and
active in conflict zones, and by including ethical criteria.
multinational and local companies, pro-
fessional associations and trade unions
among the ICRC’s network of contacts at
the operational level. This dialogue has
enabled the ICRC to better understand
the role played by economic interests in
conflict-prone environments.
In 2002 the ICRC also had exchanges at
headquarters level with major multi-
national companies based in Canada,
Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the
United Kingdom. In line with its aim of
helping companies translate commit-
ments made under various codes of con-
duct into operational reality, the ICRC also
entered into contact with companies hav-
ing interests in the southern Caucasus,
Colombia, Kenya and South Africa.
In parallel, the ICRC raised the issue of the
role of business in conflict zones with
States party to the Geneva Conventions,
and also with other components of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent

Movement. The ICRC continued to con-
tribute as an active observer to the initia-
tive taken by the American and British
governments on Voluntary Principles on
Security and Human Rights, whereby
companies in the extractive and energy
sectors agreed to respect and promote
respect for human rights and IHL. The
ICRC also exchanged views with govern-
ments on the relationship between private
military and security firms and IHL, in
addition to remaining involved in the UN
Global Compact Policy Dialogue on Busi-
ness in Zones of Conflict.
14
OPERATIONS The Department of Operations supports,
coordinates and supervises ICRC activities
in the field. It ensures that resources are
depends on the delegates’ powers of per-
suasion, and also on the authorities’ will-
ingness to allow humanitarian activities to
PROTECTION
allocated among the ICRC’s 79 field dele- take place alongside military or police
AND CENTRAL TRACING AGENCY
gations and offices effectively and in operations. Protection work also consists
ASSISTANCE accordance with the budgetary frame- in limiting the effects of violations of IHL,
work. The Department is organized in four for example by arranging for the wounded
LOGISTICS
large geographical zones, which them- and sick to be taken to hospital, or by pro-
FUNDING selves are divided into regions. In addition viding emergency aid when people are
to these geographical units, task forces displaced. In addition, the protection of the
RELATIONS – which include members chosen for their civilian population consists in limiting
WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS specialized knowledge, professional skills long-term effects, for example by enabling
and expertise – are formed in situations displaced people to return home or by
where a problem extends across regional helping families to ascertain the fate of
lines. The Department of Operations missing relatives.
endeavours to ensure that actions taken in
different places are well coordinated, that People deprived of their freedom
one action follows another in a coherent
The situation of people in detention
manner, and that all ICRC field activities
throughout the world deteriorated still fur-
are consistent with the organization’s
ther in comparison with previous years. As
main priorities.
a result, the number of contexts in which
the ICRC had to aid detainees rose again
PROTECTION AND in 2002, reaching a total of 75. Visits to
CENTRAL TRACING AGENCY persons held in connection with internal
conflicts began in Côte d’Ivoire and the
Again in 2002, "forgotten wars" such as Central African Republic, and were
those in Chechnya and Liberia, and spi- stepped up in Liberia and in the Republic
ralling violence in places such as Côte of the Congo. In addition, in the wake of
d’Ivoire took their toll on civilians. the events of 11 September 2001 the ICRC
Whereas acts causing serious bodily increased the number of its visits to
harm, such as summary executions and detainees in Afghanistan and Pakistan
forced disappearances, were most likely and started making such visits at the US
to catch the public’s attention, acts caus- naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
ing mental harm, such as pressure put on

civilians to collaborate, repeated inter- Owing to the steady deterioration of prison
ference in their private lives, or restrictions facilities, especially in Africa and to some
on their freedom of movement, were no extent in developing countries generally, a
less frequent or serious. growing number of detainees were sub-
jected to standards of treatment and con-
For the ICRC, protection of the civilian pop- ditions of detention well below the accept-
ulation is achieved by preventing or bring- able minimum. The ICRC could not
ing an end to violations of IHL. Protection overlook the dire consequences for
activities are especially urgent when viola- detainees in situations of violence where it
tions stem from a policy of systematic was working and therefore stepped up its
repression by violent means. The ICRC support for measures to improve condi-
works on the basis of confidential dia- tions in prison facilities and tackle the
logue with the authorities, seeking to influ- detainees’ most urgent problems. It took
ence their behaviour and persuade them new kinds of action to help prison admin-
to comply with humanitarian law and istrations operate more effectively and
principles. The success of this approach ensure more humane treatment of
relies on the network of contacts built up detainees in their care. In particular, it
by its delegates in the field. Much therefore organized numerous national and
15
OPERATIONS
regional meetings to promote communi- The ICRC also continued to cooperate with A manual on the organization and man-
cation and exchanges of views among the UNHCR, UNICEF and NGOs such as Save agement of protection bureaus in the field
officials and services concerned, as well the Children engaged in activities aimed was developed and various other docu-
as training seminars on technical aspects, at restoring family links, especially for un- ments were produced. Two training ses-
standards of treatment, and detainees’ accompanied minors. sions were organized for protection coor-
rights. dinators in the field, and a further two
In 2002, over 970,000 RCMs were col-
training sessions on "protection and law"
lected and delivered worldwide. The ICRC
Worldwide network were held for senior field staff.
also located over 1,600 people for whom
for restoring family links tracing requests had been filed and helped
As in previous years, the ICRC enabled to reunite some 2,300 people, including Relations with other organizations
thousands of family members who had 1,592 children, with their families. As part of its unflagging efforts to enhance
been separated by armed conflict to get in the protection of civilians in conflict situa-
touch again, to exchange news and even The Missing tions, the ICRC organized annual gather-
to be reunited. Once again, the greatest ings between 1996 and 2000 to discuss
Thousands of people all over the world
needs in terms of re-establishing family the concept of protection with humanitar-
still lived in uncertainty regarding the fate
links were in Africa. The ICRC launched a ian and human rights organizations and
of relatives who failed to return when hos-
major tracing operation in Angola, where the issues faced by such organizations.
tilities ended. The issue of missing per-
hundreds of thousands of people had As a follow-up to these meetings the
sons was once again one of the ICRC’s
been separated during the conflict. Thanks ICRC organized a first series of training
primary concerns, and numerous courses
to the Red Cross message (RCM) network seminars on protection (called "Ecogia
of action were adopted to search for peo-
set up in most parts of the country in seminars") designed for international
ple who had disappeared and to help their
cooperation with the local Red Cross, and organizations, NGOs, the ICRC and
families. One of these was an ICRC project
to radio broadcasts of names of persons National Societies in 2001. These semi-
entitled The Missing, which consisted of
being sought, many separated family nars were intended, on the one hand, to
workshops on issues ranging from the
members were able to re-establish contact enhance understanding of the "protection"
needs of the families of missing people to
with one another. In addition, the ICRC dimension of humanitarian work and, on
the identification of bodies and the legal
located and registered hundreds of chil- the other, to strengthen cooperation efforts
obligations of States. In addition, the ICRC
dren separated from their families and, among different organizations. Topics
completed a wide-ranging study of this
whenever possible, reunited them with included the gathering and processing of
tragic problem. The project brought
their parents. information, influencing perpetrators of
together experts, authorities and organiza-
violence, and the issue of specific groups
To perform its task of restoring family tions active in the field, who were expected
benefiting from protection. The next series
links, the ICRC relied as usual on the to take part in an ICRC-organized interna-
of seminars was due to be held in early
worldwide network of National Societies. It tional conference to be held in Geneva in
2003.
continued to build up its contacts with February 2003.
Societies involved in tracing activities,
In the framework of the "Missing" project,
often through regional meetings. In 2002,
the ICRC developed internal guidelines on
ASSISTANCE
it also finalized and promoted a new The ICRC sees assistance as part of a pro-
topics such as protecting civilians and
cooperation policy paving the way for tection framework encompassing all activ-
people deprived of their freedom against
increased cooperation between the ICRC ities aimed at ensuring full respect for the
disappearance, providing support to fami-
and National Societies in the field of trac- rights of the individual in accordance with
lies of people unaccounted for, restoring
ing. In particular, the new policy provided the relevant bodies of law, i.e. IHL, human
contact between family members, tracing,
for improved coordination of programmes. rights law and refugee law. Convincing the
ensuring permanent identification of mem-
The ICRC’s "Family news network" website bers of armed forces, managing mortal authorities concerned to put a stop to a
was set up in West Africa to help trace the remains in the absence of forensic spe- specific pattern of abuse and alleviating
parents of unaccompanied minors. The cialists, exhumation and identification of the victims' immediate suffering by means
new PROT5 database was fully imple- remains by forensic specialists, and data of appropriate material or medical assis-
mented. By the end of the year, this appli- protection and management. tance is a contribution to the overall pro-
cation was in use in 75 contexts, allowing tection mission of the ICRC.
the management of the personal data of Within this framework, the Assistance
nearly 1,450,000 people. Division's primary goal is to endeavour to
16
OPERATIONS
preserve or restore acceptable living con- regional delegations. In terms of aid pro- established working group began identify-
ditions for victims of armed conflict in grammes, the main operational theatres ing and developing the teaching materials
accordance with ethical precepts and the were Afghanistan, Israel and the occupied needed and drawing up a training policy
provisions of IHL. In operational terms, the and autonomous territories, Iraq, the for national technical staff, based on inter-
Assistance Division at headquarters pro- northern Caucasus, Sudan and the Demo- nationally accepted professional criteria.
vides continuous support by offering sys- cratic Republic of the Congo.
tematic professional expertise to the field Economic security
in its three areas of assistance – health, Health care The aim of the ICRC's economic security
economic security and water and habitat –
In 2002 the ICRC regularly supported 67 work is to ensure that households and
which are integrated within a common
hospitals and 267 other health-care facili- entire communities have the means to
approach. Thus, human resource devel-
ties around the world and gave 2,700,000 meet their basic material needs. Depend-
opment is a key support area and consid-
outpatient consultations. More than ing on the situation and the assessment of
erable resources continue to be reserved
14,400 war-wounded people were admit- needs, material support took the form both
for this.
ted to ICRC-supported hospitals and more of immediate food and non-food relief and
On another level, it is crucial that the ICRC than 90,000 operations were performed in of aid aimed at rebuilding communities by
continues to develop policies and guide- them. The ICRC regularly supported 24 giving their members the means to earn a
lines in the field of assistance and con- first-aid posts near combat zones. These living.
tributes to policy debates at an institu- provided emergency treatment to some
In 2002, economic security work provided
tional level. In an increasingly complex 1,600 war-wounded people.1
direct aid to some 1,500,000 people,
humanitarian environment, where per-
As in previous years, the Assistance Divi- 670,000 of them on a monthly basis. An
formance and professional standards are
sion continued to provide its technical average of 221,000 internally displaced
under great pressure, the assistance
expertise to a range of ICRC programmes. people and 343,000 residents received
approach requires constant evaluation
For example, it ensured quality control of monthly food and non-food aid; the other
and clarification. Events in 2002 consis-
anti-tuberculosis programmes in the south- recipients were refugees. The three major
tently highlighted this need and better defi-
ern Caucasus. An assessment tool for mon- such operations were carried out in
nition and prioritization of assistance
itoring hospital performance was improved Afghanistan, the northern Caucasus, and
activities will remain essential in 2003.
and used in three facilities. In one case it Israel and the occupied and autonomous
Another dimension of the ICRC’s assis- was introduced as the programme of ICRC territories. In the latter case, the ICRC initi-
tance work is the aim of improving the aid to the hospital was drawing to a close; ated a large-scale voucher programme in
quality of humanitarian activities both in another a year after the ICRC had with- urban areas.
within the International Red Cross and drawn. Initial results indicated that the hos-
Worldwide, the ICRC provided aid (food,
Red Crescent Movement and in the pitals concerned continued to function at an
cooking utensils and hygiene items) to
wider humanitarian community. This is acceptable level. Community programmes

107,900 persons deprived of their free-
achieved through dialogue with UN agen- were implemented in 12 countries, some-
dom. This included regular assistance for
cies, such as UNICEF, OCHA, WFP, FAO, times (e.g. Colombia) with National Society
some 97,000 detainees in Rwanda.
WHO and UNHCR, and with NGOs, by participation.
participating in conferences, and by main- To ensure an integrated approach, the
The Physical Rehabilitation Unit provided
taining and developing a network of con- economic security unit carried out multi-
support to more than 50 prosthetic/
tacts with professional associations and disciplinary reviews to orient aid pro-
orthotic centres in 21 countries. This
academic institutions. The ICRC's expert- grammes and thus ensure optimal impact
enabled patients to be rehabilitated and
ise in specialized areas such as rehabili- on victims’ lives. In 2002 reviews were
fitted with 16,921 prostheses and 13,365
tation of amputees, water and habitat carried out in Angola, Rwanda, Sierra
orthoses. In addition, 1,598 wheelchairs
engineering, war surgery, and health and Leone and the northern Caucasus.
and 17,052 pairs of crutches were
medical ethics in prisons has been fre-
distributed, most of them locally manufac-
quently drawn on in international confer- Water and habitat
tured. Training of national staff was a
ences and workshops.
priority in the endeavour to improve sus- In 2002, the ICRC’s Water and Habitat
tainable services for the patients. A newly- Unit was engaged in water, sanitation and
Operational support construction work in over 40 countries.
1 The decrease in numbers of ICRC-supported hos-
In 2002, aid programmes were operated pitals and related activities in 2002 is explained These projects catered for the needs of
in 43 of the ICRC's 75 operational and by the end of ICRC involvement in Yugoslavia, some 14 million people worldwide and
Ethiopia, Eritrea and Timor Leste.
17
OPERATIONS
cost about 78 million Swiss francs.2 They Sudan. Protection staff visiting prisons Federation. Guidelines for physiotherapy
were implemented by a team of some worldwide were also advised on basic in hospitals were developed with the aim
80 expatriate engineers and 340 national repair work needed to meet at least mini- of standardizing treatment and thus
engineers and technicians. Water and mum hygiene standards. This mainly improving the quality of physiotherapy in
habitat work ranged from setting up water- involved Afghanistan, Chad, Nigeria, hospitals assisted by the ICRC.
pumping and treatment stations to making Guinea, Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda and
With a view to harmonizing data collec-
water safe to drink and dealing with Sri Lanka.
tion and preserving technical records from
human waste disposal in urban or rural
different programmes, the Water and
areas affected by armed conflict. These Training Habitat Unit finalized a comprehensive
activities included the repair and in some
In the year under review, the Assistance summary of all available engineering
cases building of health-care facilities,
Division continued efforts to provide ade- databases being used in the field. Pro-
limb-fitting and rehabilitation centres to
quate training for its various professionals gramme requirements were established
house IDPs and places of detention.
so as to maintain their know-how and, in and will be used for a new water-and-
Repairs were done to the latter when this
the case of programme coordinators, habitat database, planned for 2003,
was the only means of providing
develop their management skills. In all, the which will allow a smooth flow of func-
detainees with acceptable conditions.
division organized 12 specialized courses tional information between the field and
In addition to contingency planning, ICRC and workshops for 141 of its staff. These headquarters.
engineers and technicians in Iraq contin- included domains of expertise such as
ued to share their expertise with their Iraqi nutrition, surgery, anesthesia and water Contributions
counterparts through targeted projects to engineering. The division also contributed to the humanitarian debate
upgrade the ageing water and sewage to on-site courses for health-care person-
facilities in order to maintain at least mini- The Assistance Division contributed to the
nel working in places of detention and 15
mum services for the population of urban wider debate in various domains of
war-surgery seminars all over the world.
and suburban areas. In Afghanistan, in humanitarian assistance, its experts par-
The Water and Habitat Unit organized a ticipating in a number of conferences at
the wake of the acute phase of the conflict
workshop in Bujumbura, Burundi – in the which appreciation was shown for both
in October 2001, a number of projects
framework of a partnership with a German the role and know-how of the ICRC. The
were launched throughout the country to
pump company – for 20 senior technical Physical Rehabilitation Unit, for instance,
improve water supply, sanitation, and
staff of the national water board responsi- took part in various workshops in close
health care.
ble for the operation and maintenance of conjunction with the International Society
Additional urban water-supply projects water stations throughout the country. for Prosthetics and Orthotics. Water and
were carried out in Burundi, the Democra- Habitat Unit representatives attended the
tic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Policies and key issues World Summit for Sustainable Develop-
the Congo, Guinea and Kosovo. Major ment in Johannesburg as well as several
rural water and sanitation projects contin- As in 2001, the ICRC’s role in aid gave
thematic seminars together with UN agen-
ued throughout the year in Angola, rise to much debate which included the
cies and NGOs. These included Planning
Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, Myan- issues of short-term versus long-term
and Management of Emergency Sanitation
mar, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri involvement, withdrawal strategies, pro-
(at the Water, Engineering and Develop-
Lanka and Sudan. Emergency water aid gramme diversification and psycho-social
ment Centre, at Loughborough University)
was supplied to internally displaced peo- assistance. At the level of the ICRC as a
and technical interagency coordination
ple in Afghanistan, Angola, in the eastern whole, contributions were made to key
meetings such as the ones which took
part of the Democratic Republic of the policy discussions and documents includ-
place in New York, Amman and Beirut in
Congo, Eritrea, Indonesia, Liberia, the ing Women and War and The Missing. A
preparation for the contingency planning
northern Caucasus and Sudan. Medical policy document on HIV/AIDS was drafted
related to the Iraq crisis and the resulting
facilities were upgraded in numerous in late 2002.
preparations for humanitarian action.
places in Afghanistan, Iraq, Liberia, In the framework of the current efforts to
Burundi, Angola, Chechnya, Somalia and Finally, the Division provided specialized
harmonize systems and procedures
input for a range of academic and practi-
2 The increased number of beneficiaries for water between the International Federation and
tioner degree courses including the Inter-
and habitat programmes in 2002 is, in part, the ICRC, the Health Unit contributed to a
attributable to a more accurate way of counting the national Diploma of Humanitarian Assis-
standard-item catalogue for medical sup-
numbers of people receiving this aid and larger tance and Masters in Humanitarian
plies and equipment. This catalogue was
consumption patterns in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bu- Assistance at selected European Universi-
rundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. published jointly with the International
18
OPERATIONS
ties. In the domain of health in places of border relief operations in the Middle East Working in harmony with partners
detention, the ICRC contributed to several and Ethiopia. It was the only humanitarian During the year the ICRC further developed
publications dealing with specific organization able to provide such an technical and operational links with other
detainee-related issues. immediate response. components of the International Red Cross
The ICRC developed and implemented and Red Crescent Movement. This work
LOGISTICS overall purchasing standards for medical has continued with specialized logistics
and relief supplies, which were used not projects in Afghanistan and the Middle
Global scale only for direct purchases but also as East as well as further studies on the use
The ICRC runs a worldwide logistics net- guidelines for donations in kind. To mini- of logistics emergency-response units.
work. With the range of services available mize operational costs, the organization The standard emergency item catalogue,
– from airfreight to vehicle workshops – invited tenders worldwide for key relief developed in conjunction with the Interna-
the organization is able to maintain field items such as blankets and tarpaulins, tional Federation, was launched in 2002
operations and to take rapid and effective thus ensuring high quality and delivery and is available in book form, on a CD-
action in emergencies. In 2002 it operated standards. These tenders took all possible ROM, or can be consulted on the website
3,200 vehicles, 300 warehouses, 13 air- supply sources into consideration and www.redcross.int/en/eric/eric/index.htm.
craft and two ships. resulted in significant unit-price savings. This catalogue is intended to eliminate dif-
The major manufacturers were asked to ficulties in ensuring that items supplied for
During the year there were two major new offer tenders for the supply of heavy
logistical undertakings. In the Middle East the Movement’s operations meet mini-
trucks, the intention being to set specifica- mum specification standards. It has been
the ICRC substantially strengthened its tions and prices for the next five years. For
operational base in Amman, Jordan, sent to all delegations and National Soci-
information-technology equipment, the eties working abroad.
including new and expanded ware- ICRC undertook systematic product-testing
housing and additional transport capacity in order to keep abreast of technological The ICRC also strengthened its working
and maintenance facilities. In Ethiopia, a and legislative requirements. relations with various agencies in the
large-scale emergency-aid programme in United Nations system. In responding to
the Afar region and later in several other The development and implementation of the complex emergency in Afghanistan, all
drought-affected areas (Harerge, Southern integrated logistics software continued, UN agencies followed the procedures set
Nations and Tigray) required support from but fell slightly behind schedule owing out by the UN Joint Logistics Centre. The
the logistics centre in Nairobi and the to technical difficulties. The pilot sites for ICRC maintained constant dialogue with
upgrading of logistics facilities in Addis the integrated system should be in place the Centre on logistics issues, in particular
Ababa. In addition a detailed logistics by the end of 2003. The "internal trans- those relating to air operations, security,
survey was conducted in Nepal in port, storage and handling" costing fuel supplies and rates for transportation
preparation for anticipated action in the applications enable the ICRC to identify the and warehousing. The advantages for
west of the country. Contingency planning total logistics costs for the movement of both organizations were to ensure that

for conflict in Iraq was launched in the goods from their point of entry in the coun- logistics infrastructure was not unneces-
second half of 2002. Among other things, try to their final delivery to the beneficiary. sarily duplicated, to maximize efficiency,
this involved setting up logistics bases in A detailed database of these costs is cen- and to coordinate their approaches and
Iran, Kuwait and Syria as well as aug- tralized and managed in Geneva and promote information-sharing in the field
menting existing facilities in Jordan. This information is available to donors upon and at headquarters.
planning included warehousing secured request.
in cooperation with the National Societies, In 2002 the ICRC had about 120 expatri-
trucking, light-vehicle support and the FUNDING
ate logistics experts working in some
positioning of medical, shelter, food, water 30 relief operations supported by more All ICRC funding is coordinated by and
and sanitation supplies. In order to make than 1,500 National staff worldwide: half channelled through its External Resources
equipment and supplies as readily avail- of the expatriate staff came from countries Division, which started the year attached
able as possible when needed in the Mid- other than Switzerland. The development to the Department of Operations but sub-
dle East, Ethiopia and Nepal, relief sup- of specialist training in all logistics func- sequently became part of the newly
plies and equipment were transferred from tions was completed and a similar pro- formed Department of Resources and
other operations and this was supple- gramme is planned for 2003. The level of Operational Support. The External Re-
mented by additional purchases. The recruitment was maintained and higher sources Division raises the funds needed
transfers were organized rapidly and put standards were applied. for the ICRC to carry out its humanitarian
the ICRC in a position to conduct cross- activities while ensuring respect for the
19
OPERATIONS
organization's independent status. The objectives for the year, was more or less the ICRC, the United Kingdom's Depart-
ICRC seeks predictable, sustained and the same as in previous years, with ment for International Development (DFID)
flexible financial support covering its expenditure reaching 73.4% of the overall and the British Red Cross, ended in March
objectives and guarantees that donor final Emergency Appeals budget. Expendi- 2002. A six-month extension was agreed
requirements are met appropriately. ture and implementation rates are not only upon (from March to September 2002),
determined by the nature and cost of the for £8.5 million.
Budgets ICRC's humanitarian programmes but are
External consultants (Valid International)
The overall initial budget appeals for 2002, also influenced by political and security
finalized in the summer of 2002, an evalu-
launched by the ICRC in December 2001, conditions prevailing in the countries con-
ation of this first partnership "ISP1" (involv-
amounted to Sfr 915.6 million. This was cerned. Positive developments, in such
ing two field visits to the Russian Federa-
some Sfr 80 million lower than the preced- contexts as Eritrea/Ethiopia, Sri Lanka and
tion and Sierra Leone). Their conclusions
ing year's overall budget. This reduction Indonesia have resulted in decreased
(see External donor evaluation, p. 12) were
was due to the Emergency Appeals for expenditures, and thus in a lower-than-
included in the new four-year partnership
ICRC field operations being set at Sfr 765.8 expected implementation rate. On the
agreement (ISP2) covering the period from
million, which was Sfr 78.9 million other hand, an unforeseen deterioration of
October 2002 to September 2006, which,
(9.34%) lower than the amount requested the situation and a subsequent stepping-
like ISP1, is intended to strengthen the
in 2001. The Headquarters Appeal re- up of the ICRC's humanitarian response,
ICRC's planning and operational capacities
mained relatively constant with Sfr 149.8 such as in Colombia, Liberia and Sierra
in the spheres of protection, assistance,
million being requested in 2002 compared Leone, leads to a higher implementation
preventive action and cooperation within
to an appeal for Sfr 150.2 million in 2001. rate.
the Movement. Under the partnership
In the course of the year, the initial field agreement, DFID gave £17.25 million to
Contributions
budget was increased by five budget exten- the ICRC for the period from March 2002 to
A total of Sfr 788.3 million was received in March 2003. Including this amount, the
sions to accommodate unforeseen events
contributions in 2002 (excluding over- UK contribution to the ICRC reached
and rising needs in humanitarian terms in
heads but including assets). Sfr 118.7 million (Sfr 1.4 million for head-
the Afghan Conflict (May), Israel, the occu-
pied and the autonomous territories (May), The overall pattern of the sources of these quarters and Sfr 117.3 million for opera-
Liberia (July), Angola (August), and contributions kept the same tendency as tions in the field), making the UK the
Colombia (September). Budget extensions last year, with the proportion of support ICRC's second largest contributor.
were also decided upon for the Washington from governments increasing to 84.3%
regional delegation, which oversees ICRC of contributions (2000: 76%; 2001: Contributions to the Headquarters Appeal
protection work in Guantanamo (June), for 82.3%) and that of National Societies In all, Sfr. 121 million was received in
Myanmar and Nepal (June) but these were decreasing to 7.1% (2000: 15.2%; contributions to the headquarters budget:
covered by the ICRC's contingency fund. 2001: 8.7%). ICRC funding received from Sfr 111 million (Sfr 110.4 million in cash
The final field budget for 2002 thus stood at the European Commission (ECHO) re- and Sfr 0.6 million in services) from
Sfr 920.15 million (in cash, kind, and mained stable at 5.1% (2000: 4.9%; 75 governments, Sfr 6.7 million (Sfr 6.2
services), Sfr 24.25 million lower than the 2001: 5.3%), while contributions re- million in cash and Sfr 0.5 million in
Sfr 944.4 million (in cash, kind, and ceived from various other public and services) from 72 National Societies and
services) reached in 2001. private sources have decreased at 3% Sfr 3.3 million (Sfr 0.7 million in cash,
(2000: 3.7%; 2001: 3.4%). Sfr 1.2 million in services, Sfr 1.4 million
Expenditure The United States remained the ICRC's in kind) from a number of private and
Overall operational expenditure reached largest donor. It accounted for 25.5% public sources. The ICRC noted a trend
Sfr 821.7 million (including overheads), (Sfr 201.37 million) of all contributions with the Headquarters Appeal, which is
Sfr 146.8 million of which was for head- received and 27.9% (Sfr 186.4 million) of consistently funded in terms of amount,
quarters and Sfr 674.9 million for field contributions received for field operations. but by a decreasing number of govern-
operations. Indications on the level of funding provided ments and National Societies.
early in the year and the predominantly
The implementation rate3 for activities
regional earmarking of the US contribution Contributions to Emergency Appeals
planned, as part of the ICRC's emergency
enhanced the ICRC's operational flexibility. In 2002, Sfr 667.2 million was con-
3 Implementation rate = field expenditure (in cash, The final year of a three-year partnership tributed to ICRC field operations by
kind and services) / final field budget (excluding agreement (from 1999 to 2002) between 29 governments (Sfr 553.9 million), the
contingency) x 100%.
20
OPERATIONS
European Commission (Sfr 40.5 million), more restrictive the earmarking policy, the Predictability in funding
37 National Societies (Sfr 49.1 million) more limited the ICRC’s independence and The ICRC is unique in that it does not
and a variety of supranational and inter- operational flexibility – much to the detri- operate with a system of funding that
national organizations and private and ment of those that the ICRC is trying to relies on set (statutory) contributions.
public sources (Sfr 23.9 million) such assist. Moreover, its programmes are imple-
as the UN, Microsoft, UEFA and Rotary mented according to needs and are not
Tightly earmarked cash contributions still
International. The cash component of the contingent on the level of contributions
account for a significant proportion of the
donor response to the ICRC's field opera- that have been received or pledged. The
cash contributions received for ICRC field
tions reached the level of Sfr 631.8 million ICRC counts on donors to come forward
operations. In 2002, they amounted to
(2001: Sfr 659.1 million). The in-kind with the necessary funds in response to its
Sfr 130.6 million or 17.4 % of cash con-
component had a value of Sfr 19.4 mil- objectives and programmes for a given
tributions.
lion, down from Sfr 56.2 million in 2000 year. To minimize the financial risk it thus
and 32.9 million in 2001. Contributions At 29.4% (Sfr. 220.4 million) in 2002, incurs, the ICRC seeks, on the one hand,
in services were equivalent to Sfr 15.6 the proportion of non-earmarked cash to be realistic as to the objectives and
million, down from the Sfr 24.3 million contributions ("core funding") to the ICRC’s budgets it sets and, on the other, to gain a
received in 2000 and 17.8 million in Emergency Appeals and Headquarters certain degree of predictability with respect
2001. Contributions in assets represented Appeal was higher than in 2001 (25.2%) to funding from donors. Ideally, the ICRC
Sfr 0.4 million in 2002 (2001: Sfr 0.9 and 2000 (25.7%). Apart from some pri- needs pluri-annual funding commitments
million). vate donations, the majority of these non- from donor countries – as it does in fact
earmarked funds for the Emergency from some donors. The ICRC is aware that
By comparison, in 2001, Sfr 710.7 mil-
Appeals and/or the Mine Appeal came planning restraints on donors, and
lion was received towards the field opera-
from nine governments (Australia, national budget and finance regulations,
tions budget. Of this amount, Sfr 577.7
Canada, France, the Holy See, Italy, do not easily allow them to commit them-
million in contributions was received from
Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the selves to the medium-term assurances the
29 governments, Sfr 44.5 million from the
United Kingdom) and two National Soci- ICRC would prefer. Nevertheless, the ICRC
European Commission, Sfr 65.1 million
eties (Monaco and Norway). will continue to seek ways of achieving its
from 36 National Societies, Sfr 23.6 mil-
lion from various private and public Cash contributions loosely earmarked for objective of pluri-annual arrangements.
sources and from supranational or inter- a given region, country or programme Clear indications received early in the year
national organizations. represented about 53.2% of the total from donors as to the annual level of fund-
(Sfr 398.3 million). ing and the timing of the transfer of funds
would also facilitate financial planning
Flexibility in funding Out of this 53%, 43% was "broad, geo- and reduce risk.
Even though the ICRC has been fortunate graphically earmarked" funding received
not to suffer from major cuts in funding, from the United States; 3.9% was "pro- Overall predictability of funding improved,

specific donor requirements in terms of gramme earmarked" funding from the in large part owing to arrangements made
earmarking and reporting were generally United Kingdom and Ireland. early in the year with the United States, the
the same in 2002 as in 2001. Some of United Kingdom, Sweden and – in the
At a country-earmarked level, the "Afghan case of the headquarters budget – Switzer-
these constraints were imposed by the
Conflict" was the context mostly targeted land. These agreements allowed planning
donors' own internal financial and admin-
by donors with 31% of all the contribu- in terms of basic funding levels to take
istrative services.
tions of this type, 6.4% for Ethiopia, 6% place early on, and favourable timing in
To meet needs effectively, it is essential for for Israel, the occupied and the the transfer of funds helped to ensure a
the ICRC to benefit from flexibility in the autonomous territories, 5.9% for Sudan, marked improvement in the ICRC's overall
use of funds and a degree of standardiza- 5.8% for Colombia and 5.4% for Angola. cash-flow situation as compared to the
tion of individual donor requirements, previous year.
The ICRC has drawn up guidelines to
notably in relation to earmarking and
ensure greater uniformity and coherence
reporting. Earmarking has become more
in managing earmarked funds. These Diversity in the donor base
widespread in recent years, and contribu-
standards are designed to reduce the In spite of concerted efforts to broaden its
tions have often been accompanied by
multiplicity of financing and reporting donor base, the ICRC is concerned with
rigorous timetables for the implementation
constraints, which stifle the ICRC’s ability what it perceives as a gradual narrowing
of projects and stringent specific reporting
to respond most effectively to general of its donor base of main financial contrib-
conditions. Experience has shown that the
donor requirements. utors. In view of its universal mandate and
21
OPERATIONS
the worldwide deployment of its activities, Private sector Action Report which was issued in con-
the ICRC would like to be able to count on Increased fundraising from private-sector nection with the ICRC's five-year "Mine
the broadest possible support. While the sources was also attempted as a means Action 1999-2003" appeal.
general data provided above would at first of broadening the donor base. Unfortu- The ICRC Donor Site, a password-
appear to indicate broad support in terms nately, the overall income from private protected extranet site on which all docu-
of the level and the number of sources of fundraising activities fell, despite in- ments issued by the ICRC's External Re-
contributions, a closer look reveals a trend creased efforts to target large firms and sources Division are posted, continues to
of increasing reliance on a relatively few foundations. Although potential sources of give donors immediate access to reports
main donors accounting for the bulk of the additional funding were identified, the time and other funding-related documents.
ICRC's funding. and human resources available were not
Even though 78 governments and the adequate to develop substantial new
European Commission contributed to the partnerships. An agreement with the Swiss RELATIONS
ICRC's overall budget in 2002 (lower by Red Cross continued to restrict active WITH INTERNATIONAL
four from 2001), the top 10 contributors fundraising in Switzerland. The effects of ORGANIZATIONS
accounted for Sfr 631.3 million or 80.1% this restriction were not offset by sponta-
neous donations, the level of which was The fundamental mission of the ICRC,
(2001:78%; 2000: 72.2%) and the top
lower than in the previous year. which is to protect and assist victims of
five contributors for Sfr. 496.3 million or
armed conflict and internal violence,
63% (2001: 63.2%; 2000: 59.2%) of
requires efforts both in the field and within
the overall total of Sfr 788.3 million in Reporting to donors the framework of regional and interna-
contributions received. Similarly, contribu- The ICRC kept donors informed of its tional organizations. The ICRC makes
tions were received from 83 National Soci- operations and activities through a variety constant efforts to ensure better respect for
eties (2001: 88; 2000: 62), with the top of documents. In December 2001, it IHL by all parties involved in a conflict,
10 accounting for 69.7% (2001:77.2%; launched its 2002 Emergency Appeals including States. In multinational fora it
2000: 73.7%) and the top five for 45.3% and Headquarters Appeal, which were fol- promotes knowledge, understanding and,
(2001: 51.1%; 2000: 43.7%) of the lowed in the course of the year by five whenever appropriate, development of this
total of Sfr 55.8 million in contributions budget-extension appeal documents. body of law. It explains its position on
received from National Societies.
It reported to donors on all its field opera- issues of humanitarian concern and takes
As for contributions received for field oper- tions through the newly introduced Mid- steps to facilitate its operations in the field
ations, the numbers are cause for even term report, which covers the first and sec- and raise awareness of the needs of vic-
greater concern. Only 29 governments ond quarter of ICRC field operations. The tims. Above all, it seeks to safeguard the
and the European Commission con- third and fourth quarters are covered by principles of impartiality, neutrality and
tributed to the Emergency Appeals (2001: the country reports contained in the pres- independence against any militarization or
29; 2000: 28). Of these, the top five ent Annual Report. The reporting aims to politicization of humanitarian endeavour.
accounted for Sfr 425.1 million, or 63.7% discuss progress achieved for each target To this end, the ICRC develops and main-
(2001: 64.1%; 2000: 62.9%) of the population in the light of set objectives as tains close relations with a wide range of
total of Sfr 667.2 million in contributions outlined in the Emergency Appeals for organizations, including the International
received. The top five National Society 2002. Financial updates were similarly Federation of the Red Cross and Red Cres-
contributors accounted for Sfr 23 million, provided on a quarterly basis. In Septem- cent Societies, through its headquarters
or 46.9% (2001: 52.9%; 2000: 46.1%) ber the ICRC issued its Renewed Emer- staff and delegations in New York, Brus-
of the Sfr 49 million received from gency Appeal which presented the overall sels, Paris, Cairo and Addis Ababa. The
35 National Societies (2001: 36) funding situation of field operations, ICRC’s International Organizations Divi-
in response to the 2002 Emergency detailed the contributions received by that sion acts as a focal point for relations
Appeals. time, and covered a number of major between the organization and United
In view of the above, it is clear that the operations for which substantial funding Nations bodies such as the General
ICRC needs to continue its efforts to obtain was still required. Assembly, the Security Council and the
additional funds from new government Donors were further informed of the main various UN humanitarian agencies. Simi-
and National Society donors, and at the developments in ICRC operations by larly, it maintains regular contacts with
same time identify and test new budget means of 31 Updates covering a wide regional organizations such as the African
lines among current donors. range of operational contexts and three Union (AU), the League of Arab States, the
Special Reports, including a 2001 Mine Organisation of the Islamic Conference
22
OPERATIONS
(OIC), the Organization of American States vice-president made a statement at the mainly for international organizations,
(OAS), the Organization for Security and panel discussion on complex humanitar- which similarly proclaimed the duty to
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the ian emergencies. The ICRC also closely respect human rights and humanitarian
Council of Europe, and with the Inter- followed the work of other UN bodies law in the fight against terrorism; this was
Parliamentary Union (IPU). The ICRC also and proceedings, such as the Special eventually endorsed by the OSCE Parlia-
cultivates regular exchanges with NGOs, Committee on Peacekeeping Operations mentary Assembly and enshrined in the
which have a considerable capacity for and the Special Session on Children. It OSCE Charter on Preventing and Combat-
mobilization and advocacy. also attended meetings relating to the ing Terrorism adopted by the Ministerial
drafting of a comprehensive international Council. In addition, the ICRC promoted
The ICRC regional delegations took part in
treaty on terrorism and to the Convention the adoption of a resolution on IHL by the
both operations and humanitarian diplo-
on the Safety of United Nations and Asso- General Assembly of the OAS.
macy. They also pursued dialogue with
ciated Personnel, and meetings of the
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Together with the IPU, the ICRC organized
Preparatory Commission for the Establish-
Societies. the first inter-parliamentary conference
ment of an International Criminal Court.
held in Africa. Its theme, "The protection of
In 2002, the ICRC continued to focus on
The ICRC paid close attention to the vari- civilian populations in armed conflicts",
the situation of IDPs and on the needs of
ous issues addressed by the UN Security aimed to raise awareness among parlia-
women and children in armed conflict.
Council during 2002. Its director-general mentarians of their role and responsibili-
Special attention was devoted to the issue
participated in an open debate on the pro- ties. Held in Niamey, Niger in February
of persons missing as a result of war, and
tection of civilians in armed conflict organ- 2002, the conference also provided par-
to making humanitarian coordination
ized by the Council, and made a state- ticipants with an opportunity to attend
more effective. Another priority, within the
ment. At the beginning of each month, the workshops to familiarize themselves with
overall framework of relations between the
ICRC met with the president of the Security IHL and discuss mechanisms for more
military and humanitarian organizations
Council to discuss the most pressing effective implementation. In particular,
in conflict situations, was to defend the
issues of humanitarian concern. they examined how international organi-
need for an environment in which human-
zations could support African parliaments’
itarian work can take place. The ICRC took an active part in the World
supervision of the application of IHL and
Summit on Sustainable Development,
thereby contribute to good governance.
Raising issues of humanitarian concern where it stressed that respect for IHL pro-
Financial contributions to the Union of
in international fora motes development. At the 2002 World
African Parliaments by Canada, Norway
Food Summit it drew attention to the provi-
Throughout 2002, issues of humanitarian and Switzerland made the conference
sions of IHL pertaining to food.
concern remained high on the agendas of possible.
various UN bodies and international con- In Europe, the ICRC maintained regular
The ICRC pursued a constructive dialogue
ferences. In order to keep abreast of devel- contacts with regional organizations deal-
with the OAU and its successor, the AU. A

opments relevant to its humanitarian ing with security matters, such as the
joint ICRC/OAU round table was organized
activities, and to promote understanding OSCE, the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
on IHL and the AU’s Constitutive Act. In
and support for its mandate and work, the tion (NATO), and the European Union
August the ICRC president visited the
ICRC closely followed the work of the UN (EU). The president of the ICRC paid an
AU headquarters. The ICRC mission to the
General Assembly and made a number of official visit to the Council of Europe,
OAU/AU in Addis Ababa was in regular
statements on legal matters and issues of where he addressed its Committee of Min-
contact with the five regional groups
humanitarian concern, particularly to the isters and its Parliamentary Assembly,
of ambassadors and the OAU General
First Committee (Disarmament and Inter- which was discussing a report on the
Secretariat/AU Commission; it made regu-
national Security), the Third Committee activities of the ICRC. This visit offered one
lar written and oral representations to
(Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) and more opportunity to stress expressly that
ensure that they were fully aware of
the Sixth Committee (Legal). It played a the fight against terrorism must not only
ICRC concerns relating to the African con-
similar role at the annual session of the respect human rights but also, where
tinent. The ICRC also maintained fruitful
Commission on Human Rights, during applicable, IHL (shortly afterwards, the
contacts with several of the continent’s
which the ICRC president delivered an Committee of Ministers adopted Guide-
regional organizations, including the Eco-
address. The ICRC participated actively lines on Human Rights and the Fight
nomic Community of West African States
in the humanitarian affairs segment of against Terrorism, which make this point
and the Southern African Development
the Economic and Social Council’s sub- very clearly). The ICRC also took part in a
Community.
stantive session, during which the ICRC special meeting organized by the OSCE
23
OPERATIONS
Numerous meetings were held with vari- Enhancing cooperation and February 2002 the ICRC participated in the
ous departments of the UN Secretariat to coordination between agencies third annual Montreux Donor Retreat
discuss issues of common concern, In recognition of the scale and complexity organized by this working group.
which were often related to contexts in of needs arising from crises around the The ICRC continued to contribute to the
which the UN and the ICRC were both world and the increasing number of international debate on the issue of IDPs.
active. The protection of vulnerable groups organizations involved in addressing In its capacity as a standing invitee of the
in areas where peacekeeping operations them, the ICRC stepped up its consultation Senior Inter-Agency Network on IDPs, the
are deployed was one such subject. and coordination with other humanitarian ICRC presented the issue from the per-
Within the framework of the courses agencies, whether members of the UN spective of IHL and ensured that the net-
organized for civilian personnel in peace- system, regional organizations or NGOs. work’s recommendations built on the
keeping operations by the United Nations In this context, the ICRC actively partici- operational experience of the International
Institute for Training and Research together pated in the Inter-Agency Standing Com- Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It
with the Department of Peacekeeping mittee (IASC), which is the UN mechanism also stressed the importance of maintain-
Operations of the UN Secretariat, the ICRC for coordinating the humanitarian activi- ing coordination at field level, as it did at
contributed teaching materials on the spe- ties of both UN and non-UN organizations. meetings of the IDP Unit of OCHA. In addi-
cial needs of women in conflict. The ICRC’s status as a standing invitee tion, the ICRC held high-level meetings
ensures its independence and neutrality and regular consultations with UNHCR. It
Preserving independent humanitarian within the IASC. In 2002, as in past years, took an active part in the drafting of the
action the ICRC took an active part in the IASC Agenda for Protection of UNHCR’s Execu-
In its constant interaction with interna- working group and plenary meetings. The tive Committee, and of that body’s goal to
tional organizations and States, the ICRC ICRC also participated in weekly IASC separate armed elements from refugee
stressed the independence of humanitar- information-sharing meetings both in populations, which was included in its
ian action and the concurrent need to keep Geneva and New York. Throughout the Conclusion on the civilian and humanitar-
it distinct from political initiatives and mili- year, the ICRC contributed extensively to ian character of asylum. It also consulted
tary operations. To this end, it made state- the work undertaken by the IASC reference with other key UN agencies operating in
ments at the UN General Assembly and groups and task forces on subjects such the humanitarian sphere such as the
took an active part in the ongoing dia- as gender, HIV/AIDS, and protection from World Food Programme, UNICEF and the
logue on cooperation and coordination sexual abuse. Within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization.
between humanitarian organizations and reference group on humanitarian action
and human rights, it made a substantial Contacts with some of the larger NGOs
the military in conflict situations. As a took place on a bilateral basis. At the
member of the committee reviewing draft contribution to the IASC publication enti-
tled Growing the sheltering tree: Protecting same time the ICRC took part in the work
guidelines on the use of military and civil- of the Steering Committee for Humanitar-
defence assets in support of UN humani- rights through humanitarian action, a
unique collection of field practices that ian Response and maintained close rela-
tarian operations in complex emergencies, tions with the International Council of Vol-
it strove to ensure that basic humanitarian protect or promote rights which is intended
as a practical tool for humanitarian organ- untary Agencies, within which it has
principles were adequately reflected in the observer status. The ICRC held a new
guidelines and that the scope for humani- izations in the field. Through its delega-
tions, the ICRC cooperated with the UN series of seminars on protection activities
tarian action vital to its operations was for NGOs and international organizations
safeguarded. country teams in the development of the
Common Humanitarian Action Plan, with at its Ecogia training centre near Geneva
a view to avoiding duplication and/or in March, April and May. As in previous
gaps in the aid provided by humanitarian years, the ICRC also organized seminars
organizations through increased coordi- on humanitarian and IHL-related issues
nation. At headquarters, the ICRC partici- for diplomats, international organizations
pated in the annual launch of the UN Con- and NGOs in Geneva, New York and Addis
solidated Appeals. Ababa.
A close link was maintained with the

Humanitarian Liaison Working Group,
which brings together representatives of
major donor countries in Geneva to foster
dialogue with humanitarian agencies. In
24
INTERNATIONAL HISTORICAL RESEARCH
The purpose of the ICRC’s historical
POLICY AND COOPERATION
WITHIN THE MOVEMENT
LAW AND research activities is to make its history
widely known. In coordination with the
The Division for Policy and Cooperation
within the Movement develops policy on
COMMUNICATION Archives Division, the Historical Research
Unit replies to the public's requests for
matters of concern to the ICRC as a whole,
makes all necessary preparations for the
HISTORICAL RESEARCH information and carries out research into Movement's statutory meetings, facilitates
specific issues relating to the institution’s the capacity-building of National Societies
POLICY AND COOPERATION past. Within the ICRC, the goal is to gain a in areas of ICRC expertise, and contributes
WITHIN THE MOVEMENT deeper insight into the history of the to the smooth running of field activities
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW organization and also to provide an ade- conducted in cooperation with the other
quate knowledge on the history of the components of the Movement.
COMMUNICATION situations of conflict in which the ICRC
operates. In 2002, the ICRC Assembly adopted a
policy on "ICRC action in periods of transi-
The legitimacy that the ICRC has today tion". A transition period is understood to
owes a great deal to its history. The man- mean a period of indeterminate duration
date entrusted to the ICRC by the Geneva following an armed conflict or internal
Conventions and by the Statutes of the strife when open confrontation has ended,
Movement is deeply linked with the past, generally owing to a ceasefire or a peace
as are the working principles of the ICRC. agreement. It is a period during which
To understand how the ICRC fulfilled its there is a high risk of resumption of hostil-
mandate in the past, one of the primary ities. In humanitarian terms, it is a period
objectives set for 2002 was to continue between aid inflow and economic regener-
writing up the history of the organization ation, during which the situation of those
for the years1945-1965. most in need deteriorates and many peo-
ple continue to require the protection con-
The Historical Research Unit replied to ferred by IHL.
37 external requests for information on
ICRC activities during the period 1950- This internal policy, which focuses on
2001, for which documents in the ICRC assistance, is the fruit of a lively debate
archives are not yet accessible to public within the ICRC which began in 2000. It is
consultation. The historical website has based on the organization’s experience in
been completed with texts covering the different contexts such as the Balkans, the

years 1919-1939. A written investigation Caucasus and Central America. It takes
of a question related to the Second World into account the legal and statutory frame-
War has been made in response to sev- work in which the ICRC operates. An arti-
eral external requests. cle on ICRC policy in periods of transition
will be published in the International
Three original studies about specific situa- Review of the Red Cross in 2003.
tions of conflict have been realized and
distributed to the operational zones con-
cerned in order to provide them with an ICRC POLICY DEVELOPMENT
historical background. Good offices and mediation
In line with ICRC guidelines on the organi-
zation’s role in the prevention of armed
conflicts adopted in January 2002, ICRC
policy in regard to good offices and medi-
ation continued to be reviewed. A policy
on the ICRC’s role as a neutral intermedi-
ary in the peaceful resolution of conflicts
25
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND COMMUNICATION
was formulated in 2002 and will be sub- The ICRC also endeavoured to raise were also taken into consideration within
mitted for internal adoption in 2003. awareness of the situation of women the ICRC. At the beginning of 2002, the
adversely affected by armed conflict – and ICRC adopted a plan of action for the
Humanitarian accountability of the international law that accords them study outlining the objectives, responsibil-
protection – among international organi- ities and time frames necessary to ensure
In response to increased demand for
zations and NGOs. An experts meeting that ICRC programmes take specifically
greater accountability among those carry-
held at ICRC headquarters for specialists into account the needs of women affected
ing out humanitarian work, the Directorate
on women and war and gender issues by armed conflict. This contributed to a
adopted guidelines that will provide a gen-
was attended by representatives from number of operational projects for women
eral framework for the ICRC’s position on
UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, the UN Population being set up or adapted in delegations
this topic.
Fund, the UN Development Fund for around the world. As the ICRC was partic-
Women (UNIFEM), World YWCA and ularly concerned about the protection of
Cooperation with National Societies Coordination of Women's Advocacy. Fur- women against the effects of armed con-
A policy document was completed for thermore, in a number of conferences and flict and the issue of sexual violence, it
adoption (see section below Cooperation meetings on the theme of women and devoted greater attention to dissemination
within the International Red Cross and Red armed conflict the ICRC presented the con- activities and to efforts aimed at prevent-
Crescent Movement). clusions of the Women facing War study ing sexual violence, developing pro-
and the protection accorded to women grammes, and helping survivors of sexual
Women and war under IHL. The organization took part in violence.
meetings organized by the governments of
In 2002, the ICRC published the Arabic, In terms of training, the ICRC worked
Norway, Switzerland and the United
French and Spanish translations of the extensively to improve its courses for new
States, and by organizations such as
ICRC's Women facing War study (with and existing personnel. The aim was to
Médecins du Monde, Femmes Africa soli-
Russian to follow in March 2003). ensure that the messages given in training
darité, Forum of NGOs in Brussels (EU),
Launches of the study were held in several courses were consistent with the Women
International Alert, World Civil Society
countries – for example in Canada, where facing War study, the plan of action and
Forum, Women's International League for
the English and French versions were pre- communication guidelines on women and
Peace and Freedom, OSCE, UNHCR,
sented to the public with the support of the war and gender issues. By year’s end,
Ghent University and Asian Women's
government and the Canadian Red Cross, most training-course sessions contained
Fund. In addition, the ICRC gave briefings
and in Jordan, where the Arabic version specific messages and, where appropri-
in New York on its work relating to women
was introduced in November under the ate, role-plays on aspects relating to
and war for organizations including
patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania women and war. Additionally, within the
UNICEF, DPKO, UNIFEM, the UN Division
Al Abdullah. These were important oppor- framework of courses organized by the UN
for the Advancement of Women and the
tunities for drawing the attention of repre- Institute for Training and Research together
Women's Commission for Refugee
sentatives of the diplomatic, political, mili- with the DPKO, the ICRC also prepared
Women and Children.
tary and academic communities to the and conducted training sessions on
study and its conclusions, and for gaining The Women facing War series of films women and armed conflict in a number of
substantial media coverage, which was widely distributed and promoted countries for UN peacekeeping personnel.
brought the study’s findings to even larger throughout the year and was broadcast in
These measures were taken as part of the
numbers of people. In September, the many countries. The films were used by
ICRC's ongoing efforts to fulfil its pledge,
ICRC President met with representatives ICRC delegations, National Societies,
made at the 27th International Conference
from permanent missions in Geneva to international organizations and NGOs,
of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in
present the work accomplished by the academic institutions and many govern-
1999, to ensure that the needs of women
ICRC since the study was first launched in ments throughout the world. A "Women
in wartime were properly assessed in its
2001 and to remind them of its main con- and War" travelling exhibition was
operations.
clusions. In addition, specifically tailored launched in Sarajevo and began touring
awareness campaigns on Women facing delegations and National Societies.
War were conducted by many ICRC units, In addition to the ICRC’s efforts to promote
including the regional delegations in the Women facing War study – and IHL
Buenos Aires, Dakar, Lagos, Pretoria and generally – outside the organization,
Yaoundé, and delegations in Bosnia and much was done to ensure that the key
Herzegovina and Syria. findings and conclusions of the study
26
Protection of children STATUTORY BODIES OF THE MOVEMENT The group of ambassadors was convened
All components of the Movement contin- in Geneva in May and October 2002 to
Towards a comprehensive solution advise on preparations for the Interna-
ued their efforts to carry out the commit- to the question of the emblem
ments they made in the 1995 Plan of tional Conference. A concept paper pro-
Action concerning children in armed con- Since the 1999 International Conference posed "protecting human dignity" as the
flict. These included aiming to raise the of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the general theme for the Conference and set
minimum age for recruitment into the ICRC, together with the Standing Commis- out the issues of humanitarian concern to
armed forces to 18 years and developing sion and the International Federation, has be addressed. The paper forms the basis
rehabilitation programmes for demobilized been actively involved in the process of for the Conference agenda, which will be
child soldiers. seeking a comprehensive solution to the further developed in 2003.
emblem issue. In 2000 a third protocol to
In all situations of armed conflict, the pro- the Geneva Conventions was drafted, Consultations began on the agenda for the
tection of children, especially in terms of introducing an additional emblem free 2003 Council of Delegates, which was set
their safety and their physical and mental from any political, religious or national to highlight Movement policy issues and
health, is better guaranteed when the connotations, to be put at the disposal of Movement preparations for the Interna-
entire civilian population – and families in States and National Societies having diffi- tional Conference. In addition, progress
particular – are afforded protection. culty in using the existing emblems. A was made in connection with specific res-
Diplomatic Conference was planned to olutions adopted at the 2001 Council of
The ICRC worked to ensure better imple- Delegates, on which the ICRC and the
mentation of and respect for humanitarian consider adoption of the protocol, but had
to be postponed because of the deteriora- International Federation will report at the
instruments designed to protect children in next Council meeting in 2003 (e.g. the
armed conflict, including for example the tion of the situation in the Middle East.
Both the International Federation and the Strategy for the Movement, Movement
Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Addi- activities on behalf of refugees and IDPs,
tional Protocols of 1977, and the Optional ICRC are taking every possible opportunity
to pursue cooperation – in particular in the issue of the emblem, explosive rem-
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of nants of war, etc.).
the Child on the involvement of children in relation to operational activities – with
armed conflict, which entered into force on National Societies not yet formally recog-
nized. As part of the follow-up to Resolu- Follow-up to the 27th International
12 February 2002. Knowledge of the rules
tion 6 of the Council of Delegates held in Conference (1999)
laid down in these instruments was pro-
moted among armed forces, police forces Geneva in 2001, a working group set up The ICRC and the International Federation
and other bearers of weapons, and in uni- by the Standing Commission met in April are responsible for the follow-up to the
versities and schools. The ICRC remained and October 2002. Moreover, in coordina- plan of action for 2000-2003 adopted by
committed to preventing the recruitment of tion with the working group, the Standing the 1999 International Conference and the
children, and was successful in some Commission continued consultations with many pledges made by participants. By
cases in bringing about the withdrawal a view to finding a comprehensive solu- means of questionnaires and reports, they

of children from military groups and tion to the question of the emblem on the received information from Conference par-
returning them to their families. The "Child basis of the work already carried out, and ticipants on action taken to implement the
Advocacy and Rehabilitation Programme" will report on its progress at the Council of plan of action and fulfil pledges, which
in Sierra Leone, set up by National Soci- Delegates and the International Confer- was processed and entered into a data-
eties and supported by the ICRC, contin- ence of the Red Cross and Red Crescent base accessible to the public on the ICRC
ued to help reintegrate children into their due to be held in 2003. website. The information collected will
communities. facilitate preparations for the next Interna-
Preparing the 2003 International tional Conference and will be used by the
In 2002, the ICRC registered some 3,800 Conference and Council of Delegates ICRC and the International Federation in
children separated from their families, their reports to the Conference.
1,200 of whom were subsequently The ICRC, together with the International
reunited. Over 2,300 minors were visited Federation and the Standing Commission,
has been active in the process of prepar- Cooperation within the International
in detention. Their living conditions, in
particular their food and hygiene, were ing the 2003 International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
closely monitored. The ICRC also engaged the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the The ICRC and National Societies continue
in medical activities specifically aimed at Council of Delegates. to work as active partners in pursuing
children, such as vaccination pro- their shared objective of preventing and
grammes in Sudan. alleviating human suffering in armed con-
27
flict. During 2002, the ICRC allocated • fostering true complementarity between two cases, it was considered more effi-
59.7 million Swiss francs to building the the ICRC’s and the Federation’s support cient to join offices. Consequently, in
capacity of National Societies in areas of to National Societies’ programmes; Mexico the ICRC regional delegation
ICRC expertise and to ensuring effective has accommodated the Federation del-
• using available resources more effi-
and efficient use of Movement resources egation in its offices, and a similar
ciently.
through coordination of activities. process for the existing ICRC and Feder-
In a consultation process between all ation offices in Trinidad and Tobago is
A new policy document on the ICRC's
heads of delegation and cooperation/ foreseen for 2003.
cooperation with National Societies was
organizational development delegates
completed in December and was passed
from both institutions working in Latin Movement coordination
to the ICRC Assembly to be adopted in
America and the Caribbean, key issues in
2003. The policy focuses on the ICRC's International activities of the components
National Society cooperation and capacity
capacity-building support to National of the Movement are organized in accor-
building in the region were identified,
Societies and on the implementation of dance with the 1997 Seville Agreement. In
mechanisms for implementation and
operational partnerships between the 2002, the ICRC and the International Fed-
coordination strengthened or established
ICRC and National Societies working eration worked to implement the Agree-
and a plan based on commonly agreed
within their own countries and those work- ment by strengthening existing coordina-
priorities adopted, as follows:
ing internationally. tion mechanisms and by drawing lessons
Programme Area Priorities from complex situations such as the con-
The ongoing training of ICRC cooperation
current natural disasters and armed con-
staff in the field is a primary concern of the – organizational development with par-
flicts that occurred in Afghanistan,
Cooperation Unit. In 2002, two training ticular emphasis on National Society
Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of
seminars were run for 48 staff responsible legal-base issues and National Soci-
the Congo, among others.
for implementing cooperation activities in ety leadership training;
the field. In addition, an electronic-database
– communication with emphasis on Implementation of the Strategy
manual on cooperation was completed
the promotion of Fundamental Prin- for the Movement
and distributed to all delegations to assist
ciples and IHL, humanitarian values
them in their work with National Societies. Harmonization of ICRC and International
and advocacy;
The manual provides information and Federation approaches to capacity-
working tools pertaining to operational – disaster- and conflict-preparedness building for National Societies was fur-
cooperation with Movement partners, and and response. thered in 2002 by the adoption of plan-
methodologies for building the capacity of ning guidelines for supporting National
Geographical Priorities
National Societies in the areas of relief and Society emergency relief and health-care
health care in conflict situations, restoring Particular focus for harmonizing pro- services in disaster and conflict situations.
family links, and promoting IHL and the grammes was placed on supporting the This measure, carried out in accordance
Movement’s Fundamental Principles. National Societies in Bolivia, Brazil, with Action 1 of the Strategy for the Move-
Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti and ment, complements the efforts made in
The senior management of the ICRC and
Nicaragua. This does not exclude regu- 2001 to promote IHL and humanitarian
the Federation addressed the issue of har-
lar programme support by both Geneva values, and to bolster the worldwide Red
monizing respective approaches to co-
institutions to other countries in the Cross and Red Crescent tracing network.
operation with National Societies. Detailed
region where good cooperation already
instructions for harmonizing the planning In November 2001 the Council of Dele-
exists and will continue.
of work with National Societies in the field gates adopted a resolution calling on
were sent to all delegations in July. In this In some areas the harmonized pro- National Societies to implement the
process, the Latin America/Caribbean gramming was immediately initiated, actions outlined in the Strategy for the
region was chosen to be a starting point, whereas in others new ideas and initia- Movement, one of which (Action 4) is to
where areas for more structured coopera- tives are planned for 2003. Regular and ensure that National Society statutes meet
tion should be explored, with a view to: structured consultation between the del- the Movement’s standards as set out in
egations as well as the regional depart- Guidance for National Society Statutes.
• responding better and in a more
ments in Geneva took place throughout The Joint ICRC and International Federa-
focused manner to the needs of
2002 and joint missions to National tion Commission for National Society
National Societies, taking adequately
Societies were undertaken on issues of Statutes, which is mandated to help
into account the long-term perspective;
particular concern for all involved. In National Societies in their process of revi-
28
sion, reviewed the statutes of 53 National In 2002, the ICRC continued making con- The horrific events of 11 September 2001
Societies in 2002. fidential representations to the parties to in the United States and the ensuing cam-
conflict in cases where this body of law paign against terrorism raised a number
was being violated. When new hostilities of questions and concerns on the legal
INTERNATIONAL broke out, the ICRC reminded the parties level. One issue was whether IHL is ade-
HUMANITARIAN LAW involved of their obligations under IHL. quate to deal with new situations of vio-
The protection of victims of war is largely lence and new kinds of conflict. In dealing
In order to enhance its capacity to protect
dependent on respect for IHL. In accor- with this issue, it is important to note that
and assist victims of armed conflict and
dance with the mandate conferred on it by the aim of IHL is to limit violence in con-
other situations of violence, the ICRC con-
the international community, the ICRC flict situations. It protects all individuals
cluded new headquarters agreements in
strives to promote compliance with – and who for whatever reason are in the hands
the year under review with Algeria and
contribute to – the development of IHL. of an enemy from arbitrary treatment and
Zambia, bringing the number of head-
Both at headquarters and in the field, the abuse. Acts commonly associated with
quarters agreements signed by the end of
ICRC encourages States to ratify the vari- terrorism, such as attacks on civilians and
2002 to 70. These agreements give the
ous humanitarian instruments in order to indiscriminate attacks, when committed in
ICRC various privileges and immunities,
promote their universal acceptance.1 The armed conflict, are therefore prohibited by
and enable the organization and its staff to
ICRC's Advisory Service on International IHL. However, IHL is not designed to pre-
work in an entirely independent manner. In
Humanitarian Law provides States with vent acts of terror in all circumstances or
addition, the ICRC succeeded in its efforts
technical advice to help them adopt to combat terrorism in general – it is appli-
to obtain recognition of its testimonial
national measures to implement these cable only where the fight against terror-
immunity in the newly-established Inter-
treaties. ism amounts to or includes armed con-
national Criminal Court (ICC).
flict. The real problem as regards the
Three events were held to commemorate Experts from the ICRC's Legal Division application of IHL arises not because it is
the 25th anniversary of the two Protocols attended numerous conferences and sem- in any way inadequate, but from a failure
of 1977 additional to the Geneva Conven- inars on issues relating to refugees and to respect its most fundamental rules. If
tions. The first was a round table organ- IDPs and to the protection of civilians in these rules were observed, armed conflict
ized by the Swiss Federal Department of armed conflict, where they promoted IHL would be the cause of far less suffering. In
Foreign Affairs and the ICRC on "Interna- and stressed the relevance of its provi- 2002, the ICRC launched its "Project on
tional humanitarian law at the beginning sions and the special role of the ICRC. the reaffirmation and development of IHL"
of the 21st century: Challenges and Whenever new legal instruments are with the aim of stimulating discussion on
prospects". The second was an official drafted, the ICRC strives to ensure that IHL the unresolved issues of IHL both within
ceremony held in connection with the loan is taken into account. In particular, since and outside the ICRC.
by the Swiss Confederation of the original the release of a report in December 2001
Geneva Convention of 1864 to the Inter- by the International Commission on Inter- PROMOTING THE UNIVERSALITY OF IHL

national Red Cross and Red Crescent vention and State Sovereignty, the Legal
Museum for temporary display. The third Division has monitored very closely the Geneva Conventions of 12 August
was the 26th Round Table on Current issues arising from the interventions of a 1949 and their Additional Protocols
Problems of International Humanitarian State or a group of States with a view to In 2002 the ICRC's Advisory Service
Law on "The two Additional Protocols to ensuring respect for IHL in all circum- organized and took part in a number of
the Geneva Conventions 25 years later – stances. It has also been concerned with workshops, discussion groups and semi-
challenges and prospects" organized by issues relating to the presence of private nars, at national and regional levels, to
the San Remo International Institute of companies in countries facing unrest or promote the broadest possible debate on
Humanitarian Law and the ICRC. This war, such as the involvement of private subjects relating to the ratification of IHL
event brought together 250 participants to military companies in conflict and non- treaties and their national implementation.
discuss a range of issues relating to the conflict situations, and with broader ques- The ICRC was involved in meetings in
conduct of hostilities and the protection of tions linked to the corporate responsibility Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium,
the civilian population, the use of certain of multinational companies active in such Chile, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia,
weapons and the repression of war countries. The Legal Division has also Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan,
crimes. The round table presented an stepped up its efforts to protect the ICRC Mexico, Panama, Peru, Poland, Russian
occasion to look at the future of IHL in light logo through trademark procedures initi- Federation, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine,
of new types of armed conflicts. ated in a number of States. Yemen and elsewhere. Its contribution to
1 See table (in annex).
these meetings focused on the promotion
29
or implementation of IHL treaties, depend- Criminal Court, mainly in order to coordi- MAKING IHL MORE MEANINGFUL
ing on the audience (government repre- nate efforts to promote the Rome Statute.
sentatives, members of national commit- Study on customary rules of IHL
tees on IHL, university professors, legal The Ottawa Convention and the The ICRC continued its study on custom-
advisers within the armed forces, etc.). Convention on Certain Conventional ary rules of IHL, which was mandated by
States not yet party to the Additional Proto- Weapons and its four Protocols the 26th International Conference of the
cols were singled out for special attention. Red Cross and Red Crescent. The final
A list of reasons why the Additional Proto- The Advisory Service helped to organize
and participated in the second seminar for publication will consist of two volumes,
cols should be ratified was presented on rules and on practice. The first will con-
together with accompanying documenta- member States of the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) and tain a list of rules found to be customary,
tion and discussed with government with a short commentary on why they
authorities. Madagascar, held in South Africa in May.
The ratification and implementation of the were so found and indications from prac-
1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti- tice, where available, as to the scope of
Rome Statute of the ICC personnel landmines and of the 1980 application and interpretation of the rules
At the request of States, the Advisory Ser- Convention on Certain Conventional in question. Where uncertainty still exists,
vice also focused on organizing and par- Weapons (CCW) and its Protocols were trends in practice are outlined. The second
ticipating in seminars dealing with the rat- among the topics discussed. Following volume was drafted in 2000 and has
ification and implementation of the Rome this meeting, the Advisory Service pre- since been submitted to experts inside and
Statute, which established the ICC as a pared model legislation on the implemen- outside the ICRC for their comments. This
permanent institution with jurisdiction over tation of the Ottawa Convention for volume contains a summary of practice in
the most serious crimes of international common-law countries in the process of the area of IHL compiled over five years of
concern. The Economic Community of acceding to it. In July the Advisory Service research and is divided into six parts:
West African States (ECOWAS) and the organized a drafting workshop for mem- principle of distinction; specific protection
Advisory Service, with support from the ber States of the Caribbean Community regimes; methods of warfare; weapons;
Canadian government and the Interna- (CARICOM) with the aim of providing treatment of civilians and combatants
tional Criminal Court Technical Assistance assistance in drafting legislation to enact hors de combat; implementation and
Programme, organized the first regional these and other treaties. enforcement. This volume continued to be
conference on ratifying and implementing edited, proofread and updated in 2002.
the Rome Statute, which was held in Jan- The Second Protocol
uary in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The Advi- to the Hague Convention IHL and human rights law
sory Service convened a regional confer- for the Protection of Cultural Property In 2002, the ICRC's Legal Division contin-
ence on the same topic in Budapest, in the Event of Armed Conflict ued its efforts to clarify the interplay of IHL
Hungary, in June, which was attended by and human rights law in protecting vic-
In cooperation with Peru’s Ministry of For-
representatives of 22 European States; the tims of violence. The ICRC's president

proceedings were published and widely eign Affairs and its national IHL commit-
tee, the ICRC organized a regional meeting addressed the annual session of the UN
distributed. Commission on Human Rights on the role
of experts on the protection of cultural
In presentations at various meetings with property in the event of armed conflict, of IHL and other bodies of law in dealing
government representatives the ICRC rec- which was held in Lima, Peru, in May. with the post-11-September reality. In
ommended that matters relating to the rat- Attended by representatives of 13 coun- addition, the organization monitored the
ification and implementation of IHL feature tries in the region and UNESCO, the meet- drafting of resolutions of particular interest
permanently on their agendas. The Advi- ing emphasized the need to further to its legal or operational concerns and
sory Service took part in a number of con- strengthen the protection of cultural prop- delivered statements on a wide range of
ferences on the ICC convened by the Orga- erty through ratification of treaties, dis- issues, including the rights of women,
nization of American States (OAS), the semination of their rules among all sectors children, IDPs and missing persons.
European Union (EU) and the Common- of society, and effective implementation of Between sessions, the ICRC participated
wealth of Independent States (CIS), and treaty provisions in the national legislation in ongoing negotiations and discussions
encouraged discussion on the implemen- and regulations of each State. A report on on issues such as the Optional Protocol
tation of IHL among member States of the meeting, including all presentations to the Convention against Torture, the
these organizations. Contacts were also and debates, was prepared and distrib- status of mercenaries under international
maintained with NGOs such as the Inter- uted to all participants and the authorities. law, basic principles concerning repara-
national Coalition for the International tions to victims of human rights and IHL
30
violations, etc. The ICRC continued its rules, in particular those relating to the tools and techniques for strengthening
contribution to the drafting of human rights repression of war crimes and governing and diversifying their activities, and dis-
guidelines for transnational corporations the use of the red cross and red crescent cussed the desirability of setting up an
and other business enterprises which is emblems and other distinctive signs and information-exchange system on national
being carried out by the Subcommission signals. To encourage the States in these implementation. A report of the meeting
on the Promotion and Protection of efforts, the Advisory Service prepared and will be published.
Human Rights. It also followed the pro- published a biennial report in 2002,
ceedings of that body’s annual session. which it distributed to various govern- Providing States
ments, national IHL committees and with legal and technical assistance
During the 57th session of the UN General
National Red Cross and Red Crescent
Assembly the ICRC paid particular atten- In 2002 the Advisory Service provided
Societies. The publication reported on
tion to legal developments, including the technical assistance to many States,
progress made in around 90 States in
ongoing negotiations in the Sixth Commit- including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia,
implementing IHL at the national level. A
tee on the draft Comprehensive Conven- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia,
series of new fact sheets were also pub-
tion on International Terrorism and the Nicaragua, Tajikistan and the United Arab
lished in 2002 on national measures of
draft International Convention for the Sup- Emirates, in drafting legislation on the
implementation, dissemination of IHL,
pression of Nuclear Terrorism as well as emblem. In addition, Colombia, Costa
legal advisers to the armed forces, and
the discussions on the legal protection Rica, Estonia, Jordan, Mali and Slovenia
national measures of personal identifica-
afforded by the 1994 Convention on the were given assistance in amending legis-
tion; these supplemented existing fact
Safety of United Nations and Associated lation on the repression of war crimes, the
sheets, which were revised and updated.
Personnel. Cook Islands in drafting Geneva Conven-
Throughout 2002, the ICRC continued tions Acts, and Burkina Faso, Colombia
Supporting the work and Costa Rica in implementing the
working with other international organiza- of interministerial committees
tions and NGOs on issues of concern to Ottawa Convention banning antipersonnel
for the implementation of IHL landmines.
both humanitarian and human rights
agencies. This involved providing legal National committees responsible for the
expertise on IHL, taking part in numerous implementation of IHL include representa- Collecting information
seminars and conferences, and giving tives of the various ministries concerned, on national implementation
courses on IHL. The ICRC continued to and national entities and specialists
Information on new national legislation
participate in the Inter-Agency Standing appointed for that purpose. They are an
and case law relating to IHL was collected
Committee (IASC) reference group on effective means of promoting respect for
and analysed by the Advisory Service and
humanitarian action and human rights; in this body of law in the States where they
published twice-yearly in the International
2002 the IASC published a collection of have been set up. Their establishment has
Review of the Red Cross. It is worth men-
best practices gathered from humanitarian therefore always been encouraged by the
tioning in particular that legislation for the

and human rights organizations in the Advisory Service, which also assists them
protection of the emblem was adopted by
field entitled Growing the sheltering tree: in their work. In 2002 national commit-
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Protecting rights through humanitarian tees were set up or their mandate re-
Herzegovina, Cambodia, Nicaragua and
action. The reference group also com- defined in Jordan, the Republic of Korea,
the United Arab Emirates. Burkina Faso,
pleted a document entitled Frequently and Slovakia. Discussions on forming
Colombia and Costa Rica passed laws
asked questions on IHL, human rights and such committees in the near future in other
prohibiting anti-personnel mines, while
refugee law in the context of armed con- States, such as Morocco and Sudan, were
Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Finland,
flict, which will be available in 2003. well advanced.
France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the
Netherlands, Slovenia, South Africa and
NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION OF IHL Organizing a meeting of all the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia passed
national interministerial committees laws relating to implementation of the ICC
Encouraging the enactment of for the implementation of IHL Statute. This information was also entered
IHL provisions in national legislation A meeting of representatives of national into the ICRC database on national imple-
IHL committees was held in Geneva in mentation of IHL which at the end of 2002
For IHL to be fully respected, it is of para-
March. The aim was to promote contained updated entries on national leg-
mount importance that States adopt
exchanges and develop practical arrange- islation and case law in 85 States.
domestic legislation to implement its
ments for direct cooperation between
committees. Participants also proposed
31
CONDUCT OF HOSTILITIES, WEAPONS Anti-personnel landmines organization contributed legal expertise
AND IDENTIFICATION ISSUES The ICRC continued to play a leading role and information gained through its field
in efforts to put an end to the scourge of experience to the work of a group of
Biotechnology, weapons and humanity government experts that laid the ground-
anti-personnel landmines by promoting
In September, at an ICRC-sponsored meet- adherence to and full implementation of work for the decision to launch formal
ing of government and independent the Ottawa Convention banning these negotiations. ICRC delegates and repre-
experts held in Montreux, Switzerland, the weapons. The organization played a suc- sentatives of National Red Cross and Red
President of the ICRC launched a rare pub- cessful role in refocusing the official Crescent Societies gave briefings on these
lic appeal to governments, scientists and implementation meetings held in Geneva subjects in capitals all over the world and
industry to assume their responsibilities in during three weeks every year on each also promoted ratification of the amend-
the field of biotechnology. While recogniz- State Party’s efforts to meet the treaty’s ment adopted in 2001 which extends the
ing biotechnology’s enormous potential to deadlines and implement its provisions scope of the entire Convention to non-
benefit humanity, the appeal called atten- relating to stockpile destruction, mine international armed conflicts. The ICRC
tion to the huge risk that it could be mis- clearance and victim assistance. ICRC will participate actively as an observer
used in armed conflict or as a means of field delegations provided support for organization in the negotiations and has
spreading terror. The deliberate spread of some 15 States in developing national called on States to make every effort to
infectious disease is likely to become eas- legislation to ensure that treaty obligations reach agreement by the end of 2003.
ier and cheaper to achieve, deadlier in its were translated into national law. In April
effects, and at the same time more difficult the ICRC played host to a conference for Small arms and light weapons
to detect. The ICRC's appeal was launched Southern African Development Community
against the backdrop not only of rapid The ICRC's contribution to ongoing inter-
States in which implementation of the national efforts to address the issue of
advances in the biosciences, but also of Ottawa Convention was a major theme. In
the failure of States, after nearly 10 years small arms and light weapons continued
November the Moscow delegation hosted to focus on the ease with which they can
of negotiations, to agree on a protocol for a regional conference on the Convention
monitoring compliance with the 1972 be obtained, even by those who violate
for the CIS that brought together for the first basic rules of IHL. In discussions with the
Biological Weapons Convention. It urged time officials from relevant ministries,
States to adopt at a high political level an OSCE and the EU, the organization pro-
clearance specialists and representatives moted consideration by arms-exporting
international declaration on "Biotechno- of NGOs. The ICRC also made staff and a
logy, weapons and humanity" containing States of the intended recipient’s level of
travelling exhibition available to a number respect for IHL. In addition, the ICRC sup-
a renewed commitment to existing norms, of other national and regional meetings on
as contained in the 1925 Geneva Protocol ported National Societies in Sweden and
the mine-ban treaty. An ICRC expert con- the Balkans that were engaged in raising
and the 1972 Biological Weapons Con- tributed insights on the negotiating history
vention, and specific commitments to issues within their own societies about the
to a commentary on the Ottawa Conven- implications of easy access to military-
future preventive action. The appeal tion which was set to be published in late
received widespread media attention and style weapons. Late in the year the organ-
2003. ization began discussions with States and
was welcomed by many governments as
an important contribution to international NGOs on how best to use the July 2003
efforts in this field. The ICRC planned to Explosive remnants of war midterm review of the UN Programme of
pursue this initiative in 2003 with all key and the 1980 CCW Action on Small Arms to promote progress
target groups. The concerns it raised were A process launched by the ICRC in 2000 in controlling arms availability.
also to be addressed by the 28th Interna- took a major step forward in December
tional Conference of the Red Cross and when States party to the CCW decided to
Red Crescent. begin negotiations in 2003 on a new
instrument addressing the global humani-
tarian problems caused by explosive
remnants of war. The aim was to agree
on measures to reduce the large numbers
of civilian deaths and injuries caused
each year by unexploded munitions such
as artillery shells, cluster bombs,
grenades, landmines, rockets and other
similar devices. Throughout the year the
32
Legal reviews of new weapons, COMMUNICATION Armed forces, police forces
methods and means of warfare and other bearers of weapons
For several years the ICRC has sought to Decision-makers and opinion-formers The ICRC's objective is to ensure that all
ensure that all States establish legal The objective is to ensure that key leaders levels of armed forces and police and
review mechanisms to consider the law- and opinion-formers in civil society facili- security forces know and apply IHL and
fulness of new weapons and methods and tate the action of the ICRC because they international human rights law, and that
means of warfare, as required by Article see it as a credible, legitimate and efficient other armed groups either support, or at
36 of 1977 Additional Protocol I. These humanitarian organization working close least do not actively oppose, humanitar-
efforts appear to have been instrumental in to the victims of armed conflict around ian action.
the adoption of such mechanisms in the world and as knowledgeable about
In 2002, the ICRC launched a completely
some five or six countries by the end of IHL and humanitarian issues. Communi-
new version of its teaching file for instruc-
2002 and in achieving broader recogni- cation activities also aim at making them
tors in the military. This training kit, com-
tion of the need for a rigorous interdiscipli- aware of the significance of IHL and
posed of slideshow presentations, a les-
nary approach to the conduct of reviews. encouraging them to actively support its
sons file and a video is available for all
Previously, fewer than five countries were implementation.
ICRC-trained military instructors. New
known to have review mechanisms. An
In 2002 the ICRC developed communica- chapters were added on non-international
article on legal reviews of new weapons,
tion strategies and tools on issues such as armed conflict, internal security operations
together with the guidelines for the con-
people missing as a result of armed con- and weapons. Focused initially on the
duct of such reviews that will be distrib-
flict and "Biotechnology, weapons and land component of military forces, it will
uted for comment by government experts
humanity", and continued to focus atten- be followed by sections for the air force
in 2003, was published in the June 2002
tion on the consequences in humanitarian and navy.
edition of the International Review of the
terms of explosive remnants of war. It also
Red Cross. Intensive work on a new interactive DVD
maintained its dynamic approach to pro-
for police forces resulted in a high-tech
moting major ICRC projects like "Women
teaching tool, which will be available in
and War" and "Children in War", and
2003. In order to strengthen its ability to
seized opportunities to raise awareness
integrate international human rights law
of IHL through ongoing ICRC operations
into the training of police forces, the ICRC
and events such as those marking the
organized a third training course in Brazil
25th anniversary of the Protocols addi-
for Latin American police instructors. This
tional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
pool of instructors provides the ICRC with
The ICRC’s website supported these efforts valuable trainers who will play a multiplier
and provided a wealth of information on role in the region.
ongoing operations, IHL and other issues.

The ICRC reinforced its relations with
The site was further developed in 2002,
armed forces, especially those from the
and expanded to include more content in
United States tasked with rapid deploy-
Arabic. Significant improvements were
ment. Closer contacts were also made
also made in the English- and French-
with the British and French armed forces in
language parts of the site, making them
order to improve integration of IHL into
easier to navigate and more coherent.
their policies, training, manuals and pro-
Overall, the number of page views dou-
cedures. Relations with defence acade-
bled from an average of 874,000 per
mies and institutes, such as the Collège
month in 2001 to 1,686,000 per month
Interarmées de Défense in Paris, Sand-
in 2002.
hurst in the UK, the US Marines’ Command
During the year, a new "Panorama" multi- and Staff College and the NATO school in
media kit was produced to support Oberammergau in Germany were rein-
the communication efforts of the delega- forced and further developed.
tions. A new pricing policy was intro-
Together with the League of Arab States,
duced for communication materials. There
the ICRC organized a regional conference
was a 30% increase in orders for ICRC
in Tunis in 2002 for heads of training
publications.
in the armed forces. The aim of this
33
conference was to exchange experiences network of officer-instructors, raised train- Promotional tools (a video and a
on integrating IHL into military training. As ing standards in over 100 countries. brochure) were produced and the Web
a result, many countries in the Middle East page on landmines was further developed
and northern Africa started IHL integration Mine/UXO-awareness programmes to promote the Movement's approach both
programmes with the active support of the internally and among other key mine-
The aim of the ICRC mine/UXO-awareness
ICRC. action agencies, with which coordination
programmes is to reduce the number of
has been ongoing through conferences
The ICRC continued to support the Interna- casualties by changing patterns of behav-
and meetings, regular exchanges of infor-
tional Institute of Humanitarian Law in San iour and proposing alternative solutions
mation on field activities and contributions
Remo, Italy, especially its military depart- geared to each affected community. Mine
to international guidelines and other mine-
ment, by providing financial, technical awareness, mine marking and surveying
action documents.
and advisory support. In 2002, more than as well as mine clearance have to become
105 military officers from 56 countries an integral part of wider humanitarian
received ICRC scholarships to attend 10 activities in order to ensure safe conditions Students and academic circles
military courses on IHL in San Remo. for local communities. The ICRC endeavours to ensure that,
through their studies, future decision-
The ICRC also took part in more than a In 2002, the ICRC Mine Action Unit
makers and opinion-leaders understand
dozen international military exercises in assisted 23 delegations and supported
the practical relevance of IHL and have a
Europe and in several others elsewhere in National Societies in assessing opportuni-
thorough knowledge of its basic princi-
the world. Within the framework of the ties to implement, develop or consolidate
ples. This will encourage them to imple-
"Partnership for Peace" programme and mine-awareness programmes. This in-
ment IHL, to influence the humanitarian
on the basis of a memorandum of under- volved providing expert help-desk services
debate and the development of existing
standing with Supreme Headquarters and coordinating the work of two regional
law, and to support the ICRC's activities.
Allied Powers Europe, it took part in mine-action advisers, two mine-action
"Cooperative lantern" in Azerbaijan, delegates and experienced mine field offi- In 2002, the ICRC continued to develop
"Cooperative partner" in Romania and cers, and conducting assessments and training opportunities in IHL for university
"Adventure exchange" in Ukraine. Through evaluations. students and professors by organizing,
this participation, the ICRC aimed to financing or moderating national and
Programmes were stepped up or consoli-
include IHL-related events in the planning regional courses and seminars. The year
dated in Angola, central Asia, Chechnya,
phase of military scenarios, to spread was marked by the 20th Warsaw course
Eritrea, the Middle East and Peru. Mean-
knowledge of its mandate and activities on IHL for advanced students and junior
while, ICRC involvement decreased in the
and, finally, to be involved in role-playing teaching staff from universities in Europe
Balkans and southern Caucasus, where
during the actual exercises. and North America and by the launch of
programmes were taken over by National
a similar course in Spanish, which was
Within the framework of its project "The Societies or local authorities.
held in Mexico. Such courses are now
Missing", the ICRC organized a military

The final drafts of the Guidelines and the offered on an annual basis and attract
experts' workshop in May to tackle the
How To manual for the Movement's more and more participants from Europe,
problem of people who go missing as a
involvement in mine action were produced North America, Africa, Latin America and
result of armed conflict. Focusing on issues
and field-tested in consultation with ICRC South Asia.
such as national information bureaux, the
and National Society mine-action person-
identification of mortal remains and pre- The ICRC increased its support to moot
nel. The Training Handbook and the stan-
vention measures, the workshop produced courts organized by independent organi-
dard mine/UXO casualty database were
clear and practical recommendations for zations (e.g. the Jean Pictet competition
also field-tested and will be finalized in
consideration by the ICRC-organized inter- held in Portugal and Geneva or the Con-
2003. These tools will reinforce the com-
national conference on the missing sched- cours Rousseau in Canada). Moot courts
munity-based concept and will enhance
uled for February 2003. and mock trials offer a unique opportunity
the worldwide approach taken so far by
for students to face the challenges posed
The ICRC continued to provide assistance the Movement.
by the actual implementation of IHL, and
and expertise in running and developing
Direct cooperation with clearance agen- their use is increasing. Several competi-
IHL and human rights training programmes
cies began in Afghanistan and Tajikistan tions were also organized directly by the
for armed forces and police and security
and was formalized in the Guidelines so ICRC in Arusha, Belgrade, Moscow and
forces. The ongoing activities of the 21
that such an approach can be more easily Tashkent.
specialized delegates involved in these
adopted wherever needed.
programmes, supported by a multinational
34
The ICRC maintained its financial, intellec- With a view to building expertise and con- The conclusions of the research project
tual and documentary support to a num- fidence in the programme, the ICRC sup- will be available in the second half of
ber of postgraduate programmes on IHL in ported regional and national training 2003.
Europe, Africa and Asia. The organization workshops for education officials, teach-
was also closely associated with the ers and National Society personnel in
launch of the University of Geneva’s new 35 countries. Agreements to include EHL
University Centre for International Humani- in secondary-school curricula were con-
tarian Law. cluded between the ICRC and the educa-
tion authorities of some 26 countries. The
The fourth training seminar on IHL for uni-
programme was further endorsed by the
versity teachers organized jointly by the
League of Arab States, the European Union
ICRC and the University of Geneva’s Grad-
and by the eighth Conference of Ministers
uate Institute of International Studies was
of Education of African Member States
held in September in Geneva. Co-financed
(MINEDAF VIII), organized by UNESCO in
by the ICRC and the Karl Popper Foun-
Dar-es-Salaam in December.
dation, it attracted a record number of
applications. In all, 37 professors from Assistance and expertise were also made
31 countries were enrolled. They received available to ICRC delegations in the Russ-
substantial training in IHL and demon- ian Federation, the southern Caucasus
strated a clear commitment to incorporate and central Asia to provide further support
IHL into their regular courses. to the ICRC’s secondary-school pro-
gramme in countries of the CIS. The pro-
Youth gramme, which began in 1995, is esti-
mated to reach over five million pupils and
The ICRC feels it is essential that young
180,000 teachers annually. In 2002, the
people understand the need to respect
focus was on producing the latest ICRC-
human life and dignity in times of violence
sponsored textbooks, training teachers,
and armed conflict, and that they be pro-
establishing IHL education in national
vided with basic knowledge of the princi-
educational standards and curricula, and
ples, ethics and norms that underlie
including the programme in pre-military
humanitarian law and related issues.
training classes.
Accordingly, a special effort was made in
2002 to encourage and facilitate imple-
mentation of a new school-based pro- Research on strategies
gramme called "Exploring Humanitarian for exerting influence

Law" (EHL) in national education systems This research project, launched in 2001 in
across the world. The ICRC worked closely cooperation with the Department of Social
with ministries of education and National Psychology of the University of Geneva,
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in aims to improve understanding of the
some 50 countries in Africa, Asia, western behaviour of combatants and the reasons
and eastern Europe, the Middle East, they sometimes violate IHL, and to sug-
North America and Latin America. It pro- gest suitable strategies and tools for adop-
vided technical, academic and financial tion by the ICRC.
assistance for translations into national
In 2002, field research was carried out
languages, teacher training, and materi-
among several hundred combatants in
als. A second edition was printed and
different countries. ICRC communication
2,000 teaching kits in English and French
delegates were also surveyed to record
were distributed worldwide. Programme
their views of their work and its expected
materials were also translated into Alban-
impact, as well as their impressions of the
ian, Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian,
combatants they deal with. In addition, the
Greek, Hebrew, Lithuanian, Norwegian,
research team analysed relevant data
Russian and Serbian.
from a previous survey, "People on War".
35
HUMAN HUMAN RESOURCES
The Human Resources Division recruits
comparison with 2001. In addition, some
60 national staff held ICRC headquarters
contracts.
RESOURCES staff to meet the organization's needs and
supervises their management and career In order to boost its effectiveness, the ICRC
AND FINANCES development. A considerable demand

was made on ICRC field personnel in
has increasingly relied on national staff in
its delegations throughout the world. Past
experience has shown that giving more
HUMAN RESOURCES 2002 owing to the crises in Afghanistan,
Liberia, Israel and the occupied and responsibility to local staff, along with
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION autonomous territories, Nepal, Ethiopia proper coaching and supervision, benefits
and Côte d’Ivoire. Despite a substantial ICRC operations.
ARCHIVES
increase in demand for field personnel,
INFORMATION SYSTEMS only 0.8% of posts remained unfilled in Improving professional standards
November 2002, as compared with 1.4%
LIBRARY AND RESEARCH SERVICE A training policy approved in 2001 was
in August 2001 and 2.1% in November
implemented in the course of 2002. Its
2000.
aim is to bring more transparency, equity
and predictability to the development of
Broadening the base for hiring new staff staff skills.
The number of expatriate staff in the field In 2002 more than 25 heads of delega-
ranged from 1,189 to 1,270, an increase tion attended a course to help them better
of 10% over 2001. The reserve pool of 30 manage field operations. It covered issues
delegates constituted in 2001 made it such as analysis of the operational envi-
possible to meet requests for additional ronment, drawing up operational strate-
delegates for the second half of 2002 fol- gies, humanitarian mobilization, and
lowing a rapid stepping up of operations, planning and monitoring. A number of
principally in West Africa, Nepal and other courses were held, including:
Ethiopia. A total of 220 National Society
staff worked in support of field delegations • induction courses at headquarters and
and 35 national employees occupied tem- in the field for more than 380 new staff;
porary positions in delegations outside • in-house courses on leadership and
their home countries. managing security and stress in the field,
From August 2002 onward, the number of attended by more than 400 middle-
people being hired by the ICRC rose both management staff;
to address immediate needs and to pre- • courses provided by outside training com-
pare for any future crises. A chronic need panies for over 150 staff, on personnel
for interpreters (which became acute dur- management and communication.
ing the Afghan crisis) resulted in
approaches to leading universities that
teach particularly sought-after languages Equal opportunity
such as Arabic, Dari and Nepali. Presen- The position of Gender Equality Officer
tations were made to administration, fac- was created in June 2002 on the recom-
ulty and students. mendation of a working group formed to
study ways of removing obstacles to
Staff diversity equal opportunity between men and
women. A number of steps were taken in
In keeping with ICRC's policy of interna- 2002 as part of a broader plan to ensure
tionalization, the percentage of staff from equality for both sexes.
countries other than Switzerland rose to an
average of 46% for the whole organiza-
tion in 2002 – an increase over previous
years. Fifty-five per cent of field expatriates
were non-Swiss, an increase of 5% in
36
HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCES
Updated rules of conduct automated interface between financial and ARCHIVES
for delegation staff logistics systems, which will be tested in
2003. Reports on all ICRC activities, registers of
A working group composed of senior and official decisions and legal and opera-
middle managers met on several occa- In 2002, a new system was developed tional correspondence have been stored
sions under the aegis of the director of under which delegations and managers since 1863, the year that the ICRC was
Human Resources to update the rules of were given monthly reports on their objec- founded. In 2002, the Archives Division
conduct for delegation staff. A plan of tives, programmes and beneficiaries for created over 5,000 files and received
action was drawn up to make these rules comparison with their budgets. In addi- more than 160 linear metres of records
known to the various delegations. tion, a review was undertaken of financial- from headquarters units and from delega-
analysis methodologies, particularly those tions. In addition, it replied to 1,300 inter-
FINANCE used for the forecasts of income and nal requests in support of units conducting
expenditure carried out at the end of any operational and legal affairs.
AND ADMINISTRATION given year. This involved asking delega-
tions to help calculate their costs so as to The division also handled nearly 3,000
Financial management requests from victims of past armed con-
give management a more accurate means
The work involved in bringing ICRC of determining their particular situation flicts and their next of kin for official docu-
accounting practices into compliance with and needs. ments such as certificates of detention and
International Accounting Standards (IAS) various information. Most of these cases
presented an opportunity to review other The flow of financial information between related to the Second World War, and over
procedures, in particular those relating to different ICRC units has been hampered by 60% concerned people of Polish or Italian
investments and treasury and risk man- incompatible accounting systems. In order origin and, to a lesser extent, British,
agement. In addition, because these to facilitate the dissemination of informa- French and German nationals. Pro-
accounting standards continued to evolve, tion from one part of the organization to grammes of indemnification in Germany,
work went on throughout the year to another – and thereby to enhance its use- Italy and the United Kingdom led many
ensure that financial reporting remained in fulness – efforts were made to develop a victims of the Second World War or their
line with them. The new Internet-ready ver- common data architecture allowing the families to request documentary evidence
sion of Peoplesoft was evaluated in 2002 various units to save, retrieve and share from the ICRC archives as a means of
with a view to installing it in 2003. Mem- information more effectively. proving their eligibility for compensation.
bers of the Finance and Administration The remaining requests concerned con-
Division also helped develop RPC 21, a Infrastructure management flicts that occurred after 1950 or the First
new Swiss accounting standard used by World War. Requests regarding the latter
Infrastructure management at headquar-
non-profit organizations. were often made by individuals conduct-
ters benefited from improved procedures
ing research into family history.
The cost-accounting system based on for purchasing external services and out-

budgetary standards developed in 1999 sourcing technical activities. With the help The ICRC is aware of the value of its
was replaced in 2002 by a system that of the ICRC’s audit company, new proce- archives for historical research and strives
calculates actual value rates. The "Plan- dures were introduced to ensure that bid- continuously to facilitate access and
ning for Results" methodology was im- ding from outside suppliers was competi- improve its services. In 2002, the
proved to enable reporting to monitor per- tive. In particular, these provide for Archives Division answered almost 500
formance against objectives and provide suppliers’ contracts to be renewed yearly requests and received researchers in its
cost-efficiency indicators. and for a certification scheme based on reading room for the equivalent of over
criteria set by Logistics Division buyers. 650 working days.
In cooperation with the Logistics Division,
the Finance and Administration Division The inventories of the historical archives
continued to integrate data flows between continued with the successful introduction
purchasing and logistics systems on the of a new version of the archival descrip-
one hand and accounts payable in the tion software CLARA 3.5.2.
financial system on the other hand. Plans With a view to opening a new set of
were drawn up to introduce a new archives to the public, an inventory of the
logistics-management tool in major field ICRC's general records covering the
delegations. Analytical and programming 1950s was continued in 2002. Once
work was carried out in preparation for an completed, hundreds of metres of files
37
HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCES
covering in particular the French The pilot phase of a new telephone system services and information sources they
Indochina War (1946-1954), the Korean was completed successfully, making it could access while away.
War (1950-1953), the Hungarian Upris- possible to begin preparations to replace
The Library and Research Service began to
ing of 1956 and the Algerian War (1954- the 11-year-old system still in use. The
develop a more systematic approach to
1962) will be made available to histori- new equipment will make it possible to
tracking external trends and issues and,
ans and the general public. transmit voice and data over a single net-
on that basis, providing ICRC staff with
work. Once completed in 2003, this net-
pertinent and timely information. It also
work will result in lower operating costs,
INFORMATION SYSTEMS improved security and better performance.
offered a daily press-monitoring service
The main goal of the Information Systems and alerted ICRC staff to new academic
A review of the outsourced services was
Division is to align information- and com- publications, reports and databases.
completed and a new and more
munication-technology projects and serv- favourable contract was signed in October
ices with the ICRC's strategic objectives in 2002.
order to achieve maximum efficiency and
optimize both investments and operating
costs through the best possible allocation LIBRARY
of human and financial resources. AND RESEARCH SERVICE
In 2002, the ICRC developed a common The Library and Research Service endeav-
data model, with the participation of ours to promote knowledge of the ICRC,
users, to serve as a basis for a data- IHL, humanitarian activities and issues of
architecture system facilitating data inter- humanitarian concern by helping users
change between applications. both within and outside the ICRC to find
the relevant information and documenta-
The field-logistics project was delayed tion in these fields. To contribute to analy-
because the company hired to carry out ses and the development of strategy within
the project encountered financial problems the ICRC, it also provides comprehensive
and ceased its activities in early 2002. A information on the environments in which
new contract was signed with a new sup- the organization operates, and offers guid-
plier at the end of October 2002 and ance on sources of information. In addi-
deployment of the application at major tion, it provides a desk service and open
locations will start in June 2003. access to its collections of over 140,000
The re-engineering of field applications documents (books, periodicals, photo-
required a higher degree of coordination graphs and videos) and outside data-
than expected. Many different units had to bases. It cooperates with other organiza-
agree on a common approach and priori- tions, to which it opens its collections on
ties. However, the demands of a pilot the basis of reciprocity.
application, involving purchase-request In 2002 the service responded to some
generation, local stock management and 4,000 requests from National Societies,
parts of the distribution system, were iden- NGOs, academics, government depart-
tified and analysed. Development of this ments and the media, and welcomed over
application was scheduled to begin in 6,000 people on its premises. It handled
2003. requests for information on issues ranging
Improvements in information and commu- from IHL to operational questions relating
nication infrastructure, such as the com- to the protection and assistance for vic-
pletion of a new server room, brought tims of war. It also responded to enquiries
many benefits including the optimization on specific programmes such as mine
of telecommunications costs. A midterm awareness or "Women and War". In-
infrastructure strategy involving functional house, the service played a greater role in
requirements and major applications was providing context-specific information for
still in the process of being developed at delegates before their departure to the
the end of the year. field, and in drawing their attention to
38
39
PART2

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002 THE ICRC AROUND THE WORLD
40
THE ICRC AROUND THE WORLD
41
OPERATIONAL Environment
The environment in which conflicts take
a war economy. It is interesting to note
that the fight against terrorism had a direct
impact on the recent development of old
HIGHLIGHTS place is becoming ever more complex and
multi-faceted. While control of power and
resources remain principally at stake in
conflicts.
Some protracted wars, such as the
conflicts, 2002 confirmed that struggles Afghan, Angolan and Sri Lankan conflicts,
for control were increasingly ethnic, reli- which offered no prospect of noteworthy
gious or criminal in nature, and frequently political or military change at the begin-
carried out with little or no established ning of the year, had positive develop-
command structure. The emergence ments. Conversely, the level of violence in
alongside States of an increasing variety other contexts (such as in Colombia,
of non-state entities and actors having Israel and the Palestinian territories, and
powerful resources and extensive net- Liberia) was unprecedented.
works, often covert or underground, made
the dynamics of conflicts all the more
Operations
complicated.
In view of these developments, the rele-
For most of 2002, the international com- vance and necessity of independent, neu-
munity remained relatively united in the tral and impartial humanitarian activity
fight against terrorism and its supporters, were more obvious than ever. Indeed, new
thus confirming the emergence of an needs were constantly arising among those
apparently "unipolar" world around the suffering the effects of conflict, and protec-
United States. In many situations, the tion against the effects of hostilities and all
"anti-terrorist" agenda came on top of pre- acts of violence remained essential.
viously existing concerns and imposed
itself as the main basis for interpreting In 2002, the ICRC carried out a consider-
world events and taking action. able volume of activities in 63 contexts
through its 75 delegations and missions.
In many contexts, the result was overlap-
ping layers of conflict and violence. On
Africa
one level was the global fight against ter-
rorism, which took various forms ranging Africa remained the continent where most
from the pursuit of armed conflict in ICRC activities took place, against a back-
Afghanistan to commando operations or ground of increasing pauperization, very
simple police activities, depending on the significant population growth, ethnic ten-
context. On another level were many sion, limited prospects for development,
armed conflicts that had begun during the plundered resources, the concentration of
Cold War (such as those in Afghanistan, wealth in the hands of only a few, climate
Angola and Colombia) or immediately problems and AIDS. Stabilization or posi-
after the fall of the Berlin Wall, which were tive advances were nevertheless achieved
driven by the assertion of ethnic or reli- in various armed conflicts. Some situa-
gious identity (as in the Balkans, the tions were the subject of intensive African
Caucasus, the Great Lakes region of and Western diplomacy efforts. A new
Africa, and West Africa). Still other coun- generation of leaders became aware of the
tries, including Madagascar and Nepal, need for better governance. The African
experienced tensions or conflicts appar- Union was launched in 2002 with broader
ently of a different kind from those just ambitions than those of the Organization
mentioned. Criminally motivated armed of African Unity, which it succeeded, and
violence came in addition to conflicts with a desire for greater integration on the
wherever the failure of public bodies left continent.
the field open for predatory behaviour and
42
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
West Africa increasingly became an object In the framework of implementing the In Sri Lanka, the ceasefire concluded at
of concern. While the constructive en- humanitarian provisions of the peace the beginning of 2002 and the launch of
gagement of the international community agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, peace negotiations in September made it
put an end to the internal conflict in Sierra the last prisoners of war and civilian possible to scale down the ICRC’s aid
Leone, Liberia returned to the ways of internees regularly visited by the ICRC operations considerably, while at the
armed clashes and risked destabilizing were released and – for those who were same time confirming the importance of
the entire region. The deteriorating situa- willing – repatriated under ICRC auspices. the role of neutral intermediary that the
tion made it necessary for the ICRC to step At the end of the year, the rise in political parties urge the ICRC to play during the
up its protection and assistance activities, and internal tension in Ethiopia, in addi- transition period. The volume of the ICRC’s
among others on behalf of displaced per- tion to the drought affecting the region, detainee-welfare activities also dropped,
sons, unaccompanied children and the required emergency measures to avoid a but the organization pursued its protection
wounded. The rebellion that began in Sep- major disaster in humanitarian terms. activities, especially on behalf of children.
tember in Côte d’Ivoire quickly took control
With the death of Jonas Savimbi one of The ICRC’s activities in Myanmar were put
of a large part of the national territory. The
the bloodiest conflicts of the past 25 years on a firm footing, allowing it to step up its
ICRC’s regional delegation in Abidjan was
came to an end. The ceasefire did not work, mainly in connection with the wel-
swiftly transformed into a fully operational
however result in an immediate improve- fare of detainees and the protection of
delegation deploying protection and assis-
ment in the situation in humanitarian civilians, but also in the area of health
tance activities both in rebel-held areas
terms: the influx of newly displaced peo- care.
and in those remaining under government
ple, the billeting of former UNITA fighters
control.
and the discovery of people experiencing Middle East
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, severe malnutrition in areas that had until
The ICRC was obliged to expand its activi-
inter-Congolese talks began and the then been inaccessible to humanitarian
ties significantly in Israel and in the occu-
armed forces of Angola, Rwanda, Uganda organizations led the ICRC to step up its
pied Palestinian territories in response to
and Zimbabwe started to withdraw. This activities, mainly in connection with
the surge in violence connected with the
development did not however bear fruit in restoring family links and providing aid.
Israeli occupation and its settlement pol-
humanitarian terms in 2002. The ICRC
In Rwanda and Somalia, where there icy, the second intifada and suicide
was given access to areas along the line
was no substantial change in the situa- attacks. The number of indiscriminate
of demarcation, where it carried out activi-
tion, the ICRC successfully pursued its attacks and victims increased dramatically
ties on behalf of resident and displaced
main objectives. on both sides. The destruction of property
people. Ever greater priority was given to
carried out by Israel and curfews and clo-
the east of the country – the most isolated
Asia sures imposed by the Israeli Defence
areas in particular – which was especially
Forces continued to severely affect the
affected by ongoing clashes. Operations in Afghanistan required con-
fragile Palestinian economy and resulted

siderable resources. Thanks to distinct
Intensive diplomatic efforts in Sudan in tragic consequences for the population
improvements in security and access,
resulted in the Machakos process, which in terms of their economic security, health
major protection activities were carried
held out the prospect of a political solution and hygiene. In parallel with its represen-
out, particularly in places of detention
to the conflict between the Khartoum gov- tations urging the occupying power to
under Afghan or American control. Impor-
ernment and the Sudan People’s Libera- meet its obligations under IHL towards the
tant assistance activities were also con-
tion Army. The ICRC was given access to a occupied civilian population, the ICRC had
ducted, with emergency measures being
number of places that had previously been to carry out aid work on a level without
increasingly replaced by rehabilitation and
largely inaccessible to humanitarian precedent since 1967. At the end of the
reconstruction programmes.
organizations, and mechanisms for moni- year, the spectre of an aggravation in the
toring respect for the civilian population Iraq crisis hung over the entire region and
were set up. Nevertheless, ceasefire viola- contributed to a further radicalization of
tions still caused widespread suffering in positions.
terms of deaths, injuries, displacement,
and destruction of property.
43
Throughout 2002 the ICRC pursued its Programmes Particular attention was devoted to chil-
activities, mainly in the areas of health Over 376,000 detainees were visited in dren caught up in the turmoil of conflict,
care and water and sanitation, on behalf 1,566 places of detention in 75 countries. such as those separated from their fami-
of the Iraqi people suffering severe hard- Improvements or decisive breakthroughs lies, deprived of their freedom or recruited
ship as a result of two conflicts and UN- relating to access were achieved in vari- into armed forces or armed groups. The
imposed sanctions. Beginning in October, ous contexts. Particular emphasis was delegations were asked to devote more
the ICRC started the complex task of plan- placed on protection work outside places attention to the special vulnerability in
ning and pre-positioning supplies in anti- of detention, despite the difficulties and in conflict situations of women, who are the
cipation of a possible broadening of the some cases dangers inherent in this kind target of sexual abuse and deprived of
conflict in Iraq. of activity. Major efforts were made in their usual means of support more fre-
close consultation with delegations and quently than men.
Europe and the Americas many international experts to raise aware-
In humanitarian terms, the situation in the ness of the painful issue of missing per- Fundamental Principles and IHL
northern Caucasus continued to give sons. In the field and in Geneva the ICRC The complexity of conflicts makes the task
cause for concern without any prospect for actively prepared for an international con- of the ICRC ever more difficult. More and
positive change becoming apparent in ference on "The Missing", scheduled for more effort has to be devoted to analysing
2002. The needs of both resident and dis- February 2003. New guidelines were and understanding situations and the
placed people remained extensive, and drawn up on measures for preventing or stakes involved, negotiating free and
security constraints prevented the ICRC dealing with disappearances so as to repeated access to people who are suffer-
from responding as it would have liked. improve the quality and coherence of ICRC ing, obtaining security guarantees, enter-
activities in this area. ing into or developing dialogue with all
In Latin America, the intensification of the
At the same time, the main aims of assis- parties and convincing people of the
conflict in Colombia led to an increase in
tance programmes intended for the most acceptability of the ICRC or simply of
the suffering and needs of the population
vulnerable, whether resident or displaced, humanitarian work. Obtaining or preserv-
and to a corresponding expansion of ICRC
were to help families adversely affected by ing this acceptance is an ongoing chal-
activities in all its traditional areas.
conflicts to meet their basic needs while lenge for the ICRC, involving unfailing
In January the ICRC began to visit people retaining a maximum of dignity, to prevent adherence to the principles of independ-
held by US forces at Guantanamo Bay. At more displacements, and to ease the ence, impartiality and neutrality. These are
first, most of those visited had been return of those who were forced to flee their the indispensable prerequisites for
arrested in connection with the armed homes. As far as possible, the ICRC gave humanitarian action to truly benefit those
conflict between the United States and the its preference to economic rehabilitation who are most vulnerable, wherever they
Taliban regime. Later, however, an programmes so as to help conflict victims may be.
increasing number were people who had not only to avoid destitution but also to
been arrested in various places through- recover their economic independence.

out the world in the more general frame- Over 343,000 people were provided with
work of the fight against terrorism. food or other basic necessities each
month. Millions more people benefited
directly from water, sanitation and habitat
projects in rural, urban and prison set-
tings, and from agricultural aid pro-
grammes. Each month, an average of
1,200 wounded and 14,200 sick patients
were admitted and treated in hospitals
managed or supported by the ICRC, while
primary health care activities reached
2,700,000 people overall. The ICRC also
provided 16,921 prostheses, of which
10,098 were for mine victims.
44
The relevance and importance of respect- Performing tasks that can change the situ-
ing international norms, especially IHL, ation of victims of violence and armed
had to be asserted and reasserted without conflict for the better requires a high level
respite to all fighting parties, whatever the of professionalism in both planning and
difficulties encountered, the level of stakes implementation. It also requires sustained
or the kind of enemy. Despite the fact that diplomatic and financial support on the
some people called into question the suit- part of donors and of the entire community
ability of IHL, especially in the fight of States. The ICRC takes this opportunity
against terrorism, and that repeated to thank its donors for the quality and con-
attempts were made to deny its applicabil- sistency of the diplomatic and financial
ity, the ICRC – owing to its proximity to support they gave it in 2002. Thanks to
conflict victims – remained deeply con- their support, the organization was in a
vinced of the absolute necessity of com- position to take action and relentlessly to
plying with all existing rules, and spared defend the need for an environment in
no effort to bring about a higher degree of which humanitarian work could take place
effective compliance in all conflict situa- – so that men, women and children
tions where it operates. Today as in the affected by war might be better provided
past, IHL represents the last defence with protection and assistance.
against arbitrary power, the law of the
strongest, and boundless violence. Experi-
ence has shown how difficult it is to heal
wounds of war and build peace when
these basic rules have been flouted with
impunity.
Coordination
The ICRC pursued its efforts both in the
field and at headquarters to coordinate its
methods and activities with those of other
humanitarian organizations. It maintained
its extensive contacts with UN agencies
and many NGOs, and with those involved
in various peacekeeping forces. The

development of contacts with the private
sector was also pursued.
Coordination efforts were particularly
intensive within the International Red
Cross and Red Crescent Movement. With
both the National Societies and the Inter-
national Federation, steps were taken
within the framework of the 1997 Seville
Agreement to optimize the capacity of all
Movement components.
45
ICRC OPERATIONS IN 2002 : A FEW FACTS AND FIGURES
Prison visits Economic security Water and habitat services
To prevent or put an end to disappear- Work to help establish economic security To help ensure clean water and adequate
ances and summary executions, torture provided direct aid to some 1.5 million sanitation, the ICRC lent technical and
and ill-treatment, restore contact between people, 670,000 of them on a monthly material assistance for the needs of some
detainees and their families and improve basis. 14 million people worldwide at a total cost
conditions of detention: of some 78 million Swiss francs.
An average of 221,000 internally dis-
448,063 detainees, including placed people and 343,000 residents 63 urban water systems were par-
149,154 followed up individually, were received monthly food and non-food aid. tially rehabilitated in major cities in 10
visited in Some 107,900 persons deprived of their countries.
2,007 places of detention in over freedom also received regular assistance.
75 countries, including 3,551 boreholes, wells, hand-pumps
26,727 detainees who were registered In all, 132,000 tonnes of food, 745,000 and tap-stands in rural and semi-
and visited for the first time hygiene parcels, 895,500 blankets, urban areas throughout 21 countries were
132,750 kitchen sets, and 6,360 tents brought back into commission.
52,268 people visited a detained relative were distributed in 69 countries.
with help from the ICRC 15,070 household latrines/toilets were
47,205 certificates of detention were built in 10 countries.
issued
The infrastructure was renovated in 28
hospitals and 85 dispensaries/health
centres in 14 countries.
Restoring family links
Water and sanitation facilities were
To re-establish contact between family refurbished in 202 detention centres in
members in situations of armed conflict or 17 countries.
internal violence:
520,982 Red Cross messages were

collected
457,742 Red Cross messages were

distributed
1,635 people whose families had filed

tracing requests were located
2,320 people were reunited with their

families
5,704 people were issued with travel

documents to allow them to return home
or resettle elsewhere
Note : Some figures have been rounded up or down.
46
ICRC OPERATIONS IN 2002 : A FEW FACTS AND FIGURES
Care for war-disabled Health services Human resources
Through 54 projects in 21 countries, The ICRC provided regular substantial At the end of 2002 the ICRC employed:
30,286 orthopaedic appliances were assistance to 67 hospitals in 18 countries
manufactured, consisting of 16,921 across the world. These hospitals admit- 11,873 staff, consisting of
prostheses to replace missing limbs, ted 185,612 patients (including 14,437 1,226 expatriates (including
and 13,365 orthoses to support mal- war-wounded), carried out 90,400 opera- 205 National Society personnel),
functioning limbs. tions and provided consultations to 9,821 people recruited locally and
460,272 outpatients. 826 staff at Geneva headquarters
10,098 of the amputees were victims of
landmines. Of the above, the ICRC's permanent war-
surgery teams worked in 9 hospitals,
6,870 people were fitted with prostheses performing more than 7,000 operations,
and 6,953 people were fitted with treating 16,162 patients and a further
orthoses for the first time. 16,600 outpatients.
1,598 wheelchairs and 17,052 pairs of 24 first-aid posts were supported in 6

crutches were distributed. countries, treating more than 1,600 war-
wounded.
The ICRC supported 267 primary health-

care centres, dispensaries and other
health centres, which carried out 2.7
million outpatient consultations.
47
N. Capuzzo/ICRC
Delivering essential assistance to civilians cut off by conflict.
48
AFRICA
Delegations
• Angola
• Burundi
• Congo, Democratic Republic of the
• Congo, Republic of the
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• ICRC mission to the AU
• Guinea
• Liberia
• Rwanda
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Uganda
• Abidjan
• Dakar
• Harare
• Lagos
• Nairobi
• Pretoria
• Yaoundé
African countries made several significant tries during the year under review. West

advances toward peace and stability in Africa stood out as a source of concern.
Expenditure (in Sfr) 2002, reducing the overall level of conflict
compared with the previous year. Angola
Despite the major progress made in Sierra
Leone and the relative stability in Guinea,
and Sierra Leone moved beyond war to the situation from a security and humani-
Protection reconstruction. Numerous diplomatic ini- tarian point of view deteriorated in Liberia
43,512,602 tiatives – both by African and Western as the civil conflict intensified. On top of
Assistance governments and organizations – kept this, the conflict in Côte d'Ivoire threatened
168,869,918 fragile peace processes alive and gave a prolonged crisis, with possible devastat-
Preventive action hope for a return to peace in many situa- ing economic and social implications for
20,453,633 tions, in particular in the Great Lakes the region.
Cooperation with National Societies region (Democratic Republic of the
Against this backdrop, Africa also contin-
18,817,270 Congo) and the Horn of Africa (Eritrea,
ued to struggle with other key global
Ethiopia and Sudan).
General issues, such as growing poverty, soaring
3,916,875 However, questions remained as to population growth, ethnic tensions, limited
whether some of the more deeply-rooted development possibilities, HIV/AIDS, diffi-
problems had really been solved, and cult climatic conditions, poor governance
255,570,299 insecurity persisted in many other coun- and difficulty in anchoring democracy.
of which: Overheads 15,124,324

49
AFRICA
In Liberia, the conflict between govern- In 2002 the overall situation in the Great In Rwanda, the ICRC carried out its protec-
ment forces and the Liberians United for Lakes region remained highly complex tion and assistance work for over
Reconciliation and Democracy spread to and unstable despite the various peace ini- 100,000 detainees accused of genocide
six counties in the north and west of the tiatives to end the long-running wars. In and still being held in Rwandan prisons
country, causing loss of life, destruction of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and temporary places of detention. Noting
property and infrastructure and repeated (DRC) there were further encouraging an overall stabilization of the nutritional
population displacement. The condition of political efforts to find solutions to the four- situation in the prisons, the ICRC started
those forced to flee – mostly women and year conflict. Implementation of the Lusaka reducing aid to certain facilities. It
children – continued to worsen owing to agreement progressed and various inter- nonetheless continued to remind the
extended periods of displacement that national and inter-Congolese diplomatic authorities of their obligations to provide
severely eroded their coping mechanisms efforts were pursued. By the end of the for the detainees.
and overstretched the resources of host year, most foreign troops had withdrawn
In Burundi, sustained peace efforts
communities. from the country. However, this created an
brought only limited improvements to the
increasingly complicated and explosive
The scale of the ICRC operation in Liberia entrenched 10-year conflict. Fighting
situation in eastern DRC, where combat-
rose to meet greater needs and the year's extended geographically, and a solution in
ants from groups such as the Mai-Mai,
initial budget was accordingly revised the short- to medium-term seemed
dissident factions of the Rally for Con-
upwards. The ICRC increased its aid and extremely unlikely. Civilians – mostly
golese Democracy-Goma and the Rwan-
protection work for IDPs, the neediest resi- women, children, the sick and elderly –
dan Liberation Front continued to operate.
dents of host communities, war-wounded who could not escape the violence
people, detainees and unaccompanied The ICRC continued to assist vulnerable remained badly affected. The war contin-
children. It helped IDPs to settle in transit groups in the DRC affected by various ued to displace as many as 100,000
camps and later in semi-permanent armed conflicts, in order to ensure their people every month. At the same time,
camps, and opened a surgical unit at the survival while fostering self-sufficiency. access to vulnerable groups remained a
John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital to The authorities also received major sup- major problem for most humanitarian
treat war-wounded people and other emer- port to enable them to provide adequate organizations. The ICRC continued to
gencies. A major tracing campaign was health care for the war-wounded and the focus on striving to assist and protect peo-
set up to reunite Liberian families dis- civilian population. Protection work for dif- ple who were deprived of their freedom,
persed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte ferent categories of people who had been wounded or sick, and the local civilian
d'Ivoire. deprived of their freedom, including peo- population generally. Activities were car-
ple detained in connection with armed ried out in urban areas. Where security
In September 2002, the situation in Côte
conflicts and civilian internees, remained conditions permitted, aid programmes
d'Ivoire quickly spiralled out of control
a priority, alongside activities to restore included efforts to improve access to water
when a failed coup d'état turned into a
contact between separated family mem- and sanitation facilities, hygiene and
violent rebellion between the army and
bers and to reunite unaccompanied chil- medical care. This required action at both
insurgents known as the Patriotic Move-
dren with their families. prison and local-community levels.
ment of Côte d'Ivoire. The conflict caused
a de facto split between the north and Following the killing of six ICRC staff
south of the country and the situation members in northeastern DRC in April
remained volatile and extremely unpre- 2001, the ICRC had to suspend the work
dictable for the rest of 2002 despite a of its sub-delegations in Uganda and con-
truce agreement signed in October. In con- fine its expatriate presence to the capital
junction with the Red Cross Society of Côte Kampala. In 2002 the ICRC continued to
d'Ivoire, the ICRC organized emergency seek a thorough investigation by the
relief and undertook protection work for Ugandan authorities into the killings. At
civilians affected by the conflict, while the same time, the organization kept itself
stepping up its activities on both sides of informed about the situation in the field
the front. and monitored the needs of the population
in order to be in a position to respond
in the event of a major life-threatening
emergency.
50
AFRICA
Positive developments to strengthen dem- In April, negotiations between the govern- However, in Ethiopia internal armed vio-
ocratic institutions and consolidate peace ment and the armed opposition Movement lence between government forces and
in the Republic of the Congo were set back for Democracy and Justice in Chad broke rebel groups, tribal clashes and political
in March when fighting erupted again in down over the details of their peace unrest continued and resulted in civilian
the Pool area. The situation remained accord of 7 January. Clashes followed in casualties, arrests and people being
volatile for the rest of 2002, with tens of May in the north-east, with intense fighting forced to flee their homes. The ICRC
thousands of people fleeing their homes. in the Faya Largeau region in October. In closely monitored affected regions, distrib-
Lack of security over the second half of the response, the ICRC furnished medical uting medical supplies and basic shelter
year prevented many humanitarian organ- supplies to treat the wounded and visited materials, when needed and visited secu-
izations from working there. The ICRC sus- security detainees. rity detainees. It also made presentations
pended activities in and around Kinkala on IHL for local authorities in trouble
In Angola, one of the bloodiest conflicts of
but delegates were stranded there for a spots, and made significant advances in
the last 25 years was finally brought to a
month in October/November. The organi- spreading awareness of IHL among the
close. This development opened up previ-
zation was still unable to return as the Ethiopian armed forces and police.
ously inaccessible regions to both the
year drew to a close. Incursions by the
civilian population and the humanitarian Another development of great concern to
Ninja militia intensified and thousands of
community. Nevertheless, the situation the Horn of Africa as a region was the
people were displaced. An ICRC delegate
facing civilians – whether displaced, resi- decline of food security. In 2002 extremely
and a local employee working in the
dent or resettled – remained one of the sparse rainfall pushed many already vul-
Bouenza region were abducted in Decem-
worst worldwide. In 2002 the ICRC nerable Ethiopian households to the brink
ber by members of the Ninja group. They
stepped up its existing activities, espe- of destitution. Drought-affected zones in
were finally released on 29 December.
cially protection programmes. It expanded Ethiopia overlapped with those areas also
As a result of the fresh violence, the ICRC its tracing network to enable people in affected by conflict and insecurity and
increased its activities and staff and, newly accessible areas to restore contact where the ICRC was already working. In
where possible, tried to resume emer- with loved ones from whom they had coordination with other organizations and
gency programmes in the Pool area and become separated during the conflict. the Ethiopian government, the ICRC took
Brazzaville. Food and non-food items Medical care and water and sanitation action with the Ethiopian Red Cross Soci-
were distributed to IDPs, emergency programmes were also expanded on the ety to distribute food in October to some
reserves of drinking water were estab- Planalto, mainly for returnees. Emphasis 100,000 semi-nomadic farmers in the
lished, medical facilities provided with was also placed on reducing dependency northeast of the country who were strug-
supplies and security detainees visited. on food aid by promoting self-sufficiency gling with severe water shortages aggra-
through agricultural programmes. vated by mounting ethnic violence. The
The neighbouring Central African Republic
ICRC also geared up to distribute food and
continued to suffer from chronic instability. In a similarly positive vein, the year saw a
seeds in 2003 to some 700,000 people
Violent clashes again broke out in Bangui significant breakthrough in the aftermath

in three other drought-stricken and inse-
in October, with fighting between govern- of the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict. Just under
cure regions (Oromia, the Southern
ment troops and forces loyal to the former two years after both countries signed the
Nations, Nationalities and People’s
army commander General Bozizé. The Algiers peace agreement, the last POWs
Regional State, and Tigray).
ICRC was in contact with all parties con- and civilian internees registered and vis-
cerned and, working with the Central ited by the ICRC were released by the two In Eritrea, where the focus was steadily
African Red Cross Society, restored water parties, in accordance with the Third and moving away from humanitarian aid
services and provided other emergency Fourth Geneva Conventions, and repatri- towards rehabilitation and recovery, the
aid for people affected by the events. It ated under ICRC auspices. The Eritrea- situation nevertheless remained dogged
also visited security detainees. Ethiopia Boundary Commission an- by serious drought against a backdrop of
nounced its decision on the disputed the continuing effects of war and general-
border between the two countries. Both ized poverty. Some 65,000 IDPs
countries finally committed themselves remained in camps throughout 2002,
publicly to backing the ruling, and the bor- unable to return to their homes in the for-
der region remained relatively calm. mer war zones until the mines had been
cleared, the border demarcated and war-
damaged infrastructure rebuilt. The ICRC
became the main organization providing
water, tents, tarpaulins and basic house-
51
AFRICA
hold items for IDPs, while their food needs Other promising regional developments in war-wounded people at John F. Kennedy
were met by the WFP. The ICRC also 2002 included the opening of the Somali Memorial Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. In
worked to get war-damaged towns and national reconciliation conference on addition, surgical facilities in the DRC,
villages functioning again by rebuilding 15 October in Eldoret, Kenya, under the Guinea, the Central African Republic,
water supply and health-care facilities and aegis of the Inter-Governmental Authority Ethiopia, Eritrea, Burundi, Tanzania and
distributing household items to residents. on Development. Nevertheless, political Chad were provided with materials and
violence, clan feuds and individual power medicines to treat the war-wounded.
In neighbouring Sudan, 2002 also saw
struggles escalated in many parts of
the revival of peace initiatives aimed at Despite the complexity and fragmentation
Somalia in 2002, leaving hundreds of
ending the 19-year internal armed conflict of many of the conflicts in Africa, in most
people dead, thousands wounded and
between the Sudanese government and cases the ICRC's role was respected and
tens of thousands displaced. The deterio-
various opposition militias. Agreement understood by authorities, armed forces,
ration due to war of social, economic and
was reached between the government opposition groups, other bearers of
political systems placed most Somalis in
and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/ weapons and civil society groups. Efforts
a state of perpetual vulnerability to loss of
Movement (SPLA/M) to suspend hostilities nevertheless continued in 2002 to spread
livelihood.
until 31 March 2003, and to give human- knowledge and understanding of IHL and
itarian organizations unimpeded access, Somalia remained an unpredictable work- the International Red Cross and Red Cres-
beginning on 1 November 2002, to all ing environment for humanitarian agen- cent Movement among a number of target
regions controlled by the two parties. In cies. Access to victims in conflict-affected groups. The ICRC took a twofold
order to address issues such as the shar- areas (southern, central and northwestern approach: establishing or strengthening
ing of power and wealth, and self-determi- areas) was often difficult or impossible contacts with armed forces and other
nation for the south, the government and because of security constraints. Neverthe- bearers of weapons across the continent
SPLA/M also agreed to a six-month pre- less, the ICRC was able to carry out the in order to encourage systematic incorpo-
transitional period, followed by a six-year majority of its planned activities in Somalia ration of IHL into military training and
period of transition, at the end of which a thanks to its flexible operational set-up, operations, while also urging govern-
referendum on self-determination for the well adapted to the country's situation. The ments to ratify important IHL treaties.
south would be held. organization maintained its two-pronged
African National Societies were crucial
approach: distributing emergency aid to
Despite these efforts, the internal conflict partners in ICRC field operations. Wher-
IDPs while carrying out medium-term proj-
between government troops and opposi- ever possible, the ICRC worked alongside
ects to secure basic services for local com-
tion forces persisted, as did interfactional the National Society of the country con-
munities indirectly threatened by conflict.
fighting. Civilian casualties were high and cerned and supported its efforts to bring
To care for the wounded and sick, ICRC
thousands of people were forced to flee aid to vulnerable people. Close coopera-
support continued for four surgical hospi-
their homes. tion occurred with the different compo-
tals and 25 other health-care facilities. The
nents of the Movement in accordance with
During most of the year, aid organizations ICRC also maintained a high level of sup-
the Seville Agreement. Where appropriate,
faced powerful constraints. Access to vic- port for the Somali Red Crescent Society,
and according to the National Society's
tims in conflict zones remained difficult, at which continued to be a key partner in
abilities, the ICRC encouraged and devel-
times impossible, because of flight restric- implementing ICRC programmes.
oped operational cooperation in the areas
tions. Security was also a constant con-
In addition to medical programmes for the of medical care, relief and tracing. At the
cern. From 1 November, when humanitar-
civilian population generally, the ICRC same time, the ICRC continued striving
ian agencies were granted free movement
also supported a number of hospitals with the National Societies to build capac-
in Sudan, the ICRC began surveying med-
working in the various situations in con- ity in three traditional areas of endeavour:
ical facilities in southern Sudan to assess
nection with which the organization was effective response to emergencies, effec-
their ability to treat war-wounded people. It
active: Lokichokio Hospital, in north-west- tive tracing, and spreading knowledge of
also stepped up its visits to detainees and
ern Kenya, which treated war-wounded the Movement, its Fundamental Principles
its programme to promote compliance
and sick patients, many of whom had and the basic rules of IHL.
with IHL among the authorities, the armed
been evacuated from southern Sudan;
forces, the SPLA and other bearers of
Juba Teaching Hospital in southern
weapons.
Sudan; Huambo hospital in Angola; Ken-
ema hospital in Sierra Leone; and the two
hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. In July,
an ICRC surgical team started treating
52
AFRICA ANGOLA
ANGOLA
Personnel :
40 expatriates
340 national staff
The ICRC has been present in Angola

since 1975, when the conflict began
that devastated the country's economy
and left vital infrastructure in ruins and
the civilian population dependent on
humanitarian aid. Following the signing
of the ceasefire in April 2002, access to
most parts of the country became
possible. As a result, the ICRC has
extended its tracing network to enable
people in newly accessible areas to
restore contact with family members
who became separated from them
during the conflict. The ICRC is
expanding its medical and water and
sanitation programmes in the Greater
Planalto, mainly for returnees, and
continues to reduce dependency on
food assistance by promoting self-
sufficiency through agricultural
programmes.

CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) At the beginning of 2002, the Angolan For years, much of Angola had been off-
armed forces intensified their military limits to humanitarian organizations. As
Protection operations against UNITA1 bases on the the ceasefire took hold, accessibility
6,636,926 eastern front. On 22 February, the column improved throughout the country, enabling,
Assistance led by Jonas Savimbi was attacked and to a large extent, the problems facing many
the UNITA leader shot dead. Angolans to be ascertained. People began
15,504,685
emerging from the former UNITA-held
Preventive action On 4 April, a general ceasefire was
areas, which had been cut off from medical
1,301,168 reached and an agreement signed in
and food aid since 1998 when the civil war
Cooperation with National Societies Luanda. Under the agreement, after com-
intensified, and began moving towards
pletion of the demobilization and reinte-
289,012 urban centres. The situation was also dras-
gration process, the country was to move
General tic for residents who had remained behind
towards a power-sharing political settle-
509,605 in these remote areas. In the summer, peo-
ment as provided for under the terms of
ple began returning to their places of origin
the 1994 Lusaka Accord.
and by the end of the year an estimated
1 National Union for the Total Independence of
24,241,396 one million people had gone back.
Angola
53
AFRICA ANGOLA
ICRC ACTION instrument stipulated the voluntary nature
of the resettlement process as well as
rations for distribution in Bunjei, south-
east of Huambo. The ICRC supplied 37
Key points in 2002 requirements for return and resettlement tonnes of food to MSF-Spain to enable
sites, including accessibility, availability of them to take immediate action in
• 115 tracing and RCM posts established safe water, absence or clear marking of Chipindo. The ICRC also distributed emer-
to enlarge the network and to meet the mines, and the presence in the sites of gency food rations to 8,300 people in
needs of people in areas newly accessi- State administration. The ICRC submitted Chilembo, south of Huambo, as soon as it
ble after the ceasefire written representations to the authorities in became reachable and until the WFP
• over 42,000 RCMs distributed and cases where resettlement was encouraged stepped in and took charge.
282 unaccompanied children reunited without the conditions being fulfilled.
with their families Regular contact was maintained with the Providing water
• health-care facilities (1 hospital and Angolan armed forces about foreign ex- Access to safe drinking water in the newly
11 health posts) covering a population combatants housed in quartering areas. A accessible areas was found to be insuffi-
of 500,000 provided with supplies total of 467 Congolese and Rwandan ex- cient and its impact on public health
fighters had been registered by the time extremely negative. Accordingly, the ICRC
the ICRC completed its registration concentrated on ensuring that water was
CIVILIANS process in September. available, especially in rural areas where
The problems faced by all civilians in access was in any case difficult and had
2002 – displaced, resident or resettled – Assisting civilians often deteriorated because of war, weather
were similar. They had no access to safe or lack of repair.
drinking water or primary health-care The ICRC continued to provide food for
facilities, they lacked food, seeds and 38,000 people in three camps for IDPs in Latrine construction and maintenance
tools, and although many had lost contact Huambo. The food distributed in March continued in Kuito and Huambo IDP
with family members a long time ago, was accompanied by a first round of seed camps, where over 1,000 latrines were
they had not given up hope of locating and tools intended to help the IDPs attain constructed or renovated for over 10,000
them once again. The ICRC continued to self-sufficiency. By September, one of the families. This project, carried out jointly
boost its network and to work through camps had completely emptied – its resi- with the Angola Red Cross, was accompa-
provincial branches of the Angola Red dents had left to get ready for the new nied by regular information sessions for
Cross to restore contact between sepa- planting season at home. The ICRC con- all camp inhabitants about water-borne
rated family members. Following the tinued to distribute regular food rations to diseases and health education in general.
ceasefire, the delegation stepped up its the original 38,000 people even after their In addition, eight springs were protected
tracing programme. By the end of the year, departure from the camp, and also to a and five repaired, while a new community
115 of 130 planned tracing posts had further 28,000 people, including a num- hygiene programme had a positive impact
been opened throughout the 18 provinces ber living in the far north of Huambo on everyday maintenance of the springs.
of the country to meet the increased province who had been unable to receive The new resources benefited over 32,000
demand for their services. During the year, assistance from any other humanitarian people – an inordinately high number
some 42,000 RCMs (including those organization. To help them achieve self- because the beneficiaries included both
which came from neighbouring countries sufficiency, the ICRC gave each family IDPs and residents.
hosting Angolan refugees) were distrib- more seed and tools, and household
uted by the ICRC in conjunction with the items such as blankets, buckets and Raising awareness of mines and UXO
local Red Cross in the different provinces soap. Their food rations were to continue
In July, a needs assessment was carried
of Angola, including formerly inaccessible until April 2003, when the beneficiaries
out in order to set a new mine-awareness
areas, and over 4,000 families requested were expected to be harvesting their own
objective in cooperation with the Angola
ICRC assistance to locate their loved ones. crops.
Red Cross. An ICRC mine-action delegate
The ICRC registered 1,072 unaccompa- In April, immediately after the ceasefire, posted to Luanda in October worked
nied children including demobilized child the ICRC provided MSF-France with closely with the National Society to
soldiers, and enabled 282 of them to 36 tonnes of food for the therapeutic feed- develop awareness-raising activities in the
rejoin their families. ing centre in Caala and tarpaulins to provinces of Benguela and Bié.
The delegation monitored, where possible, enlarge the centre. MSF-France was also
implementation of the Angolan decree on given 1,500 buckets, 1,500 jerrycans
the return and resettlement of IDPs. This and 800 cartons of emergency food
54
AFRICA ANGOLA
PEOPLE DEPRIVED addition, the ICRC carried out repairs to applicable in times of armed conflict but
the hospital’s sewerage system, improved does not cease to be relevant once hostili-
OF THEIR FREEDOM the supply of water to the paediatric ward ties are over, and with the plight of IDPs
During the first three months of the year, and organized teams to carry out general and the threat posed by mines to IDPs,
the ICRC registered 30 detainees in 10 maintenance. local residents and aid workers.
places of detention. Twelve of them had
been captured while the rest had surren- At the end of the year, the ICRC withdrew An article on the relevance of the Protocols
dered. On 2 April, an amnesty law was its support from the surgical department. additional to the Geneva Conventions
passed by parliament and the small num- To prepare for this, Ministry of Health was translated into Portuguese and sent
ber of people detained in connection with nurses began taking on more responsibil- to all members of parliament for the
the conflict were released. Nevertheless, ity, under ICRC supervision, in areas such 25th anniversary of the Protocols. The
the ICRC continued to monitor the overall as drug management. In November the members of parliament were urged to pro-
situation and was in regular contact with hospital was supplied with enough drugs mote Angola’s accession to Additional
detaining authorities such as the Ministry and surgical materials to cover the first Protocol II.
of the Interior and officials in charge of the three months of 2003.
national prisons. ARMED FORCES
Rehabilitation of amputees and other
Between April and December, the ICRC disabled people
AND OTHER BEARERS
made 36 visits to 15 provincial prisons
The opening-up of roads after the ceasefire
OF WEAPONS
and police lock-ups in Huambo, Bié and
made it much easier to obtain prosthetic The ICRC’s efforts to further the integration
Cabinda. The ICRC registered six new
and orthotic services. The Ministry of of IHL into military instruction in Angola
detainees in Cabinda and maintained reg-
Health maintained its support to the three were largely ignored while the conflict was
ular contact with the detaining authorities
prosthetic/orthotic centres and paid almost still under way. Following the ceasefire,
in Luanda, which required notification of
all their running costs. The centres were the restructuring and reorganization of the
all visits.
generally in a position to provide food for Angolan armed forces took priority.
all patients. The ICRC continued to provide Nonetheless, operational dissemination
WOUNDED AND SICK the staff with monetary incentives to sup- sessions on IHL and ICRC activities took
plement Ministry of Health salaries and place for over 4,500 officers, NCOs and
Providing health care gave technical advice to the managers of troops (including former UNITA soldiers in
The ICRC provided 11 health-care posts in all three centres. the quartering areas) in various provinces.
Huambo, Bié and Uige with essential
During the year, the three prosthetic/ Two police train-the-trainer seminars were
drugs, medical equipment and consum-
orthotic centres: conducted by instructors from the ICRC
ables, training for staff and monitoring of
delegation in Brazil. The first was a
consultations. Together, the posts served • fitted 1,966 patients with prostheses refresher course for 19 police instructors

some 150,000 people. Five of the posts
• fitted 75 patients with orthoses and the second a basic training course for
were repaired or upgraded. In September,
15 new instructors. In addition, dissemi-
the ICRC and the Netherlands Red Cross • distributed 2,607 pairs of crutches nation sessions on IHL and human rights
signed an agreement delegating a project
• distributed 130 wheelchairs law were held for nearly 1,000 officers
in eight health-care posts in Bié and Uige.
and NCOs.
Supporting Huambo hospital AUTHORITIES

The improved security situation allowed The ICRC continued to develop its contacts
CIVIL SOCIETY
higher numbers of patients to get to the with various ministries. The Angolan gov- The ICRC continued to use the media as a
ICRC-supported Huambo hospital. By the ernment ratified the Ottawa Convention vehicle for promoting IHL to a nationwide
end of the year, the hospital’s surgical and banning anti-personnel mines in July. audience. Several hundred radio slots on
paediatric wards had treated some the ICRC, its activities and IHL were broad-
The ICRC was invited to deliver a keynote cast every week in Huambo and Kuito.
45,000 patients. An ICRC doctor on a address to the National Assembly on the
two-month assignment to work in the Twenty-one teams of international journal-
occasion of the 54th anniversary of the ists were briefed on ICRC activities, and a
emergency room with Ministry of Health Universal Declaration of Human Rights on
doctors and nurses reinforced the paedi- press conference was organized on 8 May
10 December. The speech dealt with the to mark World Red Cross and Red Cres-
atric team beginning in September. In ICRC's role as guardian of IHL, which is cent Day.
55
AFRICA ANGOLA
In addition, dissemination sessions on
IHL and the ICRC's mandate and activities
were held in various provinces for over
16,000 people including traditional
authorities, Angola Red Cross volunteers
and other civilians. To support these activ-
ities, a major publication programme was
launched locally to produce brochures,
posters and leaflets on ICRC tracing,
assistance, prosthetic/orthotic and dis-
semination programmes.
NATIONAL SOCIETY
The Angola Red Cross still required sup-
port to respond to the needs of people
affected by the conflict. Sessions on train-
ing and dissemination were therefore held
for local staff members in Huambo and
Kuito. In the majority of provinces, how-
ever, operational cooperation in the area
of tracing was stepped up considerably,
with National Society members staffing
many of the new RCM posts. The ICRC
donated bicycles and motorbikes to sup-
port delivery of RCMs, and paid the
salaries of 19 senior staff members. The
National Society’s role in the distribution of
ICRC relief supplies in Kuito was crucial.
In April, a meeting was organized in
Luanda by the International Federation in
cooperation with the ICRC, in which the
National Societies of Denmark, Finland,
the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Swe-
den also participated. Following this meet-

ing the Angola Red Cross presented plans
of action to the Movement aiming to
ensure good governance, to implement a
transparent and reliable financial man-
agement system, to develop a programme
to care for people suffering from AIDS, and
to improve the National Society’s disaster-
response capacity.
56
AFRICA BURUNDI
BURUNDI
Personnel :
16 expatriates
76 national staff
The ICRC has been permanently present

in Burundi since 1999 where it focuses
on assisting and protecting people
deprived of their freedom, wounded or
sick victims of the conflict, and the local
civilian population. Its activities are
carried out in urban areas, where
security conditions permit. Aid
programmes include efforts to improve
access to water and sanitation facilities
and to boost hygiene and medical care,
requiring action at both prison and local-
community levels.
CONTEXT

The conflict in Burundi continued through- to postpone or cancel their activities in
Expenditure (in Sfr) out 2002 and intensified in some areas, certain communes.
such as Gitega, where 173 civilians were
Protection An ICRC guard was killed and another was
massacred on 9 September. Following
shot and wounded during a break-in at an
1,394,604 this incident, civilians systematically left
ICRC office in Gitega. A similar incident
Assistance their homes in places where clashes
occurred the following night in the Ngozi
4,980,255 occurred and stayed away for several
office but fortunately there were no casual-
Preventive action days or weeks in order to avoid any accu-
ties. The poor security situation continued
sation of complicity with any of the par-
661,142 to constrain the work of the ICRC, which
ties. Dozens of civilians were killed or
Cooperation with National Societies since August 1999 had been obliged
injured in ambushes or clashes. The
79,976 to use air transport to travel about the
province of Bujumbura Rural, which was
General country.
particularly affected by the escalation in
167,237 fighting, remained practically inaccessible On 2 December, 13 months after the inau-
to all humanitarian agencies. The WFP guration of the transitional government, a
and other humanitarian organizations had ceasefire agreement was signed between
7,283,215
of which: Overheads 444,516
57
AFRICA BURUNDI
the Burundi government and one of the
main armed opposition groups, the Forces
ICRC ACTION care or psychological-support networks in
Bujumbura. The ICRC began working out
for the Defence of Democracy (FDD). Key points in 2002 the details of a future project to address
Negotiations with the National Liberation the problem while widening its network of
Forces (FNL), however, made no head- • water projects completed for over contacts. It chose to concentrate on psy-
way at all and the group continued to 530,000 people, including new slow chological follow-up and support for
clash with the Burundian armed forces in sand filter in Bujumbura female victims of violence, involving med-
Bujumbura Rural. • access granted to temporary places of ical staff, traditional birthing assistants,
detention under the authority of the Min- and women's and youth associations. The
istry of the Interior ICRC prepared a final report on its findings
for discussions with the Ministry of Health.
• tracing activities for unaccompanied
children resumed
Providing safe water
• EHL programme used on trial basis in
Years of conflict had prevented regular
10 educational establishments
maintenance of the water-supply system
and, furthermore, the national water
CIVILIANS board, Regideso, lacked the resources to
maintain it. In 2002, the ICRC worked
Restoring family links closely with the board to upgrade the
In 2002, the ICRC resumed its tracing water-supply systems in the northern
activities for unaccompanied Burundian Burundian towns of Ngozi and Kirundo,
children abroad and unaccompanied both of which regularly suffered major
Rwandan and Congolese children in shortages of drinking water. In Kirundo
Burundi. The ICRC helped two Rwandan (6,000 inhabitants), the pumping station
children living in Burundi rejoin their fami- did not function properly and was in des-
lies, whom they had contacted using the perate need of repair. The ICRC therefore
RCM network. ICRC staff based in Burundi built a new pumping station, laid
accompanied them from Ngozi to the pipework and renovated 10 tap stands in
Rwandan border, where Rwanda-based the town. This provided the inhabitants
staff met them and took them the rest of with a reliable source of safe water and
the way to their families' villages. In addi- also increased the amounts available to
tion, the ICRC reunited two Burundian chil- them. In Ngozi (24,000 inhabitants), the
dren and their uncle, living in a camp in ICRC installed six new spring-catchment
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the devices, built a new pumping station, and
Congo (DRC), with their family in Bujum- repaired an existing pumping station, a
bura. A Burundian POW who had been storage tank and 13 tap stands. By June,
monitored by the ICRC in the DRC was nearly two years after work had started,
repatriated at the same time. Furthermore, drinking-water production was up by more
the first family reunifications for Burundi- than 40%.
ans in Tanzanian refugee camps took Work was completed on a new slow sand
place when six unaccompanied children filter and on one of the pumping stations
joined their families in Burundi. By the end in Bujumbura. These installations, which
of the year, the ICRC had registered 36 opened in October, raised the amount of
new unaccompanied children, bringing drinking water available for the town and
the total number of cases pending to 48. its suburbs (450,000 inhabitants) by
40%, with the poorest areas benefiting the
Female victims of violence most. Work carried out on Muyinga
Women were often subjected to violence pumping station began to benefit that
relating to the conflict, yet an ICRC assess- town’s population of 12,000. Repairs and
ment of services in Bujumbura revealed upgrades of pumping stations in Gitega
an almost total absence of local medical (28,000 inhabitants) were completed. A
58
AFRICA BURUNDI
number of other projects undertaken to The ICRC provided the minors with educa- WOUNDED AND SICK
improve drinking-water supplies benefited tional materials and language courses.
15,000 people. The ICRC continued to provide surgical
The ICRC regularly supplied inmates in six supplies to hospitals. Between January
Following the outbreak of a cholera epi- prisons with basic hygiene products and and March, supplies for the treatment of
demic in the northern districts of Bujum- in September gave a blanket and a mess 395 war-wounded people were provided.
bura in June, several agencies joined tin to each person held. In August, the For several months, however, during
forces to contain the spread of the dis- ICRC carried out an annual disinfecting which the hospitals in the north of the
ease. The ICRC formed a mobile team that and pest-control programme in the pris- country did not receive any war-wounded
disinfected 1,500 homes. In addition, the ons, working in conjunction with the patients, supplies from the ICRC were
ICRC and other organizations installed two prison service. Furthermore, the ICRC used to treat other patients in need of sur-
water tanks, each with a capacity of 15 made minor repairs to the sanitation infra- gery. Nevertheless, there were violent
cubic metres, which an ICRC tanker truck structure. To ensure proper maintenance clashes around Bujumbura and in the
kept filled. The tanks provided 10,000 of the repair work performed by the ICRC south and east of the country – areas
people with water for two months. over the past years, training and tools inaccessible to the ICRC – which meant
were given to prison maintenance teams that surgical items destined as a priority
to enable them to perform the work them- for the war-wounded failed to reach the
PEOPLE DEPRIVED selves. The ICRC continued to supply areas where they were most needed. The
OF THEIR FREEDOM medicines and other medical supplies to intensification of the fighting in Gitega led
health-care centres and hospitals to to an increase in the number of surgical
Visiting detainees ensure that detainees would receive free admissions in its hospitals, and to a cor-
During the year, the ICRC carried out medical care. responding increase in the level of ICRC
262 visits to 40 places of detention in support.
Burundi to assess the treatment of The ICRC helped organize and met the
detainees and the conditions in which they entire cost of the annual seminar of the The ICRC organized a seminar on war
were held. The ICRC also pursued dia- General Directorate of Prison Affairs held surgery in conjunction with Bujumbura’s
logue with the authorities about general in Bujumbura in December. The main top- Prince Régent Charles Hospital and the
management of the prison system and in ics discussed were overcrowding and Ministry of Public Health. An ICRC surgeon
particular about overcrowding. The ICRC health care in prisons. was present to share his experience of
visited 34 places of temporary detention In the country's three largest civilian pris- caring for the war-wounded with 24 Bu-
under the responsibility of the Ministry of ons, Mpimba-Bujumbura, Gitega and rundian and expatriate specialists.
Defence (gendarmerie posts) and was Ngozi, an HIV/AIDS programme was pur- The ICRC continued to provide medicines
granted access to places of detention sued throughout 2002. The detainees and and other medical supplies to six hospi-
under the authority of the Ministry of the warders trained as peer educators in tals and 12 health-care centres in Bujum-
Interior (police posts). These visits began

2001 to pass on preventive messages bura, Gitega, Kirundo, Muyinga, Ngozi
in April. During the year, a total of 56 and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS infection and Ruyigi. It carried out extensive reno-
detainees were registered and monitored among the rest of the prison population vations on the water, sanitation, sewerage
on an individual basis, including those continued to organize information ses- and electrical systems in several of these
accused of the attempted coups in April sions. Working jointly with the Society for establishments.
and July 2001. Oral and written represen- Women and AIDS in Africa, the ICRC
tations were made when necessary. helped raise awareness of AIDS among HIV/AIDS
The ICRC visited six of Burundi's 11 civil- the inmates of the central prisons and
offered counselling, together with volun- In parallel to its HIV/AIDS programme in
ian prisons (Bujumbura, Ngozi (male), prisons, the ICRC continued a programme
Ngozi (female), Gitega, Muyinga and tary, anonymous screening. The pro-
gramme also provided drugs to treat in Bujumbura, Gitega and Ngozi under
Ruyigi). Together, they housed 7,500 which it provided one hospital and one
detainees, or 70% of those held in the opportunistic infections, information on
how to prevent some infections and health-care centre in each town with med-
country’s places of detention. In its discus- icines for treating AIDS-related illnesses.
sions with the detaining authorities, the advice for medical staff on how to avoid
contracting HIV. The ICRC trained health professionals in
ICRC placed great emphasis on the condi- Ngozi to prevent the spread of HIV in hos-
tions in which minors were being held, pitals. In addition, it extended an AIDS-
which led to their being separated from awareness programme to the towns of
adults in three of the country's prisons. Muyinga and Ruyigi.
59
AFRICA BURUNDI
AUTHORITIES Disseminating IHL to the police experts who decided to extend the pilot
Dissemination sessions were held for phase to the first term of the 2002-03
The ICRC’s traditional network of contacts academic year. Twelve more teachers
within the international community was members of the gendarmerie, the Public
Security Police, and the Public Prosecu- were then trained, together with two edu-
maintained through regular meetings, cators from a youth centre.
both formal and informal. In addition to tor's Office in Muyinga and Bujumbura.
exchanges with various government min- The topics included IHL and human rights There were four universities in Burundi
istries, there was even a meeting with the law, the International Red Cross and Red with a combined 17,500 students, but
Burundian president himself to discuss Crescent Movement, the emblem, ICRC only the university in Bujumbura had a
issues of concern to the ICRC. Meetings activities in general, and detention visits in functioning law faculty. That institution
with diplomatic representatives of neigh- particular. The aim was to teach the partic- experienced difficult times during the first
bouring countries and major Western ipants about good policing skills and to half of the year with teachers, students
powers continued in which concerns improve their knowledge and acceptance and staff going on strike in protest at pro-
about issues such as access to medical of the ICRC's activities in order to facilitate posals for its restructuring. The strikes
care were made known. Several meetings access to places of detention. came to an end at the beginning of July
also took place with representatives of and an optional 30-hour course on IHL
groups opposed to the peace accords CIVIL SOCIETY began in mid-August.
signed in Arusha in 2000.
Raising awareness of IHL NATIONAL SOCIETY
ARMED FORCES Representatives of the media became Although it had an official membership of
more acquainted with the ICRC and the
AND OTHER BEARERS basic rules of IHL at an information ses-
46,000, the Burundi Red Cross was still
OF WEAPONS not well known at national level and its
sion held in May, which also resulted in activities were limited. It had severe finan-
more frequent contact with journalists. The cial problems and was funded almost
IHL and the armed forces ICRC was mentioned in reporting by entirely by the International Federation and
Cooperation with the Burundian armed media of all types. Certain ICRC-related certain European National Societies such
forces in disseminating IHL was put on a events, such as the war-surgery seminar as those of Spain and France.
firm footing at the beginning of the year. At (see Wounded and sick), received exten-
the end of March, a two-day seminar for sive coverage. A Movement partnership meeting organ-
officers in the final stages of training at the ized in Rwanda, a day of which was
military officers’ academy1 was organized Young people and IHL devoted to Burundi, triggered the reorgani-
in close cooperation with armed forces’ zation of the Burundi Red Cross. A follow-
instructors. In addition, a train-the-trainer It is important that current events be pre- up meeting took place in Bujumbura and
course was held between 4 and 10 April sented to young people from a humanitar- an extraordinary general assembly subse-
ian viewpoint. In 2002, however, IHL was
for some 20 officers. As fighting intensi- quently adopted the new National Society
fied, some activities planned for 2002 had not yet part of the curriculum of secondary statutes and internal regulations.
to be postponed. In October, however, the schools and universities in Burundi. At the
beginning of the year, the Ministry of Edu- National Society dissemination staff con-
ICRC conducted three days of training in
cation adopted a three-year plan to incor- tinued to organize sessions in their
IHL at the end of an advanced training
porate the ICRC’s "Exploring Humanitarian respective provinces, but progress was
course for Burundian armed forces offi-
Law" programme, which aimed to slow. These activities came to a close in
cers. The delegation sponsored two
acquaint teenagers with the rules and May, one year after they had begun. Given
Burundian officers attending a course in
basic principles of IHL and humanitarian the reforms taking place in the National
April at the International Institute of
activities, into the upper-secondary-school Society, the ICRC decided to direct its
Humanitarian Law in San Remo. One of
curriculum. The pilot phase of the project efforts towards consolidating the progress
the officers then assisted the ICRC as a
began in February with the training of civic made and strengthening capacities of the
trainer at the course given in October.
education teachers in four schools and of Burundi Red Cross.
six supervisors. During the final term of
the 2001-02 school year, some 350 stu-
dents took part in the pilot programme. In
September, the programme was evaluated
by 17 ministry officials and education
1 Institut supérieur des cadres militaires
60
AFRICA DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
OF THE CONGO
Personnel :
47 expatriates
391 national staff
The ICRC opened a delegation in the

Democratic Republic of the Congo in
1978. It currently focuses its activities
on the following: rapid aid to vulnerable
groups affected by various armed
conflicts in order to ensure their survival
while promoting self-sufficiency; support
for the authorities in providing adequate
health care for war-wounded people and
the civilian population in general;
detainee-welfare work for different
categories of people who have been
deprived of their freedom, including
civilian internees and those detained in
connection with armed conflicts;
restoring contact between members of
separated families and reuniting
unaccompanied children with their loved
ones; and the development of the Red
Cross Society of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
CONTEXT

On 30 July, the presidents of Rwanda and ing countries which led to the withdrawal
Expenditure (in Sfr) the Democratic Republic of the Congo of almost all the foreign armies (Angola
(DRC) signed an agreement in Pretoria. and Zimbabwe; Burundi and Uganda) by
Protection Rwanda agreed to withdraw its troops mid-October. Uganda kept some troops in
6,226,939 from the DRC and the DRC agreed to end the Ituri region.
Assistance its support for Rwandan rebel groups, and
The Inter-Congolese Dialogue, which
24,094,467 to disarm and repatriate members of the
failed to reach a consensus in April, was
Preventive action Rwandan Liberation Front (FDLR), com-
resumed in Pretoria in October. On
prising Interahamwe militia and the former
1,742,605 17 December, an all-party agreement on
Rwandan Armed Forces. By 7 October,
Cooperation with National Societies the transition in the DRC was signed by
Rwanda had withdrawn its troops and the
1,941,229 the Kinshasa government, the Rally for
DRC government took the first tangible
General Congolese Democracy-Goma (RCD-
measures to comply with the terms of the
Goma), the Congo Liberation Movement,
370,850 agreement by interning a great many
RCD-Liberation Movement, RCD-National,
FDLR members before repatriating them to
the Mai-Mai, the political opposition and
Rwanda. The government also signed
civil society. The agreement to end the
34,376,090 bilateral agreements with other neighbour-
61
four-year conflict called for a complex
governmental structure with a president,
ICRC ACTION ever, the ICRC had handed over the provi-
sion of supplies for three facilities to NGOs
four vice-presidents, an appointed multi- Key points in 2002 as part of its exit strategy.
party national assembly with 500 mem- • 1,311 unaccompanied children re- In the east, medical aid was regularly fur-
bers and a senate with 120 members. united with their families nished to five health-care facilities in Ikela-
Despite this all-party agreement, fighting • seed, tools and household items distrib- east. Three facilities on the Plaine de la
continued in the east of the country where uted to 350,000 IDPs and residents Ruzizi and a hospital in Minembwe on the
groups such as the Mai-Mai, dissident affected by the ongoing fighting in the Haut Plateau also received supplies from
factions of the RCD-Goma and the FDLR east the ICRC, but the security situation made
operate. this operation less regular. These nine
• the supply of clean water increased for facilities served some 65,000 people. In
In January, the Nyiragongo volcano in over 1 million people the second half of the year the ICRC pro-
North Kivu erupted. The lava flow caused
• the most urgent needs of the population vided regular supplies, on a monthly
the population of Goma to flee the city,
of Goma met following the eruption of renewable basis, to 13 health-care cen-
most of them into Rwanda. Within a few
the Nyiragongo volcano tres serving over 200,000 people.
days, however, most had returned to
Goma, with only 10,000 people remain-
ing in Rwandan camps. Providing safe water
CIVILIANS The urban water-supply systems were in a
Civilians continued to be at risk and sub- state of neglect after so much conflict and
jected to violence by the various armed in dire need of technical support and con-
groups, especially in the eastern part of sumables. The ICRC continued to supply
the country. The ICRC looked into allega- chemicals (54 tonnes) and spare parts to
tions of attacks and threats against the the national water board, Regideso, thus
civilian population and met with the helping provide safe drinking water for the
authorities to make representations about urban population. Work on the Ndjili treat-
the conduct of those bearing weapons. ment plant and six booster stations con-
In May, a mutiny broke out in Kisangani tinued in Kinshasa. Once completed, the
among the armed forces of the RCD- plant will serve some four million people
Goma. It began when mutineers took over in the capital. In July, the ICRC completed
a radio station and exhorted the listeners major repair work at the Tshopo power
to go out and kill Rwandans in the area. station, the only source of electricity for the
The rebellion was eventually quashed by city of Kisangani and its estimated
the rest of the armed forces of the RCD- 600,000 inhabitants. The power station
Goma, but not before a number of people also supplied the electricity needed to
were injured or killed. Following the inci- operate the city's only water-treatment
dent, the ICRC submitted a confidential plant, which provided safe water for the
report to the authorities in Goma about the majority of the inhabitants. Meanwhile,
problems faced by civilians. work on Kapemba pumping station stabi-
lized the water supply to the town of Likasi
for some 400,000 people.
Boosting health care
Years of conflict had left the health-care The ICRC continued its supply of chlorine
system in a very poor state. In the west, tablets and jerrycans to a local Congolese
the ICRC supplied seven health-care facili- NGO, Amis-Kivu, to enable it to disinfect
ties (including general referral hospitals) water from Lake Kivu at up to 20 distribu-
in Equateur, Kasai Oriental and Kasai tion points where the poorer members of
Occidental with medicines and basic med- the urban population collected the water.
ical materials every six to eight weeks. In Other water projects such as the installa-
July a health-care post was added in tion or repair of tap stands and wells ben-
Kasai Occidental, bringing the population efited thousands of people in semi-urban
covered to 85,000. By November, how- and rural areas. The ICRC continued
62
throughout the year to help the water sent home. Over 250 child soldiers were to RCD-Goma's military camps in Kisan-
board regain its previous production registered in 2002 and 61 demobilized gani following the mutiny of 14 May (see
capacity by repairing the network follow- children were reunited with their families. Civilians), and to military camps in
ing damage from the volcanic eruption. They were then monitored to make sure Goma. In Kisangani, the number of people
that they were not remobilized, representa- visited and registered sharply increased
Ensuring economic security tions being made when necessary. after 14 May and arrests were still taking
place at the end of June. Access to the
Civilians continued to suffer the economic
camps in North Kivu was negotiated with
effects of the war. Many people had to PEOPLE DEPRIVED RCD-Goma.
abandon their land and livelihood and OF THEIR FREEDOM
resettle elsewhere, thus jeopardizing their Detainees and internees were given the
economic security. An influx of IDPs into a A Burundian POW, the last one visited by opportunity to write RCMs to their relatives
number of areas put pressure on the lim- the ICRC in the DRC, was repatriated under in the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. A total
ited resources of resident populations. The ICRC auspices on 28 April. On the same of 10,543 RCMs were collected from them
aim of the ICRC's aid programmes was to occasion four Burundian civilian internees and 6,043 delivered to them.
help both residents and IDPs regain their from the National Social Security Institute
(INSS) site in Kinshasa were taken to The detaining authorities, especially those
self-sufficiency. During the year, the ICRC
Bujumbura to be reunited with family in civilian prisons holding large numbers
provided more than 350,000 IDPs and
members. of people, often lacked the means to pro-
residents with some or all of the following:
vide adequate conditions of detention.
essential household items, such as soap The ICRC continued to monitor the condi- Through local partners such as religious
and blankets, seed and agricultural tools tions of internment of 340 civilians held at groups the ICRC provided food and
(plus beans to be used for food to prevent the INSS site in Kinshasa. The ICRC con- hygiene items to six prisons in Kinshasa,
the seed itself from being consumed) and, tinued aid to the internees (weekly distri- Katanga and Kasai Oriental. In one emer-
in exceptional cases, monthly food rations butions of full food rations, plus milk and gency, a complete ration was distributed
(full or partial). In addition, a fishing proj- sugar for children under 12) and contin- directly by the ICRC to 1,240 detainees.
ect was initiated for 2,000 families. ued to deliver supplies to the site's dispen-
sary every two months. The ICRC organ- The ICRC made oral and written represen-
Restoring family links ized a meeting with representatives of the tations to the authorities, including the
Ministries of Health and Justice to discuss Ministry of Justice, aimed at increasing
Family members who had lost touch as a the amount of food provided for detainees.
the basis for better coordination for the
result of the conflict continued to make use In response, the authorities increased food
medical treatment of internees. To improve
of the ICRC's RCM service and tracing net- provision in three prisons in Katanga, thus
the water supply and sanitation at the site,
work. The vast RCM network of 185 posts enabling the ICRC to reduce distributions
the ICRC installed tanks to replace the old
enabled families separated by armed con- to twice a week from three or four times.
bladders, and installed new toilets and
flict to restore and maintain contact with

showers. In the east, emphasis was placed on
each other. Over 148,000 RCMs were dis-
tributed to civilians during the year. reminding the detaining authorities of their
Visiting places of detention responsibilities in order to avoid requests
Working closely with the National Red for systematic ICRC assistance. Neverthe-
Cross Society, the ICRC continued its Throughout 2002 the ICRC made regular
visits to places of detention to monitor the less, major problems did occur, particu-
efforts to reunite the many families sepa- larly in connection with medical care in
rated while fleeing the volcanic eruption. A treatment of detainees and the conditions
in which they were held. In confidential the prisons. The ICRC pursued its medical
total of 1,311 unaccompanied Congolese aid to the central prisons of Goma,
and Rwandan children were returned to discussions with the detaining authorities,
delegates made representations and rec- Kalemie, Bukavu and Uvira, and to three
their families. The ICRC organized monthly military lock-ups in Goma. In addition, the
flights between the eastern and western ommendations on how the situation could
be improved. Over the year, 986 security detaining authorities were reminded of
parts of the country to reunite children with their responsibility to ensure that detainees
their loved ones. detainees were registered during 379 vis-
its to 82 places of detention. The total receive appropriate medical treatment. In
In view of the persisting practice of recruit- prison population benefiting from ICRC response to ICRC representations, the
ing children into the armed forces and visits, representations and aid was 7,458. health authorities appointed a nurse to
sending them into battle, the DRC issued deal with health care in Kalemie, Bukavu
a decree in 2001 ordering those under An important step forward for the ICRC in and Goma prisons.
18 years of age to be demobilized and the east of the country was gaining access
63
The ICRC carried out work in prisons to AUTHORITIES for 1,238 officers, NCOs and soldiers in
improve the hygiene and sanitation condi- Katanga, Equateur, Kasai Occidental and
tions for the detainees. These included The DRC had yet to adhere to a number of Bas-Congo. Regular contact was main-
construction and repair of septic tanks, IHL treaties, such as the 1980 Convention tained with the brigade commanders in
repair of water tanks and distribution sys- on Certain Conventional Weapons, and South Kivu, North Katanga and in
tems, installation of latrines and up- incorporate them into domestic legislation. Province Oriental. In Kisangani, Anzil and
grading of kitchens. This work benefited a On a positive note, however, the DRC Kindu, some brigades received similar
total of 3,080 detainees. became party to the Ottawa Convention in presentations, often ad hoc and accompa-
May when it deposited its instrument of nied by distributions of IHL publications.
accession. The ICRC took part in a work- The ICRC organized a session for high-
WOUNDED AND SICK shop on the Ottawa Convention organized ranking officers in Bukavu and in
Although the cease-fire made the military in May by the Canadian embassy in Kin- Shabinda. Finally, some 8,000 copies of
situation calmer than in previous years, shasa and the Congolese Ministry of For- the code of conduct for combatants were
hospitals still lacked the materials and eign Affairs. In December, the DRC printed in Swahili and Lingala ready for
skilled staff to provide adequate treatment deposited its instrument of accession to distribution.
for the war-wounded. Protocol II additional to the Geneva
Conventions and a declaration accepting In Kindu, Bukavu, Minembwe and Uvira,
In the east, regular support to three hospi- the competence of the International Fact- the ICRC had contacts with the Rwandan
tals in Kisangani, Uvira and Kalemie con- Finding Commission provided for by Article Defence Force (until their withdrawal in
tinued. The ICRC also provided ad hoc aid 90 of Additional Protocol I. During regular October), during which the ICRC explained
to four hospitals in Opala, Bukavu and meetings with the government in Kin- its mandate, activities and broached the
Kindu. In the west, three hospitals in Kin- shasa, the ICRC encouraged the DRC to issue of access to lock-ups.
shasa, Kamina and Lubumbashi received go further in its commitment to IHL.
ICRC aid. An ICRC surgeon spent one Work continued with the police force to
month working with Congolese surgeons In August, representatives of the two min- promote awareness of IHL. Information
in the hospitals and conducted on-the-job istries and workers in places of temporary sessions on the ICRC, its activities, princi-
training. detention attended a workshop on imple- ples and the basic rules of the law were
menting IHL in the DRC's places of deten- conducted in government-held provinces
The ICRC continued to train stretcher- tion, organized by the ICRC and the Min- for over 1,200 members of the national
bearers from the armed forces. During the istries of Justice and Human Rights. In police force and its special services.
year, a total of 506 were trained and then addition, the ICRC met with the National
provided with 51 first-aid kits, 51 stretch- Bureau for Demobilization and Reintegra-
ers and 102 splints to enable them to put tion to discuss the issue of child soldiers
CIVIL SOCIETY
their new skills into practice. and their demobilization. The ICRC remained convinced that the
general populace, its leaders and opinion-
Amputees and limb-fitting makers in particular did not have sufficient

ARMED FORCES knowledge of the specific nature of the
The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of the
DRC cooperated to support the Kalembe-
AND OTHER BEARERS ICRC's mandate and work. Since the Con-
OF WEAPONS golese media reached a nationwide audi-
Lembe prosthetic/orthotic centre in
ence, the ICRC held two workshops to
Kinshasa. The centre was reorganized In order to raise awareness of IHL and of improve their knowledge, and thus cover-
both in terms of the fitting of patients and the ICRC's specific mandate and activities, age, of IHL and issues of humanitarian
the manufacturing of appliances. A new the organization maintained regular con- concern. Furthermore the ICRC regularly
management structure was put in place tact with government forces and armed took part in radio shows in French and
and a new machine room built. The centre opposition groups. Reforms continued Swahili to raise awareness of its mandate
produced 182 prostheses, 13 orthoses within the Congolese armed forces. In and activities, and held information ses-
and 202 pairs of crutches for civilian and cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, sions for university students, academics
military amputees mainly from Kinshasa the Inter-army General Staff and the mili- and secondary-school children.
and Bas-Congo. tary training authorities, a seminar on the
subject was organized for high-ranking
officers with responsibility for this area.
In the west of the country, events to spread
knowledge of IHL were held by the ICRC
64
NATIONAL SOCIETY The ICRC provided financial support to the
National Society to help it among other
One of the oldest African National Soci- things to improve sanitation in the main
eties, the Red Cross Society of the DRC markets in Kisangani and to construct
continued to demonstrate its operational latrines in leprosy centres in Kisangani
strengths thanks to its volunteer workers and wells in Opala. The ICRC enabled the
and first-aid services. Nevertheless, there National Society to build offices in Beni
were still areas requiring support and fur- and in Kasangulu, upgraded others (pro-
ther development. Vast distances and poor viding furniture, typewriters and two bi-
transport and communication make inte- cycles) and helped it train its volunteers.
grated management extremely difficult. The ICRC also enabled the Society to meet
Training sessions were organized by the statutory obligations such as organizing
ICRC for 140 National Society staff elected assemblies.
responsible for spreading knowledge of Together, the ICRC and the National Soci-
IHL, 20 from each of the following areas: ety responded to the volcanic eruption in
Kinshasa, elsewhere in Bas-Congo, Equa- Goma by meeting the most pressing
teur, Bandundu, Katanga, Kasai Oriental needs of the city’s population: providing
and Kasai Occidental. The participants medicines and first-aid materials, opening
went on to raise awareness of IHL and the tracing posts to help people find loved
Movement’s activities among some 5,500 ones, and distributing blankets, kitchen
people. sets, buckets, soap, jerrycans and tools to
Training sessions were held for first-aid 20,000 families. The ICRC and the
team leaders throughout the country so National Society organized an emergency
that they could in turn organize training for operation to supply water in Goma, setting
first-aid instructors in their own districts. up several bladders and trucking in drink-
These subsequently taught over 2,200 ing water. This provided 60,000 litres of
people. Some 10,000 copies of the Prac- water per day.
tical Guide were printed and distributed in
the 11 provinces as a teaching aid for
first-aid workers and army stretcher-
bearers. Tabards, flags, first-aid kits and
stretchers were provided for their training
and use afterwards.

The ICRC continued to support the
National Society staff running the RCM
system and provided the National Society
with two rough-terrain motorbikes to facil-
itate distribution and collection of RCMs.
65
AFRICA REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
REPUBLIC
OF THE CONGO
Personnel :
13 expatriates
85 national staff
The ICRC has been working in the

Republic of the Congo since 1994, first
out of the Kinshasa regional delegation
and from 1998 on through its
delegation in Brazzaville. Since 2000,
the focus of the organization’s activities
in the country has begun to shift from
emergency aid to reconstruction. The
resurgence of fighting in part of the
country in March 2002, however,
prompted the ICRC to resume
emergency programmes in the Pool
region and Brazzaville. This included
distributing food and non-food aid to
IDPs, setting up emergency water-
supply networks, providing medical
facilities with supplies and visiting
detainees held for reasons of State
security.
CONTEXT
Presidential elections held in March The security situation along the roads in
Expenditure (in Sfr) resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Pool region worsened over the second
Denis Sassou Nguesso, who received half of the year, and ICRC movements into
Protection almost 90% of the votes. Subsequently, the region remained subject to approval
856,894 however, fighting was reported between from the government. The situation contin-
Assistance the Ninja militia loyal to Reverend Frederik ued to deteriorate in the Pool region. Dele-
2,106,172 Bitsanou, also known as Pasteur Ntumi, gates suspended activities in and around
Preventive action and government forces. Fighting contin- Kinkala but were stranded there for a
852,971 ued in the Pool region, mainly in the trian- month in October and November, unable
gular zone between Vinza, Mindouli and to obtain authorization to leave and return
Cooperation with National Societies
Brazzaville, and on 14 June an attack by to Brazzaville. They finally left Kinkala in
276,049 Ninja militia against several military tar- November, and had been unable to return
General gets in the northern and western districts by the end of the year. Incursions by the
47,578 of Brazzaville left a number of dead and Ninja militia intensified and thousands of
wounded and sent residents fleeing in people were displaced.
search of safety.
4,139,665
66
An ICRC delegate and a national staff
member were abducted on 4 December by
ICRC ACTION Efforts to trace the families of unaccompa-
nied children continued and there were
members of the Ninja group in the Key points in 2002 23 new registrations during the year. The
Bouenza region. They had been assessing ICRC succeeded in reuniting 12 children
the water and sanitation needs of IDPs • sanitation conditions and the availabil- with their families both within the Republic
from the Pool region in the Bouenza ity of safe water improved for nearly of the Congo, Rwanda, the Central African
area. They were finally released on 1 million civilians Republic and the DRC.
29 December. • dressings and surgical supplies fur-
nished to hospitals in Brazzaville in Assisting people displaced
response to the upsurge in fighting by the fighting
• regular visits initiated to people held for The fighting in the Pool area had a real
reasons of State security impact on the economy and the people of
the Republic of the Congo. The various
attacks on trains and goods vehicles on
CIVILIANS the country's main road caused enormous
Before the fighting broke out, the ICRC had disruption in the supply of essential
access to the whole of the country and goods.
regularly met with the civilian and military
authorities, and representatives of all po- The ICRC provided emergency food aid at
litical and opposition parties. After the the beginning of June in Madzia (Pool). In
14 June attack, however, the organization Brazzaville, the WFP and UNICEF provided
made a concerted effort to ensure that the food and non-food items respectively. To
civilian population was spared the effects supplement UNICEF distributions, the ICRC
of the fighting. Allegations of IHL violations gave over 400 blankets to the elderly and
against civilians were collected and, the most vulnerable people in four areas.
through written and oral representations, Some basic medical supplies were also
the ICRC reminded those responsible of made available to qualified health-care
their obligation to comply with the rules of staff working in the dispensaries con-
IHL applicable to non-international armed cerned. In July, in Kinkala district, the
conflict. Recording allegations and mak- ICRC supplied 72 families (315 people)
ing representations was done in complete with food and basic household items and
confidentiality. 287 families (871 people) with house-
hold items only. The ICRC also donated
supplies to a cooperative to enable it to

Restoring family links assist 772 IDP families in Pool and in
For some refugee groups (such as the Bouenza. Most of the IDPs arriving in
Rwandan refugees and those from the Brazzaville were taken in by resident fami-
Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC] lies. Assistance to the most vulnerable
in the north-east of the country and in among them was taken care of by small,
Brazzaville, the Angolan refugees in local, mainly religious associations. Fur-
Pointe-Noire, and a few refugees from the ther aid to people living in the Pool region
Central African Republic in the north-east), was interrupted because of the problems
the RCM network remained the only faced by the ICRC in Kinkala, and the food
means of communicating with their fami- assistance planned in Bouenza was
lies. During the year, 3,255 messages abandoned following the abduction of the
were collected countrywide and 3,038 two ICRC staff.
RCMs from abroad were delivered.
67
Providing safe water cleaning materials, other non-food items AUTHORITIES
The work to repair and upgrade the Djiri and high-energy biscuits.
In a country where the potential for vio-
water-treatment plant in Brazzaville came The ICRC began a series of visits to six lence was ever-present, it remained
to a close, after which some 900,000 central prisons run by the Ministry of essential to establish relations with all
people benefited from the installation. Justice in order to produce a summary those in power in order to remind them of
Work on Madingou treatment plant was report on the situation observed and their obligations under IHL and to explain
also completed to the benefit of 20,000 to make recommendations. The resump- the ICRC's mandate and activities. Five
people. Work on plants in Kinkala and tion of fighting in the country, however, such presentations were made to repre-
Dolisie was also initiated, to be completed meant that this process was temporarily sentatives of the local authorities during
in 2003 for the benefit of more than suspended. the ICRC’s operation in the Niari, Bouenza
60,000 people. and Lekoumou areas. Initial approaches
were made to the Ministry of Foreign
The ICRC brought about an increase in the WOUNDED AND SICK Affairs and the National Society to encour-
supply of safe water for over 45,000 civil-
Following the resumption of hostilities, the age the passing of a law on the emblem,
ians by improving access to sources,
ICRC supplied the four main hospitals in but given the electoral process and the
installing handpumps on boreholes, dig-
Brazzaville with dressing kits to enable conflict in Pool, little headway was
ging wells and constructing blocks of
them to cope with an influx of military and achieved.
three or four latrines. It also carried out a
civilian casualties. The military hospital
series of assessments at the 17 IDP sites
was also given surgical materials.
and moved rapidly to provide adequate ARMED FORCES
Together with National Society volunteers,
supplies of clean water and ensure the
installation of basic sanitary facilities for
the ICRC also evacuated the sick, AND OTHER BEARERS
wounded and dead. OF WEAPONS
IDPs fleeing the recent fighting. In Kinkala
and Brazzaville the ICRC helped over Following the renewal of fighting in the As knowledge of IHL and of the mandate
20,000 IDPs by disinfecting wells and Pool area and Brazzaville, the ICRC and work of the ICRC was not widespread
latrines, repairing well platforms and assisted 10 health-care centres confronted in the armed forces, the ICRC maintained
repairing a hand pump, installing five with an influx of IDPs in Bouenza, Pool contacts with the relevant military authori-
bladder tanks, delivering 770 cubic and Brazzaville. The organization rapidly ties to discuss the matter and devise regu-
metres of drinking water and building new provided seven dispensary kits to help lar events to raise awareness. However,
latrines and showers. meet the basic needs of the population. these activities were scaled down as
Other organizations such as WHO and attention turned to the elections and the
UNICEF provided health care in the sites army, police and gendarmerie were
PEOPLE DEPRIVED hosting IDPs. No National Society or NGO deployed throughout the country to main-
OF THEIR FREEDOM had been found to develop the health-care tain security during voting.
Following the events in the Pool area and facilities before the fighting broke out and
particularly those of 14 June in Brazza- this objective was suspended in the Pool Although a decree making IHL instruction
ville, visits to detainees increased consid- area because of the renewed fighting. compulsory for the Congolese armed
erably in the final weeks of June. Reports forces, gendarmerie and police had yet to
The ICRC also aided the therapeutic be signed, in practice IHL was being
of arrests in almost all areas of the capital feeding centre at Mindouli hospital with
in connection with the 14 June attack led taught to all ranks. The training was given
food rations for 20 people for a month. by an instructor from the military educa-
the ICRC to visit a greater number of In conjunction with the hospital, the
places of detention in order to register tion authorities in Brazzaville and by
ICRC vaccinated nearly 490 IDP children ICRC-trained instructors in other military
detainees covered by the ICRC mandate. A in Kinkala district against measles as
total of 159 visits were made to 54 places zones. In Brazzaville, a train-the-trainer
part of WHO’s Expanded Programme on seminar took place for 28 army IHL
of detention in Brazzaville. Following each Immunization.
visit, oral reports were made to the author- instructors. The ICRC enabled the coordi-
ities concerned to ensure that the physical nator of the committee in charge of IHL
and mental integrity of the detainees was training for the armed forces to take part in
respected. A total of 146 detainees were a course at the International Institute of
registered between 14 June and the end of Humanitarian Law in San Remo in Octo-
the year. Where needed during visits, ber. At the beginning of the year, a train-
small ad hoc distributions were made of the-trainer course for Angolan officers sta-
68
tioned in the country was conducted by Helping ex-militiamen reintegrate With ICRC support, the National Society
the ICRC and attended by 27 officers. into civilian life conducted awareness-raising sessions for
The IOM's programme for the reintegration its volunteers on IHL and the Fundamental
In addition, the ICRC conducted over
into civilian life of ex-combatants and the Principles of the Movement. Members of
40 sessions to spread knowledge of
collection of weapons had to be sus- the health-care service, district chiefs and
IHL among more than 1,500 army officers
pended at the end of 2001 for lack of local politicians attended similar sessions.
in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and the
funds. Nevertheless, the ICRC made six Following the signature of the agreement,
Lekoumou, Bouenza, Niari and Pool
presentations to ex-militiamen (over six programmes on the Movement were
areas.
1,000) in the Lekoumou and Niari aired on Congolese radio.
regions. The resumption of hostilities
Police
in the Pool region prevented the con-
IHL instruction was given to all ranks of tinuation of awareness-raising sessions
the police and gendarmerie by a police on IHL agreed upon with the authorities
instructor with support from the ICRC. In concerned.
Brazzaville, five sessions were held at the
Police School for 452 members of the
police while two sessions were held for NATIONAL SOCIETY
135 gendarmes. Unfortunately, however, Throughout the emergency that lasted the
in the middle of the year the school was entire year, the ICRC was able to rely on
partially destroyed during fighting and the the support of the Congolese Red Cross.
courses suspended. Nevertheless, ses- During the population movements in
sions were able to continue elsewhere Kinkala in April, the National Society’s
throughout the year, reaching a further local branch gave a great deal of invalu-
250 police officers and 200 gendarmes. able support to the ICRC. For more than a
In addition, a train-the-trainer seminar month, seven volunteers ensured that
was held in November for 14 police offi- someone was constantly present at the
cers and six gendarmes to enable them to hospital when medical staff were absent.
conduct their own sessions.
The signing of four cooperation agree-
ments during the last quarter of 2001 and
CIVIL SOCIETY the first quarter of 2002 (on spreading
Contacts were maintained with the media knowledge of IHL, producing radio pro-
so as to reach a wide audience to spread grammes, setting up a tracing service and
knowledge of IHL and Red Cross activities. revising its statutes) marked the progress

Items on the ICRC and its work were fre- achieved in cooperation with the Con-
quently published in newspapers and golese Red Cross. Regional and local
broadcast on the radio, the main sources assemblies were held and reformed
of information in the country. Quarterly statutes adopted in all 11 branches. The
newsletters distributed to all media were process culminated in a General Assem-
well received, especially by the press, and bly in September.
Radio Congo continued to broadcast its The Congolese Red Cross tracing service,
weekly Red Cross programme. The ICRC set up in December 2001, gradually
brochure Rétrospective 2001 was distrib- became involved in collecting and deliver-
uted to all media and reprinted in most ing RCMs in and around Brazzaville,
newspapers. where there were refugee camps. Three
National Society volunteers received basic
training in tracing work.
69
AFRICA ERITREA
ERITREA
Personnel :
25 expatriates
72 national staff
In Eritrea, the ICRC responds to needs

outstanding in the aftermath of the
1998-2000 international armed conflict
with Ethiopia. In this context, the ICRC’s
priorities are twofold: to assist the
population still affected or displaced by
the conflict; and to ensure that POWs
and civilians of Ethiopian origin enjoy
the protection due to them under the
Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions
respectively. The ICRC supports the Red
Cross Society of Eritrea in developing its
capacities in the areas of tracing,
conflict preparedness and response, and
dissemination.
The ICRC opened a delegation in Eritrea

in 1998 in the context of the war
between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
CONTEXT
The year saw a significant breakthrough the Conventions. In August, during official
Expenditure (in Sfr) for the ICRC in carrying out its mandate, visits to Eritrea and Ethiopia, the president
as set out in the Geneva Conventions: just of the ICRC met with the Eritrean president
Protection under two years after Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Ethiopian prime minister, both of
2,049,996 signed the Algiers peace agreement,1 the whom publicly expressed their commit-
Assistance last POWs and civilian internees regis- ment to release and repatriate all POWs
5,082,650 tered and visited by the ICRC were and civilian internees. On 29 August, 279
Preventive action released by the two parties, in accordance POWs of Ethiopian origin were repatriated,
394,128 with the Third and Fourth Conventions, and, on 29 November, 1,130 POWs and
and repatriated under ICRC auspices. Prior 95 civilian internees of Eritrean origin
to this, the ICRC had continued to visit returned home.
797,882 POWs and civilian internees in both coun-
General The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commis-
tries, urging the authorities to comply with
316,449 sion in The Hague announced its decision
1
on the delimitation of the disputed border
Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a comprehensive
peace agreement (permanent cessation of hos- between the two countries on 13 April.
tilities), officially ending their two-year war, on Despite some disagreement, both coun-
8,641,105 12 December 2000 in Algiers.
70
AFRICA ERITREA
tries publicly committed themselves to
backing the ruling, and the border region
ICRC ACTION Providing shelter and water for IDPs
Some 65,000 IDPs remained in 18 camps
remained relatively calm. In August, the Key points in 2002 in Debub, Gash Barka and Southern Red
UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Sea regions, unable to return home until
(UNMEE) was mandated to assist in • last POWs and civilian internees from
the 1998-2000 conflict who had been all the border issues were settled. Many
demarcating the 100-kilometre border had been there since the war started four
and clearing the area of mines. According registered and visited by the ICRC
released and repatriated years earlier and their tents were weather-
to the UNMEE, the demarcation process, worn. The camps' water systems needed
which would also involve the transfer of • over 13,000 RCMs distributed, enabling constant maintenance to ensure basic
territory and the return of IDPs to the for- war-separated families to maintain standards of health and hygiene. The ICRC
mer war zones, was due to start in May contact was the main agency providing IDPs with
2003 and to be completed by the end of water, shelter material (tents and tarpau-
the year. • tents, basic household items and water
provided for 65,000 IDPs in camps lins) and essential household supplies
Some 65,000 IDPs remained in camps in such as blankets, kitchenware and soap.
Eritrea throughout 2002, unable to return • water and health-care facilities rebuilt, Ensuring an adequate supply of clean
to their homes in the former war zones benefiting over 80,000 residents and water in the camps involved monitoring
until mines were cleared, the border recent returnees in war-affected regions and repairing electric pumps, generators,
demarcated and war-damaged infrastruc- • first seminar on IHL conducted for Eritrean tanks, reservoirs, handpumps and taps,
ture rebuilt. The ICRC became the main Defence Force officers as well as drilling boreholes and trucking
organization providing water, tents, tar- in water where necessary. With the border
paulins and basic household items for demarcation behind schedule, it seemed
IDPs, while their food needs were met by CIVILIANS likely that the IDPs would remain in the
the WFP. The ICRC also worked to get war- camps throughout much of 2003. The
Restoring family links ICRC therefore carried out an in-depth
damaged towns and villages functioning
again by rebuilding water and health-care With the border closed and postal and reassessment in December of the shelter
facilities and distributing household sup- telecommunications services not function- and fuel needs of IDPs and prepared to
plies to residents and recent returnees. ing between Ethiopia and Eritrea, thou- respond accordingly.
sands of families still separated in the
A shortage of rainfall led to exceptionally aftermath of the international conflict relied
poor harvests. In October, the United Assisting recovery
on the Red Cross message and tracing
Nations estimated that some two million service to stay in touch. The ICRC and the Since the Temporary Security Zone was set
people – over half the country's popula- Red Cross Society of Eritrea distributed up in April 2001, over 100,000 people
tion – would need food aid in 2003. On 13,329 RCMs, including messages from had returned to their towns and villages in
the basis of its own drought-assessment POWs, and collected 11,251 RCMs war-affected areas of Eritrea. Many found

surveys in October and November, the for distribution in Ethiopia. In addition, their homes and community infrastructure
ICRC geared up to provide food and seed 23 people who had been sought by their damaged by the war or lack of repair. To
for planting in early 2003 for over families were located. Under the ICRC's help residents and recent returnees rebuild
100,000 residents and former IDPs who family reunification programme, 20 chil- their lives, the ICRC, in cooperation with
had recently returned to war-damaged dren were reunited with relatives and the authorities, carried out repair work on
areas and whose harvest had failed. 33 vulnerable people – the majority eld- water systems benefiting some 17,500
erly or infirm – found a home with family people in the Gash Barka, Debub and
members who could care for them. Southern Red Sea regions, and rebuilt
three health-care centres in Gash Barka
With the support of the local Red Cross, (Antore, Awqaro and Tokombia) that
the ICRC assisted in the voluntary repatria- served 77,000 people.
tion of 1,096 civilians of Ethiopian origin
and 677 of Eritrean origin. They were To help returnees resettle, the ICRC distrib-
accompanied by the ICRC from point of uted tarpaulins and, where needed,
departure to destination and provided with household supplies to over 900 families
food, shelter materials and other basic in villages in Gash Barka, Debub and
supplies for the trip and their short stay in Southern Red Sea. In addition, the ICRC
a transit camp. donated a contingency stock of basic
shelter and household supplies to the
71
AFRICA ERITREA
Eritrean Red Cross to cover the emergency Visiting civilian detainees of Ethiopian tals countrywide. In 2002, 12 students
needs of 3,000 people in war-affected origin graduated from the 18-month course and
regions. The ICRC conducted a total of 75 visits to were placed in hospitals where the ICRC
35 prisons and police stations country- provided supervision for around six
Assisting drought victims wide in Eritrea in an effort to ensure months. To help set up physiotherapy
that the rights of civilian detainees of units in 11 hospitals, the ICRC donated
The ICRC carried out specialist surveys in
Ethiopian origin, in particular those relat- equipment and reference books and
November and December to assess the
ing to living conditions and repatriation, organized a seminar for 51 medical per-
effects of the drought in the Horn of Africa.
were respected in accordance with the sonnel on the integration of physiotherapy
On the basis of the studies, the ICRC
Fourth Geneva Convention. In April, the into hospital care.
planned to provide seed for the first plant-
ing season in 2003 for 20,000 families Eritrean authorities allowed the ICRC Also in cooperation with the Ministry of
(over 100,000 people) who had recently to visit, for the first time, the detention cen- Health, the ICRC held two four-day
returned to war-damaged regions in tre at Massawa naval base. On 2 May, courses on trauma management for
Eritrea. The families were also to receive a 122 detainees held at the base were 19 health-care professionals. The aim
one-month food ration to ensure they were released and, under ICRC auspices, repa- was to improve and standardize emer-
not forced to sell or consume the seeds to triated to Ethiopia. In total in 2002, the gency procedures, with the participants
survive. ICRC supervised the repatriation of then training their own hospital staff. The
277 detainees of Ethiopian origin. ICRC also conducted a three-day seminar
on war surgery attended by some
PEOPLE DEPRIVED 130 military and civilian doctors, nurses
OF THEIR FREEDOM WOUNDED AND SICK and other health-care professionals.
Treating war amputees and other
Repatriating the last POWs
disabled people AUTHORITIES
On 29 August, in accordance with the
Eritrea's three prosthetic/orthotic centres
Geneva Conventions and the Algiers Incorporating IHL into national law
(Keren, Asmara and Assab) were not yet
peace agreement, the Eritrean authorities
able to cope with the large number of Eritrea acceded to the four 1949 Geneva
released 279 POWs of Ethiopian origin
war-disabled people in the country, in par- Conventions in August 2000, paving the
who then returned voluntarily to their
ticular young mine victims who needed way for the incorporation of IHL into
country, under ICRC auspices. On
new or replacement artificial limbs. On national legislation. To encourage this
29 November, 1,130 POWs and 95 civil-
7 March, the ICRC launched a new project process, the ICRC maintained regular con-
ian internees of Eritrean origin were
in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour tact with national and regional govern-
released by the Ethiopian authorities and
and Human Welfare to upgrade the ment officials, and worked on a transla-
repatriated. This followed official visits to
government-run Keren Centre and then tion of the Conventions into the national
Eritrea and Ethiopia in early August by the
use it as a model to increase production Tigrinyan language.

president of the ICRC. In total in 2002, the
capacity in the other centres. The ICRC
ICRC supervised the repatriation of 344
provided materials and staff training Promoting IHL among
POWs of Ethiopian origin and 1,188
based on its polypropylene technology. A
POWs and 183 civilian internees of UN peacekeepers
total of 36 prostheses and eight orthoses
Eritrean origin. The ICRC continued to develop its relation-
were produced for 40 patients before the
Prior to the August repatriation, the ICRC project was suspended in September ship with the UNMEE, with the aim of rein-
carried out nine visits to POWs in Eritrea’s owing to local constraints. Discussions forcing peacekeepers' understanding of
Nakfa camp, distributing food supple- were under way with government officials IHL in the context of their work in Eritrea
ments and hygiene and recreational on how to make the best use of ICRC and Ethiopia. Regular briefings were held
items. Following the visits, the ICRC expertise in this field. with UNMEE officials, and by the end of
reminded the authorities of their obligation the year ICRC-organized sessions on IHL
to comply with the Third Geneva Conven- had been incorporated into training for
Providing training
tion regarding conditions of internment. newly arrived peacekeeping forces.
Together with the Ministry of Health, the
ICRC initiated a physiotherapy training
course in 1999 with the aim of developing
a physical rehabilitation service in hospi-
72
AFRICA ERITREA
ARMED FORCES IHL in universities Increased support for the tracing
network
AND OTHER BEARERS The ICRC met several times with the head
of the Law School of Asmara University The ICRC met the Eritrean Red Cross trac-
OF WEAPONS and a number of professors to develop a ing coordinator on a weekly basis to mon-
IHL in the armed forces plan to introduce IHL into the law curricu- itor the RCM and tracing network, and
lum, and donated textbooks on IHL to the organized regular follow-up visits to the
In July, with the approval of the Ministry of university. field. Funds and training were provided for
Defence, 11 high-ranking officers attended tracing staff, and some 70 volunteers and
the ICRC's first-ever seminar for the clerks from six branches and two sub-
Eritrean Defence Forces on the topic of NATIONAL SOCIETY branches attended the national seminar
introducing IHL into the programmes of The Red Cross Society of Eritrea continued on tracing in Asmara in June, which was
the main military institutions. This was fol- to work with the ICRC in carrying out activ- organized by the ICRC and the National
lowed up in November by the first course ities to assist war victims. The National Society. Standardized tracing guidelines
on the basic rules of IHL, held over four Society provided vehicles to truck in water were being drafted.
days for 20 officers, which concluded with and distribute aid to IDPs, and Red Cross
remarks by the Minister of Defence. Min- volunteers and ambulances were involved
istry officials requested similar courses for Promoting IHL and the Movement
in repatriation operations and the distribu-
2003. tion of RCMs. To help raise awareness of the Movement
in Eritrea, the ICRC funded the salaries of
IHL in the police force two National Society dissemination staff,
Upgrading the ambulance service
and provided technical support and
In March, the ICRC held its first workshop A priority was to upgrade the Red Cross expertise for training and activities. The
in Eritrea to train police officers as IHL ambulance service, which responded ICRC and the Eritrean Red Cross jointly
instructors. Twelve officers attended. The free of charge to medical emergencies produced the first edition of Profile, a new
ICRC also helped the Eritrean Police Train- country-wide, and also make it self- brochure promoting the Fundamental
ing Centre set up a database of source financing. As well as continuing to provide Principles and the work of the National
material on IHL, human rights and good funds and expertise to maintain the 21 Society to the general public. Printing was
policing, and facilitated a link-up with vehicles and some 50 drivers and set to take place in early 2003. The ICRC
Canada's Police Training Centre in Ottawa, mechanics, the ICRC donated two new also provided the National Society with a
which had expressed an interest in coop- ambulances and carried out a technical new interactive teaching tool and other
erating with its Eritrean counterpart. assessment of the fleet. On the basis of the materials for use in presentations on IHL
survey, the ICRC and the National Society and the Movement.
CIVIL SOCIETY jointly drew up a plan of action. As part of
the plan, work started on producing an
Mine awareness

IHL and the media ambulance-management manual and
meetings were held with municipal offi- The Eritrean Red Cross, with ICRC support,
Given the key role the media could play in carried out a survey to assess how its
drawing attention to IHL, the ICRC met the cials to explore ways in which they could
support the service. A joint assessment branches in former war zones could help
Eritrean minister of information and com- to tackle the problem of mines and UXO.
munication and the directors of the was also carried out of the first-aid pro-
gramme, and discussions were under Interviews with Eritrean authorities, resi-
national news agency and television net- dents of mine-infested areas and repre-
work to discuss local issues of humanitar- way on creating standard training guide-
lines. sentatives of organizations involved in
ian concern. ICRC press releases on its mine-awareness activities revealed the
president's visit to Eritrea and Ethiopia and need to collect and centrally record data
the subsequent release and repatriation of on mine-related casualties. The resulting
the remaining POWs in both countries picture could help the authorities to set
generated widespread national and inter- priorities for mine-clearance work, mine-
national media coverage. To highlight the awareness campaigns and medical aid
effects of conflict on civilians, the ICRC for victims. The project was under
arranged in October for BBC, AP and IRIN discussion.
correspondents to be present when a war-
separated family was reunited.
73
AFRICA ETHIOPIA
ETHIOPIA
Personnel :
50 expatriates
219 national staff
In Ethiopia, the ICRC responds to the needs

outstanding from the recent international
armed conflict with Eritrea and arising from
internal armed violence and disturbances,
needs which are often aggravated by poor
seasonal rainfall. The ICRC focuses on
ensuring that POWs, civilian internees and
people of Eritrean origin enjoy the
protection due to them under the Geneva
Conventions, and provides protection and
assistance for people displaced or
otherwise affected by the international
conflict or internal violence. It also visits
detainees held in connection with the 1991
change of government or for reasons of
State security. In the Somali National
Regional State, the ICRC implements
integrated health, veterinary and water-
supply programmes for nomadic
populations and carries out flood-
management projects.
The first ICRC office on the African
continent was opened in Addis Ababa in
1935 during Italy's invasion of Ethiopia,
and was operational for the duration of the
conflict. The ICRC has had a permanent
presence in Ethiopia since 1977.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) The year saw a significant breakthrough the Conventions. In August, during official
for the ICRC in carrying out its mandate, visits to Eritrea and Ethiopia, the president
Protection as set out in the Geneva Conventions: just of the ICRC met with the Eritrean president
5,177,448 under two years after Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Ethiopian prime minister, both of
Assistance signed the Algiers peace agreement,1 the whom publicly expressed their commit-
11,833,982 last POWs and civilian internees regis- ment to release and repatriate all POWs
tered and visited by the ICRC were and civilian internees. On 29 August,
Preventive action
released by the two parties, in accordance 279 POWs of Ethiopian origin were repa-
1,927,014 with the Third and Fourth Conventions, triated, and, on 29 November, 1,130 POWs
Cooperation with National Societies and repatriated under ICRC auspices. Prior and 95 civilian internees of Eritrean origin
1,534,795 to this, the ICRC had continued to visit returned home.
General POWs and civilian internees in both coun-
The Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commis-
806,464 tries, urging the authorities to comply with
sion in The Hague announced its decision
1 Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a comprehensive on the delimitation of the disputed border
peace agreement (permanent cessation of hos-
tilities), officially ending their two-year war, on between the two countries on 13 April.
21,279,703 12 December 2000 in Algiers. Despite some disagreement, both coun-
74
AFRICA ETHIOPIA
tries publicly committed themselves to
backing the ruling, and the border region
ICRC ACTION Restoring livelihoods in Tigray
The ICRC worked to ensure that displaced
remained relatively calm. In August, the Key points in 2002 people returning home to war-damaged
UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Tigray had what they needed to begin
(UNMEE) was mandated to assist in • last POWs and civilian internees from
the 1998-2000 conflict who had been rebuilding their lives. Seventeen water
demarcating the 100-kilometre border points were upgraded to serve some
and clearing the area of mines. According registered and visited by the ICRC
released and repatriated 8,500 people in Gulumekeda and Erob
to the UNMEE, the demarcation process, districts, and over 3,000 families received
which would also involve the transfer of • over 23,000 RCMs distributed, shelter material or blankets. In coordina-
territory and the return of IDPs to the for- enabling war-separated families to tion with the regional health board, the
mer war zones, was due to start in May maintain contact ICRC was scheduled to rehabilitate a
2003 and to be completed by the end of health-care centre in 2003 in Fazi, serving
the year. • emergency aid distributed to over
150,000 victims of severe drought Gulumekeda district.
Internal armed violence between govern- and/or armed violence, mainly in the
ment forces and rebel groups, tribal SNNPRS, Oromia and Afar Responding to conflict
clashes and political unrest continued, The ICRC regularly monitored violence-
resulting in civilian casualties, arrests and • water points upgraded and shelter
material provided for over 100,000 res- prone regions and, as a result, was able
people displaced. The worst-affected to react rapidly, together with the Ethiopian
regions were the Southern Nations, idents and returnees in war-affected
Tigray and the violence-prone SNRS Red Cross, to assist victims when fighting
Nationalities and People’s Regional State or disturbances broke out. For example,
(SNNPRS), Oromia, Gambella, Afar, and • Geneva Conventions translated into during serious clashes between March
the Somali National Regional State Amharic, an official language in and June in the SNNPRS (Tepi and
(SNRS). The ICRC monitored these Ethiopia Awassa) and western Oromia, the ICRC
regions closely and, where needed, dis- helped to evacuate the wounded, donated
tributed medical supplies and basic shel- • first-ever IHL courses conducted for the
army medical supplies to six local hospitals
ter materials and visited detainees held for and 11 health clinics and distributed
reasons of State security. It also conducted basic shelter material and household sup-
sessions on IHL for local authorities in CIVILIANS plies to some 1,400 families. The ICRC
trouble spots, and made significant followed up with visits to those arrested for
advances in spreading awareness of IHL Restoring family links reasons of State security, and, in the
among the Ethiopian armed forces and The ICRC and the Ethiopian Red Cross SNNPRS, held two one-day sessions on
police. assisted in the voluntary repatriation of IHL for local authorities and journalists. In
Extremely poor rainfall pushed many 1,096 civilians of Ethiopian origin and total, the ICRC provided emergency med-

already vulnerable households to the brink 677 of Eritrean origin. Under the ICRC's ical supplies for some 50 health-care
of destitution. In coordination with other family reunification programme between facilities in the SNNPRS, Gambella, Afar,
organizations and the Ethiopian govern- Eritrea and Ethiopia, 56 vulnerable peo- Oromia and Tigray.
ment, the ICRC and the Ethiopian Red ple, i.e. children, elderly people and the
Cross Society began distributing food in infirm, were reunited with relatives. A total Assisting drought victims
October to some 100,000 semi-nomadic of 23,630 RCMs were distributed to civil-
ians in Ethiopia, allowing families still During the months of August, October and
farmers in north-eastern Ethiopia who December, the ICRC carried out surveys to
were struggling with severe water short- separated as a result of the war to stay
in contact with relatives abroad or in identify the populations most affected by
ages aggravated by escalating tribal vio- the combination of severe drought and
lence. The ICRC also geared up to distrib- detention.
insecurity. On the basis of the findings, the
ute food and seeds in 2003 to some In accordance with the Fourth Geneva ICRC, together with the National Society,
700,000 people in three other drought- Convention, the ICRC also continued to distributed two rounds of emergency food
stricken and insecure regions (Oromia, monitor the living conditions of Eritrean aid (842 tonnes of wheat and high-energy
SNNPRS and Tigray). On 13 January nationals in Ethiopia, and covered the cost food and 400,000 litres of oil) to over
2003, the ICRC launched a budget exten- of medical care for the most vulnerable of 100,000 people, mainly farmers, in zone
sion appeal for 40 million Swiss francs to those registered for repatriation. 3 of the Afar region and the neighbouring
cover this action. Afdem and Mieso districts of the Shinile
zone of the SNRS. In this semi-arid area,
75
AFRICA ETHIOPIA
cattle – the main resource of the semi- zones. The ICRC also distributed some tions it had never visited before and regis-
nomadic population – were dying at an 2,500 fishing kits – twine and hooks – to tering almost 3,000 new detainees who
alarming rate, and ethnic clashes over enable the most destitute farming families fell within its mandate. The ICRC carried
scarce water and pastureland had esca- living near the coast or along the Wabi out 254 visits to 150 detention facilities to
lated. The ICRC also geared up to distrib- Shebele to supplement their diet and follow up individually some 5,500
ute some 50,000 tonnes of food and seed income. To improve basic health care in detainees held in connection with State
in 2003 to another 700,000 people suf- the Afder zone, where there were no med- security (3,800) or the 1991 change of
fering from the combined effects of ical facilities, four new "village health government (1,700 ex-Dergs). To main-
drought and insecurity in the SNNPRS, women" were trained to treat the most tain basic health standards, the ICRC
Oromia and Tigray. common ailments and diseases, from donated medical supplies and built or
open wounds to malaria. A total of 29 repaired water and sewerage systems,
Securing livelihoods in the SNRS ICRC-supported village health women latrines and kitchens in eight prisons ben-
were serving some 20 villages. efiting some 11,500 detainees. Following
In the SNRS, a region prone to drought,
the visits, the ICRC made representations
sporadic armed violence and political
to the authorities concerning the treatment
instability, the ICRC continued to imple- PEOPLE DEPRIVED and living conditions of the detainees and
ment projects aimed at providing the most OF THEIR FREEDOM their judicial guarantees. Improved efforts
vulnerable people with a more stable
by the federal prosecutor’s office and the
source of food and income. Repatriating the last POWs special prosecutor’s office responsible for
As part of its food-for-work flood- On 29 August, in accordance with the ex-Dergs resulted in the majority of ICRC-
management programme, the ICRC, with Geneva Conventions and the Algiers registered prisoners detained for more
local community participation, con- peace agreement, the Eritrean authorities than one year being either charged or
structed or repaired irrigation systems in released 279 POWs of Ethiopian origin released.
some 80 villages, serving over 100,000 who then returned voluntarily to their
people in the Gode, Korahe and Jijiga country, under ICRC auspices. On
zones. The aim was to help communities 29 November, 1,130 POWs and 95 civil-
WOUNDED AND SICK
to manage their water resources more effi- ian internees of Eritrean origin were War-wounded, amputees and other
ciently and increase agricultural yield. released by the Ethiopian authorities and disabled people
Local workers received food and/or cash repatriated. This followed official visits to
in return for helping to construct the irriga- Health-care facilities in Ethiopia lacked the
Eritrea and Ethiopia in early August by
tion networks, mainly by digging or clean- supplies and trained staff needed to treat
the president of the ICRC. In total in 2002,
ing some 30 kilometres of irrigation the thousands of people requiring medical
the ICRC supervised the repatriation of
canals, and the communities were given attention as a result of the recent inter-
344 POWs of Ethiopian origin and
tools to maintain the canals. The ICRC also national conflict with Eritrea, internal
1,188 POWs and 183 civilian internees of
distributed 11,000 saplings – mango, armed violence and diseases such as

Eritrean origin.
lemon and neem – to 4,500 families in polio and leprosy.
64 villages along the Wabi Shabele river. Prior to the November repatriation, the
The ICRC provided materials, on-the-job
The aim was to control erosion and pro- ICRC carried out six visits to POWs and
training and supervision for seven
vide a windbreak for crops as well as an civilian internees in Dedessa camp in
prosthetic/orthotic centres (Addis Ababa,
extra food source and, in the case of western Tigray, distributing 11,847 RCMs,
Mekele, Dessie, Harar, Arba Minch, Alert
neem, a crop pesticide. A survey showed as well as medical supplies needed to
Hospital and Micili Land) which produced
that, thanks to the project and sufficient maintain basic health standards. Follow-
1,902 prostheses – almost half (820) for
rains in October and November, fields that ing the visits, the ICRC reminded the
mine victims – and 1,695 orthoses.
had lain fallow for years or had never been authorities of their obligation to comply
Through a patient support system, the
planted before produced good yields. with the Third Geneva Convention regard-
ICRC reimbursed the cost of fitting
ing conditions of internment.
In parallel with the food-for-work project, 1,073 people disabled as a result of the
the ICRC constructed six berkads (tradi- war with Eritrea. To boost the number of
Visiting detainees of Ethiopian origin qualified staff, four Ethiopian technicians
tional sub-surface reservoirs) and three
wells to provide a sufficient quantity of With the escalation of internal armed vio- enrolled under ICRC sponsorship in a
clean water for some 20,000 farmers and lence and disturbances in some regions, three-year course at the Tanzania Training
nomads, mainly in the Afder and Gode the ICRC increased its protection activities, Centre for Orthopaedic Technologists. The
gaining access to prisons and police sta- ICRC was also holding discussions with
76
AFRICA ETHIOPIA
the Ethiopian government with a view to ARMED FORCES members and 450 investigators in Addis
providing three instructors and teaching Ababa, the SNNPRS, Oromia, Dire Dawa,
materials for a course, due to start in early AND OTHER BEARERS Harar, Tigray, Amhara and the SNRS.
2003, at the newly opened, government- OF WEAPONS
run prosthetic/orthotic training centre in
Addis Ababa. IHL and the army CIVIL SOCIETY
The Ethiopian Defence Forces took a sig- Promoting IHL to the media
Special Fund for the Disabled nificant step towards integrating IHL into
the standard programme of its training With the outbreak of armed violence in a
In accordance with its mandate and in institutions. At a two-day workshop organ- number of regions, the ICRC began, for the
cooperation with the Addis Ababa centre ized by the ICRC in September, 16 senior first time, to conduct seminars on IHL for
run by the Ministry of Labour and Social officers representing army and air force journalists at a regional level. The first
Affairs, the ICRC Special Fund for the Dis- training centres as well as the military jus- session was held in March for 31 journal-
abled continued to provide substantial sup- tice and medical departments discussed ists in the SNNPRS, in direct response to
port ensuring the continuity both of former the incorporation of IHL into the armed political violence in Tepi. This was fol-
ICRC prosthetic/orthotic centres for the war- forces' curricula. The ICRC followed up lowed by IHL presentations for a total of
disabled and of other rehabilitation centres, with six courses on the basic rules of IHL some 80 journalists in Amhara, SNRS,
mainly in Africa. During the year, the Fund for over 300 army instructors and NCOs at Oromia, Dire Dawa and Harar. In addition,
supplied 24 centres in 11 countries with five training centres. a group of 155 journalism students at the
prosthetic/orthotic equipment, technical Mass Media Training Institute in Addis
expertise and training. This included seven The ICRC also received approval from the Ababa took part in four sessions on IHL.
one-month courses on ICRC prosthetic Eastern and Southern Commands, which To raise public awareness of the Geneva
techniques held in Addis Ababa for were stationed in violence-prone regions Conventions, the ICRC issued press
26 trainee prosthetists from 14 countries. of the country, to launch an introductory releases that resulted in worldwide media
IHL programme for their ground forces. coverage of the ICRC president's visit to
Sessions were conducted for some Ethiopia and the release and repatriation
AUTHORITIES 10,000 officers and soldiers in military of POWs.
Both the ICRC's president and vice- camps in the SNNPRS, SNRS, Oromia,
president paid official visits to Ethiopia to Gambella, Benishangul/Gumuz and IHL in universities and schools
discuss issues of humanitarian concern Amhara.
with government leaders. On 8 May, to Under ICRC sponsorship, three law stu-
mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent dents from the University of Addis Ababa
Air force and the Ethiopian Civil Service College
Day, the ICRC's vice-president officially
presented the president of Ethiopia with In June the ICRC conducted its first-ever represented Ethiopia at the second annual
the first-ever copy of the Geneva Conven- course to train air force officers as IHL IHL moot-court competition, organized

tions translated into an African language, instructors, with eight officers attending jointly by the ICRC and the International
in this case Amharic, an official language the intensive 10-day seminar. In addition, Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in November
of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian president then introductory courses on IHL were held for in Tanzania. ICRC sponsorship also
took part in an ICRC-organized round- some 300 air force staff, including instruc- enabled an international law instructor
table discussion at the University of Addis tors, officers, pilots and technicians. from Mekele University in Tigray to attend
Ababa on "Ethiopian society and humani- an advanced IHL course in Pretoria.
tarian limits in war", attended by some Police and security forces To introduce young people to IHL, plans
300 international and national dignitaries Following the previous year’s programme progressed to integrate the ICRC's "Explor-
and the media. For details of the ICRC on IHL and human rights that targeted ing Humanitarian Law" (EHL) education
president's visit, see Context. regional instructors and commissioners programme into the state school curricula
In a new initiative, the ICRC worked with and district and local commanders, the of Harar and Tigray. In coordination with
the Ethiopian Red Cross to carry out a pro- ICRC focused on investigators and mem- the Harari Regional Bureau of Education,
gramme to raise awareness of IHL among bers of the special police force, particu- an EHL steering committee was set up
regional and local authorities in the larly in regions where armed violence had comprising teachers, education officials
SNNPRS, following internal armed conflict affected civilians and resulted in arrests. and Ethiopian Red Cross members. Some
in Tepi and Awassa, and in the Dire Dawa The ICRC carried out introductory semi- 50 teachers received training in the pro-
and Benishangul regions. nars for some 4,500 special police force gramme, which was translated into
77
AFRICA ETHIOPIA
Amharic. As a test run, EHL was intro- To assist the Ethiopian Red Cross in Tigray
duced into selected schools in October for with its mine-awareness project, an ICRC
some 4,000 students. Authorities in Tigray expert worked with the branch to develop
agreed to launch a similar pilot project its capacity and expertise. A mine-
in 2003. awareness video was produced for use by
mobile teams in the war-affected zones,
and the ICRC donated a four-wheel-drive
NATIONAL SOCIETY vehicle. Following final approval for the
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society remained project, granted in November by the Dis-
the ICRC's main partner in the country, in aster Prevention and Preparedness
particular for carrying out repatriation Department of Tigray and the Rehabilita-
operations and distributing emergency tion and Social Affairs Office, a mine-
aid. To help strengthen the capacity of the awareness coordinator was recruited.
National Society, the ICRC continued to
provide funds, materials and expertise,
focusing on headquarters and branches in
war-affected Tigray and the violence-prone To reinforce the RCM service in Tigray,
regions of Afar, Oromia, the SNRS and where a high proportion of messages were
SNNPRS. collected and distributed, the ICRC and the
Ethiopian Red Cross carried out joint
assessments of the main branch and all
Building capacity
sub-branches in the region, and a two-
With ICRC support, a new branch of the day tracing workshop was organized in
National Society opened in Gode in the Mekele for 30 National Society tracing offi-
SNRS. After joint ICRC/Ethiopian Red Cross cers. Two other jointly organized tracing
assessments of branches in Borena and workshops covering basic procedures
Bale in Oromia, in the Hadiya and Kem- were held, one in Addis Ababa and the
bata zones of the SNNPRS and in zone 3 other in Nazareth, for a total of 48 tracing
of Afar, initiatives to expand the capacity of officers and volunteers from branches in
the National Society in these regions, the capital, the SNRS, Western and East-
especially in conflict preparedness and ern Hararghe (Oromia) and Dire Dawa.
response, were agreed upon.
Promoting IHL and the Movement
Strengthening conflict preparedness
A dissemination training programme for
With the ongoing internal violence, a high all 31 Ethiopian Red Cross branches,
priority was to reinforce the countrywide which had begun in 2001, ended with an
Red Cross ambulance service. The ICRC ICRC-supported five-day workshop in
donated two new ambulances and, with Wolliso, near Addis Ababa, for 23 people
the Ethiopian Red Cross, carried out an representing 12 branches.
extensive assessment of the fleet and
produced an ambulance-management
manual. A workshop was organized with
municipal authorities who subsequently
agreed to provide funds to help maintain
the service. To further strengthen conflict
preparedness, "best practices" for first aid
were agreed at a three-day workshop
attended by participants from all
31 National Society branches. The ICRC
also organized a variety of first-aid
courses, reaching some 40 Ethiopian Red
Cross instructors and 25 volunteers.
78
AFRICA ICRC MISSION TO THE AFRICAN UNION
ICRC MISSION TO THE CONTEXT ICRC ACTION
AFRICAN UNION On 9 July, in Durban, South Africa, the Key points in 2002
39-year-old Organization of African Unity
Personnel : • African Parliamentary Union made for-
became the African Union. In his year-end
see under Ethiopia mal commitment to respect and pro-
address, the outgoing OAU secretary-
mote IHL
general and interim chairman of the new
AU Commission described the transforma- • OAU/AU incorporated ICRC's pro-
The aim of the ICRC’s permanent tion as an event that would focus African gramme "Exploring Humanitarian Law"
mission to the African Union (AU) is to leaders on the challenges confronting the into its plan of action for the project
gain a broad insight into African politics continent. The AU assumed the mandate "Decade of Education"
and issues of humanitarian concern and of the OAU, adding the creation by 2025
• AU made ensuring compliance with IHL
to build strong relations with African of a pan-African economic community.
part of its Peace and Security Council’s
governments, intergovernmental The revival of OAU plans for the new
mandate
organizations and NGOs. By this means, African Economic Community meant that
the ICRC endeavours to draw attention Africa's regional economic communities During this transition year, the ICRC con-
to problems requiring humanitarian would play a prominent role in setting AU tinued to attend OAU/AU meetings and
action, to promote greater recognition policy. The AU further expanded its man- meet commissioners and accredited am-
and much wider implementation of IHL date to encompass the New Partnership bassadors to discuss issues of humani-
throughout Africa, and to raise for Africa's Development. At the UN in Sep- tarian concern and ICRC operations in
awareness of the ICRC's role and tember, the president of South Africa, member States, while closely following the
activities, mainly those on the African speaking in his capacity as the AU's first creation and development of the AU. The
continent. chairman, summarized the New Partner- ICRC also coordinated with UN agencies
The ICRC's official observer status, ship as "a programme for the socio- and NGOs that had OAU/AU observer sta-
granted by the Organization of African economic revitalization of our Continent, tus or were working in Africa regarding
Unity (OAU) on the basis of a which must help us to eradicate poverty issues pertaining to IHL, in particular IDPs
cooperation agreement between the two and underdevelopment throughout Africa and child soldiers. The ICRC was repre-
organizations concluded in 1992, was and, within the context of the African sented at the OAU and AU by a full-time
extended under the AU. A permanent Union, end Africa's humiliation as an head of mission and an assistant.
ICRC mission to the OAU was opened in object of charity". Its Constitutive Act calls
Addis Ababa in 1993. for the AU eventually to have 17 bodies, Promoting IHL
including a Pan-African Parliament, a
Court of Justice, Financial Institutions, ICRC efforts to raise awareness of IHL in
Expenditure: see under Ethiopia which will establish the African Central Africa received a major boost when the

Bank, the African Monetary Fund and the African Parliamentary Union (APU) issued
African Investment Bank, an Economic, a formal commitment to respect and pro-
Social and Cultural Council, and a Peace mote IHL. The groundbreaking declaration
and Security Council. Of particular interest was adopted at the conference on "Inter-
to the ICRC, the Peace and Security Coun- national humanitarian law for the protec-
cil's mandate will be to prevent, manage tion of civilians during armed conflict in
and resolve conflicts, with the authority to Africa", jointly organized by the APU, the
send troops to stop war crimes, crimes Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union
against humanity and genocide. To carry (IPU) and the ICRC, and held from 18 to
out the Council's wishes, a standby 20 February in Niamey, Niger. In the
African peacekeeping force has been pro- Niamey Declaration, the APU committed
posed. Like its predecessor, the AU is itself to ensuring that member States
based in Addis Ababa and its 53 mem- acceded to IHL treaties and that their par-
bers encompass all African countries, with liaments incorporated the provisions of
the exception of Morocco. that law into their national legislation. The
declaration specifically welcomed ICRC
advice and assistance on IHL implemen-
tation and recommended the ICRC/IPU
79
AFRICA ICRC MISSION TO THE AFRICAN UNION
parliamentary handbook Respect for inter- entitled Promoting humanitarian public
national humanitarian law as a reference diplomacy, proved an excellent basis for
tool. The Niamey Declaration also called for discussing IHL with members of the AU
humanitarian organizations to be granted Commission and the diplomatic commu-
unimpeded access to civilian victims of nity. On 23 August, the ICRC president
armed conflict. The ICRC distributed the paid a courtesy visit to AU headquarters in
declaration at subsequent OAU/AU meet- Addis Ababa, where he was received by
ings and referred to it when discussing the AU interim commissioner. The presi-
issues of humanitarian concern. dent stressed the important role the AU
could play in promoting the implementa-
The year also saw a breakthrough in pro-
tion of IHL in Africa, in particular in relation
moting IHL among young people. The
to IDPs.
ICRC's educational programme for ado-
lescents entitled "Exploring Humanitarian In October, the ICRC chaired a working
Law" was included in the plan of action for group on IHL and conflict resolution,
the project "Decade of Education in focusing on IDPs, at the NGO's prepara-
Africa". This was a direct result of ICRC tory forum for the 32nd Session of the
input at OAU sub-regional conferences on African Commission of Human and Peo-
education held in March in Maputo and in ples' Rights. The meeting enabled organi-
April in Tripoli. As a follow-up, in Novem- zations working in Africa to explain their
ber and December the ICRC participated in fields of expertise and share their knowl-
the Forum of African Parliamentarians for edge and experience.
Education and in the Conference of Minis-
ters of Education of African Member
States. At the latter, ICRC representatives
took part in a special session which rec-
ommended that spreading knowledge of
humanitarian law constitute an integral
part of humanitarian aid during armed
conflict and a high priority in post-conflict
reconstruction.
The ICRC also focused its efforts on
encouraging the AU to incorporate compli-
ance with IHL into the mandates of its new
bodies. In May, it hosted a brainstorming

session entitled "The Constitutive Act of the
AU and the challenges of IHL", attended by
OAU experts and accredited ambassa-
dors. Many of the points discussed during
the session were incorporated into the
drafts of the various instruments for the
emerging AU, notably the draft protocol for
the Peace and Security Council. The ICRC
sponsored the head of the OAU's Refugee,
Displaced Persons and Humanitarian
Division for a week-long stay in June at
ICRC headquarters in Geneva to discuss
IHL with experts. The organization also
helped an African diplomat, who was an
expert on IHL, to produce a special report
evaluating the ten years of cooperation
between the ICRC and the OAU. The report,
80
AFRICA GUINEA
GUINEA
Personnel :
27 expatriates
139 national staff
In Guinea the ICRC stepped up its

protection activities in 2002, focusing
on visits to detainees, expanding the
tracing network, and conducting
dissemination sessions for the armed
and security forces, political authorities,
the media and the general public.
Furthermore, it supports the authorities
in providing medical care for the war-
wounded and aid for civilians in
Guinea's forest region.
Through its regional delegation in
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the ICRC has
been present in Guinea since 1992. In
2001, owing to the developing conflict
in Guinea and its impact on the
population, the ICRC opened an
operational delegation in Conakry.
CONTEXT

In contested legislative elections the the forest region. Nevertheless, as security
Expenditure (in Sfr) Guinean president’s party and its allies improved in the country, most displaced
won 90 seats while the opposition won people returned to their home regions.
Protection 24. The president’s party alone had an
In May, the conflict between government
2,321,922 absolute majority of seats in the National
and Liberians United for Reconciliation
Assistance Assembly and won all seats in 38 districts
and Democracy rebel forces in Liberia
3,990,778 across the country. The ailing president's
intensified. Thousands of Liberian
Preventive action declaration that he would run for a third
refugees fled to Guinea's forest region,
term generated public concern, and the
1,220,690 thus adding to its problems, especially in
state of his health became a subject of
Cooperation with National Societies the Yomou, Macenta and Guéckédou pre-
speculation.
926,458 fectures. Additionally, the Guinean govern-
General Guinea gradually began to emerge from ment was concerned that the outbreak of
the crisis situation caused by the conflict conflict in neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire
262,843
on the border with Liberia that began in might have heavy repercussions in
September 2000. Even though the conflict Guinea. Towards the end of the year,
had since shifted into Liberia, Guinea's Guinea received an influx of Ivorians,
8,722,691 economy had yet to recover, especially in
81
AFRICA GUINEA
third-country nationals and returning
Guineans who had fled the conflict in Côte
ICRC ACTION the conflict, and Macenta, which had
played host to the rural population that
d'Ivoire. As the conflict intensified in the Key points in 2002 fled the conflict area along Guinea's bor-
Man region and the situation in northern der with Liberia.
Liberia remained volatile, the Guinean • visits to security detainees and promo-
tion of IHL With financial support from the ICRC and
army was kept mobilized in the southern
the International Federation, the Guinean
parts of the forest region. • assistance to civilians adversely Red Cross responded to the needs of civil-
A border dispute between Guinea and affected by the September 2000 conflict ians who had crossed into Guinea to flee
Sierra Leone broke out in July over the key • response to needs generated by the conflict in Côte d'Ivoire. To provide
strategic mining village of Yenga, with spillover of both the Liberian and the assistance to the first wave of people arriv-
both countries claiming the sector to be in Ivorian conflicts ing from Côte d’Ivoire, the National Society
their territory. By the end of the year, calm rapidly mobilized and deployed its volun-
reigned in the neighbouring Sierra teers in influx zones. New arrivals were
Leonean districts of Kono, Kailahun and CIVILIANS registered and received emergency med-
Kambia; nevertheless, the Guinean army Assessments conducted by the ICRC ical care as well as food and water (see
remained heavily deployed in Parrot’s showed that a majority of formerly dis- National Society). An estimated 60,000
Beak and in Forécariah. placed Guineans had returned to the sub- people crossed the border into Guinea.
prefectures closest to the country’s borders
In the forest region, the ICRC brought aid • 55,500 returnees/IDPs and over
with Liberia and Sierra Leone. Although
to needy displaced people and residents 17,000 residents assisted
the situation in terms of food and general
in host communities where infrastructure
economic activity was no longer critical in • return transportation arranged for 65
and coping mechanisms were sorely
these areas, most families could afford Guinean civilians abducted and taken to
strained by the long presence of the dis-
only to buy food and lacked the seeds and Sierra Leone by force during the fighting
placed. In addition, the ICRC helped
tools needed to raise crops. Accordingly, in 2000-01
returning IDPs to resettle in their home
the ICRC helped alleviate these problems.
regions. The organization also provided • safe drinking water provided and sani-
aid for the residents most affected by the In the forest-region prefectures of Macenta, tary conditions improved for over
conflict in villages along Guinea's borders Kissidougou and Guéckédou, and in the 100,000 beneficiaries
with Sierra Leone and Liberia, and tracing Faranah region, the ICRC provided IDPs
services for refugees. It continued its visits with resettlement and agricultural aid. Restoring family links
to people detained in connection with the Over 2,150 leaders of farming groups and
associations, representing nearly 14,000 During the year, the ICRC took action to
conflict, promoted IHL and provided med-
members, benefited from ICRC cash-crop relieve the plight of unaccompanied Sierra
ical supplies for the wounded and sick.
programmes. To ensure that the seed Leonean and Liberian children in Guinea.
The ICRC remained the Movement’s lead Despite difficulties involved in reuniting the
would be sown and not eaten, the ICRC
agency in Guinea. Together with the Red Sierra Leonean children with their families
twice distributed one-month food rations,
Cross Society of Guinea and the Interna- in Sierra Leone, the delegation continued
provided by the WFP, to the displaced
tional Federation, the ICRC worked to to work towards this goal. Meanwhile, the
population. Residents of urban and subur-
improve coordination of activities among ongoing conflict on Liberian soil made it
ban areas also benefited indirectly from
Movement components. The ICRC contin- impossible to reunite Liberian children
the ICRC agricultural programmes, which
ued its cross-border family reunification with their families, who were primarily
generated an overall increase in agricul-
activities for unaccompanied minors, located in unstable locations. However,
tural production and thus a drop in prices.
while UNHCR and its partners focused on the ICRC enabled these children to resume
family reunification within Liberia. In addi- After carrying out surveys in rural areas of contact with their families through RCMs
tion, the ICRC distributed WFP-donated Macenta, N'zérékoré, Lola and Beyla, the and kept track of both parents and chil-
food. ICRC began constructing wells and dren so as to be ready to reunite them
latrines to provide people in those areas whenever possible. The use of an aircraft
with clean drinking water and adequate made cross-border family-reunification
sanitation facilities. The ICRC also restored activities more effective.
water treatment plants and constructed 60
public water tap stands in Guéckédou,
which had been partially destroyed during
82
AFRICA GUINEA
With the aim of restoring family links, The ICRC submitted a summary report to In March, the ICRC organized a first-aid
the ICRC also expanded the RCM network the authorities on the nutritional situation training session for seven nurses from four
to cover influx zones and helped the at eight central prisons. Following an ICRC military infirmaries, eight civil-service
National Society to create its own tracing presentation of its findings, the Ministry of health staff and 21 military and civilian
department. In mid-October, tracing offices Justice set up a food supervision commit- volunteers. It also donated four stretchers
were set up for Liberian refugees at the tee at the Conakry Central Prison, aimed at and medical materials such as dressings
Lainé and Kouankan refugee camps. In improving the nutritional situation in vari- to these facilities in order to improve care
response to the sudden influx of people ous prisons across the country. for war-wounded patients.
fleeing the conflict in Côte d'Ivoire, the
The ICRC initiated a series of round-table Further, the ICRC:
ICRC collected one-way messages from
meetings bringing together representatives
Ivorian refugees in camps to help them • conducted first-aid training sessions in
of the Ministries of Justice and Health to
restore contact with their families in Côte Koyama for 22 military and civilian
discuss their shared responsibilities
d'Ivoire. The messages were conveyed to nurses handling cases of war-wounded
regarding prisoners’ health.
the families by telephone.
• conducted a first-aid training seminar
The ICRC carried out water-supply and
• transit centre for unaccompanied chil- for 15 staff from military health-care
sanitation programmes in four provincial
dren set up in Conakry facilities
prisons and in the country's main prison
• 981 unaccompanied children registered in Conakry. Some 1,400 detainees bene- • held awareness-raising sessions for
fited from these activities. Kissidougou hospital surgical staff on
• 218 persons/unaccompanied children
handling war-wounded patients
reunited with family members The ICRC donated anti-scabies treatments
to the authorities in two facilities in • provided supplies to 8 medical facilities
• cases of 7 unaccompanied children
Macenta and Kissidougou, and distributed for treating up to 850 war-wounded
handed over to the International Rescue
oral rehydration salts to detainees weak- patients
Committee for inter-camp family reunifi-
ened by a diarrhoea epidemic in the
cation in Guinea • provided 1 clinic with supplies for treat-
Kankan Central Prison.
ing 50 injured patients and organized a
• over 7,000 RCMs distributed
• 63 detention centres visited surgical nursing-care seminar for its
• 81 RCMs conveyed by telephone to staff
• non-food items distributed in 25 prisons
families in Côte d'Ivoire
on an ad hoc basis In addition, the ICRC and the Ministry of
Public Health signed a protocol agreement
• water supply, sewage and cells restored
PEOPLE DEPRIVED at 2 central prisons
regarding the restoration of the Guéckédou
OF THEIR FREEDOM hospital that had been partially destroyed
• 135 RCMs distributed and looted in the 2000 conflict.
In accordance with the ICRC’s standard

practice, its delegates conducted regular
visits to detainees in detention centres WOUNDED AND SICK AUTHORITIES
countrywide. Particular attention was During the first three months of 2002 the Focusing primarily on the 1997 Ottawa
given to detainees held in connection with ICRC focused its efforts on helping to Convention, the 1998 Rome Statute of the
the conflicts under way in neighbouring improve the evacuation of war-wounded ICC and the 1980 Convention on Certain
countries. Visits were also carried out on patients from border zones and the care Conventional Weapons, the ICRC pursued
an ad hoc basis at temporary detention they subsequently received in referral hos- its efforts to raise awareness of the need to
facilities. Detainees were given the oppor- pitals. After assessing the situation, the ratify the main IHL treaties and to imple-
tunity to exchange personal news with ICRC provided medical support and ment them at national level. To that end, it
their relatives via RCMs. The ICRC system- organized training as needed. maintained regular contact with national
atically submitted reports on its findings to political authorities, ranging from the pres-
the authorities concerned, to keep them ident’s cabinet, the National Assembly and
informed and to remind them of their the Ministry of Administration of Territory,
responsibilities relating to conditions of Decentralization and Security to the Min-
detention. istries of Justice, Foreign Affairs and
National Defence.
83
AFRICA GUINEA
The ICRC sponsored the attendance of two The ICRC provided financial and technical NATIONAL SOCIETY
IHL experts from the Ministry of Justice support for the first train-the-trainer semi-
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a nar on IHL and international human rights The ICRC maintained its role as the Move-
seminar in Abidjan on ratification and law for police, customs and gendarmerie ment’s lead agency in Guinea. It strength-
implementation of the ICC Statute, which officers, which was held in Conakry. The ened working relations with the Red Cross
was conducted jointly by the ICRC and the organization also conducted training sem- Society of Guinea by signing project
Economic Community of West African inars on IHL and human rights law in agreements in the areas of the emblem
States. Shortly thereafter, the National Kissidougou, Dabola and Kankan. and the Movement’s Fundamental Princi-
Assembly unanimously adopted a pro- ples, restoration of family links, and con-
Further: flict preparedness and response. Tripartite
posal to ratify the Statute.
• 31 military IHL instructors attended an meetings with the National Society and the
The ICRC held several dissemination ses- International Federation were organized
IHL train-the-trainer seminar
sions for 174 key authorities on its man- and chaired by the ICRC every other week.
date and activities in Guinea. • IHL/human rights law training seminars
were attended by some 200 Guinean Through joint aid programmes carried out
security forces staff with the International Federation and the
ARMED FORCES Guinean Red Cross, the ICRC also
AND OTHER BEARERS • 20 IHL dissemination sessions were responded to the needs of victims of natu-
attended by over 1,550 military staff ral disasters. These programmes provided
OF WEAPONS food and other relief to some 827 people
The ICRC organized dissemination ses- affected by brush fires in Guinée Maritime
sions for the Guinean army and security CIVIL SOCIETY and 10,000 victims of the September
forces, including first-time sessions at the The ICRC stepped up dissemination activi- 2001 floods in Haute Guinée.
military instruction centre in Kissidougou ties in order to draw attention to its unique
and the military camp in Macenta. In addi- role among humanitarian organizations in While implementing ICRC aid pro-
tion, in cooperation with the IHL Bureau of Guinea. It made a special point of doing grammes, Red Cross volunteers received
the Ministry of Defence in Kindia, the ICRC so in the areas bordering conflict-affected hands-on experience that in turn boosted
organized a training seminar in October Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. These activities the National Society's capacity to respond
for IHL instructors in the Guinean army. included basic information sessions on to emergencies. The National Society also
The aim of the training was to build up the IHL and the ICRC’s mandate and activities worked together with the International Fed-
IHL training capacity of the military so it for members of civil society and civil ser- eration on programmes for refugees.
could effectively decentralize the activities vants. A special session for doctors and
of this bureau. The trained IHL instructors nurses covered the protection of medical Conflict preparedness and response
would then be responsible for organizing personnel in times of conflict, in addition With the aim of building up a countrywide
IHL dissemination sessions for junior offi- to the basic topics. network of Red Cross brigades, with par-
cers and troops in the country's four mili- • 17 basic sessions were attended by ticular emphasis on the capital and the
tary regions, its four army corps, 1,051 participants from civil society border areas, the ICRC and the Interna-
autonomous battalions and various army and 115 civil servants tional Federation jointly supported the set-
training centres. ting up and training of Red Cross teams.
• 36 participants attended the session on The ICRC then supervised their work and
Starting in mid-year, all general staff, mili- protection of medical personnel
tary regions, autonomous battalions and paid for running costs.
instruction centres appointed contact per-
sons responsible for implementing IHL
teaching and exchanging information with
the IHL Bureau.
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In view of the 30 June legislative elec- The emblem and
tions, the National Society, the ICRC and the Fundamental Principles
the International Federation pooled To help strengthen the National Society's
resources to set up a contingency plan. dissemination activities, the ICRC organ-
Thanks to the experience gained during ized training workshops for Red Cross vol-
the countrywide mobilization of Red Cross unteers and staff, and supported the
teams for the 11 November 2001 referen- Guinean Red Cross’s own training pro-
dum, the Movement components were grammes. The ICRC also organized work-
able to plan and work with increased shops on the red cross emblem at 16
effectiveness. Training and practical exer- National Society branches, which were
cises were organized for 330 participants attended by nearly 50 people.
from 16 first-aid brigades. The plan of
action was discussed in detail with the After meeting with the ICRC and the
government. As a result, the Red Cross National Society, the Ministry of Health
was the only organization authorized to gave its support to a campaign against
move around freely and carry out its work improper use of the red cross emblem.
on election days. The National Society provided instruction
In all, close to 500 Red Cross staff and on the Movement and its Fundamental
volunteers were mobilized during the June Principles for 30 primary and secondary
elections. The ICRC provided items such teachers in Kankan. Red Cross school
as stretchers and first-aid kits to the 23 programmes were run in 30 primary
National Society branches. To maintain schools, 30 secondary schools and five
the readiness of Red Cross brigades after teacher's colleges, and an evaluation of
the elections, the National Society and the their impact was begun during the last
ICRC conducted regular assessments of quarter of the year.
the brigades’ level of preparation, and pro-
vided refresher training where necessary. Tracing
To help civilians who had fled the Ivorian Aiming to involve the National Society
conflict, Red Cross brigades were set up at more closely in providing tracing services
entry points on the border and in influx in Guinea, the ICRC helped the Guinean
zones. In Beyla, Lola, Madiana and Red Cross to incorporate the Red Cross
Conakry, over 200 Red Cross volunteers tracing service into its structure. The
were mobilized, trained and deployed in National Society then extended the RCM

15 brigades. After registering the newly network to urban centres served by its
arrived, the Red Cross volunteers provided branches in Conakry, Kindia, Coyah and
them with water, high-protein biscuits Forécariah.
donated by the WFP, and cooked meals. In July, the ICRC conducted an initial trac-
The brigades also gave first aid, arranged ing workshop for 27 volunteers from the
for people to be transferred to health-care National Society's tracing services. There-
facilities, and maintained basic hygiene at after, it supported National Society training
transit centres. in basic tracing techniques given to 126
Red Cross volunteers.
85
AFRICA LIBERIA
LIBERIA
Personnel :
16 expatriates
56 national staff
Escalating fighting in 2002, mainly in

the northwest, prompted the ICRC to
step up its work to assist and protect
IDPs, the neediest residents of host
communities, war-wounded people,
detainees and unaccompanied children.
In addition, the ICRC supported the
Liberian National Red Cross Society and
spread knowledge of IHL among
personnel of the country's armed forces.
Beginning in 1972, the ICRC worked in
Liberia through its Abidjan regional
delegation. Its operational delegation
was opened in Monrovia in 1990.
CONTEXT
The situation in Liberia has grown increas- nity and called for the lifting of the UN
Expenditure (in Sfr) ingly volatile since December 2001. Early sanctions imposed on Liberia since March
2002 ushered in a new phase of the inter- 2001, which have added to the country's
Protection nal conflict opposing government forces mounting financial difficulties. Neverthe-
1,219,312 and the rebel group Liberians United for less, in May the sanctions were extended
Assistance Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD). for another six months and, following a
8,652,034 As the conflict zone gradually shifted report by UN experts in November, they
Preventive action southwards, thousands of people in west- were extended for an additional six
505,298 ern parts of the country – both residents months.
and previously displaced groups – were
Cooperation with National Societies Despite the lifting of the state of emergency
forced to flee time and again.
697,742 on 14 September and diplomatic moves
General The intensity of the conflict prompted a to resolve the conflicts in the Mano River
87,573 series of security measures by the Liberian Union countries, this part of West Africa
president, culminating in the proclamation was still dogged by persistent fighting. The
of a state of emergency in February. The conflict in Liberia spilled over into neigh-
president also made repeated demands bouring countries, generating influxes of
11,161,959 for support from the international commu-
86
AFRICA LIBERIA
refugees into Guinea and Sierra Leone, ris-
ing tension in Guinean border areas, and
ICRC ACTION registered in a camp were actually there at
nightfall and not merely appearing at dis-
cross-border incursions by armed Liberi- Key points in 2002 tribution time during the day) and next-
ans (some of whom were later disarmed day distributions at these camps enabled
and interned in Sierra Leone). At the end of • IDPs assisted to settle in transit and the ICRC to give aid to the proper benefici-
November, the conflict in neighbouring later in semi-permanent camps aries and avoid engaging in disputes over
Côte d’Ivoire forced thousands of people to • surgical unit opened at the John F. the accuracy of population figures.
flee into Liberia, most of them Liberian Kennedy Memorial Hospital to treat war- The coping mechanisms of impoverished
nationals. wounded and other surgical emergen- host communities were already sorely
In October and November, Liberian armed cies (capacity: 130 beds) strained by successive IDP influxes. In
forces gradually regained control of some • massive tracing campaign set up to these needy communities and in other
areas formerly held by the LURD. In these reunite Liberian families dispersed in potential IDP-influx zones, the ICRC
newly accessible areas, the ICRC stepped Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire worked to enable the existing infrastruc-
up its field activities, establishing contact ture to meet increased needs. The ICRC
with members of the armed forces, resi- also continued support to two Liberian
dents and IDPs previously inaccessible to CIVILIANS Red Cross clinics with essential medi-
humanitarian organizations. As lead The extension of the conflict in Liberia – cines, pay incentives and supervision of
agency for the Movement, the ICRC from Lofa and Gbarpoplu counties to the clinics' staff up to the end of June. A
adopted an integrated approach to provid- Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi and total of 7,323 IDPs were treated at these
ing emergency relief to people affected by Bong counties – created a widely dis- clinics.
the escalation of the conflict. Through its persed population of tens of thousands of
The ICRC:
support for selected medical facilities, the displaced people. In addition to the needs
ICRC ensured adequate medical treatment of the displaced, the highly volatile situa- • completed water and sanitation projects
for the war-wounded and other emergency tion in Liberia caused another problem for in 7 IDP-influx zones for the benefit of
surgical patients. It also bolstered its humanitarian organizations as time and 43,000 people
tracing network with a view to reuniting again relief projects were abandoned and
• provided shelter, access to water and
families that had been split up by the con- restarted owing to the fact that the IDPs
sanitation, and non-food relief to
flict and continued visits to detention cen- were repeatedly forced to flee the spread-
110,661 IDPs
tres in accordance with standard ICRC ing conflict. These numerous displace-
procedures. ments also made it difficult for the ICRC • gave over 3,400 medical consultations
and other organizations to ascertain the at Blamacee’s ICRC clinic
While the ICRC's strategy and objectives
number of displaced people reliably.
as defined in the 2002 Emergency • conducted health and hygiene educa-
Appeals remained applicable to Liberia, Deteriorating health, psychological trauma, tion at 5 camps for 27,907 IDPs

their scale was broadened to address the socio-economic dislocation and the break-
• provided agriculture aid to some 2,127
increased needs generated by growing down of family and community coping
beneficiaries
conflicts in the region. The year’s initial mechanisms were some of the challenges
budget was revised from Sfr 6,213,173 faced by these IDPs, and those challenges
up to Sfr 13,050,408. stretched the response capabilities of the Restoring family links
ICRC and other organizations. The ICRC An inestimable number of Liberians inside
furnished emergency relief, water and Liberia or who had crossed into neigh-
sanitation aid, tracing services and med- bouring countries became separated
ical care to IDPs in transit camps and later owing to fighting either in Liberia or Côte
in semi-permanent ones. d’Ivoire. ICRC delegations in Sierra Leone,
The ICRC continued aid work in 16 IDP Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire registered hun-
camps around Monrovia, along the dreds of unaccompanied children of Liber-
south/north axis and three camps in ian nationality. Tracing the relatives of
Grand Bassa, Bong county and Nimba more than 1,200 unaccompanied Liber-
county. The organization maintained its ian children among the IDPs in Liberia
role as lead agency in the Blamacee and and the refugee population in the three
Plumkor IDP camps. The practice of night- neighbouring countries became a priority
time verification (i.e. ensuring that IDPs for the ICRC.
87
AFRICA LIBERIA
To respond faster and more effectively to PEOPLE DEPRIVED WOUNDED AND SICK
the tracing needs of the displaced popula-
tion, the ICRC increased its tracing staff OF THEIR FREEDOM Ensuring proper health care
and strengthened the RCM network in the Visiting detention centres Beginning in December 2001, attacks
newer IDP camps. It maintained close increased in several counties adjacent to
contact with the Liberian authorities in Alongside frequent visits to Monrovia Cen-
tral Prison, the ICRC carried out regular Lofa County. After years of conflict, the
order to secure access to the dispersed majority of qualified medical staff had fled
IDPs. Working with ICRC delegations in visits to various temporary places of
detention in Liberia run by the National Liberia. As security worsened, the state of
neighbouring countries, delegates regis- health-care facilities in these counties
tered and photographed unaccompanied Police, the Ministry of Defence and other
entities. At these places, delegates moni- steadily deteriorated. To make matters
children in the hope of finding their parents worse, a large number of the country’s
or other relatives. Hundreds of their pic- tored treatment of detainees and their con-
ditions of detention. The ICRC continued facilities closed when the churches or
tures were displayed in 115 places NGOs they depended on withdrew for
throughout Liberia such as IDP camps, discussions with the authorities regarding
access to all places where detainees of security reasons. The sharp drop in the
host communities, markets, schools and number of medical facilities, the absence
hospitals. Once the family relationship ICRC concern were being held and to visit
them in accordance with customary ICRC of qualified medical staff and the higher
was verified, relatives were able to use the number of war-wounded people quickly
RCM network to restore contact. procedures.
over-stretched the Ministry of Health’s
The ICRC also reinforced its tracing serv- In January 2002, the ICRC ended its capacities. An ICRC countrywide evalua-
ices to enable the parents of unaccompa- prison medical programme on the basis of tion of Liberia's neediest medical facilities
nied Liberian children registered in Sierra two assessments. The responsibility for revealed that there remained no more than
Leone, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire to be such programmes was handed over to the 24 qualified medical staff in the country.
traced more effectively. Ministries of Health, Justice and Defence. Of these, only four were qualified to per-
However, in the event of epidemics, the form surgery.
The ICRC repatriated nine Liberian children ICRC remained ready to intervene.
from the Tabou area of southwestern Côte The ICRC responded to the country's med-
d'Ivoire. The organization reunited these Delegates visited 13 places of detention ical crisis by supporting treatment, princi-
and 39 other unaccompanied children and obtained access to the National pally for war-wounded people and other
with their families in Monrovia and in the Bureau of Investigation’s detention facili- surgical emergencies. In cooperation with
southeast of Liberia, traced the parents of ties. It registered security detainees in nine the Ministry of Health and John F. Kennedy
348 unaccompanied Liberian children detention centres, followed up on other (JFK) Memorial Hospital, the ICRC negoti-
currently in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte cases and delivered 65 RCMs. ated a three-month renewable memoran-
d'Ivoire and launched a massive poster The ICRC: dum of understanding for the reopening of
campaign with pictures of over 600 unac- a ward within the hospital to provide sur-
companied children. In cooperation with • distributed non-food items to 309 gery and traumatology care. The ward
the Liberian Red Cross, the ICRC dis- detainees was opened in July with 130 beds. By
patched tracing volunteers to the border • restored the water supply, sewage fa- December, the hospital had treated a total
with Côte d’Ivoire to deal with needs of cilities and cells at several detention of 474 inpatients, 869 outpatients and
Liberian returnees and Ivorian refugees. centres carried out 927 surgical operations.
In all, the ICRC distributed 9,011 RCMs. Authorities of all the country's central pris- The ICRC also signed a memorandum
ons were reminded that the ICRC's food- of understanding with the Ministry of
aid programme would be terminated at the Health to assist the Bong Mine Hospital in
end of 2002. order to ensure appropriate care for resi-
dents and free care for IDPs and the
war-wounded. At this facility, a total of
3,813 people were treated, including
654 patients who were received free of
charge.
88
AFRICA LIBERIA
The ICRC: more regular basis to make presentations The ICRC, together with the International
on the rules of IHL, the Movement and its Federation, helped finalize CPR training
• provided the JFK Hospital with a
own mandate for members of the armed modules at the National Society’s head-
12-member ICRC surgery and hospital
forces and its special units. Endeavouring quarters and at chapter level. In Novem-
team and surgical materials/equipment
to gain sorely needed access to people ber, 21 volunteers from three chapters
and consumables to treat 130 inpatients
in need, the ICRC also held ad hoc first- participated in the first joint CPR course.
• provided 3 referral hospitals with basic aid sessions at various checkpoints and Some of the participants were mobilized in
surgical kits to treat war-wounded army barracks for over 400 armed forces towns on the border with Côte d’Ivoire
people members. where they immediately put into use their
newly acquired skills, registering people
• conducted war-surgery seminars and
who had fled there and providing tracing
provided on-the-job training in war- CIVIL SOCIETY services for refugees and returnees.
surgery techniques and post-operative The ICRC regularly organized information
care sessions on its mandate and activities for The ICRC provided support to complete the
the media, the general public, local and National Society’s volunteer database
• conducted first-aid courses for armed
international NGOs, university students, designed to provide relevant information
forces personnel at the front line and
secondary school teachers and students. on volunteers from 15 chapters and thus
provided several units with basic dress-
It also participated in workshops organ- make it easier to find the appropriate per-
ing kits
ized by the UN to explain IHL and the sonnel when specific needs arise.
ICRC's mandate. In addition, delegates
AUTHORITIES joined the Liberian Red Cross to hold two Promoting IHL
The ICRC maintained regular contact with awareness-raising seminars for 100 To boost Liberian Red Cross work to
the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, members from two teachers' associations. spread knowledge of IHL, the ICRC organ-
Defence and National Security. These min- ized training workshops for volunteers and
istries were reminded of ICRC activities staff or supported the National Society’s
and their responsibility to ensure that the
NATIONAL SOCIETY
own workshops. The ICRC also supported
fundamental rules of IHL were known and The Liberian National Red Cross Society the Society in its efforts to ensure proper
respected by Liberia's armed and security went through a major internal crisis that use of and respect for the emblem. Finally,
forces. The ICRC also held several IHL led to the International Federation’s with- the ICRC donated one video recorder plus
workshops in Monrovia and elsewhere for drawal from the country in 2001. Without television and a portable generator.
ministry staff and other national and local external support, it became increasingly
authorities. difficult for the National Society to carry out
its primary duties. To avoid total collapse Restoring family links
The ICRC facilitated participation by senior at a time when many of its volunteers To build the National Society’s tracing
representatives of the Ministry of Foreign

were being mobilized in the field, the ICRC capacity, the ICRC encouraged the Society
Affairs and the Ministry of Justice in an took the exceptional measure of covering to adopt a tracing plan of action. Dele-
international seminar organized by the the operating costs of the National Soci- gates organized, among other training, a
organization in Côte d'Ivoire on the Rome ety’s headquarters. tracing and IHL dissemination workshop
Statute of the International Criminal Court. for all chapter field officers, representing
Conflict preparedness and response the first gathering of this staff since 1997.
ARMED FORCES (CPR) Workshops were also organized to train
volunteers and staff for the poster cam-
AND OTHER BEARERS With the need to step up activities in the paign on unaccompanied children.
OF WEAPONS field, many of the National Society’s
branches were mobilized to implement
Owing to the instability that prevailed in
ICRC objectives. Under the close super-
Liberia, it was not possible to conduct
vision of ICRC delegates, who provided
seminars for the security forces during the
them with practical training, up to
first three months of the year. However,
400 volunteers did various types of work
regular contact was maintained with the
in the camps: site layout, relief distribu-
police in Monrovia regarding the situation
tion, digging wells and promoting good
in the capital, in particular the state of
hygiene practices.
emergency. Later, the ICRC was able on a
89
AFRICA RWANDA
RWANDA
Personnel :
50 expatriates
312 national staff
The ICRC opened a delegation in

Rwanda in 1990, prior to which it had
covered the country from its regional
delegation in Kinshasa. In Rwanda the
ICRC focuses on: detainees held in
prisons and communal lock-ups
(cachots); unaccompanied children in
search of families from which they
became separated either in 1994 or
during the mass repatriations of
1996/1997; vulnerable genocide
survivors and people affected by the
internal armed conflict that lasted from
1990 to 1994 (predominantly widows
and orphans) and who need help
rebuilding their lives; people whose
local water-distribution networks remain
damaged from the time of the conflict
and the genocide.
CONTEXT
The gacaca trials of those accused of nonetheless continued to remind the

Expenditure (in Sfr) genocide were officially launched in June. authorities of their obligation to provide
A sector of each prefecture was chosen adequately for the detainees.
Protection according to the following criteria to test
6,784,939 The situation in Rwanda itself remained
the new trials: the number of accused who
calm in 2002 and the country contributed
Assistance had confessed to the crime; the capabili-
to peace efforts in the region by signing an
18,062,343 ties of the elected judges; the degree of
agreement with the Democratic Republic
Preventive action awareness of the process among the local
of the Congo (DRC) in Pretoria in July.
1,173,735 population; and logistical concerns. The
Rwanda agreed to withdraw its troops
process was later extended to 106 other
Cooperation with National Societies from eastern DRC, and the DRC undertook
sectors. Despite the fact that there were
713,893 to end support to the Interahamwe militia
over 100,000 people accused of geno-
General and the former Rwandan Armed Forces
cide still in custody along with a further
196,227 (ex-FAR). By the beginning of October, the
8,000 ordinary detainees, the ICRC noted
withdrawal of Rwandan troops had report-
an overall stabilization of the food situa-
edly been completed. The relative calm
tion at the prisons and therefore started
enabled the ICRC to focus more on pro-
26,931,138 scaling down its aid to certain facilities. It
90
AFRICA RWANDA
moting IHL within the government. The
organization welcomed the authorities’
ICRC ACTION enlargement of the family unit. In total, the
ICRC registered 404 demobilized child
attention to implementing IHL at national Key points in 2002 soldiers in Rwanda in the year under
level and to its IHL programme for school review.
children. • detention conditions improved for
94,000 detainees in Rwanda's central • RCMs collected: 9,077
In January, the Nyiragongo volcano prisons owing to better supply of food, • RCMs delivered: 9,890
erupted in North Kivu, in the DRC. The hygiene items and essential medicines,
lava flow caused the population of Goma and maintenance work on the premises • family reunification organized for 650
to flee the city, particularly into Rwandan children, 54 of whom had been identi-
territory. Within a few days, however, most • first-ever tracing-cooperation agreement fied by means of a photograph
had returned to Goma, with only 10,000 with the Rwandan Red Cross signed to
people remaining in Rwandan camps. The help develop its operational capacity
Contributing to better quality of life
ICRC worked closely with the International • most urgent needs of Congolese
Widowed and orphaned survivors of the
Federation, the German, Belgian, French refugees in Rwanda met following the
genocide remained vulnerable, especially
and Spanish Red Cross Societies, and volcanic eruption in Goma, DRC
in economic terms. During the year, the
with the Rwandan Red Cross to meet the
ICRC launched 84 farming micro-projects,
needs of those affected by this disaster.
CIVILIANS instead of the 70 initially planned, without
increasing the budget. A tripartite agree-
Restoring family links ment between the ICRC, the Rwandan Red
To enable them to restore contact with their Cross and the Spanish Red Cross enabled
families, the ICRC continued to place its farming micro-projects to be set up in the
RCM and tracing network at the disposal prefecture of Ruhengeri. Furthermore, the
of people who had become separated ICRC paid the school fees of 2,400
from their loved ones. The repatriation of orphans and examination fees for about
390 unaccompanied Rwandan children 1,000 pupils to enable them to continue
from the Kivu provinces of the DRC and their schooling.
several from other neighbouring countries, The water-supply infrastructure in Rwanda
including Tanzania and Burundi, con- had to meet the needs of large numbers of
tinued during 2002, either while their people, but the resources required to
parents were being located or specifically expand the network and carry out mainte-
for the families to be reunited. Sixty-nine nance on existing installations were still
children were unable to give sufficient not available in 2002. The ICRC therefore
information about their parents because

undertook a series of nine projects, six of
they were too young or traumatized by the which were identified as priorities for
conflict. Photographs of these children 2002, to repair and upgrade existing sys-
were to be included in a book to be dis- tems for 210,000 beneficiaries. In addi-
tributed throughout Rwanda in the hope tion, the ICRC delegated a number of water
that parents would recognize their missing projects to the Swiss Red Cross. The repair
children. and upgrade work on the projects in the
The ICRC closely monitored a group of prefectures of Ruhengeri and Gisenyi was
315 demobilized child soldiers registered completed according to schedule.
in October 2001 in Gitagata camp, where In May, Rwanda suffered its own natural
they were being prepared for reintegration disaster in the form of torrential rains which
into society. Delegates located their fa- inundated several prefectures. Many people
milies and reunification took place at a lost their homes and belongings and much
rate of 10 to 20 children a week. Save the general damage was sustained. For sev-
Children Fund-UK prepared their arrival eral days the ICRC supplied clean water to
in their communities of origin. Over two hospitals in Kigali and distributed
180 family kits were distributed to help 90,000 litres of drinking water to some
families cope with the sudden re- 200 IDPs over a period of four weeks.
91
AFRICA RWANDA
PEOPLE DEPRIVED The ICRC registered 964 new detainees WOUNDED AND SICK
during:
OF THEIR FREEDOM Despite instability in the Great Lakes
The final five Congolese POWs in Rwanda • 298 visits to the 19 central prisons region, no influx of war-wounded people
were repatriated to Kinshasa on • 251 visits to 106 cachots, police posts was reported in 2002, and the Rwandan
30 November 2001 in accordance with and police stations health-care system coped well with the
the Third Geneva Convention. No addi- temporary presence of Congolese nation-
tional POWs were registered during 2002. • 31 visits to 12 military camps als seeking refuge in Rwanda after the vol-
canic eruption in Goma.
Visiting detainees Assisting detainees At the end of September, the ICRC organ-
Even though the overall number of The ICRC continued to provide food in the ized an eight-week first-aid course for
detainees accused of genocide in the prisons, covering 50% of basic needs. 72 Rwandan Defence Forces personnel.
country continued to drop (from 105,273 Over 9,225 tonnes of split peas, palm oil All passed their final test.
at the end of 2001 to 101,944 at the end and salt were distributed during the year.
As a result of a nutritional assessment, as
of 2002), the population of civilian pris-
of 1 November 2002 the ICRC reduced its AUTHORITIES
ons increased slightly in comparison with
provision of multivitamins to prisons and The ICRC's Advisory Service on IHL was
the end of 2001. This could be explained
ceased distribution completely in the cen- asked to suggest amendments to a bill
by two factors: an increase in ordinary
tral prisons of Ruhengeri and Gikondo before parliament on the repression of war
crime and the resumption of transfers from
(Kigali). crimes, crimes against humanity, hostili-
cachots to the central prisons. The ICRC
ties against humanitarian organizations
continued to monitor the conditions of In the central prisons, the ICRC carried out and misuse of the red cross and red
detention and the detainees’ nutritional work to improve detention conditions for crescent emblem. The service's advice
status. Oral representations were repeat- the detainees. This included building new was taken and the suggested amend-
edly made to remind the authorities of their latrine blocks and new kitchens and lay- ments made. The ICRC also welcomed
obligations to improve conditions of ing pipes. Aid programmes to supply the news that, on 23 April, Rwanda
detention. The ICRC made regular repre- food, essential medicines and hygiene had acceded to the Optional Protocol
sentations to the authorities about minors items were pursued with regularity and (2000) – on the involvement of children
accused of genocide (those who were benefited all the detainees in the central in armed conflicts – to the 1989 Conven-
under 14 in 1994 and therefore below the prisons: about 94,000 in all, including tion on the Rights of the Child.
age of criminal responsibility). By the end ordinary detainees.
of the year, in the central prisons of Gikon- In addition to the national authorities, the
goro, Gisenyi and Kibuye, minors were HIV/AIDS ICRC was in regular contact with the
being held in a block separate from the provincial political authorities. Information
adult detainees, as a result of ICRC recom- The ICRC continued to urge the Ministry of sessions on the basic rules of IHL and on
mendations. A summary report was sub- Health and the National Commission the mandate and activities of the ICRC
mitted to the highest authorities in October against AIDS to include the prison popula- reached 265 elected officials from seven
2002. tion in the national anti-HIV programme. districts in Kibuye, Gitarama and Cyan-
The programme against sexually transmit- gugu prefectures.
The ICRC pursued its visits to people tem- ted diseases, which began in December
porarily detained in military camps, 2001 with information sessions for
including Cyangugu camp. Delegates reg- detainees, was pursued with the supply of
istered 179 security detainees – all await- drugs recommended by the Rwandan
ing reintegration into civil society or the authorities to the two central prisons of
army after participation in "solidarity" Nsinda and Kibungo (16,500 detainees).
camps – and conducted private interviews The central prison of Kibuye (3,300
with them. detainees) was scheduled to be the next to
join the programme.
92
AFRICA RWANDA
ARMED FORCES CIVIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SOCIETY
AND OTHER BEARERS Work to promote knowledge of IHL was Three cooperation agreements were
OF WEAPONS carried out largely by the Rwandan Red signed between the ICRC and the Rwan-
Cross. The ICRC strengthened the National dan Red Cross during the first three
Promoting IHL among the armed forces Society’s unit responsible for awareness- months of the year to strengthen the Soci-
The Rwandan armed forces continued the raising. Good working relations between ety's emergency preparedness and its
process of restructuring after changing the ICRC and the media – based on a bet- ability to spread knowledge of IHL and the
their name in July from the Rwandan ter understanding of the specific role Movement, and to restore family links
Patriotic Army to the Rwandan Defence played by the organization – continued to through the Red Cross tracing network.
Forces. The ICRC recommended to the develop. The general public gained a bet-
The new emergency-preparedness pro-
Forces and the Ministry of Defence that IHL ter knowledge of IHL and the ICRC through
gramme got under way as soon as the
be included as a compulsory subject in coverage of the main ICRC activities in the
agreement was signed in January, with
training. IHL’s incorporation into the cur- national media.
120 volunteers being trained in first aid in
riculum of academies and other military The first training sessions for National the prefectures of Kibuye, Ruhengeri,
schools was discussed but did not for- Society youth leaders in the "Exploring Byumba and Butare. As this number
mally begin. Nonetheless, the ICRC pre- Humanitarian Law" programme began in exceeded the terms of the agreement, the
sentations reached over 2,700 platoon April, along with a training workshop for Ministry of Health and USAID each covered
commanders, officers, NCOs and soldiers educators from the municipality of Kigali, the cost of training 20 of the volunteers.
at military schools and during its own field in cooperation with Mecreos-Rwanda,1 an Workshops on managing volunteers were
operations. NGO working for orphans. The EHL pro- also held in the four prefectures.
gramme then made rapid progress as it
IHL-promotion work continued to develop
Training police instructors was launched in several schools. In early
well throughout the country. In seven
July, the ICRC signed a cooperation agree-
Following a seminar organized in Decem- branches of the Rwandan Red Cross, pre-
ment with the Ministry of Education and
ber 2001 for high-ranking police officers, sentations were held for over 120 people
the Rwandan Red Cross making official
the ICRC was invited to conduct a two- on the Movement’s Fundamental Princi-
the integration of EHL modules into the
week train-the-trainer course. This began ples, the Seville Agreement and the new
civic education curriculums of secondary
at the end of March for 15 instructors to strategies adopted. About 100 National
schools across the country, and providing
enable them to teach members of the Society staff took part in a training session
for the production of educational materials
police force to perform their duties in at the ICRC delegation on the Movement’s
for both teachers and pupils. Preparations
accordance with international standards. strategy. In addition, the National Society
began for a new textbook to cover the first
The instruction was given at the National organized the third East African communi-
three years of secondary school. The next
Police Academy by an ICRC specialist. cations forum. The ICRC fully financed this
step was to be training for the teachers to

annual regional meeting and covered the
Regular contact was maintained with enable them to begin the modules in early
transport costs of the communications
police commanders of prefectures and 2003.
staff from the six other National Societies
individual police stations. In all, 422
IHL continued to be offered in the law fac- that took part (Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi,
police officers and 132 prison guards
ulty of Rwanda's National University in the Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya). The meet-
attended ICRC presentations on its work
fourth and final year as an optional mod- ing’s aim was to improve the National
and IHL.
ule of 30 hours. The Free University in Societies’ ability to promote knowledge
Kigali (a private institution) also contin- of IHL.
Spreading knowledge of IHL among ued to give a compulsory IHL course of
local defence forces Following the signature of a tracing agree-
45 hours in the fourth year. Several stu-
ment, the ICRC and the National Society
Regular meetings were held between the dents were welcomed in the ICRC offices
set up the basic structures of a tracing
ICRC and local defence-force command- to consult IHL documentation as part of
service in three prefectures (Kigali city,
ers in all prefectures and most districts. their studies.
Byumba, Gikongoro). One hundred bicy-
Presentations were organized to raise
cles, three motorcycles and a four-wheel-
awareness of the basic rules of IHL for
drive vehicle were bought for use by trac-
12,806 recruits in all.
ing officers to facilitate the collection and
1 Mission d'encadrement contre les risques des
enfants orphelins du sida – Training mission to
distribution of RCMs.
protect orphans against the risks of AIDS
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SIERRA LEONE
Personnel :
29 expatriates
215 national staff
Adapting to Sierra Leone’s evolving

peace process, the ICRC continues to
address the needs of vulnerable people
in terms of protection and assistance. In
the areas most affected by the war, the
ICRC helps IDPs to resettle in their
home areas through its rehabilitation
and agriculture programmes.
The ICRC has worked in Sierra Leone
since 1989, first through its regional
delegation in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and
since 1992 from its Freetown
delegation. It continues to coordinate its
operations mainly with the Sierra Leone
Red Cross Society, UN agencies, other
humanitarian organizations and local
authorities.
CONTEXT
On 18 January, the Sierra Leonean presi- services, resettling civilians, promoting

Expenditure (in Sfr) dent declared that the civil war was over reconciliation, stimulating economic
and that the country's disarmament and recovery and facilitating the free move-
Protection demobilization programme had been ment of people and goods throughout the
1,905,861 completed. The progressive reintegration country.
Assistance of former fighters, however, will continue
Hundreds of thousands of IDPs returned to
15,125,775 into 2003.
their home areas in the northern part of the
Preventive action In May, the president was re-elected and country, mostly in two districts, Kailahun
725,138 his party won 83 of the 112 seats in par- and Kono. Thousands of Sierra Leonean
Cooperation with National Societies liament. The new government drafted a refugees, most of whom were originally
1,396,168 National Recovery Strategy for newly from the same two districts, were repatri-
General accessible areas in the north-east. The ated from Liberia and Guinea with help
106,088 aim of the Strategy was to contribute to the from UNHCR; still others returned by their
consolidation of peace and the stabiliza- own means.
tion of the country while laying the founda-
tions for longer-term development. It
19,259,029 focused on improving the delivery of basic
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AFRICA SIERRA LEONE
Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the
conflicts in the Mano River Union coun-
The ICRC reacted quickly to address needs
arising from the spillover of the Liberian
ICRC ACTION
tries, conflict persisted in the region and conflict. It registered new cases of sepa- Key points in 2002
showed little sign of letting up. While rated families and provided tracing serv-
Sierra Leone remained calm, the conflict in ices, especially where unaccompanied • scaling down and/or completing major
neighbouring Liberia raised tension in bor- refugee children were involved. The organ- aid programmes for civilians resettling
der areas, generated influxes of Liberian ization helped the authorities set up an in Sierra Leone, according to plan
refugees and Sierra Leonean returnees, internee camp and visited former fighters • ongoing protection and prevention pro-
and resulted in incursions by armed interned there. grammes (visits to detainees, tracing
Liberians – some of whom were subse- activities, promotion of IHL)
quently disarmed and interned in Sierra
Leone. By June, some 24,000 Liberian • response to needs generated by the
refugees had entered the country. The spillover of the Liberian conflict
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone
(UNAMSIL) extended its mandate by six CIVILIANS
months in order to maintain a strong pres-
ence in the eastern border region, but Aid for resettling families
nevertheless announced plans to progres- Government-sponsored and spontaneous
sively reduce its 17,000-member peace- resettlement of IDPs from camps or host
keeping force. communities and of returnees from Guinea
In light of Sierra Leone's evolving peace and Liberia, mainly in the Kono and
process, the ICRC focused on running Kailahun districts, was continuous. As
short-term integrated rehabilitation pro- farming families represent approximately
grammes in a number of newly accessible 80% of the total population in these
chiefdoms of the Kono and Kailahun dis- severely war-affected districts, support for
tricts hardest hit by the ravages of the war. agricultural activities remained crucial.
While waiting for government services to Following ICRC verification and assess-
be resumed, stopgap aid programmes – ments, close to 40,000 farming families
planned in close coordination with the received agricultural aid comprising
National Council for Social Action and the 2,000 tonnes of rice and groundnut seeds
Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Social and hoes in time for the May/June plant-
Welfare – were launched. While decreasing season. The ICRC worked in close
ing the volume and scope of its activities, cooperation with the Sierra Leonean agri-

the ICRC worked to complete all rehabilita- culture ministry and the UN Food and Agri-
tion and agriculture programmes begun in culture Organization to procure seed meet-
2002 and earlier. ing the ministry's standards. An
In Kono and Kailahun districts in particu- agreement was reached with WFP to pro-
lar, priority was given to providing primary vide beneficiaries with one-month food
health care, safe drinking water and ade- rations to ensure that the seed was
quate sanitation facilities, and on promot- planted and not eaten.
ing agricultural activities among those By redistributing over 40 different local
who met ICRC criteria for receiving aid. and improved seed varieties for reproduc-
Special attention was paid to the needs tion by a beneficiary population of over
of women. WFP-provided food was dis- 240,000, the ICRC's programme con-
tributed to all beneficiaries of the ICRC’s tributed to the restoration of the biological
agricultural aid programme. In addition, diversity of rice culture in Sierra Leone.
the ICRC continued visiting people Some 24,630 tonnes were produced from
detained in connection with the conflict, the ICRC rice seed distributions in Kono
promoting IHL and bringing aid to the and Kailahun. The ICRC also provided
wounded and sick. other kinds of relief to 75,600 of the most
needy civilians.
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In cooperation with the Sierra Leonean control, soil conservation and marketing During the year the ICRC carried out a total
Red Cross, the ICRC provided 754 fishing and production. of 80 visits to State prisons and various
kits for over 1,700 fishermen from police stations in border areas with
206 associations in 11 chiefdoms in Restoring family links Liberia. The ICRC conducted frequent visits
Kono and Kalaihun. The small-scale fish- to the Pademba prison, where detainees it
The ICRC identified and registered 474
eries that benefited brought high-quality was entitled to visit were held, and closely
unaccompanied children among the esti-
animal protein to the local diet at a rea- monitored the conditions of detention.
mated 40,000 Sierra Leonean refugees
sonable cost, improved household
still residing in Guinea. The children's • RCMs distributed: 682
income and helped reduce the poverty
cases were followed by the ICRC's opera-
level in the two districts.
tional delegation in Guinea while its dele- Prison renovation
Sierra Leoneans continued to suffer from gation in Sierra Leone searched for their
ICRC support for the renovation of
an acute lack of sanitation and health- parents.
Pademba prison included technical plans,
care facilities and safe sources of drinking
According to UNHCR, some 43,000 of the building materials, tools and equipment.
water. The ICRC therefore carried out pro-
approximately 60,000 refugees in Sierra With the active involvement of both pris-
grammes involving the construction of
Leone were living in camps. As the major- oners and penitentiary employees, the
wells and sanitation facilities for the bene-
ity of these had become separated from kitchen building and cooking facilities
fit of civilians in Kono and Kalaihun. Sev-
family members who remained in Liberia, were renovated. Six energy-saving ovens
enty settlements within the eastern region
the need to help them restore contact with were installed and a new warehouse was
were provided with improved water and
their families was great. constructed. In addition, an elevated water
sanitation facilities. The ICRC furnished
tank with a capacity of 3,500 litres was
materials, expertise and training; mem- With the cooperation of the National Soci-
installed to provide water for food prepara-
bers of the local communities participated ety, the ICRC expanded its tracing activi-
tion and cleaning. The renovated kitchen
in the construction work. Health commit- ties in eastern Sierra Leone and set up a
was inaugurated in March.
tees were also formed in all 70 settle- RCM network in several refugee camps. It
ments and trained in basic environmental also continued to process messages from
public health. Sierra Leoneans abroad. The use of an air- Internment camp
craft increased the ICRC's effectiveness in The ICRC monitored the conditions of
The ICRC constructed 830 traditional fam-
carrying out its cross-border family reunifi- internment for over 70 disarmed Liberians
ily pit latrines and eight safe water points
cation activities. held in accordance with applicable law at
in Kono district. In addition, thanks to an
ICRC water and sanitation project dele- a government-run camp opened in Octo-
• RCMs distributed: 6,129
gated to the Netherlands Red Cross, 777 ber in Mape village. The internees received
• unaccompanied displaced children personal hygiene items and clothing, and
traditional family pit latrines and 20 safe
reunited with family members in Sierra were offered the means to contact family
water points were constructed for needy
Leone: 243 via the RCM network.

civilians in Kalaihun district.
• unaccompanied refugee children identi- The ICRC built latrines and wells in the
Helping needy women fied and registered in refugee camps: camp for up to 500 internees. The organi-
547 zation also monitored the conditions of
In cooperation with the Sierra Leonean
internment of the inmates by regularly
Red Cross and the Ministry of Agriculture,
carrying out private talks with them. The
the ICRC pursued its community-based PEOPLE DEPRIVED ICRC conveyed recommendations to the
vegetable-production project which aimed OF THEIR FREEDOM Sierra Leonean government based on its
to improve the economic situation of
observations.
needy members of 415 women's associa- Visits to detainees
tions in Kono and Kalaihun. The project The ICRC submitted findings from 17 visits • RCMs distributed: 172
raised the living standards of over 8,900 to State prisons (conducted from January
women and enhanced their ability to gen- 2001 to February 2002), together with a
erate income. In addition to receiving report on the ICRC's general assessment
seeds and tools, participants were given of seven penitentiaries, to the president.
instruction in such varied topics as how to
prepare a nursery, where to locate a gar-
den for best results, and principles of pest
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AFRICA SIERRA LEONE
WOUNDED AND SICK The main constraint in projects conducted At the end of its three-year assignment in
in Kailahun and especially in Kono was the hospital, the ICRC medical team
Supporting health care the lack of appropriately trained staff to run reported that nursing standards in the
A memorandum of understanding be- the health-care facilities. For this reason, Kenema General operating theatre and
tween the ICRC, the Ministry of Health and the ICRC maintained its weekly supervi- surgical ward were acceptable. Though
the Kailahun and Kano District Health sory visits, such as those to the Kundundu improvements were still required in certain
Management Teams was signed in May. clinic in Kono, which was completed in areas, the ICRC was satisfied that the
early November and run by Ministry of hospital was capable of providing safe
In Kailahun, the ICRC handed over the Health staff. Generally speaking, the issue surgical care for all patients with life-
Segbwema mobile clinic in March. From of the quality of services provided in the threatening surgical pathologies.
inception to handover, the facility provided health-care facilities remained a major
treatment for some 16,000 beneficiaries. • surgical operations performed at Ken-
concern for the ICRC.
In February, the ICRC set up its ema General Hospital in 2002: 2,893
Bunumbu/Manowa mobile clinic. In addi- Maternity care • support to the hospital in 2002
tion, four of the five planned peripheral included training, the presence of an
health units were completed and func- Since 1998, the Canadian Red Cross
ICRC lab technician and basic equip-
tional. Construction of the last unit was Society and the ICRC have been support-
ment such as a centrifuge, microscopes
under way. ing the Princess Christian Maternity Hospi-
and reagents
tal with the objective of reducing maternal
ICRC assistance to the Koidu Government and infant mortality by assisting in obstet-
Hospital in Kono ended in May. Approxi- rical emergencies. Over 13,316 destitute Limb-fitting centre
mately 15,700 cases had been treated and internally displaced women were The ICRC supported the Ministry of
there since September 2001. Continued treated over the past four years. Health's limb-fitting centre in Freetown by
support for this facility will be provided by providing raw materials to fit 100 patients.
MSF-Belgium. The hospital was handed over to the Sierra
It also sponsored the training of two tech-
Leone Ministry of Health on 28 March. In
In the Kono and Kailahun districts, health- nicians in Addis Ababa in ICRC polypropy-
preparation for the handover, the ICRC
care facilities and water and sanitation lene techniques.
reconfigured the hospital’s operating the-
installations had either been destroyed atre and helped bring down the cost of
during the war or were completely dilapi- running it by donating an oxygen concen- AUTHORITIES
dated owing to lack of maintenance. The trator. To ensure a smooth transition and With a view to encouraging legislative and
ICRC repaired water and sanitation facilities guarantee delivery of health care to desti- administrative measures implementing
and provided medical supplies, equipment tute women with life-threatening obstetri- IHL on a national level, the ICRC organ-
and training, enabling 12 government-run cal cases, the ICRC continued to provide ized several workshops for 86 parliamen-
primary health-care units to resume serv- drugs until June. tarians and 32 senior government and

ices for the resident population. Some of
legal officers from key ministries. It also
these activities were carried out by the
Surgical support held an information session for 15 senior
Netherlands Red Cross, in the form of a
Ending expatriate nursing support to the staff of the Office of National Security to
delegated project, in remote settlements in
Kenema General Hospital's operating the- raise their awareness of the ICRC’s role
the Kailahun district. They included repair
atre in June, the ICRC completed the first during and after conflicts, IHL and human
work on six of the primary health units,
phase in its strategy to withdraw its sup- rights law, and UNAMSIL's activities on
latrine and shower construction and health
port for the hospital. In September, the sur- behalf of detainees.
education. The ICRC/Netherlands Red
Cross activities benefited an estimated geon and anaesthesiologist surgical team Because IHL issues were not a priority for
total of 82,900 people. departed. The phase-out was completed the new parliament and there was a lack
in December, with the departure of the of qualified legal personnel to draw up
The ICRC repaired Kono's Saiama clinic ICRC hospital project manager and the legislation concerning IHL, it was urgent to
and handed it over to the district medical delivery of the last consignment of medi- raise awareness of the relevance of this
officer in June. All five of the planned cines. Under the exit agreement, the Min- body of law and to promote it in academic
peripheral health units were completed. istry of Health will manage the hospital’s circles.
Three were functional, with Ministry of operating theatre and its laboratory.
Health and weekly supervisory support
from the ICRC. The other two units were
awaiting Ministry staff.
97
AFRICA SIERRA LEONE
ARMED FORCES To emphasize its identity as a strictly Conflict preparedness and response
impartial and neutral humanitarian organ-
AND OTHER BEARERS ization and to encourage the media to
The National Society informed the govern-
ment of its contingency plan in the event of
OF WEAPONS support the promotion of humanitarian violence during May elections and mobi-
law, the ICRC held a workshop in Kenema lized its volunteers countrywide. A Move-
IHL training for 20 broadcast and print journalists ment task force coordinated and facilitated
The ICRC continued to conduct informa- working in the eastern and southern the preparation of National Society staff. In
tion and training sessions on IHL for regions. It issued regular updates for the addition to providing vehicles and VHF
members of the Republic of Sierra Leone media and press releases on issues of handsets, the ICRC and the International
Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone concern to the ICRC and on its efforts to Federation covered the cost of the training
police and UNAMSIL. It also organized IHL address them, including activities carried and refresher courses and donated first-
train-the-trainer courses for 55 RSLAF out jointly with the National Society. In aid materials and other equipment.
officers and handed over teaching materi- addition, the "Red Cross Na Salone" panel
discussion programme was aired weekly With ICRC technical support, the Sierra
als for use by military IHL instructors.
by the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service. Leonean Red Cross finalized its "Basic
Further, the ICRC concluded its IHL aware- Additional radio programmes were broad- Guidelines for Response to Disasters",
ness programme for demobilized former cast in the capital and in Bo and Kenema, which were intended to contribute to the
fighters taking part in the Military Reinte- with the aim of improving general under- National Society's preparedness and to
gration Programme and who wanted to standing of the Red Cross, its Fundamen- clarify its possible range of action in
join the RSLAF. A total of 788 former Revo- tal Principles and its activities throughout disasters outside the scope of ICRC aid
lutionary United Front (RUF) and Civil Sierra Leone. programmes. The ICRC donated 4,200
Defence Forces fighters attended eight lec- non-food family kits to the National
tures covering basic rules of behaviour in Society (50 kits per branch) for disaster
combat, the role of the ICRC and Red NATIONAL SOCIETY preparedness.
Cross activities in Sierra Leone.
Cooperation
In connection with UNAMSIL's introductory Dissemination
The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and
training programme, the ICRC gave lec- the ICRC signed a cooperation framework With ICRC support, the National Society
tures for hundreds of UN peacekeepers on agreement and several project agreements organized information workshops for tra-
their obligation to respect and to ensure on communication, tracing, conflict pre- ditional, religious and community leaders
respect for IHL. The role of the ICRC, the paredness and response, and children in the Kono and Kalaihun districts. The
Fundamental Principles of the Movement, affected by armed conflict. workshops' aim was to disseminate infor-
and ICRC activities in Sierra Leone were mation on the ideals, principles, and
also covered in the lectures. Jointly with the International Federation, activities of the Movement in Sierra Leone.
the ICRC supported steps taken by the
National Society to resume its work and

CIVIL SOCIETY reopen branches in newly accessible
Tracing
Since the country was no longer divided areas. The ICRC boosted the National Society’s
between government and former RUF tracing capacity through various training
In October, the National Society, the Inter- sessions and joint dissemination or trac-
forces, the tendency to bring accusations
national Federation and the ICRC unani- ing activities. In particular, following the
against foreign organizations – including
mously agreed that the remaining months merger of the National Society’s tracing
humanitarian ones such as the ICRC –
would be viewed as a period of transition and dissemination departments in March,
decreased. Thus, the perception of the
after which the ICRC would relinquish its one week of training was provided for new
ICRC by the general public in Sierra Leone
role as lead agency. staff in charge of these activities.
improved. However, expectations were
high and the ICRC's role and mandate
were not fully understood.
98
AFRICA SOMALIA
SOMALIA
Personnel :
12 expatriates
24 national staff
In Somalia, the ICRC focuses on

providing an emergency response to the
direct effects of conflict, which are
frequently compounded by natural
disasters. Its activities include the
provision of mainly non-food aid,
medical assistance for the war-wounded
and water and sanitation work. The
ICRC also carries out programmes with
a medium-term outlook designed to
maintain local coping mechanisms and
preserve adequate living conditions for
extremely vulnerable populations.
Cooperation with the Somali Red
Crescent Society completes this range
of activities.
The ICRC has maintained a presence in
Somalia since 1982, basing its
delegation in Nairobi since 1994.
CONTEXT

Political violence, clan feuds and individ- and a rise in crime, including kidnapping.
Expenditure (in Sfr) ual power struggles escalated in many In June, the TNG issued the first of several
parts of Somalia in 2002, leaving hun- public appeals calling on the international
Protection dreds of people dead, thousands community to help end over a decade of
196,732 wounded and tens of thousands disarmed conflict in the country.
Assistance placed. Gedo experienced its worst fight-
The Somali national reconciliation confer-
17,993,737 ing in years. Other arenas of heavy conflict
ence opened on 15 October in Eldoret,
Preventive action were Middle and Lower Juba, Bay region,
Kenya, under the aegis of the Inter-
and Puntland. Sporadic clan feuds, often
345,564 Governmental Authority on Development.
over water and pastureland, were reported
Cooperation with National Societies On 27 October, the TNG and warring fac-
in Hiran, Mudug, Galgudud and Lower
1,582,876 tions agreed to a cease-fire for the dura-
Shebele. In the capital, Mogadishu,
General tion of the talks. When the conference
clashes between Transitional National
adjourned on 24 December, set to resume
105,465 Government (TNG) police and various
in January 2003, the process was
factions in April and May triggered an
reported to be faltering.
increase in fighting between clans, the for-
20,224,373 mation of neighbourhood vigilante groups
99
AFRICA SOMALIA
On the economic front, the Gu harvest
(July-August) was above average, fol-
ICRC ACTION ture, usually water catchments and irriga-
tion channels. The ICRC also donated
lowed by exceptionally good Deyr rains Key points in 2002 materials (tools, jerrycans, tarpaulins and
(October-December), which brought some sandbags) to the communities to carry out
relief to drought-stricken regions such as • emergency aid distributed to some future maintenance. Over one-third of the
Gedo, Bakool, Hiran and parts of Puntland 11,000 families displaced by conflict, projects (26 in all) were carried out in the
and Somaliland. However, the continuing frequently compounded by natural dis- Gedo region, where people suffered from
violence, insecurity, the effects of previous asters the combined effects of prolonged drought
droughts, and a deteriorating economy • access to clean water secured for some and intense fighting during most of the
meant there were still large numbers of 170,000 families, and irrigation sys- year.
people facing severe hardship. tems rehabilitated or improved for some In Lower Shebele, potentially one of the
Somalia remained an unpredictable envi- 100,000 families to help maintain or most productive regions in Somalia, the
ronment for humanitarian agencies to restore their livelihoods ICRC through its gravity irrigation project
work in. Access to victims in conflict- • some 9,000 patients, over 50% of repaired 30 river gates that controlled
affected areas was often difficult or impos- them war-wounded, treated in 4 ICRC- water levels and irrigation for 18,051
sible because of security constraints. Dur- supported hospitals farming families. The aim was to prevent
ing the year, convoys transporting ICRC seasonal flooding that destroyed crops,
relief goods were attacked on three occa- and ensure a long-term increase in food
sions. The attacks were carried out not to CIVILIANS production. The ICRC also distributed
target the ICRC but purely for material 400,000 sandbags to riverside farming
Assisting IDPs
gain. communities in the Juba and Shebele
Prolonged fighting, for example in the regions as protection against seasonal
Despite these difficulties, the ICRC was Gedo, Bay and Middle and Lower Juba flooding in April and October.
able to carry out the majority of its activi- regions, meant thousands of people who
ties in Somalia, thanks to its flexible oper- had fled their homes with few possessions In another project, the ICRC installed
ational set-up, well adapted to the coun- were displaced for long periods. The ICRC seven irrigation systems driven by diesel
try's situation. Teams of ICRC experts provided emergency supplies, including pumps to serve 4,510 families in the
based in Nairobi made frequent field trips tarpaulins, blankets, clothing, jerrycans Hiran region who already practised rain-
to assess the situation and monitor pro- and kitchenware, for some 11,000 dis- fed irrigation. Seven more systems were
grammes, while a network of Somali ICRC placed families, 5,000 of whom also under construction. The ICRC also rehabil-
staff carried out activities with the Somali received items such as tools, wire and itated six pump-irrigation systems that it
Red Crescent, often assisted by specialist seeds for planting to enable them to return installed in 1997, and provided training
ICRC personnel. The ICRC maintained its home and start to rebuild their lives. for future maintenance.
two-pronged approach, distributing emer-
A total of 113 other water projects were

gency aid to IDPs and carrying out
Helping communities survive crises completed in central and southern Soma-
medium-term projects to secure basic
Over a decade of conflict and a series of lia to ensure that over 170,000 families
services for local communities indirectly
natural disasters had taken their toll on and their livestock had access to clean
threatened by conflict. To care for the
many Somali resident communities. To water within a reasonable distance. These
wounded and sick, ICRC support con-
help weakened communities maintain or included the rehabilitation of 50 shallow
tinued for four surgical hospitals and
rebuild their livelihoods and be in a better wells, 26 berkads (traditional sub-surface
25 health-care centres. The ICRC also
position to weather another crisis, the reservoirs), 24 boreholes and 13 rain-
maintained a high level of support for the
ICRC continued to run short- and medium- water catchments, plus the donation of
Somali Red Crescent, which continued to
term projects to build or repair facilities, cement to maintain some 900 berkads.
be a key partner in implementing ICRC
programmes. mostly water and irrigation systems. To cover crop failures, the ICRC distributed
The ICRC completed 70 community seeds and hoes to some 8,000 families in
improvement projects benefiting some central and southern regions in April,
67,000 families in eight regions of central 14,000 in September and 11,000 in
and southern Somalia. Each project lasted December, in time for the planting seasons.
around 25 days and provided food and/or Limited food rations were provided for
cash for work for some 3,000 local peo- some of these families to ensure they were
ple who helped to repair vital infrastruc- not forced to sell or consume the seeds.
100
AFRICA SOMALIA
At the end of the year, the ICRC distributed istration, organized by the ICRC. In 2001, Containing cholera
12,000 fishing kits to needy families the ICRC introduced cost-recovery pro- The ICRC supported four centres in
along the Juba and Shebele rivers and the grammes in both hospitals. One year on, Mogadishu run by the Somali Red Cres-
coastal regions of Mudug and Middle She- Keysaney was generating an average of cent that dispensed oral rehydration salts
bele to diversify their food sources and 3,000 US dollars per month or 10% of its between February and July, the high-risk
increase their income during the harsh, costs, and Medina was covering one- period for cholera outbreaks. Around one-
dry season known as jilaal (January- quarter of its running costs, or 4,500 dol- third of the over 3,000 patients treated at
March). lars per month. the centres in 2002 tested positive for
Mudug Regional Hospital in Galkayo and cholera. Severely dehydrated patients were
Restoring family links Baidoa Hospital in Bay region received referred to the two cholera treatment cen-
Thousands of Somalis were scattered by monthly deliveries of ICRC-donated phar- tres in Mogadishu run by Action contre la
conflict, lost contact with their families and maceuticals and other running stock, and faim and MSF-Spain.
often could not afford private means of emergency supplies when needed. Both
communication. This meant there was still regions experienced heavy fighting. In AUTHORITIES
a clear need for the RCM and tracing serv- July, during clan feuds over water, Mudug
ice which reconnected Somalis with their treated 217 war-wounded. Between With a weakened TNG and ongoing con-
relatives at home and abroad. The ICRC, October and December, when Baidoa flicts between various factions, the ICRC
together with the Somali Red Crescent, changed hands several times, the hospital found it could not adopt a structured
delivered 8,041 RCMs. The ICRC also admitted 195 war-wounded. In total, approach to the dissemination of IHL for
continued to sponsor the BBC Somali Ser- Mudug treated 1,941 war-wounded pa- Somali authorities and armed forces.
vice's "Missing Persons Programme", tients and Baidoa 595. Efforts to raise awareness of IHL focused
which broadcast 4,694 names of people on security forces in Somaliland and on
sought. civil society, in particular women and
Delivering primary health care students.
The ICRC maintained its financial, material
WOUNDED AND SICK and technical support for 25 primary
ARMED FORCES
health-care posts run by the Somali Red
Supporting hospitals Crescent. The posts (10 in Hiran, seven in AND OTHER BEARERS
The ICRC continued to support four surgi- Lower Juba, four in Galgudud, two in OF WEAPONS
cal hospitals that were referral units for the Gedo and two in Bakool) were stra-
war-wounded in most of the country. It tegically located in remote rural areas IHL training
provided surgical materials, drugs, salaries with a combined population of around The ICRC initiated a programme in
and food for the 110-bed Keysaney Hos- 500,000 people. During a severe cholera Somaliland with the aim of promoting the
pital in Mogadishu North, run by the outbreak between April and June, the net- basic rules of IHL among the security

Somali Red Crescent. Keysaney treated work of health-care posts proved to be forces. Four courses were conducted for
2,912 patients, one-third of whom were effective in monitoring the disease, treat- some 80 instructors and battalion officers.
war-wounded. The ICRC also gave the ing patients and organizing local cholera-
55-bed Medina Hospital in Mogadishu awareness campaigns. The posts carried
South funds to cover a major portion of out 235,895 consultations. CIVIL SOCIETY
its running costs, in addition to food and Medical supplies were dispatched on an Taking into account the role women play
medical supplies. It donated more sup- ad hoc basis throughout the year to sev- in Somali society, the ICRC conducted two
plies than in 2001 to cope with the eral health-care facilities overwhelmed by three-day workshops for women’s groups
influx of war-wounded. Medina treated an influx of war-wounded, thus highlight- in Mogadishu and Hargeisa, with the aim
3,677 patients, 50% of whom were war- ing the need for the ICRC to remain flexi- of raising awareness of IHL. Using the for-
wounded. As a step towards self-manage- ble, with a contingency stock to meet local mat of focus groups employed in the
ment, Medina Hospital, with ICRC support, emergencies. In July, for example, when ICRC's "People on War" project, the
took over responsibility for its budget, factional fighting broke out in Puntland, women talked about how their lives were
excluding staff, and introduced fees for the ICRC sent dressing material to affected by conflict. The workshop partici-
beds and operations and a new account- Bossaso and Garowe hospitals and to a pants then organized 16 similar discus-
ing system. One staff member each from clinic to treat injured civilians and fighters sion groups in their own neighbourhoods.
Medina and Keysaney attended a six- on both sides. In addition, the BBC Somali Service broad-
week course in Nairobi on hospital admin- cast 16 ICRC-produced "People on War"
101
AFRICA SOMALIA
radio spots twice a week for four months Restoring family links
(January-April), promoting respect for and promoting IHL
civilians in conflict situations. To maximize resources, 23 National Soci-
To spread awareness of IHL among future ety staff and two volunteers were trained at
leaders and decision-makers, the ICRC the end of 2001 to carry out both tracing
launched a programme for university staff and dissemination activities in their
and students, holding a total of eight regions. The ICRC covered the wages of
workshops on the basic rules of IHL at the these workers, field-trip expenses and
universities of Mogadishu, Hargeisa and other running costs such as materials and
Boroma. audio-visual equipment. At two work-
shops, held in January and November, the
To enhance the media's reporting of 23 field officers agreed on new tracing
issues of humanitarian concern, the ICRC guidelines, and the ICRC introduced a
conducted a half-day workshop on IHL in database to record and monitor the work-
Mogadishu for Somali journalists based in load.
the capital and in the south of the country
(Lower Juba, Hiran and Lower Shebele). At the January workshop, new guidelines
were also agreed on how to promote the
Somali Red Crescent Society as a na-
NATIONAL SOCIETY tional, autonomous humanitarian organi-
The Somali Red Crescent Society zation. To help the National Society be-
remained a key partner in all areas of come better known, the ICRC and Horn
ICRC activities, carrying out tracing serv- Afrik, a Somali radio station, co-produced
ices, distributing aid, running health-care a series of spots that publicized its
centres and a hospital, and disseminating cholera-treatment centres in Mogadishu.
IHL to leaders of factions in areas inacces- The spots were broadcast on the station
sible to the ICRC. Against a backdrop of and played on the streets of the capital
ongoing conflict, the National Society’s over a mobile public-address system.
main challenge was to preserve its inter- ICRC-produced promotional material,
nal unity and its capacity to assist people including over 22,000 calendars for
in need in an impartial and balanced 2003, was sent to all 19 branches for
manner, throughout the country. distribution.
Strengthening management Emergency preparedness

To ensure the Somali Red Crescent had a On the basis of the 2001 assessment of
solid management structure, the ICRC the needs of the Somali Red Crescent first-
continued to pay for the salaries of core aid training programme, the ICRC organ-
staff and the running costs of the National ized two workshops, held in July and
Society's headquarters in Mogadishu and November, to reach the first-aid instructors
coordination offices in Hargeisa and of all 19 branches. The aims were to
Nairobi, and two branches. upgrade and standardize first-aid training
courses, and then expand the service to
areas not covered. With the International
Federation, an action plan was agreed
and a working group set up to produce
a final draft of training manuals and
procedures.
102
AFRICA SUDAN
SUDAN
Personnel :
83 expatriates
638 national staff
In Sudan, the ICRC focuses on

protecting and assisting IDPs and
resident communities affected by
conflict; medical assistance for the war-
wounded and support for
prosthetic/orthotic centres in Khartoum
and Lokichokio (Kenya); monitoring the
living conditions and treatment of
people detained in connection with the
conflict; dissemination of IHL to
government forces, the Sudan People's
Liberation Army and other bearers of
weapons; restoring links between
relatives separated by conflict; and
cooperation with the Sudanese Red
Crescent.
The ICRC opened its first office in
Khartoum in 1978 in response to the
Ethiopian conflict. In 1984, the ICRC
launched operations relating to Sudan's
internal conflict.

CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) The year saw the revival of the peace Governmental Authority on Development.
process aimed at ending the 19-year In order to address issues such as the
Protection internal armed conflict between the sharing of power and wealth and self-
2,722,761 Sudanese government and various oppo- determination for the south, the govern-
Assistance sition militias. The government and the ment and SPLA/M also agreed to a six-
main armed opposition group, the Sudan month pre-transitional period, followed by
32,587,684
People's Liberation Army/Movement a six-year period of transition at the end of
Preventive action (SPLA/M), agreed to suspend hostilities which a referendum on self-determination
1,405,451 until 31 March 2003, and to give human- for the south would be held. A third round
Cooperation with National Societies itarian organizations unimpeded access, of peace talks was scheduled to begin in
1,826,455 from 1 November 2002, to all regions January 2003. Prior to the start of the
General controlled by the two parties. These land- talks in June, US-led peace initiatives had
191,621 mark agreements were signed during two already resulted in the two sides agreeing
rounds of peace talks held between June in January to a six-month ceasefire
and November in the Kenyan town of (renewed in June) in the Nuba Mountains.
38,733,972 Machakos, under the aegis of the Inter-

103
AFRICA SUDAN
Despite these initiatives, the internal con-
flict between government troops and
ICRC ACTION flict, scheduled to take place in Geneva
in February 2003.
opposition forces, as well as inter- Key points in 2002
factional fighting, persisted. Civilian ca- Improving health standards
sualties were high and thousands of peo- • some 9,500 patients treated at 2 ICRC-
supported surgical hospitals The ICRC continued to develop "inte-
ple were forced to flee their homes. The
grated" health projects designed to reduce
main battlefields were in Western Upper • over 1,000 amputees fitted with pros-
illness and disease by upgrading commu-
Nile/Unity state, Equatoria and Bahr theses in 3 ICRC-supported workshops
nity health centres and water and sanita-
al-Ghazal, while armed clashes were also
• water secured for some 55,000 IDPs tion facilities. The projects were situated
reported in the Blue Nile and Kassala
mainly in areas where large numbers of
regions. • 753 detainees visited in connection
IDPs placed a strain on resources. Includ-
During most of the year, aid organizations with the internal conflict
ing the new health centre which opened in
faced enormous constraints. Access to • some 42,000 RCMs distributed, conflict-damaged Raga in October, the
victims in conflict zones remained difficult, enabling family members separated by ICRC provided medical supplies, staff
at times impossible, because of flight conflict to maintain contact training and supervision and building
restrictions. Security was also a constant materials and maintenance for 13 primary
concern. From 1 November, when hu- • law drafted to create a national commit-
health-care (PHC) facilities in southern
manitarian agencies were granted free tee on the implementation of IHL
Sudan, serving some 160,000 people.
movement in Sudan, the ICRC began con- The PHCs (four in Yirol and one in
ducting surveys of medical facilities in CIVILIANS Chelkou in SPLA-controlled areas; four in
southern Sudan to assess their capacity to Juba, three in Wau and one in Raga in
treat the war-wounded. It also increased Restoring family links government-controlled areas) carried out
the number of its visits to detainees and The ICRC, together with the Sudanese Red 189,223 consultations, including cura-
stepped up its programme to promote IHL Crescent, distributed 41,769 RCMs, tive, antenatal and mother and child care,
among the authorities, the armed forces, bringing news of family to relatives in vaccination programmes and health edu-
the SPLA and other bearers of weapons. Sudan and abroad who were separated by cation. To improve the skills of PHC per-
conflict. Under its family reunification pro- sonnel, the ICRC helped to organize a
gramme, the ICRC focused on reuniting variety of courses and sponsored the
children with their families, in particular training of over 60 Sudanese health pro-
minors who had lost contact with their fessionals and students at the ICRC's
parents during fighting in Raga in 2001. Lopiding Hospital in Kenya. To reinforce
Together with other organizations, in par- the work of the PHCs, the ICRC launched
ticular the Save the Children Fund, the pilot hygiene-promotion programmes in
ICRC worked on the cases of 149 unac- Yirol, Wau and Chelkou. This involved set-
companied minors, 67 of whom were ting up local health and water committees
reunited with their families. that, with ICRC support, could eventually
assume responsibility for health education
The ICRC reminded the government and and water and sanitation facilities in their
the SPLA of their obligation under the villages. Together with these committees,
Geneva Conventions to address the issue the ICRC built or repaired over 100 water-
of civilians and soldiers reported missing. supply systems in the three regions.
Under ICRC sponsorship, representatives
of the Sudanese Ministry of Justice and
of the Commission for the Eradication of
the Abduction of Women and Children
attended one of six workshops in Geneva
organized as part of an ICRC project called
"The Missing". The workshops provided
data and recommendations for an ICRC-
organized international conference on
persons missing because of armed con-
104
AFRICA SUDAN
Providing emergency aid WOUNDED AND SICK the Centre to be fitted with prostheses. The
in conflict regions workshop at Lopiding Hospital increased
The ICRC, together with the Sudanese Red Treating the war-wounded its output by six percent over last year,
Crescent, distributed emergency aid, To provide comprehensive treatment for producing 380 prostheses, including 78
mainly essential household supplies such the war-wounded and other patients need- for mine victims. The ICRC strengthened
as blankets, seed for planting and tools, to ing emergency surgery in southern Sudan, its support in the areas of training and
over 10,000 families affected by conflict, the ICRC continued to run Lopiding Hospi- materials to Juba Orthopaedic Workshop,
and secured a supply of clean water for tal in Lokichokio, Kenya, near the which almost doubled its production, fit-
some 55,000 IDPs. The majority of bene- Sudanese border, and provide Juba ting over 100 patients with prostheses.
ficiaries had been forced to abandon their Teaching Hospital with staff, medical sup-
homes during fighting around Raga (Bahr plies, training and food for patients and AUTHORITIES
al-Ghazal), Juba (Western Equatoria), staff.
Bentiu (Western Upper Nile/Unity state) Creating a national IHL committee
Lopiding Hospital treated 3,357 patients,
and Akobo (Jonglei). For example, when Significant progress was made in imple-
including 1,196 war-wounded. Major
armed conflict near Bentiu triggered the menting IHL at the national level. At the
maintenance work was completed to
flight of some 35,000 people to Mayom, end of the year, the Sudanese authorities,
upgrade the hospital’s electricity supply and
the ICRC and Sudanese Red Crescent with ICRC support, produced a draft law
water and drainage systems, and guide-
evacuated the wounded to Bentiu hospital that would create a national committee on
lines were produced to improve mainte-
and set up four water tanks for the IDPs. the implementation of IHL. Leading up to
nance, cleaning and waste management.
The ICRC then trained Red Crescent volun- this, the ICRC had organized the first-ever
teers to treat the water and monitor the Juba Teaching Hospital treated 5,383 round table in Sudan, followed by a semi-
IDPs for symptoms of communicable and patients. The ICRC, together with the hos- nar, on the incorporation of IHL into
water-borne diseases. The ICRC also car- pital authorities, launched a training pro- national law. The two events drew repre-
ried out major repairs to a water treatment gramme in April designed to improve the sentatives from the Ministries of Foreign
plant in Bentiu serving 15,000 residents practical and management skills of the Affairs, Defence, the Interior and Justice,
and 20,000 IDPs. 70 head, assistant-head and certified the Peace Advisory Commission, the judi-
nurses. In addition, 35 Sudanese medical ciary, the armed and security forces and
students started a 10-month clinical train-
PEOPLE DEPRIVED ing programme in the hospital, with ICRC
the Sudanese Red Crescent, as well as
members of the national IHL committees
OF THEIR FREEDOM support. The hospital authorities gradually of Egypt, Jordan and Yemen. As a result, a
The ICRC carried out 37 visits to 25 places assumed full responsibility for mainte- steering committee was created that
of detention to monitor the treatment and nance work, with the ICRC providing drafted the law.
living conditions of 753 detainees held by materials.
the SPLA and other opposition factions in In October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The ICRC, working with the Sudanese held a round table on becoming party to
connection with the internal conflict. After authorities, organized a seminar on war-
the visits, the ICRC reported its findings to the Protocols additional to the 1949
surgery in Khartoum in October for some Geneva Conventions. The ICRC made the
the authorities. Following fighting in Octo- 100 Sudanese medics and paramedics.
ber between government troops and the opening presentation, and organized three
northern opposition group, the National subsequent round tables promoting the
Democratic Alliance, near the border with Fitting amputees relevance of these instruments, attended
Eritrea, the ICRC was granted access, for The ICRC continued to provide financial by high-ranking government, judicial and
the first time, to 198 detainees held by the support, materials, and training and military officials.
Alliance. From 1 November, when access supervision for three centres that produced
to all regions improved significantly, the artificial limbs and prosthetic/orthotic ARMED FORCES
ICRC visited four detention facilities previ- appliances for war amputees and other
ously inaccessible, registering 20 de- disabled people. At the largest, the Pros-
AND OTHER BEARERS
tainees. During the year, the ICRC distrib- thetic and Orthotic Centre in Khartoum, OF WEAPONS
uted 3,218 RCMs to detainees, and production was steady – 798 prostheses,
provided essential items to contribute to including 117 for mine victims, and 627 IHL in armed forces training
their health and welfare, including medical orthoses – and met the required stan- A milestone was reached when the
supplies, food, soap and clothes. dards. The ICRC transported 18 patients Sudanese army, with ICRC support, incor-
from as far afield as Wau and Malakal to porated IHL into its standard training pro-
105
AFRICA SUDAN
gramme. A series of courses to train army South Africa and Hong Kong, to visit was built in Bentiu, and new premises
instructors to teach IHL was completed in Lopiding Hospital. In addition, the ICRC were under construction in conflict-
February with a six-day workshop for 20 organized two talks on IHL for 20 journal- damaged Raga.
officers. A final assessment confirmed that ists in Khartoum. The ICRC also developed
Sudanese officers were ready to take over its relationship with the Sudanese Bar Restoring family links
the teaching of IHL, with the ICRC provid- Association in Khartoum, giving a talk for
Working together, the ICRC and the
ing support on an ad hoc basis. In addi- some 60 members of the Association on
Sudanese Red Crescent held four work-
tion, with the authorities' approval, the "IHL and current challenges", and donat-
shops on tracing techniques for staff and
ICRC began organizing IHL sessions in the ing standard IHL reference materials to the
volunteers in Khartoum, Damazine, Kosti
field, including three presentations in June organization. To reinforce knowledge of
and Malakal, and, on the basis of field
for over 600 soldiers and officers in the IHL among humanitarian organizations,
assessments countrywide, agreed on a
newly accessible Nuba Mountains region. the ICRC gave presentations on IHL and
plan of action to improve RCM and tracing
The ICRC also conducted two introductory ICRC activities at 12 workshops organized
services. The ICRC also paid the transport
courses on IHL for 49 air force officers. by Operation Lifeline Sudan, a UN-
costs and daily expenses and provided
sponsored umbrella group, reaching
equipment such as bicycles and raingear
Police some 900 UN and NGO personnel. To
to carry out tracing services in the field.
mark International Women’s Day on 8
The director of the Law Department of the
March, the ICRC held a one-day event in
Sudanese Police Academy provisionally Conflict preparedness and response
Khartoum to present its Women facing
agreed to introduce IHL and human rights
War study to 100 people from human The ICRC donated some 6,500 kits of
into the curriculum in the next academic
rights organizations, academic circles, emergency household supplies to
year. The ICRC was to provide instructors
law organizations and the media. Sudanese Red Crescent branches in Juba,
until the police, through ICRC training,
Bentiu, Kadugli, Malakal, Wau and Kas-
could take over.
University IHL network sala to respond to the needs of people
affected by conflict and continue on-the-
Other bearers of weapons As part of an ICRC initiative, the heads of
job relief training. The ICRC also provided
university law faculties and prominent
In November, the SPLA incorporated a first-aid training manuals, kits and certifi-
lawyers in Sudan formed an IHL network
44-hour course on IHL into the standard cates that benefited some 60 volunteers
with the aim of spreading knowledge of
curricula of its main training facility, the per branch every month.
IHL among academic circles and incorpo-
Institute for Strategic Studies. In July, the
rating the subject into law curricula. The
ICRC conducted its first-ever IHL presenta- Promoting IHL
ICRC drew up the statutes for the network
tion at the Institute – a two-day session for and the Fundamental Principles
and provided IHL reference materials. At
90 officers plus a first-aid course for med-
the University of Khartoum, the ICRC held To enhance Sudanese Red Crescent skills
ical personnel. Also, the ICRC held two
a two-day IHL train-the-trainer workshop in promoting IHL and the Fundamental

introductory IHL sessions in November for
in June for 30 law tutors, and gave four Principles, 25 dissemination officers and
150 SPLA officers in Waat (Jonglei) and
lectures on the basic rules of IHL for some volunteers attended a joint ICRC/Sudanese
Tambura (Western Equatoria), areas to
50 undergraduates. Red Crescent training seminar in Decem-
which it had previously been difficult to
gain access. In total, the ICRC held eight ber in Khartoum. The ICRC also involved
sessions on IHL for armed opposition NATIONAL SOCIETY the National Society in a variety of events
groups, reaching some 350 officers and to increase awareness of the Movement's
The ICRC continued to help the headquar- activities, including IHL sessions for the
over 50 medical personnel. ters of the Sudanese Red Crescent and its armed forces and a public presentation of
branches in conflict-affected regions to the ICRC report, Women and War. Dis-
CIVIL SOCIETY strengthen their capacity to carry out activ- semination was also a part of many joint
ities in the fields of conflict preparedness ICRC/Sudanese Red Crescent relief and
Promoting IHL and response, tracing and dissemination. tracing operations.
Given the media’s potential to draw atten- This included training and supervision as
tion to issues of humanitarian concern, well as a financial contribution towards
the ICRC accommodated an increasing the salaries of 139 employees and the
number of requests from journalists, maintenance and running costs of offices
including television crews from Brazil, and some 20 National Society vehicles.
With ICRC support, a new branch office
106
AFRICA UGANDA
UGANDA
Personnel :
3 expatriates
119 national staff
The ICRC opened a fully-fledged

delegation in Uganda in April 1997.
Prior to that, its activities in the country
had been supervised by the regional
delegation in Nairobi. Following the
killing of six ICRC staff members in
northeastern Democratic Republic of the
Congo in April 2001, the ICRC had to
suspend activities in its sub-delegations
in Uganda and has since maintained a
reduced expatriate presence confined to
the capital, Kampala. The ICRC is
seeking to obtain a thorough
investigation by the Ugandan authorities
into the killings. Meanwhile, the ICRC
remains informed about the situation in
the field. It is monitoring the needs of
the population so as to be in a position
to respond in the event of a major life-
threatening emergency.
CONTEXT

The year began with a build-up of Uganda Adjumani. According to the UN, the con-
Expenditure (in Sfr) People's Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers in flict forced over 100,000 people to flee
the north of the country, followed in March their homes in Uganda in 2002, the
Protection by large-scale UPDF operations against majority of whom sought refuge in district
410,261 the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a centres. By the end of the year, the UN
Assistance Ugandan rebel group, just north of the bor- estimated there were some 500,000 IDPs
1,671,680 der inside Sudan. The LRA outflanked the in the north. The Uganda Red Cross Soci-
Preventive action UPDF, moved back into Uganda and split ety and WFP were the sole organizations
up into smaller units that, from June, pro- able to make regular field trips outside
354,151
ceeded to destabilize virtually the whole of the district capitals to assist victims of
Cooperation with National Societies the north of the country. Villages and crops armed attacks. The ICRC stepped up its
811,898 were burnt, IDP camps attacked and vehi- support for the Ugandan Red Cross,
General cles frequently ambushed. The districts of procuring goods and transport that
253,636 Gulu, Kitgum and Pader came under regu- enabled the National Society to assist
lar LRA attack, but the violence also some 17,000 displaced families.
spread to areas previously unaffected
3,501,625 such as Lira, Apac, Masindi, Moyo and
107
AFRICA UGANDA
The southwest remained relatively calm
during the first half of the year, and an
and to have the murders solved. In June,
the ministry informed the ICRC that a new
ICRC ACTION
increasing number of IDPs felt secure inquiry was to be carried out in July. A Key points in 2002
enough to return to their homes. From report received on 20 August appeared to
June onwards, however, there was a be inconclusive. • support for the National Society
build-up of UPDF forces in the Rwenzori increased in response to the escalation
mountains bordering the Democratic of armed attacks in the north
Republic of the Congo (DRC), reportedly • goods procured for the National Society
to quell a resurgence of the Allied Democ- to distribute to over 17,000 families
ratic Front and a new opposition group adversely affected by conflict
called the People's Redemption Army. In
September, the presidents of Uganda and • aid provided for 6,675 detainees in
the DRC signed an agreement that pro- 6 prisons
vided a framework for normalizing rela-
tions between the two countries. Uganda CIVILIANS
committed itself to withdrawing its remain-
ing troops from the DRC. Restoring family links
On 26 December, a peace deal was The ICRC, together with the Ugandan Red
signed between the Ugandan government Cross, reunited six people with their fami-
and the Uganda National Rescue Front II, lies, including three Congolese children
which had been operating in the north- who were flown to Belgium to join their
west of the country. Under the agreement, parents. With ICRC financial and technical
some 700 of the rebels were to be support, the National Society distributed
integrated into the UPDF and the remain- 776 RCMs to refugees and others sepa-
ing 1,300 would receive resettlement rated from their relatives by conflict, and
packages. collected 873 RCMs in refugee camps
countrywide to be forwarded to families
All ICRC field operations outside Kampala abroad.
remained suspended. The delegation
maintained its offices in Bundibugyo, Kas-
Assisting IDPs and conflict-affected
ese, Gulu and Kitgum, but with no expatri-
residents
ate staff present. These offices stayed in
contact with other humanitarian organiza- Following the resurgence of LRA attacks in
tions and the local authorities but carried June in northern Uganda, the Ugandan
out no operations. The Bundibugyo sub- Red Cross, supported by the ICRC,
delegation was closed at the end of the launched large-scale distributions of
year. A final decision on the future of ICRC emergency aid for victims of the conflict.
operations in Uganda remained depend- The ICRC helped the local Red Cross to
ent both on a security assessment, which draft successful funding appeals, and pro-
would take into account the investigation cured goods and organized transport to
of the murder of six ICRC staff members in enable the National Society to distribute
northeastern DRC in April 2001, and on shelter material and household supplies to
the needs of the population affected by some 15,000 families in the worst-
conflict. The ICRC continued its dialogue affected districts of Gulu, Kitgum and
with the Ugandan authorities in an effort to Pader. Prior to this, the ICRC donated veg-
shed light on the circumstances surround- etable seed as well as basic shelter and
ing the murders. At the end of May the household items to the Red Cross Kitgum
ICRC received a reply to a letter sent by its branch for 2,059 families affected by
president to the president of Uganda. The armed attacks and for IDPs sleeping in the
reply, signed by the minister of defence, compound of Kitgum hospital. Through
indicated that the Ugandan authorities the Bundibugyo branch of the Ugandan
wanted to continue working with the ICRC Red Cross, similar aid was given to 18
108
AFRICA UGANDA
IDPs and also to two families who had WOUNDED AND SICK Building capacity
been rescued after being abducted by an At the start of the year, the ICRC discussed
armed opposition group. Assisting the war-wounded work plans and budgets with National
The ICRC donated surgical supplies on Society staff responsible for tracing, dis-
Assisting with health care for IDPs an ad hoc basis to regional hospitals in semination and conflict preparedness.
IDPs received medical treatment under the conflict-affected areas to treat war- This was followed up by regular consulta-
government-run national health system. wounded patients. Assorted drugs and tions and coordination meetings with
With ICRC support, the National Society dressings were provided for three hospi- Ugandan Red Cross management. The
continued to collect data on the five main tals in the southwest in Kasese and ICRC also helped 16 National Society vol-
causes of death in over 20 representative Bundibugyo, six hospitals in the north in unteers assess the needs of 14 branches,
IDP camps in northern and south-western Gulu and Kitgum, and a medical camp in and subsequently donated radio equip-
Uganda. The information was analysed Mbale set up by the Uganda Medical ment and funds to buy two motorbikes for
and sent to the district authorities twice Board, an association of doctors dispens- use in conflict-prone regions.
during the year. ing free treatment.
PEOPLE DEPRIVED AUTHORITIES The ICRC provided the necessary funds
and training for the National Society to
OF THEIR FREEDOM See Context, last paragraph, for details. carry out tracing services. It also main-
With field activities suspended, ICRC tained the motorcycles used in tracing
detention visits were restricted to six facili- NATIONAL SOCIETY activities and financed the printing of pro-
ties in Kampala district under the authority motional brochures on tracing services for
of the Uganda Prison Service. The ICRC Although the ICRC's own activities outside
distribution in IDP and refugee camps.
carried out 44 visits to the six prisons, Kampala were suspended, it maintained a
registering 31 new detainees and monitor- high level of cooperation with the Uganda
Red Cross Society aimed at strengthening Conflict preparedness and response
ing the treatment and living conditions of
the 157 detainees falling within its man- the National Society's capacities in the With the resurgence of LRA attacks in the
date. Following the visits, the ICRC made areas of tracing, dissemination and con- north in June, the ICRC seconded a staff
representations to the prison service flict preparedness and response. The member to the National Society to help in
authorities. A total of 825 RCMs were dis- Ugandan Red Cross continued to be oper- the planning and implementation of relief
tributed to detainees and 466 collected for ational throughout the country and, with operations for some 15,000 families in
distribution to their families, enabling the ICRC financial and technical support, was Gulu, Kitgum and Pader, the districts most
inmates to maintain regular contact with able to respond to various emergency affected by the violence. The ICRC helped
loved ones. The ICRC also paid the trans- needs at branch level. During the last six to draft two successful funding appeals,
months of the year, when LRA attacks procured the emergency goods required

port costs for over 1,000 visits by family
members to inmates on death row and intensified in the north, the National Soci- and transported them from its Nairobi
detainees visited regularly by the ICRC. ety was one of the few organizations able Logistics Centre to Uganda for distribution
Upon release, 55 former detainees to make regular field trips outside the dis- by the Ugandan Red Cross. It also pro-
received basic supplies and a transport trict capitals to distribute emergency aid. It vided radio-communication sets, a truck
allowance from the ICRC. provided invaluable tracing services for and two four-wheel-drive vehicles. In par-
IDPs and refugees and worked closely allel, the ICRC assisted the National Soci-
The ICRC was the only organization pro- with the ICRC to distribute RCMs to ety in training volunteers and forming Red
viding regular aid contributing to the detainees and facilitate prison visits by the Cross action teams in the three districts.
health and welfare of the approximately relatives of inmates. It was also involved
6,500 inmates in the six prisons. It dis- in family reunification.
tributed personal hygiene products, blan-
kets, buckets, cleaning materials and
recreational items, and provided four pris-
ons with tools, seed and fertilizer for grow-
ing vegetables, which helped meet
detainees’ nutritional requirements.
109
AFRICA UGANDA
Promoting IHL and the Movement
In response to LRA attacks, efforts to assist
the National Society to promote IHL
focused on the conflict-affected districts of
Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Adjumani. With
ICRC support, a campaign of radio spots,
reinforced by posters and leaflets, was
launched in the districts, stressing the
need to respect humanitarian law, espe-
cially its provisions concerning the protec-
tion of civilians. The ICRC also helped to
organize a train-the-trainer course for
eight Red Cross volunteers who then
became responsible for dissemination
training in 10 branches. In addition, the
National Society and the ICRC gave a joint
presentation on IHL and the Movement to
local authorities in Gulu. To raise aware-
ness of the various activities of the Ugan-
dan Red Cross, the ICRC helped the
National Society to produce and distribute
newsletters and promotional wall calen-
dars for 2003.
In other cooperative initiatives, the ICRC
organized a meeting in Mukono, near
Kampala, for 13 local Red Cross staff
and volunteers to evaluate and strengthen
their dissemination skills. An introductory
training session on dissemination was
held in Apaca, near Lira, for 37 volunteers
from branches in the north, and five
drama groups formed by Red Cross vol-
unteers received training aimed at incor-
porating IHL into their performances. To

mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent
Day on 8 May, the Ugandan Red Cross,
with ICRC financial support, organized a
blood-donor campaign in Kampala's
main square, carried out HIV/AIDS-
awareness campaigns, and wrote a fea-
ture on National Society activities for daily
newspapers.
110
AFRICA ABIDJAN
ABIDJAN
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire,
Ghana, Togo
Personnel:
15 expatriates
49 national staff
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Côte

d’Ivoire in 2002, the regional delegation's
activities have focused on maintaining an
operational capacity in order to provide
protection and assistance to victims of
the conflict, to visit places of detention
and to monitor the situation in the country
so as to be able to react in the event of
outbreaks of intercommunal violence. In
all countries covered by the regional
delegation, the ICRC supports the efforts
of the authorities and armed and security
forces to implement IHL and raises
awareness among the armed forces of
the need to comply with its rules.
The ICRC originally set up its regional
delegation in Abidjan in July 1992,
primarily to coordinate activities in
response to conflicts in Liberia and
Sierra Leone.
CONTEXT

Côte d'Ivoire prior to the events izenship by judicial decision, but this
Expenditure (in Sfr) of 19 September failed to defuse tension. Shortly after the
Prior to the 19 September uprising, the decision was announced, violent clashes
Protection political scene was dominated by the broke out in Abidjan between anti-Ouat-
1,020,286 end of the National Reconciliation Forum tara militants and RDR supporters. A cur-
Assistance that culminated in a meeting held between few was imposed in Daloa (400 km
1,451,377 the four main figures in Ivorian politics – north-west of Abidjan) after violent
Preventive action the president, two former heads of State clashes broke out between supporters of
and a former prime minister – to discuss the ruling Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and
1,706,124
ways of strengthening peace and reconcil- the RDR.
862,834 iation efforts. On the economic front, effective reform
General Political tension in Côte d’Ivoire increased programmes and improved management
in the run-up to local elections held on of public funds enabled the government to
49,352
7 July. In June, Rally of Republicans obtain substantial World Bank support
(RDR) leader and former prime minister and financial aid for its battle against
AIDS. Public-sector workers plagued the
5,089,974 Alassane Ouattara was granted Ivorian cit-

111
AFRICA ABIDJAN
country with waves of demonstrations By the end of the year, the government Ghana
demanding better social conditions. The had failed to defeat the military rebellion. It The Ghanaian president’s "positive
president responded by organizing a was unclear whether political stability change" programme continued to be
forum on social reforms and proposing could be restored or whether the rebel viewed favourably by the international
new general laws governing public work- uprising would turn into a full-scale civil community. Economic recovery was slug-
ers and magistrates. war. There was speculation that a negoti- gish, however, and the general public
ated end to the political crisis would be the began to feel the effects of the govern-
Renewed fighting in Liberia resulted in
most likely outcome. ment's austere economic reforms. In April,
new influxes of refugees in western Côte
d'Ivoire. Over a six-month period, UNHCR a state of emergency was declared in the
and its partners reportedly registered a Burkina Faso north after a tribal chief and more than 50
total of 16,571 new refugees in the coun- In Burkina Faso, closely fought legislative others were killed in ethnic clashes. The
try. At the Danané transit centre, refugees elections took place in May. The incum- president inaugurated a South African-
were given food and other basic necessi- bent Congress for Democracy and style reconciliation commission to look
ties before being sent on to the Nicla Progress party won 57 out of 111 seats, into human rights violations during mili-
refugee camp in Guiglo. while opposition parties, in a significant tary rule.
breakthrough, took the remaining 54. The The crisis in Côte d'Ivoire remained a
Côte d'Ivoire after the events conflict in Côte d'Ivoire caused consider- major concern for Ghana, with the number
of 19 September able tensions between the Burkina Faso of refugees in the country increasing
and Ivorian governments. At a meeting of dramatically.
In September, a failed coup d'état was fol-
the two countries’ presidents, which took
lowed by heavy fighting between the army
place in Mali in December, commitments
and insurgents known as the Patriotic Benin
were made to improve dialogue and seek
Movement of Côte d'Ivoire (MPCI). The Benin remained a beacon of democracy
a peaceful solution to the Ivorian crisis.
conflict caused a de facto split between and one of the most stable countries in
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso sought to
the north and south of the country and the Africa. Its first local elections since the end
reduce its economic dependence on Côte
situation remained volatile and extremely of one-party rule in 1990 took place in
d'Ivoire.
unpredictable for the rest of 2002. December. Some three million people
Since the start of the uprising, hundreds of were eligible to elect municipal leaders
Togo
people were reportedly killed or injured in previously designated by the government.
Ahead of presidential elections scheduled
fighting. Hopes that a West African-
for 2003, Togo's electoral process contin-
brokered cease-fire on 18 October would Humanitarian response in Côte d'Ivoire
ued to suffer setbacks. In March, in a ges-
bring a negotiated end to the conflict were The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of
ture that, it was hoped, would serve as a
short-lived. In early November two other Côte d’Ivoire maintained vital links
catalyst for reopening dialogue between
rebel groups, the Ivorian Popular Move- between the rebel-held north and the
the president’s party, the Rally of Togolese
ment of the Great West and the Movement government-controlled south of the coun-
People (RPT), and the opposition, the
for Justice and Peace, began operating in try, and supported health-care facilities,
president had a leading opposition figure
western Côte d'Ivoire near the cities of the national water board and other organ-
released from prison. Parliamentary elec-
Danané and Man. izations providing services necessary for
tions were twice postponed but finally took
The rebels took control of the northern half place in October without the participation the population’s survival.
of the country, including the town of of the opposition. The RPT took 72 of the Since the beginning of the crisis in Côte
Bouaké where heavy fighting caused 81 seats. d'Ivoire, the ICRC, in cooperation with the
some 200,000 people – about one third Red Cross Society of Côte d'Ivoire, led the
On the diplomatic front, the president was
of the town's population – to flee. In Abid- Red Cross response and supported the
appointed coordinator of the Economic
jan, a number of people were arrested in National Society to provide emergency
Community of West African States
connection with the insurrection and some assistance, comprising protection activi-
(ECOWAS) contact group on Côte d'Ivoire.
2,000 lost their homes. With about five ties, ad-hoc food and non-food assistance
Inter-Ivorian talks started in Lomé on
million West African immigrants living in for IDPs and vulnerable civilians in the
30 October.
Côte d’Ivoire – half of them from Burkina conflict zones.
Faso – the conflict had serious regional
implications.
112
AFRICA ABIDJAN
The Movement was able to respond to the
needs generated by the crisis in Côte
ICRC ACTION Providing emergency health care
Following the outbreak of hostilities in Côte
d'Ivoire thanks to the ICRC’s regional dele- Key points in 2002 d'Ivoire, the ICRC arranged for the transport
gation in Abidjan and the presence of the and delivery of vaccines, other medicines,
the National Society countrywide with 39 • emergency response to the crisis in
Côte d’Ivoire and medical and surgical supplies to
local committees. In order to pursue its health-care facilities, particularly in war
operations for victims of the conflict in • regular medical support to 35 health- zones. In cooperation with the Red Cross
rebel-held areas more effectively, the ICRC care facilities treating victims of the crisis Society of Côte d'Ivoire, the ICRC regularly
established a permanent presence in supplied basic medicines to a total of 35
Bouaké and strengthened its presence in • visits to and monitoring of detainees
held in connection with the conflict in facilities (27 in rebel-held territory and
Man. WFP, UNHCR and MSF-France were eight in government-controlled areas)
also active in responding to the crisis situ- Côte d’Ivoire
treating the wounded and the displaced.
ation. The International Federation was • promotion of IHL throughout the region
responsible for the Movement response to In Duékoué, on the western front, the Red
the Ivorian crisis in neighbouring countries • cooperation agreements signed with Cross treated thousands of displaced peo-
(Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali). 4 National Societies ple. In Bouaké, two Red Cross mobile clin-
ics provided treatment for a total of 6,000
The ICRC continued visits to detainees in people. In addition, an ICRC health centre
the country and, as the crisis evolved, CIVILIANS set up in Man handled 2,000 consulta-
obtained access to new places of deten- tions in December. The most serious
Bringing aid to civilians
tion. Through the RCM network, it restored cases were transferred to hospitals.
and maintained family links for thousands The ICRC and the National Societies pro-
of Ivorian nationals and Liberian refugees. vided emergency relief to victims of the ICRC emergency supplies pre-positioned
violence that broke out in the region in in Abidjan were used to support medical
2002 and to IDPs evacuated from Bawku and surgical facilities giving emergency
Humanitarian response in Burkina Faso,
in northern Ghana in December 2001. treatment. In the wake of the fighting, Red
Togo, Ghana and Benin
In Côte d'Ivoire, the ICRC and the Ivorian Cross teams helped collect and identify
In the other countries in the region, the corpses left in the street, particularly in
ICRC conducted activities to promote the Red Cross distributed food to over 100,000
people affected by the crisis. The ICRC also Bouaké and Man.
Fundamental Principles and raise aware-
ness of IHL among members of the armed focused its efforts on keeping vital services
running in rebel-controlled areas. In partic- Ensuring access to clean water
forces, the police and political parties. The
ular, to ensure that health care was pro- and improved hygiene
ICRC continued its efforts to assist
refugees restore family links. It registered vided and that drinking water and electrical In order to ensure access to safe drinking
and searched for the parents of unaccom- power were delivered, it facilitated the sup- water and to forestall major public health

panied minors and exchanged RCMs ply of essential drugs, chemicals and spare problems, the ICRC arranged for chemi-
between family members. parts. It also distributed food made avail- cals, spare parts and technicians from the
able by the WFP and the Cell for human- national water board and electrical power
itarian action and solidarity to medical staff company to cross the front lines (intended
to encourage them to stay put. for 16 water-production plants located in
Among their various activities, the ICRC northern rebel-held areas). In addition, the
and the National Society: ICRC carried out sanitation work in centres
for IDPs near Yamoussoukro, Duékoué
• provided food regularly to patients at and Daloa.
15 health-care facilities
• assisted 9,500 victims of violence in Restoring family links in Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire The ICRC set up a message distribution
• provided non-food aid to some 10,000 system ("I am well" cards) to help family
IDPs members, separated since the beginning
of the conflict in Côte d'Ivoire, to re-
• provided non-food aid to 2,500 victims establish contact. Some 900 such cards
of intercommunal violence in northern were collected in the rebel-held towns
Ghana
113
AFRICA ABIDJAN
of Bouaké, Korhogo, Bouandiali and avoid major health problems affecting ARMED FORCES
Ferkessédougou. The ICRC conveyed large numbers of detainees, such as
the messages to family members in cholera, food was delivered temporarily AND OTHER BEARERS
government-controlled places by tele- to the places of detention most in need OF WEAPONS
phone. The same system was adopted for
• completed water and sanitation projects IHL in the armed forces
Ivorian refugees in Guinea and Liberia.
at 4 prisons
In accordance with its objective of having
Red Cross teams in IDP reception centres
• submitted 2 summary reports and IHL incorporated into military training pro-
identified children separated from their
13 working reports to prison authorities grammes, the ICRC sponsored the atten-
families by the conflict, several of whom
dance of two military instructors from the
were rapidly reunited with their families. After the outbreak of the conflict in Septem-
Ivorian and Burkina Faso armed forces at
The Red Cross also accepted tracing ber, the ICRC visited military personnel
an advanced military training course on
requests for elderly and sick people living and civilians detained in connection with
IHL at the International Institute of Human-
alone in war zones, and the ICRC handled the conflict. The ICRC was given access to
itarian Law, in San Remo, Italy. Côte
tracing requests for people considered by all places of detention under the authority
d'Ivoire's chief of staff later issued a direc-
their relatives to be in danger. of the Ministries of Defence, Justice and
tive making IHL instruction mandatory for
the Interior, and to those controlled by the
Finally, in its capacity as a neutral inter- armed forces personnel. The ICRC also
insurgents.
mediary, the ICRC helped foreign nationals held seminars on its mandate and activi-
to leave the conflict zones. ties and on IHL attended by 40 officers
AUTHORITIES and 93 men from Côte d'Ivoire.
Restoring family links In Togo, the ICRC conducted seminars on
Incorporating IHL into national law
elsewhere in the region IHL for 335 military instructors, officers
The ICRC and ECOWAS held a three-day and students of IHL and donated IHL
The ICRC and/or the National Societies of
regional seminar in Abidjan on the Statute libraries to the Togo armed forces chief of
the region registered 220 unaccompanied
of the ICC. The aim of the conference, staff and to two military schools in Benin.
children, mainly Liberians residing in
attended mainly by senior officials of
the Refugee reception zone (ZAR), and The ICRC also:
ECOWAS member States and legal
reunited eight with their families in Liberia.
experts, was to brief officials on the pow- • conducted an IHL refresher course for
The reunification of additional unaccom-
ers of the Court, how it would operate and 20 military IHL instructors of the
panied children from the zone had to be
the national implementation measures Togolese armed forces
interrupted owing to the conflict in western
demanded by its Statute. Three recom-
Côte d'Ivoire. • organized IHL and humanitarian rights
mendations were adopted at the end of the
The ICRC continued its efforts to help conference, including one calling on West law seminars in Togo for 82 police
refugees restore family links. It registered African countries that had not already rati- officers and other law-enforcement
unaccompanied minors and searched for fied the Statute to do so. personnel
their parents, and exchanged RCMs • financed the production of 700 posters
In June, on the 25th anniversary of the
between relatives of unaccompanied on the rules of conduct in combat and
Protocols additional to the Geneva Con-
minors. The ICRC also extended its tracing 3,000 brochures on IHL, which were
ventions, the ICRC organized a discussion
network in the refugee influx zones in Côte distributed to the armed forces of Togo
session on IHL and its implementation for
d'Ivoire to enable refugees to regain con-
47 members of Côte d'Ivoire's parliament. • financed the production of 2,500
tact with their families.
In addition, an information session was brochures on first aid and the rules of
organized in Côte d'Ivoire for 30 legal conduct in combat, which were distrib-
PEOPLE DEPRIVED advisers to the ministries concerned with uted to the armed forces of Benin by the
OF THEIR FREEDOM implementation of IHL. Red Cross of Benin
Visiting detainees in Côte d'Ivoire After the outbreak of the Ivorian conflict, • gave a presentation to 50 Burkina Faso
steps were taken to facilitate early adop- officers and civilians participating in
Prior to the conflict, the ICRC:
tion of an emblem bill by parliament in peace-keeping operations
• visited 33 detention facilities and pro- order to deal more efficiently with wide-
vided medical treatment, where needed, spread misuse of the red cross emblem
to the detainees visited. In order to during military operations in Côte d'Ivoire.
114
AFRICA ABIDJAN
After the outbreak of the conflict in Côte IHL in universities Tracing
d'Ivoire, efforts to integrate IHL into the Despite chronic disturbances at university Tracing activities were especially devel-
armed forces were put on hold. However, campuses in Côte d'Ivoire, the ICRC oped in Côte d'Ivoire, where a programme
to help explain the ICRC's mandate and organized IHL debating competitions in for unaccompanied children was devel-
activities, as well as the basic rules of IHL, Abidjan and Cotonou. Twelve teams of oped in the areas of western Côte d'Ivoire
a comic strip was produced and distrib- students from as many higher-education welcoming Liberian refugees. Four Ivorian
uted to persons manning checkpoints on institutions in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin and Red Cross tracing officers were assigned
both sides of the front lines. Togo took part. to work in its Tabou, Toulépleu, Guiglo
Contacts were made with the armed forces and Danané branches. The ICRC held
units responsible for IHL training in order training sessions for the officers to help
NATIONAL SOCIETIES them define standard procedures and to
to arrange for future dissemination ses-
sions for 3,000 new Ivorian army recruits. Cooperation agreements signed between provide them with the tools and skills they
Contacts were also made on the rebel side the ICRC and four National Societies would need. By the end of June, the four
to try to organize similar sessions for – those of Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Ghana and tracing officers had registered a total of 58
young MPCI recruits. Benin – formally set down the responsibil- unaccompanied minors.
ities of the Societies and generated better
programme follow-up throughout the year. With financial support from the ICRC, the
CIVIL SOCIETY Togolese Red Cross provided information
and first-aid training to a total of 315 sol-
IHL and the media Conflict preparedness and response diers from the Togolese armed forces.
The ICRC pursued efforts to raise public The Red Cross Society of Côte d’Ivoire and
awareness of the basic rules of IHL, the the International Federation of Red Cross Dissemination
activities of the Movement and its Funda- and Red Crescent Societies began an AIDS-
prevention campaign targeting youths On 8 May, World Red Cross and Red Cres-
mental Principles. On 8 May, World Red cent Day, the Red Cross Society of Côte
Cross and Red Crescent Day, the ICRC from 100 villages in rural areas of the
country. d'Ivoire joined the ICRC in promoting the
launched a musical album entitled album entitled "L'homme, un remède pour
"L'homme, un remède pour l'homme", National Societies throughout the region l'homme". The National Society distributed
which contains eight songs performed by demonstrated their conflict preparedness a total of 6,025 audiocassettes, 2,250
local artists on humanitarian principles, and their response capacities by bringing compact discs, 102 VHS cassettes, 350
sexual violence against women during aid to victims of pre-election incidents in press kits, 850 T-shirts and 800 posters,
times of conflict, and light-arms traffick- Côte d'Ivoire and of intercommunal vio- all produced by the ICRC to support the
ing. The non-profit-making event was lence in Ghana, and providing medical event. (The album was also launched in
given significant coverage by national care during legislative elections in Burkina Togo and Burkina Faso later in May.)
media. The album was promoted through- Faso.

out Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso and In Ouagadougou, the Burkinabé Red
Togo. After the crisis broke out in Côte d'Ivoire, Cross Society, together with local firemen
the Ivorian Red Cross mobilized 100 vol- and police, conducted demonstrations of
After the outbreak of the conflict in Côte unteers. With ICRC technical, logistical Red Cross activities that received consid-
d'Ivoire, the ICRC was extremely busy and financial support, the National Society erable media coverage and were well
responding to numerous requests from the provided medical supplies and distributed received by the general public.
international and national press and from relief to people living in the affected
national television and radio companies regions. The ICRC:
for information on Red Cross activities. • provided financial support enabling 9
"L'homme, un remède pour l'homme" was The Burkinabé Red Cross Society mobi-
lized 500 first-aiders in nearly 30 Ghana Red Cross Society staff to
regularly broadcast on the radio in Côte undergo dissemination training
d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso, provinces who stood ready to provide
and five video clips were produced to pro- medical care during the legislative elec- • donated 11 information and dissemina-
mote the principles highlighted by the tions in Burkina Faso, and the Togolese tion kits to 3 National Society branches
album throughout the region. Red Cross formed, trained and equipped
82 first-aid brigades. Some 555 volun- • gave dissemination sessions to 20
teers were mobilized in 29 of the main provincial committee presidents in Côte
Togolese towns for the October elections. d'Ivoire
115
AFRICA DAKAR
DAKAR
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau,
Mali, Niger, Senegal
Personnel:
4 expatriates
37 national staff
The Dakar regional delegation focuses

on promoting international humanitarian
law (IHL) among the armed forces and
other bearers of weapons and on
encouraging the authorities throughout
the region to implement that law. It also
supports the work of the National
Societies, assists victims of violence,
such as displaced people in need, and
visits detainees, providing them with
material aid where necessary.
Opened in May 1991, the Dakar
delegation initially covered ICRC
activities in Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau,
Senegal and Gambia. Later, its
responsibilities were extended to
include Mali (1993) and Niger (1994).
CONTEXT
The Senegalese president’s party won a In Senegal’s Casamance region, renewed

Expenditure (in Sfr) solid majority in local elections held in fighting broke out between government
May. Though the president sought to con- forces and the Mouvement des forces
Protection solidate his government's position and démocratiques de Casamance.1 Succes-
470,046 push ahead with economic reforms, dis- sive waves of violence drove people from
Assistance sent within the governing coalition again their homes and some 9,000 refugees
401,514 became apparent and the president’s reportedly crossed the border into Gam-
Preventive action efforts to maintain unity had little success. bia. People were also displaced by unsea-
834,079 The political scene was further disrupted sonable rains that caused extensive dam-
when a State-run ferry capsized in Sep- age in the Saint Louis and Louga regions
tember, killing over 1,000. Strong public and prompted the government to launch
546,442 outrage over the catastrophe resulted in an appeal for food and medical aid.
General the resignation of two ministers and a According to OCHA, floods in the north
58,497 cabinet reshuffle. demolished some 20,000 homes, affect-
ing more than 179,000 people.
2,310,579 1 Democratic Forces of Casamance Movement

116
AFRICA DAKAR
In Niger, a mutiny broke out in July/August
in the southeastern region of Diffa before
Gambia’s presidential and parliamentary
elections were conducted in an atmos-
ICRC ACTION
spreading to Niamey. Despite the unrest, phere of relative calm. Landslide victories Key points in 2002
the Alliance des forces démocratiques2 for the ruling party and the president
was expected to remain in power over the returned both to power. • over 20,000 IDPs in Casamance aided
year to follow. The opposition objected to by ICRC
In Casamance, the ICRC and the Sene-
the government’s plans to create 230 rural • ICRC visits to detainees in Senegal,
galese Red Cross Society continued to aid
"communes" (smallest division of local Gambia and Guinea-Bissau
civilians affected by the conflict in this
government), which were viewed by some
region. • Gambia and Niger ratified the ICC
as a threat to national politics as hitherto
practised and raised tensions between the In Mali, Ivorian refugees received food, Statute
two parties. The decentralization issue non-food and medical assistance from the • Cape Verde and Mali ratified the 2000
had to be resolved before municipal elec- authorities and other humanitarian actors Optional Protocol to the Convention on
tions could be held. Owing to the crisis in present including the WFP, UNICEF and the Rights of the Child on the involve-
neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire, the Niger gov- various NGOs. By the end of the year, ment of Children in Armed Conflicts
ernment facilitated the repatriation of its Niger was meeting the need for humani-
citizens living in that country. tarian aid generated by the repatriation of
its citizens from Côte d'Ivoire. CIVILIANS
In Mali, elections held in April and May
The ICRC and the Senegalese Red Cross
2002 saw an end to President Konaré's In Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau,
Society continued helping people forced to
10-year term in office. As the new presi- the ICRC visited security and other
flee the fighting in Casamance. In Ziguin-
dent and his government were assuming detainees, providing basic material aid as
chor and Kolda, joint food distributions
power, the social and economic conse- needed.
reached over 20,000 beneficiaries. Fol-
quences of the Côte d'Ivoire crisis began
The ICRC worked throughout the region to lowing the looting of the village where they
to be felt. Following the murder of several
raise the authorities' awareness of the were being temporarily sheltered, some
of its citizens, Mali repatriated thousands
need to ratify IHL treaties and to adopt IDP families in Kolda also received non-
of Malians from northern Côte d'Ivoire.
national implementation measures. It also food assistance.
There was also an influx of Ivorian
promoted IHL and the activities of the
refugees into Mali's western Kayes region. In Mali, the ICRC provided emergency aid
to 80 Ivorian refugee families temporarily
In December, the president hosted a meet- Movement among the armed and security
housed in transit sites in Sikasso and
ing in Bamako with his counterparts from forces. As the region still lacked any mech-
Zégoua.
Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The focus anism for the coordination of humanitar-
was on establishing peace, security and ian aid, the ICRC regularly informed other
stability in the region. The three heads of humanitarian actors about its activities PEOPLE DEPRIVED

State pledged to abstain from any act of and itself kept abreast of their activities, OF THEIR FREEDOM
aggression against the territorial integrity consulting with them when necessary. As planned, the ICRC continued visits to
of one another’s countries and to forbid detainees covered by its mandate in Sene-
the use of their own territory to destabilize gal, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia to assess
their neighbours. their treatment and living conditions. It
Guinea-Bissau, marked by a power strug- also ascertained whether security de-
gle between the president, the parliament tainees were benefiting from basic judicial
and the military, continued to lurch from guarantees and distributed material aid
one political crisis to another. Growing where needed. Summary reports contain-
friction between the president and his ing observations on prisons visited in
prime minister did little to remedy the 2001 were submitted to the authorities in
country's political instability. In addition, Senegal and Gambia. Cases of detainees
the country’s new constitution, approved held for long periods without trial were
by parliament in April 2001, had not yet brought to the attention of the authorities
received presidential endorsement by the concerned and the ICRC encouraged them
end of 2002. to act quickly to ensure that the necessary
judicial proceedings were instituted in a
2 Alliance of Democratic Forces timely manner.
117
AFRICA DAKAR
The ICRC: Throughout the region, awareness-raising CIVIL SOCIETY
sessions on IHL implementation and the
• obtained authorization to visit persons The emerging civil society in the region
work of the ICRC and the National Soci-
detained in connection with the comprised a mosaic of NGOs, most of
eties were held for senior civil servants.
attempted coup d'état in Guinea-Bissau which were unfamiliar with the respective
This was also done for members of Cape
(December 2001) roles and activities of the ICRC and the
Verde’s IHL commission.
• visited detainees held in prisons in National Societies. The ICRC worked
Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau throughout the region to raise awareness
ARMED FORCES of Red Cross work among members of
• provided basic non-food aid, including AND OTHER BEARERS human rights NGOs in Senegal, Mali and
personal hygiene items and medicines, Niger as well as journalists in Senegal. In
to all detainees visited OF WEAPONS addition, presentations on women and
The ICRC worked to increase the armed war were conducted for women's associa-
and security forces' knowledge of IHL and tions in Ziguinchor, Senegal, and IHL moot
AUTHORITIES the respective roles and activities of the courts were held in both Bamako and
The ICRC stepped up its efforts to encour- ICRC and the National Societies. The ICRC Dakar, with teams comprising university
age IHL implementation in the region. Fif- also pursued its efforts to help the military students and armed forces recruits.
teen experts from Senegal’s Ministries of incorporate IHL into its training.
Justice, the Interior, Foreign Affairs and The ICRC and the Mali Red Cross jointly
National Education participated in a dis- During the year: organized an information day on the Red
cussion group organized by the ICRC on • IHL awareness-raising sessions were Cross and on IHL for 40 participants rep-
implementation. The Ministry of Justice held for 460 future Senegalese mem- resenting civil society and political and
submitted a draft law on the emblem to bers of the UN mission in the Democra- administrative authorities in Niger’s
the ICRC for its views. In Senegal and tic Republic of the Congo, 30 civilian Sikasso region.
Guinea-Bissau, the ICRC distributed IHL police recruits, 109 military cadets in
information sheets and basic documenta- Dakar and 120 army officers in Cape NATIONAL SOCIETIES
tion to officials at those countries’ respec- Verde
tive Ministries of Justice and Foreign Conflict preparedness and response
Affairs. • 30 senior civil servants from Niger's
Ministry of Justice attended a confer- With financial support from the ICRC, the
Work was pursued in the countries that ence on ICRC detainee-welfare activities Senegalese Red Cross assisted IDPs
had yet to ratify/implement a number of and its working methods affected by the conflict in Casamance. The
IHL treaties: the 2000 Optional Protocol to Mali Red Cross laid contingency plans in
the Convention on the Rights of the Child • 35 Senegalese officials attended an case of violent outbreaks during the Africa
on the involvement of Children in Armed ICRC workshop on IHL and Red Cross Nations Cup soccer games in Mali and
activities
Conflicts (Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea- mobilized some 300 first-aid workers dur-
Bissau, Niger and Senegal); amendments • events to spread knowledge of IHL and ing the games.
to the 1980 Convention on Certain Con- Red Cross / ICRC activities were organ- The Senegalese and the Mali Red Cross
ventional Weapons (Cape Verde, Gambia, ized jointly with the Red Cross Society of both laid contingency plans for elections
Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger and Senegal); Niger for some 80 government officials held in their respective countries.
reform and harmonization with IHL of from Niger's Agadez and Tahoua
penal laws (Cape Verde, Gambia, Niger regions The National Societies boosted their con-
and Senegal); law on the use of and flict-preparedness by organizing:
respect for the emblem (Mali, Niger and • 20 military IHL instructors took part
in an IHL train-the-trainer course in • refresher courses for 175 staff from
Senegal); national legislation for the 7 local branches in Gambia
implementation of the 1997 Ottawa Con- Senegal
vention (Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mali • the ICRC provided 18,000 soldier's • basic first-aid training for 60 volunteers
and Senegal). handbooks on the law of war to the in Mali
armed forces of Niger, Guinea-Bissau,
Gambia and Cape Verde
118
AFRICA DAKAR
Tracing
The ICRC supported the Mali Red Cross in
training its volunteers in first aid and trac-
ing for the benefit of Ivorian refugees. Del-
egates also helped to install communica-
tion equipment at the Society’s local
branches and its headquarters.
Spreading knowledge of IHL

The Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau
broadcast radio programmes in Portu-
guese and several local languages on Red
Cross activities and principles. It gave
classes on the same subject for 30 new
volunteers.
Financial support from the ICRC enabled
the Red Cross of Cape Verde to produce
2,500 copies of its quarterly newsletter.
The Mali Red Cross gave presentations in
schools throughout the Gao region on the
Red Cross and the fight against AIDS. In
conjunction with the UN Programme for
Coordination and Assistance for Security
and Development in Africa, the Society
took advantage of the attention focused on
the country for the Africa Nations Cup to
organize a campaign against illegal small
arms trafficking.
The Senegalese Red Cross Society mobi-
lized 100 volunteers in December to
organize an information day on AIDS and
on the Movement. The ICRC supported the

event by helping produce the Society's
newsletter.
119
AFRICA HARARE
HARARE
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique,
Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Personnel:
8 expatriates
38 national staff
The Harare regional delegation has existed

in its current form since 1995, although the
ICRC has been present in some of the
countries covered for many years.
Nowadays, the Harare delegation monitors
the situation from a humanitarian viewpoint
in all the countries covered, in particular
Zimbabwe itself, and the consequences of
the spillover into Namibia and Zambia of
past and ongoing conflicts in neighbouring
countries. It focuses on assisting and
protecting civilians displaced by violence,
visiting people deprived of their freedom in
connection with these situations, and
helping civilians separated by armed
conflict to restore contact with their
families. The delegation does preventive
work and informs the armed and security
forces as well as the general public about
IHL. It also helps develop the operational
capacity of the region's National Societies.
CONTEXT
In 2002, southern Africa experienced In Zimbabwe, parliamentary by-elections

Expenditure (in Sfr) widespread drought and it was estimated and the presidential election of March
that over 14 million people were short of 2002 caused politically motivated vio-
Protection food. According to an FAO/WFP crop and lence, which resulted in internal dis-
1,407,632 food-supply assessment, in Zimbabwe placement. In addition, the official "fast
Assistance alone more than six million people – half track" land reform (whereby the govern-
720,682 the population – were in need of aid. The ment could take over land without com-
Preventive action food problem in the region was linked to pensation) along with the subsequent
524,100 growing rural poverty. The impact of resettlement programme and the occupa-
HIV/AIDS further complicated the situation, tion of white-owned commercial land by
with income-earners dying and orphans government-backed groups, continued to
643,197 being cared for by grandparents. House- divide the population. Occupations were
General holds were unable to face the challenge of often accompanied by violence and
142,153 feeding themselves (see Pretoria). resulted in farm workers and their families
having to flee their homes. The ICRC con-
tinued to monitor the situation and col-
3,437,764 lected information by conducting inter-
120
AFRICA HARARE
views. It also provided aid where neces- ICRC ACTION ICRC conducted a three-day training work-
sary. The president of Zimbabwe gave shop for National Society staff and
white farmers a deadline of 9 August Key points in 2002 donated nine bicycles.
to vacate their properties and more than • significant progress made in the ratifica- During a mission to Malawi in May, the
200 white commercial farmers who had tion of IHL treaties tracing work of the Malawi Red Cross
defied the deadline were arrested. They
• written authorization obtained from Society was assessed by the ICRC, which
were later released on bail. Also in August,
Zambian government for the ICRC to then conducted a two-day course for the
the president announced the withdrawal
visit all prisons and police stations Society’s tracing officer. In August, a
of Zimbabwean troops from the Democra-
Rwandan child separated from her parents
tic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following
since 1996 was reunited with them in
a peace accord between the DRC and CIVILIANS Dzaleka refugee camp, Lilongwe.
Rwanda.
Following the Angolan cease-fire agree- • RCMs delivered to civilians in the
The ICRC pursued its preventive action in ment of April 2002, the security situation region: 17,239 (13,752 in Zambia)
all countries covered by the regional dele- in the northern regions of the Kavango in
gation, raising awareness of IHL among Namibia and the Zambian border region • unaccompanied children registered: 207
members of the armed forces, the police, improved considerably. The Caprivi strip
political parties and the general public. also became more stable.
The organization’s Advisory Service on IHL
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
offered governments in the region its serv- In Zimbabwe, the ICRC conducted inter- OF THEIR FREEDOM
ices to help with the drafting of laws to views with and assessed the situation
In order to ascertain whether people
incorporate into their domestic legislation of those displaced or otherwise affected
arrested and detained were being held in
all obligations arising from IHL. by political violence. It then provided
adequate conditions and being treated
400 families (2,034 individuals) with
according to international humanitarian
15,400 kg of food items (corn meal,
standards, the ICRC visited prisons in
beans, salt, oil, sugar, tea leaves and
Botswana and Namibia. In Namibia, dele-
dried fish) and non-food (187 kitchen
gates continued to monitor the conditions
sets, 1,515 blankets and 152 tarpaulins).
of detention of 214 security detainees held
Part of this aid was distributed by Zimbab-
in three places of detention, and con-
wean NGOs and the Zimbabwe Red Cross
ducted a series of visits to 13 central pris-
Society, and the rest by the ICRC itself.
ons throughout the country. A summary
In Zambia, ad hoc aid comprising kitchen report was submitted to the prison author-
sets and soap was given to the 2,411 ex- ities. In December, the ICRC monitored the
fighters (Angolans, Burundians and repatriation of 74 Angolan security

Rwandans) living in Ukwimi camp in detainees. In Botswana, 47 security
eastern Zambia. detainees were visited in five places of
detention.
Restoring family links During the visits, clothing and recreational
Years of conflict and instability in Angola, materials were also given out where
the DRC and elsewhere had resulted in needed. Detainees in the region received a
high numbers of refugees, especially in total of 435 RCMs from their relatives dur-
Zambia and Namibia. The RCM and tracing the year.
ing network continued to provide a vital In Zambia, the government sent its written
service enabling family members to authorization for the ICRC to visit all pris-
restore contact with each other. The ICRC ons and police stations starting in 2003.
undertook missions to Osire refugee camp
near Windhoek in Namibia, which • visits to prisons in the region: 24
resulted in a substantial flow of RCMs, • security detainees monitored: 261
and a one-day workshop was held to
improve the registration process and • security detainees newly registered: 9
follow-up of unaccompanied children. To
build a more effective tracing network, the
121
AFRICA HARARE
WOUNDED AND SICK Namibia ratifying the Optional Protocol In Zimbabwe, an IHL-instructor course
(on the involvement of children in armed took place for officers at Harare’s air force
At Rundu Hospital in the Kavango region conflict) to the Convention on the Rights of base and various presentations were
of northern Namibia on the border with the Child. In addition, Malawi, Namibia made to improve knowledge of IHL among
Angola, the ICRC provided the Ministry of and Zambia all acceded to the ICC Statute. the armed forces. Three workshops on IHL
Health with one surgical kit for 100 war- at the Defence Force Staff College were
wounded people. A seminar for surgeons In Mozambique, a resolution was passed
attended by 172 participants. An IHL pres-
planned for 2002 to hone the skills of the by the cabinet to set up an inter-ministerial
entation was made to 70 officers at the All
30 surgeons from the Kavango region committee on IHL and the ICRC provided it
Arms Battle School in Nyanga. An IHL
was cancelled as there were no longer any with examples of implementing legislation
presentation was conducted for 45 senior
war-wounded patients thanks to the and model laws from other countries. The
officers attending the annual Joint Com-
improved situation in Angola. During the ICRC also advised Malawi on amending
mand and Staff Course at the Zimbabwe
year, 15 war-wounded were treated at its domestic legislation on the Geneva
Staff College to train for promotion to bat-
Rundu Hospital, eight of whom underwent Conventions and implementing the Ottawa
talion commanders or for other senior staff
amputations for landmine and UXO Convention. Botswana's inter-ministerial
assignments.
injuries. committee held its inaugural meeting.
In Zambia, a two-day IHL workshop for
In May, a regional seminar on IHL took
Amputees and limb-fitting 49 senior officers from different countries
place in Pretoria, South Africa, and was
of the Southern African Development Com-
The ICRC helped renovate and upgrade the attended by representatives from each
munity (SADC) was conducted at the
Rundu prosthetic/orthotic workshop. New country covered by the Harare delegation.
Zambian Staff College.
machinery was installed, a new patient- The seminar discussed recent develop-
registration system introduced and a ments in IHL and strategies for incorporat-
new technician employed. When the ing the Ottawa Convention and the Geneva Police
work was completed in April, production Conventions into domestic law. Each dele- Progress was achieved in Mozambique
began. From April to December, the work- gation offered its contribution to improving when the Ministry of the Interior accepted
shop manufactured 85 prostheses and the regional dynamic in this area of law. the ICRC's offer of training for the police
14 orthoses. and formal approval was given by the
In order to raise problems of ICRC concern
Mozambican police force for the ICRC to
Three Namibian technicians attended a one- in Zimbabwe, delegates met with govern-
spread knowledge of international human
month ICRC course in Addis Ababa. Two ment ministers, the vice-president, oppo-
rights law and humanitarian principles
of the technicians were based at Rundu sition leaders and senior police figures.
among senior officers and instructors at
and the other was a senior prosthetist the Police Academy.
from Windhoek. In addition, 15 trainee ARMED FORCES
technicians in their final year at the The ICRC gave a presentation on the ICRC
AND OTHER BEARERS
National Prosthetic/Orthotic School visited and the Movement to 105 Zimbabwean

the Rundu workshop for practical training OF WEAPONS police officers ranking from sergeant to
in polypropylene technology. Efforts were pursued to encourage the chief inspector, as part of their UN pre-
inclusion of IHL in training for the armed deployment courses.
With ICRC assistance, a first prosthetic/
orthotic clinic was held in Katima Mulilo to and security forces. In Namibia, the Min-
better serve the patients in the Caprivi istry of Defence issued a decree calling for
region. Fifteen patients were examined. IHL to be included in army training and the
ICRC then conducted a train-the-trainer
course for 22 junior and senior officers
AUTHORITIES and seven NCOs.
The ICRC continued to urge the govern-
A mission to Mozambique took place in
ments of the region to become party to IHL
April and May to assess the armed forces'
treaties. Good progress was made in this
knowledge of IHL and to conduct six IHL-
respect, with Botswana acceding to the
instructor courses for 157 officers.
1954 Hague Convention for the protection
of cultural property in armed conflict,
Mozambique acceding to Protocol II addi-
tional to the Geneva Conventions and
122
AFRICA HARARE
CIVIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SOCIETIES Spreading knowledge of IHL and the
Red Cross
The media remained an effective means of The ICRC supported the National Societies
reaching a wide audience to promote of the region with a view to enabling them Awareness-raising is the ICRC's main
knowledge of the Movement’s mandate to respond in the event of emergency, cooperation programme with the National
and activities and therefore IHL. Contact restore contact between separated family Societies in the region. In Malawi and
was established with four media houses members and raise general awareness of Mozambique, this work continued
in Harare which were then informed of IHL and the Movement’s Fundamental throughout the year and included the pro-
ICRC activities in the region. Contact was Principles. Cooperation agreements were duction of newsletters. In Zambia, six
also made with the Media Monitoring Pro- signed between the ICRC and the Red local radio stations offered weekly air time
ject Zimbabwe, an independent trust that Cross Societies of Mozambique and Zim- to the National Society free of charge.
works to promote responsible journalism babwe in all these areas, with the Malaw-
in Zimbabwe. The ICRC continued to pro- ian and Namibian National Societies for Restoring family links
vide the media with news of its activities. restoring family links and IHL promotion, The National Societies in the region
and with the Zambian Society for restoring remained an integral part of the Red Cross
In an effort to widen dissemination of
family links. tracing network. The ICRC assessed the
information among NGOs and increase
the ICRC’s visibility in Zimbabwe, the situation in all the countries of the region
organization held individual meetings in Conflict preparedness and response and discussed its findings and recom-
January with directors of the five biggest Internal disturbances in the region, espe- mendations with the National Societies. In
local NGOs. A half-day seminar in Harare cially in Zimbabwe around the time of the Malawi and Mozambique, brief courses
on the ICRC's activities was held in June presidential elections, caused civilian were conducted. In Namibia, nine volun-
for 35 Harare-based international and needs to rise. As part of the general pre- teers were given bicycles to facilitate the
local NGOs. The seminar sought to pro- paredness for the presidential elections, distribution of RCMs and a one-day work-
vide them with a better understanding of the ICRC and the National Society held shop was held in Osire refugee camp for
the ICRC's mandate, activities and the 10 seminars for 173 Red Cross action- the National Society tracing coordinator
practical reasons underlying its working team leaders and trainers, and National and 15 tracing officers.
principles. Society provincial executive committee
members. These seminars explained
Young people National Society and ICRC tasks in times
of internal unrest. A total of 138 teams,
The ICRC's "Exploring Humanitarian Law"
each comprising seven volunteers able to
(EHL) education programme, which
provide basic first aid and distribute water,
teaches young people about the principles
were deployed to cover the three-day elec-
of humanitarian law, was introduced
tion at selected polling stations all over the

for the first time to the Zimbabwean
country. Also in preparation for the presi-
Ministry of Youth, Gender and Employ-
dential elections, eight presentations were
ment Creation with a view to incorporating
made to the provincial authorities to
it into the new compulsory National
inform them about Red Cross action. In
Youth Service programme. The plan of
addition, the ICRC gave a talk on action in
action for 2003 provided for the training of
the event of internal violence to National
10 instructors in EHL at each centre to
Society staff and supported IHL-promotion
inform some 3,000 students of the con-
sessions given by the Zimbabwe Red
cepts and basic rules of IHL by the end of
Cross for action-team members and local
the year.
authorities.
In Namibia, the ICRC undertook a mission
to the Kavango region to assist the
Namibian Red Cross in finalizing its mine-
awareness strategy and training staff
members. Three volunteers were trained to
assess needs at community level.
123
AFRICA LAGOS
LAGOS
Regional delegation
Country covered:
Nigeria
Personnel:
5 expatriates
32 national staff
Active in Nigeria during the Biafran war

(1966-70), the ICRC reopened a
delegation in Lagos in 1991. It strives
to protect and aid people displaced by
sporadic outbreaks of violence and
works in close cooperation with the
Nigerian Red Cross Society, enhancing
the latter’s ability to respond to
emergencies. Promoting awareness and
thus implementation of IHL among
political authorities, the armed forces,
the police and members of civil society
is another major part of the delegation's
work. It supports the "Alternatives to
Violence" project.
CONTEXT
With moves for the president’s impeach- ties met with the president to protest
Expenditure (in Sfr) ment, and preparations for upcoming about the lack of funds for voter registra-
elections proceeding in fits and starts, tion. The president stated that funds would
Protection Nigerian politics were turbulent in 2002. not be released prior to the issuance of
5,042 Moving for his impeachment, the House of guidelines by the Commission, yet to be
Assistance Representatives accused the president of drawn up.
942,778 breaching the constitution on 17 occa-
Both internal and politically provoked
Preventive action sions. The president was cleared, how-
violence continued to plague Nigeria. In
744,502 ever, of any such breaches by a House
Jos Plateau state, turmoil within the Peo-
committee set up to examine the affair.
Cooperation with National Societies ple's Democratic Party led to violence and
1,201,120 Local elections scheduled for 10 August the deaths of at least 40 people. In Ilorin,
General could not be held owing to lack of credibil- capital of Kwara state, clashes between
57,235 ity concerning the registration of voters. factions within the All Peoples' Party left
The Independent National Electoral Com- one person dead and over 20 more
mission had not updated the federally wounded. In separate incidents, the chair-
compiled voters' list. Towards the end of man of the People's Democratic Party in
2,950,676 the year, leaders of all the opposition par-
124
AFRICA LAGOS
Kwara state and the national vice-chair-
man of the United Nigeria People's Party
Near the end of the year, worsening inter-
nal violence posed the greatest challenge
ICRC ACTION
were murdered. for the Movement, especially in the Key points in 2002
north, where a communal crisis in Plateau
Internal clashes caused numerous deaths • 4,100 IDPs assisted
state (central Nigeria) assumed very wor-
and population movements in Delta,
risome dimensions. Throughout 2002, • National Society’s emergency-response
Kaduna, Plateau and Edo states. In addi-
the ICRC continued to work closely with capacity boosted
tion, on 27 January accidental detona-
the Nigerian Red Cross, particularly in
tions at an army ammunition depot in • annual ICRC day held at the National
terms of training, emergency prepared-
Ikeja/Lagos caused major panic and War College
ness and response, IHL promotion for the
resulted in the deaths of over 700 people.
armed forces and a programme to • "Women and War" art exhibition trav-
Violence associated with the implementa- improve sanitation in prisons in 12 states. elled to Cross River and Benue states
tion of sharia law also continued, as evi- The good working relationship between
denced in Kaduna state. Several Miss the ICRC, the International Federation and
World Pageant contestants boycotted the the National Society in Nigeria greatly CIVILIANS
event over the issue and, in November, helped to present an image of cohesion
Helping IDPs
protests against holding the contest in and efficiency.
Nigeria broke out in Abuja. A newspaper Following the findings of an ICRC assess-
article on the pageant, deemed by some to ment conducted in mid-January at the
be blasphemous, resulted in the news- main IDP camps in the states of Benue,
paper’s Kaduna office, several churches, Taraba and Nassarawa, the Nigerian Red
mosques and office buildings being Cross organized a food distribution for
burnt down. Four days of violence ensued 4,100 IDP families. The distribution,
and left 400 people injured and over funded by the DFID, targeted three camps
200 dead. Police arrested large numbers in which a growing hygiene problem and
in connection with the violence. Conse- lack of food had been observed. The ICRC
quently, the pageant's organizers moved supplemented the distribution with
the contest from Abuja to London. 16,400 bars of soap and provided the
National Society with two cars and drivers.
The longstanding Nigeria-Cameroon dis- The local government and several local
pute over ownership of the Bakassi Penin- NGOs also participated in the relief effort.
sula ended in October when the Interna-
tional Court of Justice ruled in favour of In March, the security situation improved
Cameroon. Certain challenges to the deci- and some 4,000 IDPs from Taraba state
camps returned to their homes. The ICRC

sion nevertheless arose, for example on
the grounds that residents of Bakassi were provided non-food aid to some 110 IDP
predominantly Nigerian and it was doubt- families who had remained in the camps.
ful that they would simply become It also provided one-off non-food aid to
Cameroonians by legal proclamation. A 900 IDP families in Lagtang town, Plateau
newly set up Nigerian-Cameroon commis- state, and assessed the need for humani-
sion was expected to meet in February tarian aid to some 150,000 people living
2003 to find peaceful political ways of on the Bakassi Peninsula.
resolving such challenges. Meanwhile, the
signing of a treaty calling for the joint PEOPLE DEPRIVED
exploration of an oil field situated on their
maritime border resolved an old dispute
OF THEIR FREEDOM
between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Supported by the ICRC, National Society
branches continued to improve sanitation
in prisons located in their respective
states. Nearly all of the Society’s
37 branches were active in the sanitation
programme, which covered 128 of
Nigeria’s 147 prisons. By year’s end,
125
AFRICA LAGOS
some 40,000 inmates in 100 prisons The ICRC made presentations to over 900 The ICRC participated in a Universal Chil-
in 36 states had benefited from the members of the armed forces in the main dren's Day programme organized by
programme. military training facilities in Kaduna state Ancient Theatre, a local NGO. The oppor-
to explain IHL and the role and activities of tunity was taken to express the ICRC's
the ICRC and the Nigerian Red Cross. The concern about the fate of children caught
WOUNDED AND SICK organization also took steps to support the up in armed conflict. More than 1,000
Supporting local hospitals Nigerian armed forces' efforts to incorpo- youngsters were reached during the event.
rate IHL into their main training curricula.
To address the increased demands for Owing to violent student demonstrations
medical care and avoid placing a burden For the first time, the ICRC organized simi- and disputes between the federal govern-
on the resident community, the ICRC lar presentations at the Police Mobile Force ment and university unions, the ICRC was
provided support in the form of dressing training school in Maidurguri, Borno state, unable to conduct any awareness-raising
sets to local hospitals treating the which trains all mobile police staff through- activities on Nigerian campuses during
wounded. Government relief efforts re- out Nigeria. Over 100 officers attended. the first half of the year. In December,
ceived support from UNICEF (medicines) however, the organization invited Abuja-
and WHO (doctors). based media to the opening ceremony of
CIVIL SOCIETY its IHL refresher course for university
The violent clashes in Kaduna state gener- teachers. Fourteen lecturers, representing
AUTHORITIES ated much international media interest. 13 Nigerian universities, attended the
News agencies, television networks and course and the ICRC received three sepa-
IHL ratification radio stations from around the world rate requests for IHL libraries.
ICRC representatives met with the minister spontaneously contacted the ICRC for
of justice to advance the incorporation into information on the situation and on ICRC Further, the ICRC sponsored two law pro-
domestic law of the two Additional Proto- and National Society response to the fessors at its pan-African IHL course in
cols, the declaration concerning Article 90 needs of people affected by the violence. Pretoria.
of Additional Protocol I and ratification
of the 1980 Convention on Certain Con- In coordination with the Nigerian Red
Cross, the ICRC gave over 20 live and pre- NATIONAL SOCIETY
ventional Weapons. The minister gave
clear instructions to prepare the docu- recorded interviews focused on its own
Conflict preparedness and response
ments needed for the National Assembly and the National Society’s activities and
role in Nigeria. Explanations were also The Nigerian Red Cross Society assisted
to proceed with legislation and for the some 3,000 IDPs displaced owing to
National Executive Council to proceed with given of the Society’s humanitarian work
for people affected following explosions at unrest or the accidental explosions in
ratification. Lagos on 27 January. In addition to giving
the military depot in Lagos and communal
clashes in Mushin. first aid and taking wounded people to
ARMED FORCES
local medical facilities, the National Soci-

The ICRC sent out its information folder on ety erected 20 tents to provide shelter for
AND OTHER BEARERS "Women and War" to senators and mem- the displaced.
OF WEAPONS bers of parliament. Numerous very posi-
tive replies were received from prominent The ICRC supported the work of the
The annual ICRC day was held at the
political figures. The "Women and War" National Society as it carried out most
National War College in February with
art exhibition, aimed at raising awareness emergency-response activities in Nigeria
National Society participation. Topics pre-
of the plight of women affected by in close cooperation with the International
sented included an overview of IHL, IHL as
war, travelled to Cross River and Benue Federation. The bulk of relief materials and
a tool for conflict prevention and conflict
states, where it was widely visited by the financial donations made by private
resolution, the ICRC's role, mandate and
general public, senior political figures and donors was channelled through the
activities (including operations in West
businessmen. Society.
Africa). Sixty senior officers from the army,
navy and air force attended the event. Following the violence in Kaduna state The National Society's rapid and efficient
that generated substantial international response to the Lagos incidents received
media interest, the ICRC organized a brief- wide acclaim from the general public and
ing for more than 20 journalists on its the domestic and international media.
operations in Sierra Leone, Liberia and
Guinea.
126
AFRICA LAGOS
Following the outbreak of violence in The National Society and the ICRC jointly Prison sanitation programme
Kaduna state, the Nigerian Red Cross organized a two-day workshop in Kaduna The Nigerian Red Cross assisted the
mobilized its emergency team, provided on the red cross emblem for Society staff authorities in creating more acceptable
first aid and took scores of injured people from 12 of Nigeria's sharia states. The hygiene and sanitation conditions in pris-
to seven hospitals in Kaduna. Following a aim of the workshop was to prepare a pro- ons. Nearly all of the 37 branches were
survey of these facilities, the National gramme in the northern states in order to active in the programme. Some branches
Society supplied them with 10 dressing raise awareness of the non-religious provided sanitation material and did
kits. Three 15-member teams assisted the nature of the red cross emblem. cleaning work while others gave lectures
medical staff in treating the influx of on HIV/AIDS hygiene, sanitation and
In support of the programme, the ICRC:
wounded patients. health, and first aid. The frequency of vis-
• prepared a 5-minute television docu- its varied from every week to once every
To boost the National Society's conflict
mentary and a 30-second advertise- three months.
preparedness, the ICRC:
ment about the red cross emblem
• trained 60 conflict-preparedness team The ICRC:
• financially supported production of
leaders and 180 Red Cross volunteers • supported 4 branches in sewage evacu-
information pamphlets in Hausa and
from 15 branches ation at 4 prisons
English and a series of 4 radio-drama
• provided financial support for 6 regional episodes in Hausa, explaining the man- • supported 1 branch in installing
meetings of the Society to draft its con- date and the activities of the Red Cross 6 ventilation-improved latrines at 2 other
flict contingency plan prisons
• expanded the ICRC high-frequency
• replenished the Kaduna branch’s pre- radio network to link 27 branches with
positioned medical stocks the ICRC offices in Lagos and Abuja
Tracing The "Alternatives to Violence" (AVP)

Following the accidental explosions in Project
Lagos on 27 January, more than 3,000 Together with the international NGO called
people lost track of next of kin, many of Alternatives to Violence Project Nigeria, the
whom were children. Nigerian Red Cross Nigerian Red Cross strove to influence the
volunteers reacted promptly by gathering behaviour of youths prone to violence.
the lost children and providing emergency Young people taking part in AVP work-
care. The children were registered and shops were encouraged to become
their names forwarded to local radio. The involved in activities beneficial to their
National Society set up a tracing desk in communities.

the IDP camp, where family members
Towards the end of 2002, the National
could seek information, be registered and
Society refined its system for selecting par-
consult pictures of lost children. This
ticipants and its branches made a consid-
helped to accelerate family reunification
erable effort to establish contact with com-
and after four days only two children had
munities and groups normally difficult to
yet to be reunited with their families.
approach. As a result, 802 participants
attended the workshops and an estimated
Dissemination 200 became Red Cross volunteers.
At the forefront during the Lagos crisis, the
National Society’s new president created a
great deal of goodwill for the Red Cross
from the general public.
127
AFRICA NAIROBI
NAIROBI
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania
Personnel:
34 expatriates
348 national staff
The ICRC's regional delegation in

Nairobi was set up in 1974 and has a
dual purpose: first, to carry out
operations and pursue humanitarian
diplomacy in the three countries
covered; and second, to provide logistic
services for ICRC operations in
neighbouring countries of the Horn of
Africa and Great Lakes regions, and
further afield.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) The political temperature rose in Kenya Kenya hosting peace talks on both Sudan
and Djibouti during 2002 as both coun- and Somalia, and Tanzania on Burundi. In
Protection tries geared up for general elections in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania, the ICRC
1,064,866 December. In November, the Djibouti elec- stepped up its programmes to reinforce
Assistance tions were postponed to January 2003. In awareness of IHL among the governments
3,390,002 Kenya, no major incidents were reported and armed, security and police forces,
in connection with the campaign or on with significant progress in all three
Preventive action
voting day. The opposition National Rain- countries.
1,296,926 bow Coalition (NARC) won by a comfort-
Cooperation with National Societies On 28 November, 13 people were killed in
able margin, ending the 39-year rule of
1,177,758 a bomb attack on a beach resort near
the Kenya African National Union party
Mombasa.
General (KANU) and leading to a transfer of power
125,221 from Daniel arap Moi to NARC's Mwai Ongoing conflicts in neighbouring coun-
Kibaki. Throughout the year, both Kenya tries triggered an increase in the number of
and Tanzania continued to play an impor- refugees arriving in Kenya and Tanzania.
7,054,772 tant diplomatic role in the region, with At the end of 2002, there were some

128
AFRICA NAIROBI
510,000 refugees living in camps in Tan-
zania's Western Corridor region and some
ICRC ACTION Providing water for communities
affected by ethnic clashes
200,000 refugees in Kenya. In response, Key points in 2002 Ethnic clashes, most often over scarce
the ICRC reinforced the Red Cross mes- water resources and pastureland, contin-
sage (RCM) and tracing service for • awareness of IHL increased by support-
ing the first plenary session of Kenya's ued in rural Kenya, driving people from
refugees. their homes.
national committee on IHL implementa-
Ethnic clashes continued in remote areas tion and conducting the first IHL train- In the arid Kerio Valley, scene of conflict
of rural Kenya, forcing people to flee their the-trainer course for Kenyan police and between the Marakwet farmers and their
homes. Kenyans also suffered the effects security forces and, in Tanzania, the semi-nomadic neighbours, the Pokot,
of extreme weather conditions, from floods first seminar for government officials on some 30,000 people benefited from
to pockets of persistent drought. The ICRC, implementing IHL improved access to water and schools
with the Kenya Red Cross Society and thanks to the completion in October of
three other National Societies, provided • full responsibility assumed for the RCM
and tracing service for over 500,000 an ICRC project delegated to the American
emergency supplies for IDPs and rebuilt Red Cross. Since the start of the project
damaged community water systems and refugees living in camps in Tanzania’s
Western Corridor region in 1999, over 70 wells were dug,
schools. 40 schools repaired, over 1,000 latrines
In addition to its activities in Kenya, Tan- • with the American, German, Kenyan constructed and some 65 kilometres of
zania and Djibouti, the regional delegation and Swedish National Societies, water roads built with the help of both communi-
in Nairobi supplied a wide range of essen- systems and schoolhouses provided for ties. Another project completed success-
tial services for ICRC operations in neigh- some 200,000 people in violence- fully in 2002 was also designed to ease
bouring countries and elsewhere, when prone regions of Kenya tension over water, in this case between
needed. The ICRC’s Nairobi Logistics Cen- the Kikuyu and semi-nomadic herdsmen
tre responded to a vast number of requests CIVILIANS in the Rift Valley. Delegated to the Swedish
from the field, procuring and delivering Red Cross, the project drilled boreholes
relief goods and other supplies by truck, Emergency aid for displaced people and built a rainwater catchment, a dam
ship and plane. It maintained sufficient Armed clashes between the pastoral Orma and two buildings for the local Red Cross
emergency stocks to meet the needs of and Wardey communities and the farming to serve some 25,000 people. Tension
100,000 people for seven days and an Pokomo in the Tana River district spilled eased in the region and the number of
additional 50,000 people over three over into 2002. When tensions eased in reported cases of water-borne diseases
months. Nairobi-based ICRC experts pro- March, villagers began to return home, declined.
vided advice and field support in the areas only to be displaced again by flash floods A similar pattern of conflict between farm-
of nutrition, agriculture, medicine and sur- in April and May. The ICRC donated food, ing and semi-nomadic communities over
gery, water and sanitation, and the dis- seeds for planting and tools, which the water and pasture prompted the ICRC to

semination of IHL among armed forces Kenyan Red Cross distributed to those initiate two medium-term projects in 2002
and other bearers of weapons. most in need among over 9,000 IDPs. to serve some 170,000 people in the
The ICRC also provided logistic resources Tana River district. Launched in March, a
to help the National Society and the Inter- project delegated to the Swedish Red
national Federation distribute emergency Cross in the Garsen division constructed
aid countrywide to some 125,000 people two large pans to collect dam water and
displaced by the flooding. drilled 37 boreholes. The project was set
During heavy fighting in the Gedo region to continue in 2003. The other project,
of Somalia in April and May, some delegated to the German Red Cross, dis-
10,000 Somalis fled into the Mandera tributed seeds for planting and hoes to
border region of north-eastern Kenya. The over 1,000 households affected by floods
ICRC responded rapidly, sending medical and conflict, and food-for-work rations to
kits to treat some 200 war-wounded. An 700 of the same households who tended
ICRC surgeon delivered supplies to the fields.
Mandera District Hospital to operate on
50 war-wounded, and provided training in
war surgery.
129
AFRICA NAIROBI
In Tanzania, an ongoing ICRC/Tanzania In Djibouti, the ICRC carried out five visits Incorporating IHL into training courses
Red Cross Society water and sanitation to 12 detainees in Gabode central prison In January, the Kenya Institute of Adminis-
project in rural areas of the Ugunja and who were arrested after the December tration (KIA), the country's main training
Pemba islands prone to cholera outbreaks 2000 attempted coup. To improve prison centre for senior civil servants, integrated
has benefited some 10,000 families. hygiene, the ICRC repaired the kitchen IHL into its curriculum. The ICRC con-
Since its launch in 1991, the project has floor and donated cooking pots. ducted two IHL train-the-trainer seminars,
built or repaired 54 wells, 18 communal the first held at the Institute. The ICRC also
washing areas and 24 latrine blocks in
46 villages, and rehabilitated water and
WOUNDED AND SICK held sessions on the basic rules of IHL at
the KIA and various other Kenyan govern-
sewerage systems in three prisons. Tanzania lacked the resources to cope
ment training centres, reaching some
with the steady flow of war-wounded
300 high-ranking civil servants and
arriving from neighbouring Burundi and
Restoring family links for refugees trainees.
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In
Large numbers of refugees continued to response, the ICRC expanded its medical
cross into Tanzania, the majority fleeing aid programme, arranging for up to ARMED FORCES
fighting in Burundi and the Democratic 50 amputees a year to be fitted with artifi-
Republic of Congo. In coordination with AND OTHER BEARERS
cial limbs at the Tanzanian Training Centre
the Tanzanian Red Cross, UNHCR and for Orthopaedic Technicians. The ICRC OF WEAPONS
Unicef, the ICRC assumed full responsibil- also provided on-the-job monitoring, Progress was made promoting knowledge
ity for the RCM and tracing service for medical supplies and financial support for of IHL among the armed, security and
refugees living in camps in the Western three hospitals (Kigoma, Heri and police forces of Kenya, Tanzania and Dji-
Corridor, and re-launched its programme Kibonda) and seven first-aid posts. In bouti, but the subject was still not included
to reunite unaccompanied Burundian chil- October, when fighting flared up again in in standard training programmes of the
dren with their families in secure areas of Burundi, the hospitals treated 67 war- three countries.
Burundi. wounded.
Some 200,000 refugees from Burundi, In Djibouti, the ICRC arranged for 25 mine Promoting IHL among armed forces
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, victims to be fitted with new prostheses In Kenya, the ICRC regularly conducted
Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and Sudan in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the ICRC- sessions on IHL at the Peace Support
were living in Kenya, mainly in camps in supported Prosthetic and Orthotic Centre. Training Centre, Kenya National Defence
Kakuma and Dadaab. Following joint field College and Embakasi garrison, reaching
trips to the camps, the ICRC and the some 300 senior military personnel from
Kenyan Red Cross introduced new proce- AUTHORITIES 14 countries.
dures to improve the exchange of RCMs
and follow-up of persons unaccounted for. Urging governments to implement IHL In Tanzania, IHL was a compulsory sub-
The ICRC increased its support to assist ject for trainee officers at the Command
• RCMs distributed: 14,517 in Kenya; Kenya and Tanzania in the process of and Staff College in Arusha but had not
18,769 in Tanzania; 177 in Djibouti incorporating IHL into national law. Signif- been incorporated into all training pro-
• child refugees in Tanzania reunited with icant progress was achieved in both coun- grammes of the defence forces. The ICRC
relatives in their home country: 6 Bu- tries. Kenya's national committee for the gave three presentations on IHL at the Col-
rundians, 11 Rwandans, 3 Congolese implementation of IHL, set up in 2001 lege for some 100 officers.
with ICRC support, held its first plenary To raise awareness of IHL among as
session. In August, the ICRC held its first many armed forces as possible, the ICRC
PEOPLE DEPRIVED seminar in Tanzania on implementing IHL, conducted talks on IHL and staged simu-
OF THEIR FREEDOM attended by 14 representatives of the gov- lated food distributions, prison visits and
An ICRC team visited the UN detention ernment and the armed and security tracing operations during two international
facility in Arusha, Tanzania, in June to forces. Three members of Kenya's peacekeeping exercises: "Tanzanite", a
monitor the conditions and treatment of national IHL committee took part, and 10-day exercise held in February in Tan-
52 detainees held in connection with the encouraged Tanzania to form its own zania for some 700 troops from 15
International Criminal Tribunal for committee. African countries, under the umbrella of
Rwanda. The ICRC reported its findings to RECAMP 3 (Reinforcement of African
the authorities concerned. Peacekeeping Capabilities); and the fourth
African Crisis Response Initiative held in
130
AFRICA NAIROBI
Kenya in June for over 100 officers, the Djibouti approved a project to incorporate contingency stock of emergency items
majority from Kenya and Benin. The Tan- the ICRC's "Exploring Humanitarian Law" (stretchers, first-aid kits, blankets and tar-
zanian Red Cross assisted the ICRC dur- (EHL) programme in all public and private paulins) to donate to the National Society.
ing the "Tanzanite" exercise. This effective school curricula. This year work focused As a result, the Kenyan Red Cross was
cooperation provided conflict-prepared- on final adjustments to the programme, able to meet the needs of vulnerable peo-
ness and dissemination training for the teacher training and small-scale experi- ple during a demanding year. It distributed
200 National Society staff, branch leaders mental pilot projects in schools. With a relief supplies to 135,000 people dis-
and volunteers who took part, and view to introducing EHL into Kenyan placed by floods or ethnic violence.
national media coverage raised public schools, the ICRC organized its first round
In Tanzania, as part of a programme initi-
awareness of the Movement. table on the subject for 15 of the country's
ated on Zanzibar and Pemba following the
key government and education officials.
In Djibouti, the ICRC met regularly with the 2001 post-election violence, the ICRC
The Kenya Institute of Education made a
three IHL committees representing the held two three-day conflict-preparedness-
preliminary recommendation to pilot EHL
armed, security and police forces to draw and-response training sessions and a
in 64 schools in the provinces of Rift Val-
up a plan of action to introduce IHL into first-aid instructors course for some 90
ley and Nyanza.
regular training. Tanzania Red Cross Society workers.
Another 100 volunteers attended introduc-
Drawing attention to IHL via the media tory first-aid courses held in other parts of
Introducing IHL into training for police
and security forces To increase the media's understanding of the country.
IHL, the ICRC held two workshops for
For the first time, the ICRC held courses in
around 40 Kenyan journalists. To high- Restoring family links
Kenya – one in August and another in
light specific issues, the ICRC presented its
November – to train 40 police and security In Tanzania, the ICRC assumed responsi-
study, "Women Facing War in Kenya" to
officers as IHL and human rights instruc- bility for the tracing programme in the
the national media on International
tors. In parallel, the ICRC gave talks on the refugee camps in Tanzania's Western Cor-
Women's Day, and arranged for three tele-
basic rules of IHL and human rights to ridor region, while continuing to fund,
vision stations in Tanzania to broadcast
some 950 officers and 2,000 recruits at supervise and provide training for the Tan-
ICRC "Women and War" campaign spots.
various police and Government Service zanian Red Cross to carry out tracing
Unit training centres. activities in the rest of the country. In
Raising IHL awareness among humani- Kenya, the ICRC made joint field trips with
In Tanzania, the ICRC completed a series tarian organizations the National Society to assess its RCM and
of courses on IHL launched in 2001 fol-
The ICRC in Nairobi held its first-ever sem- tracing service for refugees in the Kakuma
lowing post-election violence for some
inar on IHL aimed at humanitarian work- and Dadaab camps.
800 security officers and political leaders
ers and policy makers. The two-week
on the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.
event drew participants from 25 UN Raising awareness of IHL

departments and NGOs, including
To enhance their skills in promoting IHL
CIVIL SOCIETY UNOCHA, USAID, Oxfam, MSF, IRC, IRIN
and the role of the Movement, 12 Tanzan-
and ECHO, as well as three National Soci-
Raising awareness of IHL in universities ian Red Cross workers responsible for dis-
eties and the International Federation.
and schools semination in their regions attended a
three-day workshop on the subject organ-
The second international moot-court com-
petition on IHL, organized by the ICRC and
NATIONAL SOCIETIES ized by the ICRC.
the International Criminal Tribunal for Preparing for conflict
Rwanda and held in November in Arusha,
As 2002 was an election year, the Kenya
Tanzania, sparked a great deal of interest.
Red Cross Society stepped up its
Nine teams took part from universities in
emergency-preparedness programme.
Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania
With ICRC support, newly formed Red
and Uganda, and the event attracted
Cross action teams from branches in
extensive media coverage. The ICRC also
potential trouble spots received conflict-
donated materials to Dar es Salaam Uni-
preparedness training and some 80
versity to support instruction of IHL in its
instructors and volunteers attended first-
international law course, and gave a talk
aid courses. The ICRC also set aside a
on IHL to 50 law students.
131
AFRICA PRETORIA
PRETORIA
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar,
Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa,
Swaziland
Personnel:
8 expatriates
27 national staff
The Pretoria regional delegation has existed

in its present form since 1995. It keeps a
close eye on the domestic situation in the
countries covered, visits detainees held for
reasons of State security, promotes ratification
of IHL treaties, and incorporation of that law
into national legislation and into military and
police training, and helps restore family
links between civilian victims of conflict. It
also supports the region's National Societies
in their work to spread knowledge of IHL,
develop their tracing activities and prepare
for emergencies in cooperation with the
International Federation. The ICRC has
maintained a full-time expatriate presence
in Madagascar since the events of December
2001, and began in August 2002 visiting
people detained in that context.
CONTEXT
Like the rest of southern Africa (see extremist right-wing violence. An alleged
Expenditure (in Sfr) Harare), the countries covered by the Pre- coup plot was unearthed and bombings
toria regional delegation suffered from carried out in public places by a new mili-
Protection severe food shortages in 2002, especially tant Afrikaner group, the Boeremag. In No-
537,639 Lesotho and Swaziland. The food-security vember, nine bombs exploded in Soweto
Assistance issue in the region was linked to growing and the surrounding area. One woman
11,524 rural poverty. The impact of HIV/AIDS fur- died and the authorities subsequently dis-
Preventive action ther complicated the situation, with covered explosives, pipe bombs, army
1,705,847 income-earners dying and orphans being rifles and home-made landmines in vari-
cared for by grandparents. Households ous parts of the country.
were unable to meet the challenges of
943,466 On 16 December 2001, the first round of
feeding themselves.
General the presidential elections took place in
44,878 South African security officials faced their Madagascar. Almost immediately rumours
biggest challenge since the ANC1 govern- of election-rigging began to circulate, con-
ment took over, in the form of a rise in tinuing up to and beyond the announce-
ment of the results. The Malagasy presi-
3,243,354 1 African National Congress
132
AFRICA PRETORIA
dent, from the Alliance for the Rebirth of
Madagascar,2 received 41% of the votes
ICRC ACTION in Lesotho were 33 former soldiers
belonging to a renegade group of the
while the candidate of the opposition Key points in 2002 Lesotho armed forces which clashed with
Movement for the Progress of Madagas- Southern African Development Community
car3 received 46%. People took to the • visits to security detainees initiated in (SADC) troops in 1998. The ICRC visited
streets to protest against the result and, Madagascar them in October. Eight security detainees,
throughout February, blockades were set • IHL treaties ratified by Comoros and not seen by the ICRC previously owing to
up by the president’s supporters, prevent- Mauritius their release on bail, were registered as
ing the free movement of people and well.
goods and splitting the island into two • second pan-African IHL organized by
the delegation and the University of In Madagascar the ICRC and the authori-
opposing blocs. The opposition candidate
Pretoria ties signed an agreement allowing the
was officially declared president and sworn
organization to work in accordance with
in on 6 May. The defeated ex-president • significant progress made in the imple- its standard procedures. Key points
finally stepped down and left the country mentation of the "Exploring Humanitar- included unrestricted access to all places
at the beginning of July. In August, the ian Law" programme in the Seychelles of detention and authorization to talk in
ICRC began visiting detainees held in con-
private with any person chosen by dele-
nection with the unrest.
CIVILIANS gates. The ICRC also received guarantees
The situation in Comoros remained pre- that it could repeat its visits as often as it
The beginning of the year was dominated
carious as the islands failed to agree on considered necessary. Delegates pro-
by preparations for a possible influx of
the distribution of power between the fed- ceeded to visit people held in connection
refugees from Zimbabwe following the
eral government of the national union, cre- with the political crisis that rocked the
presidential elections on 9 and 19 March.
ated in January, and the island of Grande country between December 2001 and
The repercussions for South Africa were,
Comore. July 2002, registering 270 detainees.
however, minimal. During the year,
After the visits, the ICRC submitted its
900 RCMs were delivered to people sepa-
observations and recommendations to the
rated from family members and the ICRC
government of Madagascar in the form of
issued 57 travel documents to enable
confidential reports.
people to settle in third countries.
The delegation’s tracing service continued
to receive referrals from UNHCR and local AUTHORITIES
NGOs regarding refugees. UNHCR referred ICRC work in the region consisted mainly
unaccompanied children from Angola, of striving to prevent violations of the law,
Burundi, Congo, Sudan and Rwanda to by urging measures such as ratification of
the delegation for tracing of their families IHL treaties and their implementation into

and possible reunification. national legislation. The ICRC stressed to
those countries which had not yet done so
the importance of creating a national com-
PEOPLE DEPRIVED mittee to oversee and take ownership of
OF THEIR FREEDOM the implementation of IHL. The ICRC’s
The ICRC continued to visit security Advisory Service on IHL continued to offer
detainees to assess their conditions of its services to help States in the drafting
detention and ascertain whether their treat- and preparation of such legislation.
ment corresponded to internationally rec- Lesotho, Mauritius, the Seychelles and
ognized humanitarian standards. In late South Africa (as co-organizer) partici-
2001, the ICRC had visited detainees held pated in the second regional SADC/ICRC
in connection with the attempted coup on seminar on IHL implementation which
the Comoran island of Moheli. These was held in Pretoria at the end of May. The
detainees had all been freed by the 2002 chairman of the Mauritian committee and
visit. Seven other individuals, however, two members of the Lesotho committee
had been arrested on Moheli and so were took part in the first-ever annual meeting
2 Alliance pour la rénovation de Madagascar visited by the ICRC. On the ICRC's register of national committees, held in Geneva at
3 Mouvement pour le progrès de Madagascar the end of March.
133
AFRICA PRETORIA
Mauritius made impressive progress in ARMED FORCES CIVIL SOCIETY
national implementation of IHL. Following
the creation of a national committee, Mau- AND OTHER BEARERS The universities programme was the
ritius ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC OF WEAPONS ICRC’s priority in the second half of the
on 5 March and Protocol IV to the Conven- year. The most important event was the
The ICRC continued its efforts to have IHL second annual pan-African IHL course,
tion on Certain Conventional Weapons on modules included in the training pro-
24 December. The ICRC was asked to help held from 28 October to 8 November at
grammes of defence and security forces in the University of Pretoria. Some 35 partic-
with the drafting of implementing legisla- the region. Delegates met with the adviser
tion and a representative therefore went ipants, researchers, IHL instructors and
to the South African defence minister and future IHL instructors, members of the
there in October. made recommendations for greater com- national committees on IHL and other
The Seychelles national committee on IHL mitment to IHL implementation. In August, practitioners of the law from 15 countries
started work in January and the ICRC the ICRC made a presentation on IHL at representing all parts of sub-Saharan
maintained regular contact with the body the Army College to 30 high-ranking offi- Africa and the Indian Ocean, participated
to advise it on legislation incorporating cers. In Lesotho, delegates met with the in the course, which was taught with ICRC
into domestic legislation the provisions of prime minister, the defence minister, the support by university lecturers in IHL from
the Geneva Conventions, their Additional commander of the Lesotho Defence Force around the region.
Protocols and the Ottawa Convention. and the heads of operations and of train-
ing. They also met with the commissioner Other events included a meeting of IHL
The South African government circulated a of police and conducted a five-day work- teachers which brought together 15 IHL
cabinet memorandum on the creation of shop for 25 sergeants and inspectors. lecturers from as many universities in five
an interministerial IHL committee to the countries of the region, and the fifth HELP
ministries concerned for their agreement. In January, ICRC representatives met with (Health Education in Large Populations)
The ICRC provided advice on the bill to rat- the commander of the Seychelles People's course was organized in conjunction with
ify the Rome Statute of the ICC. In July, Defence Force and the commissioner of the University of Pretoria’s Public Health
Parliament adopted the bill. police, and visited the Police Academy. School. Fourteen of the 24 participants in
The aim of the visit was to encourage a the three-week course were from the
Comoros acceded to the Ottawa Conven- formal inclusion of IHL in the officers'
tion on 19 September. region and the ICRC sponsored the parti-
training syllabus. cipation of four of them: two from the
Numerous diplomatic bodies and interna- In Swaziland, delegates met with the Baphalali Swaziland Red Cross Society
tional organizations in a position to pro- deputy commander, the head of training and two from the South African Red Cross
vide invaluable support to ICRC activities and the legal adviser of the Umbutfo Society.
were based in the region. The ICRC met Swaziland Defence Force to discuss the
with various representatives of the diplo- The ICRC maintained contact with its uni-
future incorporation of IHL into the Force’s versity partners in the region. Delegates
matic corps and international organiza- training. The ICRC conducted a train-the-
tions to talk to them about its pro- visited the National University of Lesotho
trainer course in November for 11 officers in April, where four tutors had incorporated
grammes, activities and priorities. Both and two five-day workshops on humani-
the Pretoria regional delegation and repre- IHL into their teaching, three at bachelor-
tarian law and human rights in policing in degree level and one at masters level. A
sentatives from ICRC headquarters took September and November for 24 and 23
part in the World Summit on Sustainable memorandum of understanding was pre-
senior police officers respectively, all com- sented to the law faculty during the April
Development, held in Johannesburg at the manders of districts, stations or units.
end of August. meeting and was signed in October. Like-
Work to promote the incorporation of IHL wise, a memorandum of understanding
into armed forces and police training in was signed with the University of Mauritius
Madagascar was interrupted by the politi- making official the incorporation, with
cal crisis. ICRC support, of IHL into the law degree
course. The ICRC also provided the univer-
sity with an IHL library.
134
AFRICA PRETORIA
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) Media In Swaziland, the ICRC continued both in-
The Seychelles Ministry of Education had South Africa is one of the main media cen- frastructure support and training to build
been committed to integrating the ICRC's tres in the southern part of the continent. It the National Society's emergency response
EHL programme into its national second- is home to many television and radio net- capacity. Nurses joined in a mass strike
ary-school programme since 2001, when works with continental coverage and most advocated by two trade unions in Decem-
it involved the National Institute of Educa- international media outlets have offices ber and the National Society was called
tion in the project and set up a steering there. Interviews were arranged through- upon to mobilize its first-aid workers. Ten
committee to promote, coordinate and out the year, ranging from short pieces on volunteers from each of the five divisions
monitor the agreed plan of action. In Jan- weekly ICRC activities to more detailed went to work and the ICRC provided them
uary 2002, two workshops were organ- interviews with ICRC delegates. The Preto- with medicines and first-aid kits.
ized for over 40 participants including cur- ria delegation became a member of the A three-day workshop, attended by
riculum coordinators and a group of National Press Club, which afforded it 22 volunteers and six staff members, was
selected teachers to examine the contents greater opportunity to interact with the held by the South African Red Cross
of and methods for EHL. This was fol- media. Society at the beginning of the year to pre-
lowed by a series of teacher-training ses- pare volunteers to be deployed to Messina
sions. In August, the minister for educa- and help in the refugee camp in the event
tion opened a consultative seminar that
NATIONAL SOCIETIES
of a mass influx of refugees from Zim-
brought together 30 teachers from across Emergency preparedness and response babwe following the presidential elections.
the country. This event led to the signing,
attended by the media, of a cooperation In order to respond promptly and effec- The community-based health-care project
agreement between the Ministry, the ICRC tively in an emergency, the National Soci- on HIV/AIDS in Soweto was one of the
and the National Society. The seminar rec- eties needed well trained first-aid teams. pillars on which the ICRC strove to build a
ommended that as of the 2003 academic The ICRC helped the Seychelles Red Cross conflict-preparedness and -response pro-
year, EHL be introduced in a number of Society conduct a workshop for 40 senior gramme in conjunction with the South
subject areas across the curriculum in officials and emergency-response volun- African Red Cross. The Soweto project was
selected schools, and then gradually in all teers and equipped the 20 teams mobi- run for the first time under the full manage-
schools in 2004. lized during the election with first-aid kits ment responsibility and control of the
and red cross tabards. Committee mem- National Society. A total of 360 commu-
In the summer of 2002, the EHL pro- bers from the Lesotho Red Cross Society nity members received care and medical
gramme was presented to the Mauritian were trained to lead future first-aid teams support on a regular basis. A further
Ministry of Education. It met with great while the Comoros Red Crescent con- 360 were trained in first aid and Red
interest from the education authorities, ducted first-aid training for its volunteers Cross principles and 1,625 were taught
who recognized its potential as part of the and produced both a first-aid and a HIV/AIDS prevention.
education reform scheduled for comple- cholera-treatment manual in conjunction

tion by 2004. A feasibility study was initi- with the French Red Cross. In Mauritius, the ICRC established a radio
ated in conjunction with the National Soci- link between Curepipe and Port Marthurin
ety, and in May the Education Ministry and In Madagascar, following the crisis on the island of Rodrigues.
the ICRC prepared a cooperation agree- that resulted from the presidential elec-
ment providing among other things for a tions in December 2001, the ICRC sup- Spreading knowledge of IHL
steering committee within the Ministry, plied the Malagasy Red Cross Society
with first-aid materials. The ICRC Raising awareness of IHL, the Movement,
three task forces to deal with various its principles and activities are permanent
aspects of implementing EHL, the drawing assessed and enhanced the response
capacity of the National Society and it was tasks for National Societies, so the ICRC
up of a training programme (including continued to enhance their ability to carry
appropriate material) for those who would subsequently decided to recruit a coordi-
nator in each province with the task of them out. The ICRC paid the salaries of
train teachers, and the training of both IHL-promotion officers for the Swaziland
regional instructors and teachers from at training emergency-response teams at
local level. Following the unrest, the Red Cross, the Mauritius Red Cross, the
least one school in each of the nine dis- Comoros Red Crescent and the Lesotho
tricts. National Society provided 280 displaced
people with ad hoc aid in May. Red Cross. It also supported the comput-
erization of the information departments at
the Mauritius and Lesotho National Soci-
eties and expanded computerization at
Seychelles Red Cross headquarters.
135
AFRICA PRETORIA
The year under review was the first for the
Mauritius Red Cross information and IHL-
promotion programme. The ICRC provided
the Society with resources to help spread
knowledge of IHL and build up the pro-
gramme’s overall capacity. The ICRC also
provided the Rodrigues branch with a
library of publications.
The Lesotho Red Cross arranged free air
time with a radio station to broadcast
weekly Red Cross programmes in 2003
and a member of the National Society was
trained by the radio station to produce the
programmes in-house.
By the end of the year, the existing internal
newsletter of the Swaziland Red Cross
was being produced in the national lan-
guage of the targeted population and a
regional IHL-promotion training manual
was nearing completion. The National
Society continued to broadcast a weekly
15-minute show on its activities.
In Comoros, training continued in an effort
to build a network of IHL teachers and
promotion volunteers on all three islands.
Despite financial constraints, the National
Society was able to produce pamphlets
for distribution: one on its activities and
another on the emblem. These were
produced in both French and the national
language.
The South African Red Cross possessed
an extensive resource library and efforts

were made to establish a network of IHL-
promotion officers at regional level.
Instructors were trained in five regions and
three regional IHL seminars were held.

In South Africa, preparations were made to
deal with the tracing and RCM needs of a
possible influx of refugees from Zimbabwe
following the presidential elections in
March. The ICRC advised and shared its
expertise with the National Society in set-
ting up the system and training volunteers
at branch level.
136
AFRICA YAOUNDÉ
YAOUNDÉ
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Cameroon, Central African Republic,
Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon,
São Tomé and Principe
Personnel:
7 expatriates
26 national staff
The Yaoundé regional delegation closely

monitors the consequences in
humanitarian terms of the failed coups
d’état in the Central African Republic
(CAR) and the development of the
internal armed conflict in Chad. In
addition to its work on behalf of
detainees in Cameroon, the CAR, Chad
and Equatorial Guinea, the ICRC
promotes IHL and its implementation,
and provides financial, technical and
material support for National Societies
throughout the region. The ICRC has
been working in the region since 1972.
The Yaoundé regional delegation was
set up in 1992.
CONTEXT

On 25 October, armed conflict erupted in working with the Central African Red Cross
Expenditure (in Sfr) Bangui between the Central African army, Society, provided emergency aid for vic-
supported by Libyan troops and the forces tims of the conflict and restored water
Protection of Congolese opposition leader Jean- services. It also visited detainees held for
1,102,494 Pierre Bemba, and fighters loyal to Gen- reasons of State security. At the end of the
Assistance eral François Bozizé, former army chief of year, the situation remained extremely
265,798 the Central African Republic (CAR). After unstable. Prior to the failed coup, the Ban-
Preventive action six days of fighting, during which some gui Criminal Court sentenced to death, in
50,000 people fled the city, Bozizé's absentia, the presumed leader of the May
1,033,000
forces were driven out of Bangui and 2001 attempted coup in the capital, and
Cooperation with National Societies retreated northwards. During their with- 21 of his co-defendants.
568,022 drawal, the opposition abducted the presi-
General Sporadic border incidents continued
dent's official spokesperson, who was
between CAR and Chadian government
17,904 later released, handed over to the ICRC
forces. In August, the Chadian army cap-
and escorted by ICRC staff across front
tured 11 CAR presidential guards who were
lines and back to Bangui. The ICRC was in
later visited by the ICRC. On 2 October,
2,987,219 contact with all parties concerned and,
137
AFRICA YAOUNDÉ
under the aegis of the Central African Eco-
nomic and Monetary Community, Chad
ICRC ACTION dential spokesperson, abducted during the
attempted coup in October, across front
and the CAR agreed to relaunch coopera- Key points in 2002 lines back to Bangui after his release by
tion. However, tension between the two armed opposition forces. In the front-line
countries mounted again following the • Equatorial Guinea signed standard ICRC town of Bossembélé, the ICRC and the
attempted coup later in the month, when agreement, granting access to all Central African Red Cross met local
some 6,000 Chadian residents fled the detainees in accordance with ICRC authorities and government forces and
CAR amid reports that their compatriots procedures urged them to comply with IHL principles
were being killed in Bangui. • emergency aid, mainly medical sup- regarding the protection of civilians during
plies and household items, provided for conflict.
In parliamentary elections held in Chad on
21 April, the ruling Patriotic Salvation victims of the failed coup in the CAR In December, the ICRC assessed the situa-
Movement reinforced its position, winning • CAR presidential spokesperson escorted tion of some 5,000 Chadians who had
122 of the 155 seats. In the same month, across front lines to Bangui by the ICRC fled the CAR following the attempted coup
negotiations between the government and following his release by opposition and were living just across the border in
the armed opposition Movement for forces Chad. The ICRC, MSF and WFP were part
Democracy and Justice in Chad (MDJT) of a task force set up by the Chadian gov-
broke down over the details of their 7 Jan- • 11 CAR POWs visited in Chad ernment to help the displaced population.
uary peace accord. Clashes followed in • Cameroon and the CAR ratified 1997 As a result of the findings of its assess-
May in the north-east, with intense fighting Ottawa Convention banning anti- ment and decisions taken by the task
in the Faya Largeau region in October. personnel mines force, the ICRC prepared to provide wells
Incidents were also reported in October and toilets in early 2003 in a camp for the
between the army and the opposition • IHL reference centre for armed forces displaced in Sido.
National Resistance Army, near the border opened in Chad
In Chad's Faya Largeau region, the ICRC
with Sudan. In response to the resurgence
donated essential household items to the
in violence, the ICRC donated medical CIVILIANS local Red Cross to distribute to some 200
supplies to treat the wounded and visited
returnees who had fled their homes during
security detainees. Restoring family links
clashes between government and MDJT
In Equatorial Guinea, 144 people were Because of the large refugee population in forces.
arrested and charged with plotting a the region, the resurgence of fighting in
coup. Sixty-eight were found guilty and Chad and the CAR and occasional ten-
received prison sentences ranging from sions elsewhere, there was still a clear PEOPLE DEPRIVED
six to 20 years. On 8 October, the govern- need for the RCM and tracing network OF THEIR FREEDOM
ment signed the ICRC's standard agree- enabling family members separated by
ment authorizing visits to detainees in conflict to maintain contact with one Visiting POWS and security detainees
accordance with ICRC procedures. On another. The ICRC, together with the In Chad, cooperation with the Ministry of
29 December, the country’s president National Societies of each country, distrib- Defence improved and the ICRC was
was re-elected with 96% of the vote in uted 624 RCMs in the CAR, 31 in Chad granted access to all military detention
an election that saw the four opposition and 677 in Cameroon. facilities that it proposed to visit. Five visits
candidates withdraw, alleging polling were conducted to monitor the treatment
irregularities. Assisting victims of conflict and living conditions of 11 POWs of the
Following the failed coup, the ICRC helped CAR presidential guard held in N'djamena.
In elections in Cameroon on 30 June, Following ICRC representations to the
the governing party won a substantial the Central African Red Cross Society to
exhume bodies in Bangui and Damara authorities, the POWs were moved to
149 parliamentary seats out of 180. In separate quarters, visited regularly by
October the International Court of Justice and rebury them properly in cemeteries. It
helped restore the water supply in Bangui health professionals, and two POWs were
in The Hague ruled on the eight-year legal treated in hospital. In total, the ICRC car-
wrangle between Cameroon and Nigeria and distribute emergency aid to 1,500
families affected by the fighting. It also ried out 33 visits to follow up the in-
over the Bakassi peninsula, granting land dividual cases of security detainees held
and maritime sovereignty to Cameroon. distributed emergency medical supplies to
treat the wounded (see Wounded and in 30 government-run detention centres.
sick). The ICRC acted as an intermediary During the visits, the ICRC distributed
in the transfer of the CAR's official presi- basic medical supplies and hygiene prod-
138
AFRICA YAOUNDÉ
ucts, where needed. After the visits, the tributed emergency medical supplies to the on "Current issues regarding the imple-
ICRC's findings were conveyed in meet- military hospital in N'djamena in May and mentation of IHL by States" held at the
ings with the authorities, including the again in October following clashes Institute of International Relations in
prime minister, the defence and justice between the Chadian army and the MDJT, Yaoundé. To reinforce knowledge of IHL
ministers, the director-general of police and in May organized the airlift of eight among Cameroon’s regional authorities,
and the director of the prison service. patients to the capital. With Ministry of the ICRC held a round table, based on its
Defence approval, in April the ICRC carried "Women and War" campaign, in the
In the CAR, the ICRC was granted access
out an assessment of health-care facilities north-western city of Bamenda. The event
to all detention facilities that it proposed to
in N'djamena and the Faya Largeau region was well attended by politicians, govern-
visit. Eight visits were conducted to assess
with a view to strengthening the surgical ment officials and the media.
the living conditions of security detainees,
capacity of the Faya Largeau Hospital,
the majority of whom had been arrested in In Chad, the ICRC held a seminar on IHL
which treated a significant number of mine
connection with the failed coups in Bangui in N'djamena on 15 October, which was
victims. On the basis of its assessment
and were being held in the capital in the attended by 112 of the 155 deputies of
and a meeting with the ministers of
national gendarmerie, the Research and the national assembly, and organized
defence and health, other Chadian govern-
Documentation Inquiry Section and the another seminar on 17 October for senior
ment experts, and representatives of the
central prison. The ICRC distributed basic government legal advisers. Both events
European Development Fund and the
supplies for the detainees such as soap, covered the incorporation of IHL into
French Military Cooperation Department,
insecticide, blankets, mosquito netting national law, the ratification of IHL treaties
the ICRC recommended closer cooperation
and recreational items. It also upgraded to which Chad was not yet a party – in
between civilian and military health-care
the toilets and washing facilities in the particular the 1980 Convention on Certain
facilities so as to reap the benefits of their
national gendarmerie. Conventional Weapons – and the need for
combined resources. The ICRC offered to
a law to protect the red cross and red cres-
In Cameroon, the ICRC carried out 10 vis- provide training for medical staff.
cent emblems. On 21 October, an expert
its to security detainees held in Yaoundé in
To treat the influx of wounded as a result in charge of IHL courses at Chad's
the Secretary of State for Defence prison
of the failed coup in October in the CAR, National School of Administration and
and in Kondengui central prison. The ICRC
the ICRC donated emergency medical Magistracy was appointed to prepare a
also visited detention facilities in the west
supplies to the community hospital in report on progress made implementing
of the country in October.
Bangui and to health-care facilities in the IHL in Chad.
On 8 October, the government of Equator- front-line towns of Bossembélé and
In Gabon, the ICRC met officials of the
ial Guinea signed the ICRC's standard Damara and in rebel-held areas. From
Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice in
agreement authorizing visits to detainees mid-December, the ICRC conducted a
December to discuss the possibility of
in accordance with ICRC procedures. number of introductory first-aid courses
organizing a seminar similar to the one
Between 3 and 14 November, two ICRC for government forces in and around
held in Chad. At the meetings, the ICRC

delegates, one of whom was a doctor, vis- Damara.
distributed reports on the status of
ited 12 places of detention run by the Min-
Gabon’s ratification of IHL treaties and its
istries of Justice and Security, and regis-
tered detainees sentenced in connection
AUTHORITIES implementation of IHL.
with plotting a coup. A report on the CAR and Cameroon ratify Ottawa Con-
ICRC's findings was to be handed over to vention ARMED FORCES
the authorities in early 2003. AND OTHER BEARERS
With the encouragement and support of
the ICRC, Cameroon and the CAR ratified OF WEAPONS
WOUNDED AND SICK the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning
anti-personnel landmines on 19 Septem- Promoting IHL among armed forces
Treating amputees and the war- ber and 8 November, respectively. In May, The Chadian armed forces took a signifi-
wounded the ICRC had conducted a seminar in the cant step towards incorporating IHL into
Thanks to financial, material and technical CAR on mines and the Ottawa Convention, the standard programme of its military
support from the ICRC, 90 mine victims which was attended by 36 members of the training institutions. With government
were fitted with artificial limbs at the national parliament. Similarly, in approval and substantial ICRC support, an
prosthetic/orthotic centre in N'djamena, Cameroon some 40 people, including IHL reference centre for the armed forces
Chad, run by the NGO Secours catholique high-ranking government officials, took was officially opened in N'djamena on
pour le développement. The ICRC also dis- part in a seminar organized by the ICRC 18 June. The centre's priority in 2003 was
139
AFRICA YAOUNDÉ
the production, with ICRC input, of a tration and Magistracy, which trains the Chadian Red Cross in setting up a pilot
national IHL teaching manual. ICRC arti- country's senior civil servants. In project to improve hygiene conditions in
cles on IHL were published in quarterly Cameroon, some 30 post-graduate stu- four prisons in N'djamena, Moundou,
publications of the army and police, 300 dents in human rights and humanitarian Doba and Sarh. This included an ICRC
copies of which were distributed to ground action at the Catholic University of Central engineer and the National Society project
forces in the violence-prone north-east. Africa in Yaoundé attended an ICRC- head spending two weeks assessing the
organized conference in November on prisons' water and sanitation facilities and
Under ICRC sponsorship, one officer each
"Implementation of IHL in Africa". The stu- carrying out basic maintenance work.
from the CAR’s armed forces and presi-
dents showed a keen interest and a high
dential guard attended a course at the
level of ability. The ICRC also held its first- Conflict preparedness and response
International Institute of Humanitarian Law
ever session on IHL for 75 teachers and
in San Remo, Italy. Plans by the two offi- The ICRC provided training and materials
students at Cameroon's Buéa University in
cers and the ICRC to produce a radio pro- to help the National Societies of Cameroon
the south-west, and donated materials on
gramme on IHL for the armed forces were and Chad to prepare for any election-
IHL to the Faculty of Social Sciences. In
put on hold because of the failed coup. related violence that might occur in their
Chad, with the Law Faculty of N'djamena
countries. The ICRC and the Cameroonian
The government of Cameroon accepted University and the National School of
Red Cross jointly organized first-aid
the ICRC's offer to set up an IHL training Administration and Magistracy, the ICRC
training between 6 March and 17 May
programme for the armed forces. organized a seminar in May on the basic
for 120 Red Cross volunteers in six
rules of IHL, attended by 156 students.
branches located in potential trouble spots
Police Both institutions received an IHL reference
(Bafoussam, Banyo, Bamenda, Wum,
library.
The ICRC launched a training programme Kumbo and Douala), and the ICRC
on international human rights law and donated 120 first-aid kits. A programme
humanitarian principles for the national NATIONAL SOCIETIES to raise awareness of IHL among the local
police force in Cameroon, in accordance The ICRC continued to provide financial, authorities was also carried out in these
with the three-year cooperation agreement material and technical support to assist areas. In Chad the Red Cross branches
signed in 2001 with the delegate-general the National Societies in strengthening of Faya-Largeau and Am Timan received
for national security. A two-week course their activities in the areas of tracing, 40 first-aid kits.
was held in Yaoundé to train 44 police conflict preparedness and response, and
instructors from 10 provinces as instruc- raising awareness of IHL. ICRC coopera- Promoting IHL and the Movement
tors in human rights law. In addition, the tion activities with the Gabonese Red With ICRC funding and materials, the
ICRC donated materials on the subject to Cross Society were suspended throughout National Societies of Chad, the CAR,
the National Police College. 2002, and with the Cameroon Red Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and
In Chad, the ICRC held introductory ses- Cross Society from July, because of inter- Principe all continued to broadcast radio
sions on human rights law and hu- nal difficulties experienced by both programmes promoting IHL and the
manitarian principles, including an expla- National Societies. Movement. In Chad, to raise media
nation of ICRC visits to detainees, for awareness of issues of humanitarian con-
the police commanders of the country's Building capacity cern, the ICRC took part in a presentation
12 divisions. In a first-ever initiative in Chad, the ICRC on IHL and the Movement, organized by
and Red Cross of Chad jointly organized a the Federation and the National Society,
for 13 journalists. For the São Tomé and
CIVIL SOCIETY two-day training seminar in November on
Principe Red Cross, the ICRC provided
capacity building, attended by 25 volun-
Introducing students to IHL teers from 13 of the 14 branches. The par- audio-visual material and 10 presentation
ticipants discussed best practices and how kits for dissemination volunteers working
The ICRC organized talks on IHL and the
to reinforce cooperation between branches in rural areas. To raise the profile of the
Movement for over 400 students in the
and with the ICRC. To help the National National Society in the CAR, the ICRC
CAR. This included four presentations to
Society to develop its sanitation project in funded Red Cross/Red Crescent Day cele-
some 50 third-year students as part of the
N'djamena, the ICRC took part in two brations in Bangui on 8 May that pro-
IHL component of the law degree at the
meetings with members of the Chadian, moted respect for the emblem and an
University of Bangui, and two introductory
Swiss and French National Societies, and AIDS-awareness campaign.
sessions on IHL for social science stu-
dents at the National School of Adminis- the capital’s mayor and head of health and
sanitation. The ICRC also assisted the
140
141
P. Bourgeois/ICRC
A large-scale
emergency food
distribution
to families
affected
by conflict.
142
ASIA AND THE
PACIFIC
Delegations
• Afghan conflict (Afghanistan)
• Afghan conflict (Pakistan)
• Indonesia
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Philippines
• Sri Lanka
• Timor Leste
• Bangkok
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Delhi
• Suva
• Tashkent

In 2002, the political and military balance detainees were freed from prison, raising
Expenditure (in Sfr) shifted significantly in several areas of hopes for a meaningful political dialogue.
Asia. The reduction of hostilities in
Protection These developments diminished some of
Afghanistan and Sri Lanka enabled both
the tensions that have destabilized Asia in
29,631,546 countries to move towards greater stabil-
recent years. Other threats grew, however:
Assistance ity. While trouble still simmered in various
in South Asia, Nepal saw unprecedented
115,209,534 parts of the Indonesian archipelago, East
levels of violence as insurgency led by the
Preventive action Timor became an independent State
Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist esca-
(Timor Leste) and an agreement on ces-
17,765,447 lated sharply; a massive deployment of
sation of hostilities between the govern-
Cooperation with National Societies troops along the border and the interna-
ment of Indonesia and the Free Aceh
13,865,483 tional line of control brought India and
Movement sparked optimism about the
General Pakistan to the brink of all-out war, and
prospects of calming violence there. In
while there was a gradual military de-
1,589,460 Myanmar, the leader of the National
escalation by the end of the year, prob-
League for Democracy was released from
lems in Jammu and Kashmir continued to
house arrest and a number of security
jeopardize relations between the two
178,061,471
143
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
nuclear-armed neighbours; Malaysia, the The ICRC's main focus in Asia was on In Nepal, intensified hostilities pushed up
Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore Afghanistan, which was its largest opera- the death toll, resulted in many new
also felt extremely vulnerable to the far- tion worldwide in 2002. In spite of the sig- arrests, and caused considerable damage
reaching effects of acts of terror, with the nificant progress achieved there, many to basic infrastructure. It also limited the
bomb blast in Bali providing the most dra- families remained dependent on external movement of civilians and goods, as well
matic example. For many Asian govern- aid and needed help to revive agriculture as that of development and humanitarian
ments, the global "war against terrorism" and meet their basic needs until the har- organizations. In spite of these limitations,
complicated efforts to preserve an already vest arrived. The ICRC provided large- the ICRC broadened the scope of its visits
delicate balance between ensuring State scale food aid in remote areas most to detainees and assisted hospitals treat-
security and maintaining the peaceful impoverished by drought and conflict, at ing the wounded. After the monsoon sea-
coexistence of different religious and eth- the same time as it gave help to restart son, an ICRC team visited areas that had
nic groups. In a context of widespread farming. In the major cities, whose popu- been inaccessible since late 2001, when
poverty and social and economic prob- lations were swollen by returnee influxes, the state of emergency was first declared.
lems aggravated by migration, crime and it repaired and rebuilt the water supply and It surveyed districts where food shortages
corruption, these challenges were daunt- sanitation systems needed to reduce had been rumoured, many of them under
ing. A serious increase in tension between health hazards. The organization contin- the control of the Communist Party of
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ued to provide medical support for key Nepal-Maoist. While the team found no
(DPRK) and the USA illustrated the fragility referral centres around the country and immediate need for large-scale relief in the
of regional security in East Asia. helped restore hospital services disrupted areas surveyed, it confirmed that restric-
by the conflict. Some of these pro- tion of movement severely limited the
In this changing and complicated situa-
grammes were carried out in cooperation range of coping strategies available to
tion the ICRC continued to work through its
with the Afghan Red Crescent Society and people whose living conditions were
eight operational and five regional delega-
many other National Red Cross and already precarious.
tions. In areas of active hostilities, it
Red Crescent Societies operating in
endeavoured to shield people from the The cease-fire in Sri Lanka alleviated a
Afghanistan under ICRC leadership. Mean-
worst consequences of conflict through its number of the problems arising from iso-
while, several thousand people were still
operational activities and sustained dia- lation in northeastern areas and enabled
being detained in connection with the con-
logue with the authorities in charge of many IDPs to return to their homes. This
flict. Delegates regularly visited these
security and military operations. The reduced the needs that most ICRC pro-
detainees both within Afghanistan and
ICRC’s preventive activities, carried out grammes were designed to meet, and
elsewhere, including Pakistan, Uzbekistan
both in countries racked by fighting and many operations were discontinued or
and Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), and dis-
those at peace, sought to increase knowl- scaled back. The ICRC was instrumental
tributed aid as needed.
edge and acceptance of the rules of IHL in the simultaneous release of security
and urged ratification of the law’s treaties In Central Asia, the ICRC carried out exten- detainees. It also maintained its role as
and their incorporation into national legis- sive preventive activities among the civil- neutral intermediary at crossing points,
lation. Building on contacts with political, ian authorities, the military, universities thus facilitating the increased flow of civil-
religious, educational and social net- and secondary schools. It consolidated its ians and goods to and from the north. As
works, delegates raised awareness of IHL visits to detainees in Uzbekistan and Kyr- negotiations progressed, the ICRC turned
and pointed out the universality of its gyzstan, achieving modest gains from its its attention to the problem of missing per-
underlying principles. Cooperation with painstaking efforts. sons.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
In India and Pakistan, the ICRC expanded
remained a cornerstone of the ICRC’s
its network of contacts within civil society
work.
and made progress in bringing about
university-level IHL study. It continued
striving to protect detainees and civilians
affected by the situation in Jammu and
Kashmir.
144
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
East Asia remained calm in 2002, but
concerns about regional security grew.
Discussions between the National Soci-
eties of the two Koreas and Japan (most
related to restoring family links) helped
lay the groundwork for renewed political
dialogue. The ICRC endeavoured to
strengthen its relations with all concerned,
and made progress building a network in
the region. This was enhanced when the
ICRC president visited China in November.
The ICRC opened a prosthetic/orthotic cen-
tre in the DPRK; it also held discussions
with the Red Cross Society of China on the
possibility of opening of another such cen-
tre in Yunan province, in the south of the
country. The regional delegation broad-
ened its cooperation with armed forces of
the region and continued working closely
with National Societies to promote IHL and
the Fundamental Principles.
In spite of government gestures, political
dialogue in Myanmar was slow to
develop, and fighting continued to affect
civilians in eastern areas bordering Thai-
land. By strengthening its relations with
the authorities in Yangon, the ICRC was
able to diversify and expand field activi-
ties, thus enhancing its protection of civil-
ians and reaching remote areas that were
previously inaccessible.
Indonesia’s fragile stability was shaken in
October when an act of terror in Bali killed

over 180 civilians. The ICRC continued to
visit detainees in Aceh and Papua. It bol-
stered its operational relationship with the
Indonesian Red Cross, and the two organ-
izations made headway in enhancing their
response to needs stemming from internal
violence.
145
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AFGHAN CONFLICT (AFGHANISTAN)
AFGHAN CONFLICT
(AFGHANISTAN)
Personnel:
1,135 expatriates
1,114 national staff
The ICRC has worked in Afghanistan

since 1987, though it started activities
on the Pakistani side of the border in
1981. Its operations endeavour to
protect detainees; prevent mine/UXO
injuries and assist the disabled; restore
family links; improve water supply and
sanitation systems in urban areas;
provide food and agricultural aid to
remote rural people recovering from
conflict and drought; promote respect
for IHL among the authorities and
members of armed forces; and
strengthen the Afghan Red Crescent
Society.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) After the Taliban collapsed in late 2001, In spite of numerous security incidents,
Afghanistan worked to lay the founda- most roads stayed open and access to
Protection tions for stability and reconstruction. The nearly all parts of the country improved.
8,177,324 political process outlined by the 2001 Only isolated areas near the border with
Assistance Bonn Accord held: the loya jirga, a nation- Pakistan – where the US-led coalition con-
97,744,910 wide assembly that met in June, estab- tinued to pursue those suspected of being
lished the Islamic Transitional State of members or supporters of the Taliban or
Preventive action
Afghanistan and elected Hamid Karzai as Al-Qaeda – remained inaccessible to
6,938,266 its president. The International Security humanitarian organizations.
Cooperation with National Societies Assistance Force kept order in Kabul but
5,945,896 Better spring rains brought good harvests
its mandate was not extended to the
in some regions, especially those with irri-
General provinces. Many areas remained under
gation. Other areas, though, did not get
243,528 the control of local commanders with their
enough rain to recover from the drought.
own forces, and while hostilities between
Improved security and economic con-
them largely remained dormant, tensions
ditions allowed a revival of trade, and
119,049,924 did erupt from time to time.
many refugees returned, particularly from
146
Pakistan. The UNHCR reported that some
two million refugees had gone back to
ICRC ACTION • beneficiaries of food rations: 1.1 million
• tonnes of food distributed: over 59,000
Afghanistan by the end of 2002. Kabul
and Nangahar were the areas with the Key points in 2002 • tonnes of seed distributed: 1,148
highest number of returnees. • thousands of detainees visited; aid pro- • number of livestock treated: 55,000
The new government, with extensive vided when necessary
assistance from the international commu- • over a million people provided with food Improving water and sanitation in cities
nity, worked to rebuild systems and facili- and seeds in remote areas hard hit by Many returning refugees and IDPs hesi-
ties needed to meet the population’s basic conflict and drought; in cities, water tated to go back to rural homes where the
needs and endeavoured to establish secu- supply and sanitation improved for situation remained uncertain, and
rity and lay the groundwork for economic 2.7 million crowded instead into the major cities
recovery. The Afghan National Army began
• regular support maintained to hospital where jobs and aid were easier to find.
recruitment and training. Schools opened
referral services in major cities and This further taxed already damaged and
and some mid- to long-term development
basic hospital services in areas dis- neglected urban systems of water supply
schemes began to emerge. The new
rupted by recent conflict and sanitation. In Kabul, Herat, Jalal-
government’s abilities remained limited,
abad, Kandahar, and Mazar-i-Sharif, as
though, and the damage done by • Ottawa Convention acceded to by the well as in provincial towns including
decades of conflict and the recent severe government; army IHL training initiated Ghazni, Charikar, and Tirin Kot, the ICRC
drought left many areas still dependent on
worked with local water authorities to
international aid.
CIVILIANS restore and upgrade the piped water sup-
By the end of 2001 the ICRC had restored ply by drilling or repairing boreholes,
its full range of activities around Economic security in rural areas repairing and extending supply networks
Afghanistan. These were maintained For years the ICRC has provided food and and building elevated storage tanks. In
throughout 2002 as the organization's other emergency aid to people affected by Kabul it also maintained over 2,000 hand
largest operation worldwide. With supply war in Afghanistan. In 2002 it targeted pumps and restored septic tanks and
lines working within Afghanistan and the remote, mountainous regions where water supply in apartment-blocks. Having
routes from logistics centres in Pakistan recent drought and fighting had disrupted already built 45,000 latrines and thus sig-
and Uzbekistan secure, the ICRC closed agricultural production and other eco- nificantly improved the hygiene in
warehouses in Turkmenabad, Khorug and nomic activity and driven many residents Afghanistan's major cities, the ICRC con-
Mashhad that had in late 2001 provided away. Making large-scale distributions of tinued to help communities build sanita-
alternate supply sources. It established a food for the entire populations of Ghor tion facilities. In order to ensure that these
presence in Kunduz, Samangan and province (700,000), districts south of actually improved health, it worked with
Shiberghan to better monitor its increased Mazar-i-Sharif (Keshendi, Balkhab and municipal authorities to restore traditional

activities in those areas. The Red Cross Dar-i-Suf: 350,000), and Bamyan systems of latrine-emptying and encour-
Societies of Australia, Canada, Denmark province (90,000), it also provided seeds aged better hygiene practice by making
(working in cooperation with the Kuwait to help them re-establish agricultural pro- presentations in homes, schools and
Red Crescent Society), Finland, Germany, duction. This assistance helped improve mosques. By training women to make
Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden and overall living conditions, thus preventing house-to-house visits, the ICRC expanded
Switzerland took on projects delegated to further exodus and encouraging return. In the audience reached by these health pro-
them by the ICRC. Bamyan, the ICRC also ran successful motion activities.
pilot projects of food-for-work repair of irri- • people benefiting from water/sanitation
gation systems (repair of traditional small activities: 2.7 million
dams), and anti-parasite treatment to
improve livestock health and reproductive • latrines built/repaired: 3,000
capacity. It discontinued ration distribu-
tions there earlier than planned, because
crop yields were good and prospects of
self-sufficiency had improved. In Ghor and
the areas south of Mazar-i-Sharif the ICRC
distributed rations to last through the win-
ter and seeds for planting in 2003.
147
Preventing mine injuries eastern Afghanistan, the ICRC set up mine- • detainees visited: 6,946 (3,164 for the
Data collected by the ICRC in 2002 awareness teams in May; these reached first time)
showed that up to 88% of mine/UXO vic- some 12,000 people in remote villages in
• places visited: 104
tims in Afghanistan were civilians. Nearly Nangahar province. In November, two
half were children. Most accidents teams were created to work in nine north- • RCMs distributed to detainees: 4,693
recorded occurred while the victims were ern provinces and another programme to
• released detainees provided with trans-
tending animals, farming, playing, col- be run there by and for women was
port: 3,390
lecting wood, or travelling. Less than 10% launched through the Red Crescent. Com-
of the victims reported that they had bining mine-awareness work and data col- • detainees given therapeutic feeding:
attended mine-awareness sessions or lection in a new unit – the ICRC Mine Action 547
knew that they were in contaminated Programme – improved the effectiveness of
both activities, and an agreement with the
areas. Although mine/UXO contamination
HALO Trust set up a mechanism to allow a
WOUNDED AND SICK
was widespread, accidents were concen-
trated in Kabul, Nangahar and Kandahar more direct response to requests by com-
munities for surveys, marking or clearance Support for health-care facilities
provinces. Nearly half of all mine victims
recorded were killed or disabled (lost eye- of contaminated areas. In 2002, the ICRC continued its regular
sight, hearing and/or one or more limbs). aid to six referral hospitals (two in Kabul
• new mine/UXO accidents recorded: and one each in Kandahar, Jalalabad,
International bombing in 2001 scattered 1,237
new unexploded ordnance over different Ghazni, and Gulbahar). This support,
areas of Afghanistan, where explosive • health-care facilities collecting data: 400 which in previous years had focused on
devices from years of conflict already lit- surgical departments, was extended to
• persons attending mine-awareness ses- cover medical, obstetric and paediatric
tered fields, irrigation systems, grazing sions: 201,000
areas and residential zones. services. Aid included medicines, other
• villages reached by mine-awareness supplies, equipment, staff incentives,
In order to better direct mine action where workers: 1,700 maintenance training and technical assis-
needed, the ICRC continued to collect tance. For Gulbahar and Karteh-Seh
information on the location and circum- (Kabul) hospitals, whose importance or
Maintaining family links
stances of mine accidents and to share it function changed with the reorganization
with other agencies concerned. In 2002 it The ICRC worked with the Afghan Red of the health-care system, the ICRC
added about 90 more health-care facilities Crescent to expand and otherwise improve announced that it intended to withdraw its
to its extensive information-gathering net- the performance of the Red Cross mes- support. It continued support initially
work. It also established direct links with sage system that enables many families designed to help northern hospitals treat
communities to catch cases missed by to keep in touch with relatives who are the war-wounded, but gradually scaled it
clinics and hospitals, either because the detained or who live in other countries. In back over the year.
victims died or did not seek care. Informa- all, 5,160 civilians received RCMs.
tion on contaminated areas was passed In Kunduz, Bamyan, Samangan,
Shiberghan and Taloqan, the ICRC rebuilt
on to teams that would mark sites, clear PEOPLE DEPRIVED and repaired facilities and provided equip-
the mines, or work with communities to
prevent injury. The information was then OF THEIR FREEDOM ment, supplies, medical staff, training and
entered into a database which provided In 2002, the ICRC continued to visit other aid as needed to restore hospital
the UN Mine Action Programme with 90% detainees held in Afghanistan by Afghan services disrupted by recent events. It also
of its information on new injuries. and US authorities. It also dealt with the upgraded blood transfusion and X-ray
cases of those who were transferred out- services in hospitals it supported, assisted
In the central part of the country, the ICRC side Afghanistan (see Washington, the ambulance services in Kabul,
continued to support eight mine-awareness Afghan conflict (Pakistan), Tashkent). In upgraded buildings and distributed equip-
teams covering Parwan and Bamyan several facilities, including the extremely ment and supplies to four clinics providing
provinces, taking an active role in their overcrowded Shiberghan prison, the ICRC basic health care in the areas where it
training, supervision and evaluation. It provided water, food, therapeutic feeding worked.
helped the National Society set up a pro- and other aid to halt a dangerous deterio-
gramme for women and girls, and its all- ration in detainee health until the authori-
female team reached some 63,000 ties began shouldering their responsibility
women in Red Crescent and other clinics in for ensuring the detainees' survival.
Kabul, Parwan and Logar provinces. In
148
• hospitals regularly supported: 20 ARMED FORCES together to help victims of conflict by
means of tracing services, mine/UXO
• admissions: 72,489 (72% surgical; AND OTHER BEARERS awareness-raising, agricultural food-for-
21% medical; 4% obstetric; 3% paedi- OF WEAPONS work projects, vocational training and
atric)
After agreeing in July 2002 to incorporate support for traditional Afghan homes for
• surgical operations: 40,844 IHL into its training programme, the the destitute (marastoons). They also
Afghan National Army drew up a plan for spread knowledge of IHL and the Funda-
• outpatient consultations: 362,212
IHL training in military academies. To help mental Principles. The ICRC provided
the army develop expertise in IHL, the financial and technical support in order to
Rehabilitation services ICRC sent five officers to the course in San strengthen the Afghan Red Crescent’s
The ICRC’s six prosthetic/orthotic centres Remo, Italy. It made presentations on capabilities in these areas.
served amputees and other disabled peo- basic concepts of IHL to army personnel,
ple. In addition to fitting appliances and forces of local commanders in Jalalabad, Coordinating contributions
giving physiotherapy, the centres offered Herat and Kandahar, and some compo- from the Movement
their patients education, job training, job nents of the multinational International Nine foreign National Societies began
placement and micro-credits and gave Security Assistance Force deployed in implementing projects delegated to them
home care to persons with spinal cord Kabul. It also made a presentation to by the ICRC while others initiated the plan-
injuries. The ICRC worked with the health- National Security Directorate staff and the ning process for such projects or carried
care authorities to encourage official police force in Kabul, and published a out assessments. The International Feder-
recognition of technical staff employed in booklet on IHL for soldiers. ation continued to support the Afghan Red
the centres.
Crescent in the areas of primary health
• appliances produced: 4,529 prosthe- CIVIL SOCIETY care and community-based first aid and
ses, 7,311 orthoses, 850 wheelchairs disaster preparedness. As lead agency for
Developments in 2001-2002 opened
a coordinated Movement response, the
• paraplegics receiving home care: 900 doors for the promotion of IHL, enabling
ICRC took steps to ensure that that
the ICRC to work through a larger variety
• disabled people receiving schooling, response was coherent.
of institutions and media: universities
training, job placement, or micro-credits:
were revitalized, schools reopened, and
some 900
broadcast and print media blossomed.
• disabled people registered for the first The ICRC continued to make its voice
time: 1,188 amputees; 3,796 others heard on issues of humanitarian concern,
(mainly polio victims) such as preventing mine/UXO injuries. It
contributed story lines to the BBC show
New Home, New Life and passed informa-
AUTHORITIES

tion to the press through briefings, fact
The ICRC worked to foster relations within sheets, newsletters and media contacts.
the new government, raising awareness of
issues of humanitarian concern and pro-
moting the ratification and implementation NATIONAL SOCIETY
of IHL. Afghanistan acceded to the Ottawa
Strengthening the Afghan Red Crescent
Convention in September.
Society
Its unity and its capabilities weakened
from years of conflict, the Afghan Red
Crescent made progress in 2002 as it
strove to re-establish its presence and
increase its operational effectiveness. The
ICRC and the International Federation
worked together to support the Society in
assessing its abilities, identifying training
needs and redesigning its programmes.
The ICRC and the Red Crescent worked
149
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AFGHAN CONFLICT (PAKISTAN)
AFGHAN CONFLICT
(PAKISTAN)
Personnel:
17 expatriates
190 national staff
The ICRC visits Pakistani nationals

initially arrested in Afghanistan in
connection with the recent conflict, and
detained in Pakistan after transfer; it
also helps families to maintain contact
with detained relatives. In addition, the
ICRC works to protect and assist
resident and displaced populations in
areas affected by fighting along the Line
of Control, promotes IHL and
humanitarian principles through military,
civilian and religious institutions, and
supports the health, tracing and
dissemination activities of the Pakistan
Red Crescent Society. Its logistics centre
in Peshawar backs up ICRC operations
in Afghanistan.
Expenditure : see Afghan conflict CONTEXT

(Afghanistan)
Tensions between Pakistan and India In January, President Musharraf an-
flared in December 2001 when militants nounced a ban on the country's five most
attacked the Indian Parliament. In the first active militant groups, including those
months of 2002, both countries massed India had accused of involvement in the
troops along the Line of Control (LoC) and attack on its Parliament. Arrests made in
the international border, where exchanges connection with militant activities in-
of fire intensified. Under heavy diplomatic creased, and continued throughout the
pressure from the international community year. Militants remained active in the
the two nuclear powers refrained from country, however, and were responsible
entering into full-scale war, but hostilities for a series of attacks.
broke out again in May after a militant
A referendum called by President Musharraf
attack in Jammu targeted families of
in April secured an extension of his term in
Indian army personnel. The rest of the year
office. Constitutional reform further consol-
saw a gradual military de-escalation, but
idated his position. The Pakistan Muslim
the basic issues underlying the tension
League faction supporting the President,
remained unresolved.
PML-Q, won the greatest number of seats
150
in national and provincial elections in
October, but the Majlis-e-Amal (MMA)
ICRC ACTION Assisting civilians affected by crossfire
Intensified artillery fire increased risks for
alliance of religious parties made signifi- Key points in 2002 those living along the international border
cant gains and emerged as a major politi- and the LoC; the shelling reportedly
cal force. • Pakistani nationals, arrested in
Afghanistan and transferred to Pakistan, caused casualties and displaced some
With events in Afghanistan allowing them visited in detention in Pakistan 30,000 people. Security risks made some
to return home, Pakistan’s large popula- areas, notably the Neelum valley, inacces-
tion of Afghan refugees decreased • university IHL study advanced; contact sible to international organizations provid-
markedly: an estimated 1.5 million with leading Islamic scholars and insti- ing humanitarian assistance. In August
refugees left Pakistan for Afghanistan over tutes broadened and first official presen- the ICRC visited the Hattiyan Bala and
the year. tation on IHL given at a leading Basara camps for the displaced in the
madrassa (Koranic school) Muzaffarabad district; in September it
• families displaced near LoC assisted returned to distribute blankets, jerrycans,
and warm clothing. In December ICRC
staff distributed blankets, shawls, fuel,
CIVILIANS soap, kitchen utensils and other essential
items to 1,700 displaced persons living
Restoring family links near Skardu, in the Northern Areas not far
Hundreds of families living in Pakistan, from the LoC.
both Pakistani and Afghan, lost touch with
relatives as a result of events in • IDPs receiving aid: 2,574
Afghanistan in 2001. Some received mes-
sages from those detained in Afghanistan, Supporting operation in Afghanistan
Pakistan, or Guantanamo Bay, but many The ICRC logistics centre in Peshawar
others remained without news. This continued to act as a practical and effi-
increased demand for the services of ICRC cient supply channel for tens of thousands
and Pakistan Red Crescent tracing staff, of tonnes of food and other basic necessi-
who cross-checked the names of those ties for use in the ICRC's operations in
missing against lists of detainees visited Afghanistan. Two ICRC aircraft based in
by the ICRC, and maintained a Red Cross Peshawar made regular flights into
message (RCM) network to help families Afghanistan with personnel from the Red
keep in contact with relatives who were Cross/Red Crescent Movement and regis-
detained. The ICRC continued to issue tered NGOs.
travel documents for refugees who had

permission to settle in third countries and
were without the documents required to PEOPLE DEPRIVED
travel there, but the demand for these OF THEIR FREEDOM
dropped drastically after the Canadian Of the over 1,200 Pakistanis arrested in
government started issuing its own travel Afghanistan in connection with the recent
documents in Islamabad. conflict, several hundred have since been
• RCMs distributed to civilians in Pak- transferred to Pakistan. In March 2002,
istan: 4,516 the ICRC made its first visit to detainees
who had been captured in Afghanistan
• travel documents issued: 39 and transferred to Pakistan. The visit was
• identities cross-checked against lists of conducted in accordance with the organi-
detainees visited in Afghanistan: over zation’s standard procedures. On subse-
1,000 quent visits, and in its contacts with the
detaining authorities, the ICRC worked to
strengthen understanding and acceptance
of its working methods in order to ensure
that proper and regular follow-up could
151
take place. In addition, the organization • documents on IHL distributed to army NATIONAL SOCIETY
continued its efforts to gain access to other station libraries and training units: 200
categories of detainees, including Pakista- Institutional development
nis, Afghans and other foreign nationals
arrested in Pakistan.
CIVIL SOCIETY Supported jointly by the ICRC and the
International Federation, the Pakistan Red
• detainees visited: 237 Academic circles Crescent Society’s Development and Coor-
dination Unit continued to be the focal
• places visited: 4 Interest in IHL continued to grow in Pak-
point of structural development and
istani academic circles, thanks to another
• RCMs distributed to detainees: 13 capacity-building activities. These were
successful showing by Pakistani teams in
carried out to strengthen links between
the Jean Pictet IHL moot-court competi-
headquarters and provincial branches,
AUTHORITIES tion. Six former competitors participated in
and between the National Society and its
the teaching of the ICRC-sponsored certifi-
The ICRC continued to work to raise the Movement partners. In 2002 an in-depth
cate course in IHL; the Pictet team for
authorities’ awareness of and encourage evaluation of the Unit, conducted jointly by
2003 was selected from among course
their respect for IHL. It gave a presentation the ICRC and the Federation, recom-
participants. While IHL was incorporated
on IHL to 30 students in the Foreign Ser- mended a review of the National Society’s
into Pakistan’s international public law
vice Academy, and commissioned the statutes; by the end of the year the Pak-
curriculum in 2001, administrative con-
Pakistan Research Society in International istan Red Crescent had submitted a first
straints prevented most faculties from
Law to prepare ratification notes on the draft of a new constitution for review.
adopting the curriculum for the 2002-03
Ottawa Convention, the Rome Statute of
academic year, and the ICRC postponed
the International Criminal Court, and the Programme cooperation
the instructor training seminar planned for
two Protocols additional to the Geneva
2002. ICRC seminars on IHL were given With ICRC financial and technical support,
Conventions. Because Pakistan's priorities
for the first time in two new law faculties in the Pakistan Red Crescent maintained a
in 2002 lay elsewhere, few gains were
Karachi and Hyderabad (Sindh). tracing network, promoted IHL, and pro-
made in the ratification or implementation
of IHL treaties. vided first-aid training to police, students,
• teams sponsored in the Pictet competi-
National Society staff and volunteers. It also
tion: 1
supported ambulance services, ran mobile
ARMED FORCES • students attending the second 5-day eye clinics in Pakistan-administered
AND OTHER BEARERS certificate course in IHL: 27 (from 9 law Kashmir and the Northern Areas, and
faculties) helped develop the operational capacities
OF WEAPONS of the newly-formed Red Crescent branch
In 2002 the Pakistani armed forces • students attending seminars on IHL:
in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
announced their intention to incorporate 150 law, 30 international relations
• people trained in first aid: 940 (in-
IHL into their training programmes, but • professors of international relations

troop deployments and the army’s pre- cluding 285 in Pakistan-administered
attending an IHL teaching seminar in
occupation with operational concerns Kashmir)
Geneva: 2
slowed this process considerably. Al- • people receiving eye care from mobile
though some IHL training planned for the Religious groups eye clinics: 8,402
army was postponed, the ICRC prepared
for the eventual integration of this body of As part of its programme to promote IHL
law in military training programmes by among different segments of Pakistani
reinforcing IHL expertise among military society, the ICRC continued to develop
personnel and by making further IHL contacts with Islamic scholars in order to
resources available to them. raise awareness of the links between
Islamic tenets and the rules of IHL. The
• navy officers and cadets receiving IHL ICRC gave its first formal IHL presentation
presentations: 330 at a leading madrassa, in Lahore.
• officers sent to IHL course in San Remo,
Italy: 2
152
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC INDONESIA
INDONESIA
Personnel :
14 expatriates
78 national staff
The ICRC first established a presence in

Indonesia in 1979. In trouble spots
throughout the country, it has worked
closely with the Indonesian Red Cross
Society to build capacity and protect
and assist the victims of violence,
especially displaced people and resident
groups whose livelihood or contact with
loved ones has been disrupted by
fighting. Throughout the country, the
ICRC continues to strive to broaden
acceptance of IHL by promoting the
law’s implementation, supporting its
inclusion in training for armed forces
and police personnel, and developing
activities together with universities to
foster its study in academic circles.
CONTEXT

Indonesia remained restive owing to inter- Indonesia was hard hit economically by
Expenditure (in Sfr) nal tensions, with instability continuing in these tragic events, which further exacer-
politics and society as a whole. The dev- bated the sluggishness of foreign invest-
Protection astating bomb attacks in Bali in October ment in the country, although the cur-
1,191,890 shocked the government and international rency’s stabilization was seen as a
Assistance community. The Bali tragedy, which left positive sign.
2,432,119 at least 193 people dead, was followed
New challenges arose as a national
Preventive action by bombs in Makassar two months later.
process of decentralization continued. In
This initiated an intensive crackdown
1,581,034 August, the government for the first time
on Islamic militants and a legislative
Cooperation with National Societies granted voters the right to elect the presi-
package of anti-terrorism measures, lead-
1,149,868 dent and vice-president. In January, the
ing to increased arrest and detention of
General president agreed to the formation of a
suspects.
human rights tribunal to try cases arising
63,735
from the violence in East Timor that fol-
lowed the independence referendum of
August 1999. The attorney general's office
6,418,645
153
indicted 18 government officials for
crimes against humanity. One official was
ICRC ACTION An earthquake on Simeulue Island was
exceptionally devastating, as were floods
sentenced to three years in prison, others Key points in 2002 and landslides in Nagan Raya, Aceh Barat
acquitted, and some remained free pend- Daya and Aceh Selatan. Arable lands and
ing appeal. • an estimated 80,000 internally dis- plantations were destroyed, leaving many
placed people (IDPs) and returnees communities with no fields or income. The
Peace agreements continued to be pur- provided with non-food relief and ICRC provided various types of aid to 598
sued to end fighting throughout Indonesia. health-support assistance families in these areas.
The special autonomy granted to Papua
in 2002 failed to quell sporadic clashes • more than 60 people, held in 27 deten- The ICRC completed a well-sinking project
between security forces and members tion facilities, individually visited, regis- in Aceh Utara, building 25 wells in five vil-
of the Free Papua Movement, and lives tered and given aid distributions lages for the benefit of 3,000 people. Con-
continued to be lost. The Malino I and • financial and material support to the tinuation of the project in Lhokseumawe
Malino II agreements, signed respectively Indonesian Red Cross continued, as was prevented by flooding in Aceh Sela-
between Muslim and Christian leaders in well as joint-participation in disaster- tan, requiring the ICRC to carry out dam-
central Sulawesi and island leaders in response work age assessment and well-chlorination in
Maluku were intended to end sectarian the affected areas, with help from National
violence. But progress was slow. Society volunteers. The ICRC provided
CIVILIANS chemicals, equipment, a vehicle, financial
Encouraging progress regarding Aceh was
The official number of lDPs remained at support and training. During the year, the
achieved on 9 December in Geneva with
1.25 million. However, exact numbers organization assisted an estimated total of
the signing of a "Cessation of Hostilities
were difficult to determine. The general 80,000 individuals throughout Indonesia.
Framework Agreement Between Govern-
trend was for the displaced to return to
ment of the Republic of Indonesia And the
their homes, although this process was
Free Aceh Movement". Though violence
slow (many preferred to maintain their PEOPLE DEPRIVED
increased in the province early in the year OF THEIR FREEDOM
IDP status in order to have access to
(with civilians accounting for over half the
government-provided construction materi- In Papua, efforts continued by the authori-
victims), the signing brought about a
als, food and money). The exception was ties to implement ICRC recommendations
marked reduction in the number of inci-
in Aceh, where displacements were con- regarding detention conditions and treat-
dents and prompted a cautiously opti-
tinuous but usually brief. ment. The ICRC visited a total of 19
mistic atmosphere in society.
By year's end in North Maluku, there were detainees in 12 police stations, registering
almost 200,000 IDPs officially registered. 13 new individuals. In nine Papuan pris-
Despite some security concerns and ons, 36 detainees were visited.
reported disturbances, IDPs came back to In Aceh the ICRC made complete visits to
their homes in larger numbers, with Chris- three prisons and three police stations,
tians and Muslims alike beginning to and one partial visit to another prison, all
return from Manado and Bitung. in full compliance with ICRC procedures.
An estimated 28,000 Timorese refugees At year's end the ICRC gained access to
were still in West Timor at year's end, the former prison in Lhokseumawe,
when their refugee status was discontin- referred to as a "re-education centre" and
ued. A total of 288 Red Cross messages run by the armed forces. Visits were made
(RCMs) were delivered by the ICRC in con- to three prisons (Sabang, Takengon and
junction with the National Society’s tracing Kutacane) that had not been seen by the
and mailing service; most of them came ICRC for several years. Delegates regis-
from East Timor. The ICRC submitted to the tered 10 detainees for the first time.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs a total of 656
cases of people who had gone missing
from East Timor between 1975 and 1999.
154
WOUNDED AND SICK AUTHORITIES ARMED FORCES
To enhance the quality of first aid and In anticipation of the entry into force of the AND OTHER BEARERS
emergency techniques for war-wounded Rome Statute, the Ministry of Justice and OF WEAPONS
people in Aceh, a seminar was held in Human Rights instituted an ad hoc com-
May, for more than 55 medical profes- mittee on the International Criminal Court Military
sionals representing 14 hospitals and 33 to study the matter. The year 2002 saw a further extension of
primary health-care facilities in the cooperation between the ICRC and
Following a visit to the Australian IHL
province. Afterwards, visits were made Indonesian armed forces in the field of IHL
committee to study implementation in that
throughout Aceh to follow up the event. promotion. The organization was regularly
country, the chair and one other official of
There continued to be significant numbers the Indonesian interministerial committee invited by the army to give presentations
of conflict-related injuries in Aceh, includ- on IHL also attended a meeting of repre- to units about to be deployed to opera-
ing many amputations resulting from sentatives of national committees in tional areas. In all, some 2,000 officers
injuries caused by locally manufactured Geneva. The ICRC was consulted on were directly reached by the ICRC. The
explosives. The victims included many Indonesia's proposed measures regarding ICRC also supported the army's training
who had no access to health care. In grave breaches of IHL and the passing department in drafting an IHL book of
some areas medical facilities did not have of an emblem-protection law, the draft exercises, regarded as an important step
adequate supplies, equipment or skilled of which had been prepared by a team toward systematic teaching of IHL.
staff. As a result, the ICRC continued to which included ICRC and National Society For the navy, the ICRC financially sup-
provide surgical materials, equipment and representatives. ported the translation and publication of
medicines throughout the province. the San Remo Manual on International
The ICRC participated in a workshop on
In North Maluku, ICRC aid continued to the draft emblem law conducted by the Law Applicable at Sea. The organization
health-care facilities in Malifut, Tobelo, Ministry’s General Directorate on Legisla- also helped the navy draw up operational
Tidore, Weda, Galela, Ternate, Obi, tion. The ICRC continued to support final- planning scenarios that incorporate IHL
Bacan, Gane Barat and Kao. The organi- ization of the official draft and its submis- and various issues of humanitarian con-
zation’s health-support programme sup- sion to the Indonesian parliament. cern. In addition, the navy invited the ICRC
plied medicines and check-ups for to conduct an assessment of its training in
A seminar on legal protection of child IHL. The organization also obtained per-
returnees, displaced people and residents
combatants was conducted jointly by the mission to systematically disseminate IHL
in conjunction with the Ministry of Health
ICRC and the Ministry. A research report to the marines. In all, around 1,200 offi-
and local authorities. Support for health-
was presented, with NGO representatives cers at eight naval bases and two training
care facilities took the form of various
and academics contributing comments. centres were reached by the ICRC during
medical kits, plasma substitutes and
The report concluded that the values the year.
assorted medicines. The ICRC also sup-
underlying the protection of children were

ported the Indonesian Red Cross first-aid
inherent to Indonesian culture and that
post in Ambon, which treated conflict- Police
international treaties codifying them
related cases.
should be ratified. It was suggested that Cooperation with the police in incor-
Medical supply kits were provided to eight until ratification was completed, Indonesia porating human rights and humanitarian
hospitals in Papua (Fakfak, Nabire, Serui, should adopt legislation containing the principles into training was further
Arso, Koya, Sorong, Merauke and Manok- basic guarantees set out by these treaties. consolidated.
wari). In central Sulawesi a joint ICRC/ It also stressed the urgent need to estab-
A total of 11 training seminars on human
National Society team worked in the Poso lish policies for the protection of children,
rights law and IHL relevant to policing
district early in 2002, supplying dispen- including implementing the regulations on
were conducted for area police command-
sary kits to remote medical facilities caring the Geneva Conventions adopted by
ers and mobile brigade units at the provin-
for some 80,000 individuals. Indonesia in 1958.
cial level, with over 3,300 personnel par-
ticipating. The ICRC conducted a five-day
course for instructors and invited four
senior officers to attend an international
seminar entitled "Tensions and conflict in
the Pacific".
155
Other bearers of weapons The delegation held two meetings with • helping assess needs and distribute
No significant progress was reported con- journalists working in Aceh province to relief to flood victims in central Sulawesi
cerning activities with non-State armed explain its mandate and activities in the
• providing medical aid and helping
groups. The ICRC met with the Free Aceh conflict-prone province.
transport relief supplies for tens of thou-
Movement negotiating team in Banda sands of Indonesian migrant workers
Aceh in July to discuss protection issues, NATIONAL SOCIETY expelled from Malaysia
the ICRC's position on hostage-taking,
In 2002, cooperation between the ICRC, • helping earthquake victims on Simeulue
its role as a neutral intermediary, deten-
the Indonesian Red Cross Society and Island and in western Papua, and flood
tion-related issues and the conduct of
International Federation was further victims in western and southern Aceh
hostilities.
strengthened when the three jointly hosted
the Southeast Asia Partnership meeting, Society staff and volunteers were quick to
CIVIL SOCIETY attended by 80 participants from regional arrive on the scene of the Bali bombing of
and other National Societies. The ICRC 12 October. In response to the disaster,
To promote knowledge of and respect for solid cooperation prevailed between the
IHL, the ICRC provided IHL publications to and the National Society signed agree-
ments on IHL promotion, tracing and joint Movement’s components. Both the ICRC
law lecturers and students writing theses and the International Federation actively
on IHL. One lecturer from Mataram Univer- action in Aceh and Ambon. These latter
agreements included capacity-building supported the Indonesian Red Cross in
sity completed a four-month internship at setting up an effective tracing system for
the delegation in Jakarta. measures in first aid, water and sa-
nitation, relief distribution and project Indonesian citizens, while the Australian
The ICRC organized an IHL course in con- management. and the Singaporean National Societies
junction with Airlangga University in joined in providing medical personnel and
Surabaya; 36 law lecturers from 30 uni- The ICRC and the Indonesian Red Cross supplies. Tracing proved a valuable serv-
versities took part. Of these, four served as remained the only humanitarian organiza- ice in the wake of this disaster and the
elected judges in the ad hoc tribunal on tions working in all areas of Aceh Indonesian Red Cross has since decided
human rights violations in East Timor. province. The ICRC regularly gave training to increase its capacity in this field. A
Other participants represented the Ministry to National Society staff and volunteers quadripartite agreement was concluded
of Justice and Human Rights, the army from all 13 Aceh branches in first aid, between the Indonesian National Society,
legal directorate, the navy training com- ambulance work, tracing and project the International Federation, the ICRC and
mand, and the Airlangga law faculty. management. The Code of Conduct for the Australian Red Cross to ensure a long-
Red Cross volunteers was revised and term approach to the project.
Together with Tadulako University in Palu, reprinted.
the ICRC organized a protection seminar Translation and adaptation was com-
for the armed forces. An IHL course for law The ICRC's efforts continued to focus on pleted of the ICRC guide Restoring family
lecturers was conducted in collaboration volunteer training at branch and chapter links. The first training seminars using the
with Brawijaya University in Malang, levels. It remained active in the Disaster guide were conducted for the Society’s
attended by 37 law lecturers from Indone- Management Working Group set up by the Sulawesi and Maluku branches, with all
sian universities, staff from the Ministry of National Society. In addition, joint ICRC, nine branches included in three-day train-
Justice and Human Rights and armed Federation and National Society working workshops by year's end. The ICRC
forces officers. shops provided comprehensive training and the International Federation also sup-
in disaster management for staff and ported the printing of 2,000 calendars
The ICRC took part in meetings with the volunteers. promoting the Society’s work, with the
UN and various NGOs, explaining the ICRC contributing technical advice and
roles of the National Society, the Interna- The ICRC supported the Indonesian Red
Cross in several operations, most in con- one third of the total cost.
tional Federation and the ICRC. The ICRC
continued to provide information on the junction with the International Federation,
Ottawa Convention to the Indonesian Red by:
Cross, universities, the armed forces, • providing full logistical support and
police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and 160,000 water-purification tablets fol-
the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. lowing flooding in Jakarta and central
and eastern Java
156
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC MYANMAR
MYANMAR
Personnel:
36 expatriates
152 national staff
The ICRC established its presence in

1986 with orthotic and prosthetic
programmes. In addition to developing
this work for mine casualties and other
disabled people, delegates today make
regular visits to people deprived of their
freedom. In Shan, Kayin and Mon
states, where weakened infrastructure,
isolation and the security situation make
the population particularly vulnerable,
the ICRC meets basic water and
sanitation needs in selected villages,
helps hospitals provide surgical care to
the wounded and has stepped up
dialogue with the governmental
authorities on the protection of civilians
in those sensitive areas. The ICRC also
works to improve coordination with the
International Federation in an effort to
enhance the effectiveness of the
Myanmar Red Cross Society.
CONTEXT

The leader of the opposition, Aung San Myanmar therefore continued to be penal-
Expenditure (in Sfr) Suu Kyi, was released from house arrest ized by a range of international sanctions
in May, encouraging hope of further talks and a suspension of aid by the United
Protection between the military regime and the Na- States, the European Union and various
4,626,659 tional League for Democracy. Ms Suu Kyi other European countries. The authorities
Assistance used her newly won freedom to travel were also under pressure to implement
4,412,832 around the country restoring contact with political reforms, both from individual
Preventive action her supporters and reopening branch States in the region and from the Associa-
offices of the party. tion of Southeast Asian Nations, of which
375,219
Myanmar is a member.
Cooperation with National Societies Although there were numerous efforts by the
480,833 special representative of the UN secretary- In the economic realm, the ruling State
General general, as well as by the UN's special Peace and Development Council sus-
rapporteur on human rights and other pended the import licenses of all foreign
150,226
international visitors throughout the year trading firms in April, thereby adding to the
to facilitate the start of a dialogue between strict import curbs that have been in place
the military regime and the opposition, no since 1998. Import substitution continues
10,045,768 substantial progress was reported.
157
as a key policy of the government, imple-
mented to protect local companies against
ICRC ACTION Similar efforts to improve contacts with
military and civilian officials and to foster
foreign competition. Developing the agri- Key points in 2002 confidence in the delegation's work have
cultural and energy sectors is another also borne fruit in other conflict-affected
priority, as the government views self- • ICRC field activities expanded and areas along the Thai border. In Mon and
sufficiency in food production to be a key developed particularly in areas along Kayin states and Thaninthayi division,
factor in social stability. the Thai-Myanmar border (Shan, Kayin, delegates gradually extended the ICRC’s
and Mon states), increasing delegates' field activities during the year. These gains
In spite of occasional tensions, relations access to conflict-affected areas served to expand its ongoing hygiene-
with Thailand improved during 2002. In
• an ICRC office opened in Mandalay to promotion programme, which enabled it
October, border crossings between the two
better carry out detention-related and to make regular visits to remote villages
countries reopened after five months of
rehabilitation activities in central and along the border and resulted in appropri-
closure. Negotiations between Myanmar
northern Myanmar ate sanitation facilities being installed in
and Thailand on a memorandum of
schools and safe water being made avail-
understanding for the repatriation of illegal • an ICRC orthopaedic rehabilitation cen- able at markets.
Myanmar migrant workers had by year’s tre opened in Hpa-an, in midst of a
end not yet resulted in an agreement. In conflict-affected area, and began to fit The ICRC also endeavoured to protect ille-
the meantime, expulsions continued. amputees with artificial limbs gal migrant workers from risks they faced
when they were expelled from Thailand
• detainee-welfare work intensified as bet- and returned to conflict-affected areas. In
ter and more frequent access to places frequent visits to Myawaddy, location of a
of detention was achieved transit camp for expelled migrants, it
assessed the material conditions of peo-
CIVILIANS ple living in the camp. Delegates also
checked on former migrants once they
As the only independent entity that has
had left and returned to their villages.
access to all parts of the country, the ICRC
broadened the scope of its activities in
areas affected by conflict. In Shan state, PEOPLE DEPRIVED
where fighting persisted, the ICRC made OF THEIR FREEDOM
promising progress towards full access to
conflict-affected areas. In November, state The ICRC continued visiting detainees
authorities invited delegates on a tour of throughout 2002, making 64 visits to
such areas in Shan state. This enabled 44 places of detention around the country.
them to make contact with regional offi- Delegates visited 2,775 detainees individ-
cials, both civilian and military, and ually, of whom 1,665 were registered for
extend the organization’s presence to sen- the first time, and reported the presence of
sitive areas previously inaccessible. It 158 foreign detainees in Myanmar to their
also afforded them first-hand information respective embassies for consular pro-
about the living and security conditions of tection. The delegation had access to all
the civilian population for use in a confi- categories of detainees being held under
dential dialogue with military and civilian the authority of the Prison Department,
authorities (as well as with non-state enti- including detainees assigned to work in
ties where applicable) to urge all parties labour camps. At the end of December,
concerned to respect international human- the ICRC was monitoring a total of
itarian law (IHL). 2,997 detainees, including security
detainees, minors, foreigners, and ordi-
nary detainees in need of protection.
158
In 2002 the ICRC improved conditions of WOUNDED AND SICK • completed the renovation of 4 hospitals
detention by: in southeastern areas, and 2 in eastern
It was conservatively estimated that there Shan state, and conducted waste-
• maintaining dialogue with authorities were about 6,000 amputees in Myanmar. management and disease-control train-
on its findings and on possible ways of Most had received their injuries in connec- ing for the staff of 2 hospitals
solving problems noted during its visits tion with the conflict and lived in remote
areas or border zones. As there were no • rebuilt a health-care centre in Mong Pu
• forwarding almost 13,000 Red Cross
prosthetic services in those areas, and as On (eastern Shan state) to serve a pop-
messages (RCMs) between detainees
the amputees often could not afford to ulation of 14,000
and their families
travel to the cities to be fitted with artificial • handed over 2 health-care posts in
• covering the cost of transport to help limbs, the ICRC continued to support an eastern Shan state to the Ministry of
family members visit 776 detainees outreach prosthetic programme in con- Health
held far from their homes junction with the Myanmar Red Cross and
the Ministry of Health. • bore the cost of medical treatment of
• maintaining dialogue with the detaining
war-wounded patients in Thailand as
and judicial authorities (particularly As the only international organization well as in Myanmar
through meetings with the Supreme directly assisting amputees in Myanmar,
Court and juvenile courts in Yangon and the ICRC continued to help improve the
Mandalay) on aspects of the adminis- quality and reach of the prosthetic services AUTHORITIES
tration of juvenile justice and children there. Over the years, the ICRC has cultivated
deprived of their freedom contacts and fostered a relationship of
In September, the organization opened a
• creating individual medical files to doc- new rehabilitation centre in Hpa-an (Kayin confidence with the authorities. Building
ument and record the medical history of state), to be operated in cooperation with on positive experience in the field of deten-
sick detainees the Myanmar Red Cross and Ministry of tion, the authorities exhibited unprece-
Health by agreement with the Ministry of dented flexibility regarding ICRC move-
• supplying prison health-care services ment in sensitive areas of the southeast,
with essential medical supplies plus Home Affairs. During the year, ICRC activi-
ties to help the disabled included: granting constant access to several town-
10 tonnes of soap, and verifying ships in such areas and authorizing travel
that these materials were distributed • technical and material assistance for by road within Thaninthayi division. In
appropriately five government prosthetic services, addition, in the final weeks of the year the
• distributing books, educational material which produced 1,464 prostheses authorities stated that they would author-
and recreational equipment for use by • enabling 526 amputees to receive pros- ize an ICRC presence in all the sensitive
all detainees in facilities visited thetic services through the joint outreach areas of the country to enable it to assess
programme the living conditions of the civilian popula-
Monthly meetings of a joint working group tion. This increased access to such areas

bringing together officials of the Ministry of • production of 66 prostheses in the new enabled delegates to raise awareness of
Home Affairs and the Ministry of Health rehabilitation centre in Hpa-an the ICRC’s humanitarian mandate among
with the ICRC continued to discuss health the various authorities at field level.
issues in detention facilities. These In areas affected by fighting, the ICRC
brought encouraging results. helped local health-care systems In line with the ICRC’s priority of protecting
strengthen their capacity to treat the women caught up in armed conflict, the
wounded and sick. It provided hospitals ICRC contacted different authorities con-
with medical aid, improved their water cerned with women's issues as well as
supply, upgraded sanitation facilities and local branches of the Myanmar Women's
renovated buildings. It also covered the Affairs Committee.
cost of care for people wounded in fight-
ing. During 2002, the ICRC: Stressing domestic law, which prohibits
the recruitment of persons under the age of
• provided medical supplies and instru- 18, as well as human rights law and pro-
ments to 3 hospitals in eastern Shan visions of international humanitarian law
state and one in Kayin state protecting children, the ICRC maintained a
confidential dialogue with the authorities
on this issue.
159
ARMED FORCES In consultation with the National Society
and the Ministry of Health's department of
AND OTHER BEARERS environment and sanitation, the ICRC
OF WEAPONS facilitated the design and printing of
The extended presence of the ICRC in sen- 3,000 posters on safe water and another
sitive areas little by little enabled contacts 3,000 concerning the proper use of
to be developed with the Myanmar armed latrines. The posters were for use by the
forces and with the military intelligence. ICRC's hygiene-promotion programme.
This incipient dialogue prompted hopes Other items produced included more than
that activities would gradually develop to 6,000 calendars and 1,500 postcards of
promote knowledge of IHL. At the same major cultural activities. These items were
time, delegates maintained intense dia- widely distributed to contacts and the gen-
logue with major Yangon-allied armed eral public.
groups such as the New Mon State Party,
the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army and NATIONAL SOCIETY
Wa representatives. Throughout 2002, the
ICRC organized sessions on the ICRC's The ICRC and the International Federation
role and activities for officers of the armed met frequently during the year and agreed
groups, both in the field and at their on common strategies to support the
respective headquarters. Myanmar Red Cross Society. For example,
they jointly supported the Society in organ-
Contacts were maintained with opposition izing meetings attended by executive
armed groups such as the Shan State council members and heads of depart-
Army, the Karen National Liberation Army, ments to formulate a plan of action for the
the Karenni National Progressive Party Society’s future development.
and others. This enabled the ICRC to con-
vey general information about its work as The tracing and conflict-preparedness pro-
well as basic principles of IHL. grammes became a vehicle for stepped-
up efforts to spread knowledge of basic
rules of international humanitarian law
CIVIL SOCIETY and the Movement’s Fundamental Princi-
The ICRC strove to promote humanitarian ples. Joint teams from the ICRC and the
principles and Red Cross activities and National Society visited a number of town-
worked closely with the Myanmar Red ships, many of them for the first time, in
order to explain the RCM service and Red
Cross to develop press contacts. During

the period under review, the Myanmar Cross work in general. More than 1,800
Times, a Yangon-based newspaper, pub- National Society volunteers and more than
lished four articles about the ICRC and its 450 staff from the local authorities
activities. Several broadcast outlets fre- attended presentations given by the
quently reported on the organization’s teams.
work in their Burmese-language service. The ICRC and the International Federation
jointly supported training for National
Society staff and volunteers in order to
enhance their preparedness. More than 70
persons were trained in first aid and other
emergency-preparedness measures.
160
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC NEPAL
NEPAL
Personnel:
21 expatriates
37 national staff
In Nepal, government forces are fighting

an armed Maoist movement that has
spread beyond its base in the mid-
western region and now affects nearly
the entire country. The ICRC opened an
office in Kathmandu in 2000. In
addition to visiting detainees held in
connection with the insurgency, it works
to protect and assist civilians affected
by fighting, to promote respect for IHL
among bearers of weapons and
members of civil society, and to
strengthen the Nepal Red Cross Society.
CONTEXT

Reaching new levels of intensity after ued to spread, and by the end of the year
Expenditure (in Sfr) negotiations broke down late in 2001, affected almost all of Nepal's 75 districts.
the conflict between the government and
Protection Casualties mounted sharply as clashes
the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist
intensified. The death toll doubled in a sin-
2,637,629 (CPN-M) continued unabated through
gle year and by the end of 2002 had
Assistance much of 2002. Only in the monsoon sea-
reached over 7,000 for the six-year-old
1,213,020 son, when particularly heavy rains led to
struggle. Arrests made in connection with
Preventive action floods and landslides, did clashes let up.
the conflict increased as emergency
The state of emergency declared at the end
482,537 measures were taken. There were, how-
of 2001 was extended until September
Cooperation with National Societies ever, no indications of large-scale dis-
2002, and CPN-M attacks continued on
410,038 placement. Restrictions imposed by both
police stations, government buildings,
General sides, poor road conditions and security
and communication and transportation
risks hampered the passage of civilians
224,898 facilities. The Royal Nepal Army was
and goods between government- and
deployed throughout the country and took
CPN-M-controlled areas, causing supply
the lead in counter-insurgency operations.
problems and threatening to disrupt the
4,968,122 Violence related to the insurgency contin-
161
traditional flow of temporary migrant
labour. Security risks and restrictions on
ICRC ACTION For much of the year, security constraints
and measures taken to restrict the freedom
movement also denied the media and Key points in 2002 of movement limited the scope of the
humanitarian organizations a complete ICRC's civilian protection activities.
picture of the situation in areas where • 2,000 detainees visited in jails and Despite this, ICRC delegates were able to
most clashes took place. Public services police stations throughout the country step up their documentation of alleged
in remote areas continued to crumble as • economic conditions, water distribution violations of IHL, and make representa-
government employees such as teachers, systems and security assessed in the tions to the authorities concerned; by the
health-care professionals, and adminis- districts most affected by the conflict end of the year they had submitted
trators fled threats to relocate in areas detailed reports to both the army and the
where government control was more • medical care for the wounded supported CPN-M. As continuing disruption of the
secure. by providing medical supplies and transport system and other lines of com-
organizing a surgical seminar munication made it ever more difficult to
In the face of political discord over how to
maintain family links, the ICRC worked
react to these new developments, King
Gyanendra dissolved Parliament in May, CIVILIANS with the Nepal Red Cross to develop a
more extensive Red Cross message
and in July appointed a new government.
Protecting civilians (RCM) network; by the end of the year
Elections scheduled for November 2002
The escalation of fighting heightened dan- many branches had set up new RCM serv-
were postponed indefinitely in September.
gers faced by civilians, particularly in dis- ices, and message deliveries had
The ICRC continued to focus on protection puted areas where the population was increased.
activities. In spite of restrictions, security squeezed between demands of both the
considerations and difficult weather condi- government and the CPN-M, and fell vic- Assessing economic security
tions, it extended its field presence to more tim to raids, extortion, attacks, harass- After the monsoon season, a multidiscipli-
areas and made more frequent visits to ment, and other serious violations of IHL. nary ICRC team assessed economic secu-
detainees held in connection with the Basic supply lines were disrupted as com- rity in the mid-western districts of Rukum,
insurgency. In October and November an munication and transport links were Rolpa, Jajarkot, Kalikot, Dailekh and
ICRC team conducted an in-depth field destroyed and areas were cordoned off for Jumla, travelling on foot in difficult condi-
survey in regions where a food crisis was military operations. In remote regions, tions for six weeks. In the course of their
reported. Assessing the needs of the popu- restrictions on movement threatened to survey, the ICRC staff talked to villagers
lation in both CPN-M- and government- disrupt the temporary migration that and representatives of both sides in the
controlled areas, ICRC specialists found allows impoverished residents to make up conflict. They found that agricultural activ-
no acute crisis that would necessitate for inadequate agricultural production. The ities were being pursued almost normally
immediate, large-scale distributions, but restrictions also interfered with communi- and that nearly all families had enough to
confirmed that much of the population cation between members of dispersed
eat. However, because agricultural pro-

depended on temporary migration and families. duction did not cover all needs of the local
was therefore threatened by restrictions on
people even in normal times, most
movement. Widespread misuse of the
depended on temporary migration to
emblem affected all members of the Move-
make ends meet. Conflict-related limita-
ment working in conflict areas.
tions on movement of goods and people
interfered with this essential coping mech-
anism and also hindered the maintenance
of water systems. When it conveyed these
findings to the Ministry of Health and the
army, the ICRC underlined the hazards of
maintaining restrictions on the freedom of
movement and trade. It also began to
build up its own and the National Society’s
capacity to respond in the event of an
emergency.
162
PEOPLE DEPRIVED WOUNDED AND SICK AUTHORITIES
OF THEIR FREEDOM More people were wounded as fighting The ICRC and the Nepal Red Cross sub-
intensified, increasing the need for surgi- mitted draft legislation to the Ministry of
Visiting government-held detainees cal care and first-aid services. Surgery Health seeking to protect the red cross and
Under the state of emergency, the maxi- and other advanced care was not avail- red crescent emblems against misuse. In
mum period of preventive detention was able in many of the remote areas where addition, the ICRC commissioned a study
lengthened, and civilian authorities made fighting was heaviest, and access to the of the compatibility of Nepal’s legislation
more arrests in connection with the in- distant facilities that could treat the with the requirements of the main IHL
surgency. As its involvement in counter- wounded was hampered by poor roads, treaties, to serve as a basis for recom-
insurgency operations deepened, the army damaged bridges, rugged terrain, bad mending national measures for imple-
made more captures and arrests and weather conditions, security risks and mil- menting IHL. The dissolution of Parliament
began holding people in custody. itary restrictions. made it difficult to encourage such meas-
ures during the year under review.
The ICRC's visits to detainees held in jails
and police stations were interrupted in the Care for the wounded
early months of 2002, but resumed when The ICRC provided surgical facilities and ARMED FORCES
issues of access and procedures had first-aid posts with medicines and other AND OTHER BEARERS
been clarified. The ICRC then carried out supplies needed to treat the wounded. To
regular visits in over 50 districts, where it share expertise on the treatment of the OF WEAPONS
registered some 2,000 detainees for the wounded it conducted its second war- As the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) became
first time. In addition, ICRC delegates vis- surgery seminar in Nepal, bringing to- more involved in counter-insurgency oper-
ited the homes of released detainees to gether some 100 specialists and trainees ations, IHL gained relevance for its per-
note cases of re-arrest, and collected alle- from health-care facilities in Kathmandu sonnel. In 2001 the army recognized this
gations of arrest to submit to the authori- and Nepalganj. It provided the Nepal Red and announced its intention to initiate IHL
ties concerned. In August, the delegation Cross with financial and technical support training. The ICRC, which had previously
submitted a comprehensive report to the to set up first-aid services in four of the been involved with IHL training for Nepal’s
authorities on the findings of visits made districts most affected by fighting; by the peace-keeping troops, turned its focus in
between January and June. In mid- end of the year the services were up and 2002 towards supporting the army’s
December, the ICRC made its first visit to running in three districts (Aindhuli, Saly- efforts to integrate IHL instruction into its
detainees held by the army; delegates han and Phyuthan). ICRC delegates also standard training programmes. Progress
also made their first visits to detainees in distributed basic first-aid supplies and was slowed by the army's new opera-
the custody of the new Armed Police booklets to soldiers encountered in the tional priorities, but the ICRC widened its
Force. field. An evaluation of rehabilitation facili- network of contacts to reinforce the
ties for the physically disabled, planned military's commitment to complying with

• detainees visited: 2,121 IHL. It contributed materials and trained
for 2002, was deferred until security
• places of detention visited: 95 improves. officers in IHL. It also gave IHL training to
officers of the newly formed Armed Police
• released detainees followed up in home • medicines and other supplies given to Force (APF), which was specially trained
visits: 70 Nepalese health facilities: for 400 in counter-insurgency operations and
wounded deployed for the first time in 2002.
Seeking access to CPN-M-held
• officers trained in IHL: 22 RNA; 22 APF
detainees
The ICRC's contact with the CPN-M, inter- • officer sent to the San Remo course on
rupted in the early stages of the state of IHL: 1
emergency, was gradually re-established
over 2002. The delegation then resumed
its efforts to gain access to those held in
custody by the Maoists.
163
CIVIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SOCIETY
Focusing on Tribhuvan University, which
Coordinating Movement action
has the leading law department in the
country, the ICRC continued its efforts to In its role as the International Red Cross
foster academic interest in IHL and build and Red Crescent Movement’s lead
up university-level instruction in the sub- agency in Nepal, the ICRC worked to co-
ject. The ICRC urged the law faculty to ordinate a unified Movement response
include more IHL study in its curriculum and cooperated closely with the Interna-
and expanded the pool of persons quali- tional Federation.
fied to teach it by sending four Nepalese
representatives to Bangalore to attend the Strengthening the Nepal Red Cross
South Asia Teaching Session on IHL and Society
Refugee Law (see New Delhi regional Serious security incidents involving its
delegation). It also printed and distributed personnel, ambulances and offices ham-
2,000 copies of a Nepalese translation of pered National Society efforts to meet the
an IHL textbook. needs that arose in connection with the
The ICRC also worked to promote public escalation in fighting. The ICRC worked
acceptance of IHL instruments and raise with the Nepal Red Cross to take practical
awareness of IHL-related issues. To this measures to strengthen its impartiality and
end, it worked with organizations such as independence. With the support of the
the Nepal Bar Association and the ICRC and the International Federation, the
National Human Rights Commission to National Society launched an extensive
improve members' knowledge of IHL, campaign against misuse of the red cross
maintained contacts with representatives emblem. Its branches in insurgency-
of the media and the numerous Nepalese affected districts reduced improper use of
and international NGOs active in the coun- the emblem through talks with pharma-
try, and made presentations on IHL in cies, medical centres, and others not
meetings, seminars and various other authorized to display it. Extensive media
fora. support made the campaign all the more
effective. The ICRC and the National Soci-
ety jointly conducted four regional semi-
nars on how to carry out relief activities in
conflict situations. The training provided in
the seminars, held in Nepalganj, Mahen-

dranagar, Pokhara and Dhulikel, comple-
mented technical and financial support
given by the ICRC to help build the Nepal
Red Cross’s capacity to spread knowledge
of IHL (see Authorities) and provide trac-
ing services (see Civilians), and its emer-
gency-preparedness and response ability
(see Wounded and sick).
• number of people trained in first aid:
100
• number of branches setting up or
improving tracing services: 28
164
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES
Personnel:
9 expatriates
49 national staff
In the Philippines, where the ICRC has

been working since 1982, the
delegation strives to assist and protect
civilians displaced or otherwise affected
by armed clashes between the
government and insurgent groups,
primarily on the southern island of
Mindanao. It acts as a neutral
intermediary between opposing forces in
matters of humanitarian concern, visits
security detainees and works with the
Philippine National Red Cross through
the Society’s network of regional
chapters and local branches, to help
displaced people and to promote
compliance with IHL in all sectors of
society.
CONTEXT

The Philippines remained seriously European Union. No peace negotiations
Expenditure (in Sfr) affected by acts of terrorism throughout took place with the NPA.
2002. Bombs killed and maimed many
Protection Clashes also continued sporadically with
civilians in the Mindanao cities of Zam-
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in
1,138,921 boanga, General Santos and Kidapawan,
spite of a cease-fire. Negotiations with the
Assistance and also in the area of Cotabato. Bombs
MILF achieved no progress.
290,777 also exploded – or were defused in time –
Preventive action in Manila. At the end of 2002, several The Philippine armed forces made a deter-
embassies closed their doors for weeks mined effort to defeat the Abu Sayyaf
505,302
after receiving terrorist threats. Group in Basilan. American troops trained
Cooperation with National Societies and observed the Philippine soldiers, but
236,807 Armed clashes persisted throughout the
officially took no part in armed hostilities.
General year between the forces of the government
The last two American hostages held by
and the New People's Army (NPA), which
69,886 the Abu Sayyaf Group were located and a
was listed as a terrorist organization by
rescue attempt was made; one hostage
the governments of the Philippines, the
was killed, the other one was freed,
United States and several countries of the
2,241,693 though wounded. An important Abu
165
Sayyaf leader was subsequently killed.
Despite this, the Abu Sayyaf Group
ICRC ACTION The ICRC monitored the consequences of
clashes between parties to the conflict and
remained active, in particular on Jolo Key points in 2002 assessed allegations of IHL violations. A
Island, capturing new hostages, both Fili- note detailing allegations regarding four of
pinos and Indonesians. • medical treatment facilitated for civilians these incidents was sent to the Philippine
wounded in armed clashes unable to chief of military staff.
The elements of the Moro National Libera- meet the cost of their treatment
tion Front (MNLF) supporting Nur Misuari The ICRC gave two briefings on its protec-
did not fight much in 2002, after the vio- • more than 52,850 detainees visited tion work to armed forces IHL instructors
lent clashes they initiated in November and 460 cases individually followed up and members of an intelligence unit in
and December 2001 in Jolo and Zam- • one confidential note submitted to the an attempt to raise awareness of the orga-
boanga. Nur Misuari was awaiting trial Philippine armed forces commander, nization’s efforts to monitor alleged IHL
throughout 2002, and observers felt that describing four alleged IHL violations violations.
his fate would probably determine whether against civilians
the MNLF remained pacified or resumed
fighting. • numerous presentations made nation- PEOPLE DEPRIVED
wide to spread knowledge of IHL and OF THEIR FREEDOM
Various difficulties continued to affect the Red Cross activities among thousands
Philippine government. Tax collection was Throughout the year there was a rise in the
of members of the military and police,
weaker than expected and the budget number of detainees held by the govern-
and other armed groups
deficit increased alarmingly. Foreign ment. They were followed individually by
investment remained far below expecta- the ICRC. The two main reasons for this
tions, as China and several ASEAN coun- CIVILIANS were that increased military activity
tries offered better conditions, in particular The persistent armed hostilities caused against the NPA in Luzon and the Visayas
in terms of security and stability. The rate many people to flee their homes in Sulu, led to a higher number of arrests of sus-
of exchange for the peso started to drop Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao pected NPA members and the transfer and
sharply at the end of 2002, in part provinces. Most IDPs fled to government registration in Manila of a large number of
because of a growing flight of capital, in evacuation centres, where they were suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf
part because of higher oil prices. Remit- assisted by the local authorities and the Group previously detained in areas in
tances from Filipinos working abroad Department of Social Welfare and Devel- Basilan and Zamboanga to which the
reached nearly eight billion dollars in opment. Compared with 2000 and 2001 ICRC had no access. At year's end the
2002, a record amount which to a large however, the number of IDPs unable to ICRC was monitoring 511 detainees.
extend mitigated the negative effects of the return home for long periods was much The ICRC:
faltering economy. Allegations of corrup- lower.
tion and overpricing in the building of • visited a total of 52,850 inmates
The ICRC took action on several occa-
infrastructure also tarnished the govern- (including those visited more than
sions, the first time in Jolo, when it sup- once) in 106 places of detention
ment and led to several resignations or
plied aid for 300 families to the local
demotions of officials, including the minis- • undertook a total of 135 detainee-
Philippines Red Cross chapter. The ongo-
ter of justice. On 30 December, the presi- welfare visits
ing fighting in Sulu Province later
dent announced that she would not run in
prompted the ICRC to deliver more aid to • privately interviewed 460 detainees
the presidential elections of May 2004,
the local chapter there. A distribution was (some more than once)
saying she would rather concentrate on
carried out by delegates in cooperation
solving her country’s numerous problems • registered 213 new inmates
with the local chapter to meet the needs of
in the final months of her term – above all
96 families displaced in Sultan Naga • distributed more than 50,000 pieces of
the need to strengthen social discipline
Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. soap to a total of 31,216 inmates
and fight crime.
Clashes between the Philippine armed • distributed games, recreation materials,
forces and the MILF, the NPA and the Abu and various articles for hygiene
Sayyaf Group continued throughout the
year. A total of 165 detainees received funded
visits from a total of 415 family members
making use of the joint ICRC/National
Society family visit programme.
166
The ICRC was successful in its attempts to WOUNDED AND SICK In all, 148 presentations on IHL and Red
visit two detention facilities holding Cross work were held by the ICRC, in con-
detainees suspected of links to organiza- Although armed clashes, most of which junction with the National Society, for
tions which the Philippine authorities con- occurred in Mindanao, lessened some- municipal officials, village leaders, health-
sider terrorist. This represented a signifi- what during the year, civilians continued care workers and provincial health offi-
cant change in policy of the Philippines to be targeted and injured by bombings cers. These presentations were attended
National Police and resulted in eight and shootings. Philippine health-care by 7,458 individuals throughout the
detainees being registered for the first facilities offered treatment but many peo- country; 66,343 ICRC brochures were
time. ple simply could not afford it. To address distributed.
this issue, the ICRC continued to provide
The ICRC maintained regular contact with aid consisting of both financial support Most of the 86 Philippine Red Cross
senior officials of the Bureau of Jail Man- and medical supplies, while encouraging branches worked to spread knowledge of
agement and Penology in order to convey the authorities to increase subsidies. IHL, sometimes in conjunction with
its observations and maintain dialogue municipal officials as part of a project car-
with this agency responsible for over The Mindanao sub-delegation did the fol- ried out at the village level in Mindanao,
1,200 jails and some 40,000 detainees. lowing: the Visayas and southern Luzon, all of
A proposal for an IHL-promotion seminar • monitored seriously injured people and which have a history of armed violence.
to be held for senior regional Bureau direc- facilitated surgical assistance for 347
tors was positively received, and was civilians, mostly injured in bomb blasts
expected to take place in 2003. Similarly, in Western and Central Mindanao
ARMED FORCES
delegates regularly met with the Director of AND OTHER BEARERS
• distributed 48 pairs of crutches
the Bureau of Corrections to discuss ICRC OF WEAPONS
observations on the seven penal colonies • fitted leg prostheses for 14 amputees The ICRC continued its efforts to promote
managed by the Bureau and holding (10 civilians, 4 combatants) and deliv- compliance with IHL among all bearers of
some 25,000 inmates. ered 13 leg prostheses weapons by means of presentations, dis-
In order to discuss specific subjects such tribution of booklets and financing of a
as minors and women in detention, as AUTHORITIES full-time National Society post for this
well as judicial issues regarding inmates, activity. The general and specific needs of
In past years the Philippines had ratified a
the ICRC met at least once with re- women affected by armed conflict were
comprehensive range of international
presentatives of the following government systematically mentioned in presentations
agreements to protect children against
offices and non-governmental bodies: the to military, police and village officials.
various abuses, in both peacetime and
Department of Social Welfare and Devel- conflict. In May 2002, it was announced
opment, the Board of Pardons and Parole, that the country had ratified the Optional Armed forces
the Supreme Court, the Public Attorney's Protocol (concerning child soldiers) to the In Luzon, the ICRC gave a presentation on

Office, UNDP, UNICEF, Caritas Manila and Convention on the Rights of the Child. The IHL and Red Cross work to army officers
the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Sol- ICRC continued its work to promote ratifi- from Australia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and
diers. cation of Protocol I additional to the the Philippines during the 10th Class of
With funding provided by the Swiss NGO Geneva Conventions, the Hague Conven- the Command and General Staff Course.
Pro Victimis, the ICRC was able to super- tion of 1954, and the Statute of the Inter- Another IHL session was given for 104
vise two projects: construction of a bas- national Criminal Court. cadets and instructors of the Philippine
ketball court at Davao Oriental Provincial A meeting between the government civil- Military Academy in Baguio. The Philip-
Jail in Mindanao and construction of a military operations officials and ICRC/ pine Red Cross held 21 similar sessions
sunning area for the prisoners on death National Society IHL-promotion staff was for 1,300 armed forces personnel
row at New Bilibid Prison in Manila (the held in December. The result was the tak- throughout the year, while in the National
latter was begun and was due for comple- ing of measures to achieve greater harmo- Capital Region armed forces IHL instruc-
tion in early 2003). nization in the future, with the authorities tors presented a module on the subject to
agreeing to coordinate their training more 320 Philippine navy, army and peace-
Owing to security concerns, the ICRC did
closely with the Red Cross and to better keeping officers as well as civilian and
not visit persons detained by opposition
present the principles of IHL. military staff.
forces.
167
The ICRC made a presentation to 41 NGO arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation sessions were held for the university’s
Philippine air force officers in Manila as Front), which represented an opportunity political and social sciences students and
part of the annual Rights of the Child for the ICRC to advocate future promo- the study of human rights law and IHL
advocacy course organized by the Com- tional activities among MILF combatants. was formally introduced into the univer-
mission on Human Rights. A delegate sity’s curriculum.
In south Cotabato a presentation on IHL
gave a three-day course for 28 officers
was given to 170 personnel of the south-
drawn from across the country’s armed
forces, including military lawyers, military
ern and central Mindanao Unified Com- NATIONAL SOCIETY
mand of the Moro National Liberation The Philippine National Red Cross chairs
academy instructors and operational staff
Front. The ICRC did likewise for the north- the national committee on IHL, the main
officers from the main military districts.
ern and western Mindanao Unified Com- body promoting ratification of humanitar-
Continuing efforts by the ICRC resulted
mand and for the Zamboanga Peninsula ian treaties in the Philippines. At mid-year,
in the first of several events for an army
MNLF commanders, and held a six-hour the Philippine Red Cross worked with the
division training unit to promote com-
session for MNLF commanders and fol- ICRC and the IHL committee to set up a
pliance with IHL in North Cotabato.
lowers in Polloc, Parang, and Maguin- drafting group for an updated and com-
In Mindanao, the ICRC made a total of 43 danao, reaching 76 participants in all. prehensive law on IHL violations to be pre-
presentations to 2,982 members of the In all, 637 members of the MNLF com- sented to parliament upon completion.
various armed forces of the Philippines, mand were reached. Relevant IHL and The ICRC supported the effort in the form of
divisional training units, Citizens' Armed Red Cross leaflets, booklets and books funding of drafting fees and contributions
Forces Geographic Units and paramilitary were distributed. to the text.
forces. These presentations were accom-
So far no such events have been allowed The ICRC conducted four training sessions
panied by the distribution of 15,000 ICRC
by the MILF. However, the ICRC continued on IHL and Red Cross work for a total of
promotional brochures and booklets.
to strive to bring this about. 127 National Society staff from 21 local
During the year the ICRC also met with the chapters in northern and southern Luzon
Finally, there were increased political ten-
armed forces chief of staff for the Southern and the Visayas. A presentation was made
sions between government soldiers and
Command in Zamboanga, to seek assur- at the Society’s headquarters. Meetings
the New People’s Army. For security rea-
ance that it would be able to promote were also held at 29 Society chapters in
sons, the ICRC was unable to hold IHL-
compliance with IHL among troops sched- northern Luzon to assess the effectiveness
promotion events for the NPA.
uled for deployment in combat zones. This of village-level IHL promotion. The ICRC
proposal was favourably received and intends to scale back its involvement in
was planned to begin in early 2003. CIVIL SOCIETY this activity, though logistical support for
Five presentations on IHL and Red Cross the programme will continue.
Police activities were given to NGOs and media
The Philippine Red Cross IHL-promotion
representatives. About 170 people were
Five presentations on IHL were made to officer co-organized seminars for the Soci-
674 policemen in Mindanao. Two courses reached in this way and numerous leaflets
ety’s board members in August and Octo-
were given by the ICRC on behalf of the and booklets were distributed during these
ber. Presentations were also held for thou-
Philippine Public Safety College to 153 sessions.
sands of college and high school
police student officers at the Regional In May, the ICRC and the University of the students, plus hundreds of teachers, in
Training Schools in the Autonomous Philippines' Institute of International Legal various parts of the Philippines.
Region of Muslim Mindanao and in Suri- Studies co-sponsored a course on IHL for
gao City. A total of 5,016 ICRC booklets With support from the International Feder-
university professors, in cooperation with
were distributed to the police force. ation, the Society organized a regional
the University of Melbourne and the Aus-
conference of National Societies from Asia
In Luzon and the Visayas, the National tralian Red Cross. The course was
and the Pacific and the Middle East, in
Society IHL-promotion officer made nine attended by 21 university professors and
November in Manila. The ICRC actively
presentations to 500 policemen and dis- legal advisers, and more than 600 IHL
contributed to this event, with its vice-
tributed 3,380 booklets. publications were distributed. Following
president leading its delegation. In several
this event, a memorandum of cooperation
media interviews the vice-president took
between the ICRC and the Mindanao State
Other bearers of weapons the opportunity to describe the ICRC's
University (Iligan branch) was concluded,
Two presentations were also made to the activities in the region and stress the
ensuring future mutual support and coop-
Bangsamoro Development Authority (the importance of teamwork between the
eration. As a result, regular IHL-promotion
Movement’s different components.
168
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC SRI LANKA
SRI LANKA
Personnel:
50 expatriates
331 national staff
The ICRC has maintained a constant

presence in Sri Lanka since 1989.
Following the cease-fire signed between
the government and the Liberation
Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February
2002, the ICRC has continued to act as
a neutral intermediary, to help meet the
need for humanitarian assistance, to
persuade bearers of weapons and their
leaders to comply with IHL, to help
families learn the fate or whereabouts
of missing relatives, and to visit people
still detained in connection with the
conflict. In areas previously affected by
conflict, the ICRC provides assistance to
medical, water and sanitation facilities
and helps restore family links. It also
supports the efforts of the Sri Lanka Red
Cross Society to strengthen its capacity.
CONTEXT

The new United-National-Party-led gov- along with improved security conditions,
Expenditure (in Sfr) ernment began 2002 by signalling its enabled many IDPs in the Vanni to return
willingness to end the long struggle with to their homes.
Protection the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
In September the government opened the
6,604,965 (LTTE). It invited the Norwegian govern-
way for talks by lifting the ban on the LTTE,
Assistance ment to renew its efforts to broker talks,
which had already been allowed to en-
4,821,706 and in February a Memorandum of Under-
gage in political activities in government-
Preventive action standing on a long-term cease-fire was
controlled areas of the north-east. Spo-
signed. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission
1,328,028 radic incidents did occur between the
was set up to oversee its implementation.
Cooperation with National Societies government forces and the LTTE, and ris-
The government lifted restrictions on travel
576,863 ing tension between Muslim and Tamil
to and from the north-east and on goods
General communities led to some unrest in the
entering the Vanni, the northern area con-
east, but outbursts of violence were
336,011 trolled by the LTTE. It opened checkpoints
quickly contained. At the end of the year
in new locations to accommodate
three rounds of Norwegian-brokered
increased traffic and shorten travel time
talks were held in Thailand, and pro-
13,667,572 between different parts of the country. This,
gressed well.
169
Implementing the Memorandum of Under-
standing improved security and living
ICRC ACTION Protecting transport of civilians
and goods
conditions in the Vanni, on the Jaffna Key points in 2002 During the years when the Jaffna penin-
peninsula and in Eastern Province. The sula was cut off from the rest of the island,
need for many of the ICRC's programmes • presence at crossing points into the
Vanni maintained to facilitate the the ICRC helped maintain basic services
diminished once supplies and materials there by running a sea shuttle to and from
became more available and people could increased movement of people and
goods the rest of the island. It provided safe and
travel freely to obtain needed goods and regular transport for teachers, medical
services; in addition, government and • activities stepped up to resolve the professionals and other service providers,
international or national organizations problem of people reported missing as well as for materials that they needed
began to provide services in previously for their work. In 2002 this shuttle, oper-
inaccessible areas. Where the need for its • field activities scaled down
ated by the vessel Jaya Gold, transported
work no longer existed, or was being met over 390 tonnes of cargo such as mail,
effectively by government or other organi- CIVILIANS medicines, and educational materials; at
zations, the ICRC terminated programmes the same time the shuttle carried patients
altogether: it ended relief distributions in Facilitating cross-line movement travelling to Colombo for medical care
the Vanni, shut down sea shuttles to the As restrictions on travel and the transport (see Wounded and sick). The ICRC also
Jaffna peninsula, and in the east closed of goods were lifted, roads opened and escorted the vessel City of Trinco, which
most mobile health clinics and discontin- new checkpoints were established. Thou- provided the only reliable, safe, affordable
ued agricultural activities. When this was sands of people poured across to do busi- and regular passage for civilians travelling
not the case, it worked with government ness, see homes and relatives, visit reli- to and from the Jaffna peninsula. This
ministries, the Tamil Relief Organization, gious sites or simply tour parts of the enabled residents to pursue business,
partners from the Movement and other country that had been cut off for up to a family, cultural, and educational activities
humanitarian organizations to ensure the decade. Trade picked up, and the arrival in the rest of the country. Both shuttles
sustainability of basic services. Adapting of previously restricted materials such as were discontinued at the end of June,
to these changes, the delegation closed concrete, spare parts and fuel permitted when newly-opened ground routes offered
offices in Point Pedro, Tolpuram and the repair of long-neglected roads, power civilians other transport options.
Madhu and reduced the number of both lines, wells and buildings.
expatriate and national staff.
To facilitate this process, both sides Adapting civilian protection
requested that the ICRC maintain its pres- With security much improved, there was a
ence at crossing points between LTTE- and marked drop in the number of allegations
government-controlled areas. Having of violations of IHL. Harassment and
worked for years on both sides and with intimidation persisted, however, especially
long experience playing this role at cross- in the east. Exploring ways to better meet
ing points in the Vanni, the ICRC had the the special needs of women, the ICRC
trust of the population and of officials of supported the Sri Lankan Red Cross as it
both sides. This enabled it to work with brought together 83 representatives of
them to solve problems that cropped up women's associations at a seminar on
as new procedures were put into place. women in war.
Particularly in the early stages, when ten-
sions were heightened by confusion about The Optional Protocol to the Convention
new procedures, lengthy queues, inflated on the Rights of the Child on the involve-
expectations and long-standing mistrust, ment of children in armed conflict was rat-
the ICRC’s presence helped avert incidents ified by Sri Lanka and entered into force in
that could destabilize the reconciliation February 2002. In spite of this, the recruit-
process. ment of minors intensified in 2002,
spreading to government-controlled areas
in Jaffna, Vavuniya and the east as the
LTTE launched political activities there.
Delegates documented allegations and
presented them to the party concerned,
170
cooperating with NGOs and UN agencies families as it had planned, and making ad people in Polunnaruwa, handing respon-
working on the issue. hoc distributions to the elderly and the dis- sibility for the wells over to local authori-
abled, in November the ICRC discontinued ties.
Requests to the ICRC to organize family
its relief distributions in the Vanni.
reunifications and send family messages • beneficiaries (Vanni and the east): over
dropped over the year as families were • elderly and disabled persons receiving 60,000
able to travel across the lines on their clothes and bedding: 13,500
• wells sunk/repaired: over 280 tube
own. The ICRC continued to help families
• persons in vulnerable families receiving wells; 8 shallow wells
trace relatives with whom they had lost
roofing material: 7,000
contact, and sent urgent family messages • local caretakers trained: 86
by radio. It also transferred the human • orphans and disabled children receiving
remains of one soldier who was killed in clothing: 1,400 Helping improve food production
an incident at the lines.
To help improve agricultural production in
• Red Cross messages delivered to civil- Improving water supply "uncleared" and "grey" areas in the east,
ians: 286 While the return of IDPs reduced pressure the ICRC facilitated the passage of goods
on the water supply in the Vanni, existing and personnel and provided proxy moni-
• families reunited: 53
wells could still not meet the needs of toring for the World-Bank-funded North-
• urgent family messages transmitted: those who stayed, particularly in the dry East Agricultural Irrigation Project. Since
1,601 season when many shallow wells go dry. ease of travel and import of goods had
Installing and repairing hand pumps, or improved, the ICRC discontinued this serv-
• tracing cases resolved: 89
converting them to models easier to ice in November.
maintain locally, the ICRC worked on over
Focusing on the missing 120 tube wells to improve the water sup-
As preparations for peace talks brought ply for some 45,000 people in the Vanni.
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
attention to the issue of the missing, the It worked closely with the National Water OF THEIR FREEDOM
ICRC began a review of the 11,000 miss- Supply and Drainage Board to teach local
ing persons (both civilians and combat- people to maintain the wells. Visiting detainees
ants missing in action) that it has The ICRC continued its regular visits to
In 1998 the ICRC began to improve the detainees held in connection with the con-
recorded since 1990. Delegates visited
water supply in remote eastern areas diffi- flict. The implementation of the Memoran-
the families of some 2,400 persons to ask
cult for government water authorities to dum of Understanding in 2002 acceler-
whether they had news and whether they
reach and where supplies were hard to ated releases, and the number of
still wished to pursue their cases. The del-
obtain. Until 2001, this work was carried detainees held in connection with the con-
egation also worked with family groups
out by the Austrian Red Cross as a dele- flict dropped by 75% over the year.
and Sri Lankan experts to find the best

gated project. In 2002, better availability
ways to help the families of the missing. Delegates continued to visit seven
of equipment/supplies and easier access
to the sites enabled the ICRC to complete detainees held by the LTTE and brought
Winding down aid well construction and repairs. Over four family members across the lines to visit
After the government captured the Jaffna years, the project sunk 93 tube wells and them in the Vanni. In September, the ICRC
peninsula in 1995, large numbers of peo- more than 250 shallow wells for some facilitated the process that led to their
ple fled to the LTTE-controlled Vanni. Until 45,000 people in Ampara, Batticaloa, release. It maintained requests for infor-
the suspension of fighting and subsequent and Trincomalee. Shallow wells remained mation on and access to others who were
lifting of restrictions on travel and goods public, becoming the property of the com- alleged to be detained by the LTTE.
entering the area, the Vanni was extremely munities they served. Tube-well mainte- • detainees visited: 7,599; registered: 82
isolated and frequently destabilized by nance was turned over to the Water Sup-
combat and displacement. Developments ply and Drainage Board, except in • places of detention visited: 72
in 2002 permitted many of the IDPs there to "uncleared" areas of Batticaloa, where the • RCMs delivered to detainees: 305
return to their homes in the Vanni itself or in water authorities were not yet able to
government-controlled areas in the east, in shoulder this task and ICRC staff contin- • detainees receiving assisted family
Jaffna, and in Vavuniya. After distributing ued to maintain the tube wells that it had visits: 595
shelter material and clothing for vulnerable sunk there. The organization also sunk or • detainees released or exchanged under
repaired over 140 tube wells for 15,000 ICRC auspices: 82
171
WOUNDED AND SICK • total population served by MHTs and AUTHORITIES
PHCs: 260,000
To encourage the incorporation of IHL into
Transporting patients • consultations given: 282,800 medical; national legislation, the ICRC prepared a
For patients on Jaffna peninsula who 995 dental draft Geneva Conventions Act and submit-
needed specialized care that was not ted it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
available there, the ICRC ran a sea shuttle, • health-education sessions: 5,900
to the National Committee on IHL. It also
the Jaya Gold, and then organized ground • immunizations: 7,466 worked with the Foreign Relations and
transport to Colombo. In late June it ended Protocol Office of the Sri Lanka Parliament
the sea shuttle and made the transfers Sharing surgical expertise to organize the first seminar on IHL imple-
entirely by road, and transfers were dis- mentation for 40 members of parliament.
continued altogether at the end of the year. To exchange expertise on the treatment of
ICRC staff also organized sessions on IHL
war injuries, the ICRC, the Sri Lankan
• patient transfers from Jaffna to for some 900 local authorities, and for
armed forces and the College of Surgeons
Colombo: 1,173 representatives of the political wing of
of Sri Lanka organized a war surgery sem-
the LTTE.
inar in Colombo. The second of its kind, it
Health care for isolated communities was attended by 150 surgeons.
The departure of IDPs reduced the demand ARMED FORCES
for health care in the Vanni, but poor roads Supporting prosthesis production AND OTHER BEARERS
and transport and a shortage of personnel The workshop run by the Friends in Need OF WEAPONS
meant that health-care facilities were still Society (FINS) continued to produce artifi-
limited. In a project delegated to the Cana- The Sri Lanka Army progressed in its inte-
cial limbs on the Jaffna peninsula, facing gration of IHL into standard training. The
dian Red Cross Society, support was increased demand from amputees now
maintained for four Sri Lankan Red Cross ICRC continued to provide technical sup-
able to come from the Vanni. Having pro- port for this process, participating in and
mobile health teams (MHTs) and 30 pri- vided the training, equipment and materi-
mary health centres (PHCs) serving areas evaluating lectures given by army instruc-
als needed by the Society to start produc- tors and conducting a three-day seminar
without other sources of health care. There ing polypropylene prostheses (an
was close coordination with the Ministry of on IHL for 34 officers at the Army Staff Col-
ICRC-developed technology that makes lege. Encouraging the navy and air force
Health, the Tamil Eelam Health Services, good-quality prostheses with low-cost
and other humanitarian organizations to to initiate similar programmes, the ICRC
technology and easy-to-obtain materials), gave the first IHL train-the-trainer course to
ensure the sustainability of health-care the ICRC continued to provide materials
services. officers from those services. It also made
and training. presentations on IHL to military personnel
In "grey" and "uncleared" areas of the Before they were unable to leave the area deployed in operational areas, police and
east, the ICRC supported three mobile to have limbs fitted, amputees in the Vanni security forces, and LTTE officials.
health teams (one run by Sri Lankan Red relied on the NGO White Pigeon. The ICRC
Cross) and a mobile dental team. As • IHL trainers trained: 123
helped White Pigeon bring materials
travel to hospitals and clinics in govern- across the lines so that it could maintain • officers sent to IHL courses in San
ment-controlled areas became easier and its production of Jaipur foot prostheses Remo: 3
the government set up clinics in some within the Vanni, and discontinued the
LTTE-controlled areas, the number of con- • military, police, and security force per-
service as barriers to travel and material sonnel at basic IHL presentations:
sultations given by these teams declined import were lifted.
sharply. By the end of October, the ICRC 8,700
team in Trincomalee, the national Red • prostheses produced by FINS: 323
Cross team in Batticaloa and the dental (215 polypropylene)
clinic in Mutur had been closed. Reducing
the number of its clinics, the ICRC team in
Batticaloa continued to cover areas where
a systematic survey of access to clinics
showed that inhabitants still had difficulty
obtaining care elsewhere.
172
CIVIL SOCIETY
Taking advantage of the new openness fos-
tered by moves toward reconciliation, the
ICRC continued to work through the media
and key academic, cultural, religious and
civic groups and institutions to promote
IHL. Its presentations to professional asso-
ciations, media representatives, pro-
gramme beneficiaries, NGOs and university
and secondary school students and teach-
ers reached some 4,000 people.
NATIONAL SOCIETY
In 2001 the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society
became the first National Society in South
Asia to revise its statutes, initiating a
process of change aimed at decentralizing
and improving programme delivery at the
branch level. In 2002 it elected its first
board of governors under the new consti-
tution and began to restructure its man-
agement base. The ICRC and the Federa-
tion worked closely to support the Society
in this process, and in its work to promote
IHL and the Movement’s Fundamental
Principles. With the peace process still in
its early stages, the ICRC maintained its
lead role. As confidence grew, more
National Societies showed interest in sup-
porting the Sri Lankan Red Cross in areas
affected by the conflict. The ICRC also sup-
ported the Society’s work in tracing and in
health-care and relief in the northeast.
173
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC TIMOR LESTE
TIMOR LESTE
Personnel:
5 expatriates
26 national staff
In Timor Leste (formerly East Timor),

where the ICRC has been working since
1979, society is being rebuilt after the
upheaval of 1999 and the subsequent
UN interim government. In independent
Timor Leste, the delegation maintains a
constant presence and focuses on
restoring family links, visiting detainees,
monitoring the situation of civilians who
may be at risk from violence, and
maintaining a dialogue with the
authorities in Indonesia and Timor Leste
concerning individuals who are
unaccounted for. It also works with the
International Federation to support the
formation of a National Red Cross
Society in Timor Leste, and has provided
training in IHL for the newly constituted
Defence Force.
CONTEXT
By the end of the year in the world's operate within the confines of a parlia-
Expenditure (in Sfr) newest State, reality had vanquished the mentary system. Further developments led
hopes expressed in May when the country to the election in April of the country's first
Protection celebrated independence. The difficulties president, followed by the celebration of
839,590 of establishing a viable, functioning, sus- Independence Day on 20 May. In the first
Assistance tainable society made themselves felt and seven months of Timor Leste’s independ-
154,611 riots broke out in December. The country’s ence, the government emphasized the
Preventive action population began to face up to the serious building of functional infrastructure and
103,658 issues and commitments required to build the rebuilding of institutions. The caseload
and maintain an autonomous democracy. of the formative judicial system was over-
whelming in 2002 and it struggled to
312,827 In January, the Commission on Reception,
meet the demands placed upon it.
General Truth and Reconciliation started discharg-
-1,387 ing its complex mandate to determine the During the year, responsibility for main-
facts surrounding past human rights vio- taining the country's security fell upon the
lations. A constituent assembly adopted a remaining UN peacekeeping force. The
new constitution in March, which required emergence was observed of violent,
1,409,300 the independent State's government to
174
organized groups, including former fight-
ers of the Armed Forces of National Libera-
ICRC ACTION The ICRC worked to help members of sep-
arated families regain contact with each
tion of East Timor, who had not been Key points in 2002 other and delivered 800 Red Cross mes-
included in the new Defence Force. The sages (RCMs). A further 1,247 RCMs
handover of the policing authority from the • headquarters agreement signed were collected during the year. In conjunc-
United Nations Police Force to the Timor • an agreement concluded in June with tion with the ICRC Jakarta, the Indonesian
Leste Police Service, scheduled for com- the Ministry of Justice to continue Red Cross Society collected and delivered
pletion by the end of 2003, was com- detainee-welfare visits RCMs in West Timor.
pleted in the five districts of Manufahi,
• information collected concerning 1,227 The ICRC also distributed spare parts and
Manatuto, Aileu, Ainaro and Ermera.
persons reported missing tools to help several communities, includ-
Timor Leste's membership of the UN ing 10 rural localities, to maintain their
became official in September and the gov- • detainees at 52 facilities received 3 in- water supply systems (which had been or
ernment continued to normalize relations dividual visits during the year were being set up by the organization).
with Indonesia during the first meeting of
the Indonesia / Timor Leste Joint Commis- CIVILIANS PEOPLE DEPRIVED
sion for Bilateral Cooperation in October.
Most of the several hundred thousand OF THEIR FREEDOM
Several countries, including Indonesia,
refugees who fled the violence following
opened embassies in Timor Leste. A num- The ICRC continued to visit detainees in
the vote to secede from Indonesia returned
ber of international organizations also Timor Leste and submitted comprehensive
to Timor Leste. According to the authori-
established an official presence. The reports on its findings to the authorities. In
ties, an estimated 28,000 refugees
ICRC's presence was formalized in 2002 June, a memorandum of understanding
remained in West Timor at the end of
with the signing of a headquarters agree- was signed between the ICRC and the
2002. The country’s new president made
ment. In addition, the UN Mission of Sup- Ministry of Justice, guaranteeing that the
efforts to encourage refugees to return. In
port in Timor Leste, the successor to the delegation would be able to continue its
preparation for the return from West Timor
UN Transitional Administration in East visits to, and assessment of, detention
of the ex-militia (in particular their lead-
Timor, was formally established. facilities throughout the country. As a
ers) and of returnees in general, reconcili-
At year's end nearly 80% of Timor Leste’s ation meetings took place. The situation result, the ICRC visited three facilities and
population remained unemployed. The regarding returnees was regularly moni- saw 10 previously unregistered detainees.
country's dependence on international tored by the ICRC. Those remaining in In a total of 16 visits, including the
assistance was high, particularly in the West Timor at the end of 2002 lost their Baucau, Becora and Gleno prisons,
areas of speciality skills. Negotiations refugee status in Indonesia, and some 52 detainees were individually inter-
between the governments of Timor Leste joined a resettlement programme. viewed. The ICRC collected 784 RCMs
and Australia resulted in the Timor Sea and another 372 were delivered. The dele-
The issue of missing persons remained a

Treaty being formally introduced to Timor gation also assessed the water supply
priority for the ICRC throughout the year.
Leste’s parliament on 25 November and system at Baucau prison, in conjunction
Information on 650 missing persons,
ratified a month later. The treaty set out the with the Timor Leste Red Cross and a local
reported to have disappeared between
terms for exploiting oil and gas reserves in NGO, and planned to begin repair work.
1975 and 1999, was forwarded to the
the "Joint Petroleum Development Area" of
Indonesian government. A separate docu-
the Timor Sea, in which Timor Leste and
Australia received entitlement shares of
ment, containing identities only, was also AUTHORITIES
handed over to the Timorese authorities at
90% and 10% respectively. The delegation worked diligently to
mid-year. The ICRC was processing a fur-
encourage implementation of IHL by the
ther list of missing persons for submission
government of Timor Leste. Several meet-
to the relevant authorities in early 2003. At
ings took place with the Ministry of Foreign
the end of September the active collection
Affairs and other relevant ministries. The
of allegations concerning missing persons
ICRC's work in this respect helped bring
was terminated. However, families contin-
about the new parliament's agreement in
ued to have the possibility of approaching
September – by a vote of 66 in favour and
the Timor Leste Red Cross on their own
two abstentions – for Timor Leste to
initiative. The number of allegations regis-
become party to the Geneva Conventions
tered in 2001/2 was 2,452.
and their Additional Protocols. On the
175
same occasion parliament approved CIVIL SOCIETY At the beginning of October, the ICRC held
accession to the 1972 Convention on the a workshop in conjunction with the Timor
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the During the first half of 2002, the delega- Leste Red Cross and UNHCR, which
1993 Convention on the Prohibition of tion maintained close links with religious handed over its child-tracing programme
Bacteriological Weapons, the Ottawa Con- leaders and major decision-makers. to the Timorese organization. Beginning in
vention and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Spreading knowledge of the principles of November, the Society handled all cases
Treaty. IHL remained a priority and efforts to of separated children within the country,
increase awareness of the ICRC's man- with continued support from the ICRC.
The year also witnessed the controversial date and activities continued. In June, the
signing of a bilateral agreement concern- delegation conducted a two-day seminar The ICRC supported the Society in the pro-
ing the extradition of US nationals to the on IHL and Red Cross principles for Timor duction of a leaflet explaining its activities
International Criminal Court and the Status Leste journalists representing various and the Movement’s principles and struc-
of Forces Agreement between Timor Leste media. ture. The leaflet was distributed to local
and the United States. authorities, volunteer groups and schools.
The ICRC helped set up a library of IHL-
Indonesia's human rights court, set up to NATIONAL SOCIETY promotion materials at Society head-
hear cases involving Timor Leste violence, The country's nascent Red Cross Society quarters and branches in order to give vol-
delivered its first verdicts (see Indonesia, was formally established during the year unteers access to information and provide
Authorities). At year's end, 11 of the 18 seas an emerging National Society. In coor- material for the numerous IHL-promotion
curity officials charged with crimes dination with the International Federation, sessions.
against humanity were acquitted, while the ICRC supported the Society’s develop-
high-ranking officials received light sen- ment of a legal basis, structure and Training was conducted for Society per-
tences. expansion of its activities, and trained its sonnel on the ongoing water-project task
programme leaders to ensure familiarity force in order to ensure a smooth transi-
tion of the programme from the ICRC to the
ARMED FORCES with the Fundamental Principles of the
Society. The ICRC database (containing
Movement and basic IHL. The Australian
AND OTHER BEARERS Red Cross also provided strong support data on 75 former projects) was submit-
OF WEAPONS for the Society’s work. ted for government registration to ensure
that the communities concerned would
One dissemination session was organized
A board was formed in November to pre- benefit from "traditional" water rights. As
in cooperation with the Office of Defence
pare the law recognizing the Society’s sta- planned, the ICRC handed over to the Aus-
Force Development in Los Palos for 150
tus and the law concerning the emblem, tralian Red Cross responsibility for finan-
soldiers of the First Battalion. Copies of the
and to promote the approval of these laws cial and technical support for the rural
booklet Rules of Behaviour for Combat-
by the parliament. The board also worked water and sanitation programme.
ants were distributed to the entire battal-
on the Society’s statutes. In September,
ion. The ICRC maintained contact with the
three Society branches (Ainaro, Maliana Finally, the secretary general of the Timor
Force’s commanders and discussed the Leste Red Cross travelled to Geneva in
and Oecussi) were set up. At the same
advantages of incorporating IHL into its October to receive a "Certificate of Merit by
time the former ICRC office in Baucau was
training. the United Nations Sasakawa Award for
handed over to the emerging Society.
Disaster Reduction" on behalf of the Soci-
In November, the ICRC and the National
Two areas of cooperation between the ety. The Society was cited for its "signifi-
Society helped train recruits of the Second
ICRC and the Timor Leste Red Cross – IHL cant efforts in contributing to disaster
Battalion in the rules of IHL. It was
promotion and tracing – both showed reduction and providing general assis-
planned to continue this training until the
progress during 2002, with ICRC tracing tance to victims of disasters despite a diffi-
Defence Force had sufficient resources to
and protection staff assisting the Society. cult political context".
maintain it alone.
At year’s end its tracing programme was
composed of one coordinator, one data-
base manager and five field tracing staff,
based in Baucau, Ainaro, Dili, Maliana
and the enclave of Oecussi. With the
exception of the database manager, all
staff had at least one year’s (and some
more than 10 years’) experience of work-
ing with the ICRC’s tracing service.
176
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC BANGKOK
BANGKOK
Regional delegation
Countries and territories covered:

Cambodia, People’s Republic of China,
Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Republic of
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Thailand and
Viet Nam
Personnel:
17 expatriates
47 national staff
Since the ICRC set up a delegation in

Bangkok in 1979 to support its
Cambodia operation, the regional
delegation has worked to promote the
ratification and implementation of
humanitarian treaties and the
incorporation of IHL into military training,
and supported National Society
development in terms of IHL-promotion
and tracing. In Cambodia, the ICRC still
visits detainees and deals with one of
the consequences of past conflict by
helping to restore family links. In
Cambodia, Viet Nam and the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the
ICRC runs projects to help meet the need
for affordable, good-quality prostheses.
CONTEXT

Following fighting between the Myanmar three Westerners were taken hostage and
Expenditure (in Sfr) armed forces and armed opposition later executed.
groups near the Thai/Myanmar frontier,
Protection The Democratic People’s Republic of
Thailand closed its border checkpoints.
Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea
489,697 They were opened again in October but
(ROK) held discussions in Pyongyang in
Assistance border regulations were tightened.
October to further economic cooperation.
2,965,475 In Cambodia, negotiations between the Soon after, the DPRK admitted to continu-
Preventive action government and the United Nations con- ing a programme to enrich uranium
1,070,224 cerning a Khmer Rouge tribunal were (which can be used in nuclear weapons
Cooperation with National Societies halted early in the year, but new contacts production) and declared "nullified" the
1,628,854 later indicated that both parties were still 1994 Agreed Framework in which the
General seeking a solution. The highest-ranking DPRK committed itself to freezing its
Khmer Rouge commander to be convicted nuclear programme in exchange for ship-
159,347
in a Cambodian court, Sam Bith, was sen- ments of fuel oil and the construction
tenced to life in prison. He was found of two nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, the
guilty of ordering a train ambush in 1994 situation from a humanitarian viewpoint
6,313,597 in which 13 Cambodians were killed and
177
continued to deteriorate. Aid organizations
had problems receiving sufficient funding
ICRC ACTION In Thailand there was a steadily growing
refugee population in 10 camps on the
for their operations and such major Key points in 2002 Thai/Myanmar border. As a return was
agencies as the World Food Programme not possible at the time, the refugees were
had to scale down their food assistance • a dialogue started with Chinese authori- in need of help to restore contact with
considerably. ties on opening a regional delegation in their families in Myanmar, which the ICRC
Beijing in 2003 facilitated.
The president of the People's Republic of
China used the Asia-Pacific Economic Co- • 10 detainee-welfare visits carried out in The ICRC's tracing service in Bangkok,
operation summit in Mexico to affirm Cambodia, during which 113 new which had centralized all tracing files for
China's participation in the US-led "war detainees were interviewed and previ- Cambodia, maintained its cooperation
against terrorism". ously registered ones visited anew with the Cambodian Red Cross Society
• an offer submitted to the authorities in and other National Societies concerned.
United Nations officials stated in Novem-
Laos concerning possible visits to per- The Cambodian Red Cross successfully
ber that Laos would need 1,300 years to
sons deprived of their freedom continued to manage the tracing pro-
clear all unexploded ordnance found in
gramme handed over by the ICRC in
the country. Two-thirds of the country • a physical rehabilitation centre set up in 2000. Throughout 2002, more than
remained contaminated and an estimated the DPRK in cooperation with the Red 8,500 Red Cross messages (RCMs) were
200 people were killed every year by these Cross Society of the DPRK and the Min- forwarded between civilians and family
remnants of war. istry of Public Health (official inaugura- members, including persons deprived of
In Mongolia, three years of summer tion in July 2002) their freedom.
drought and winter blizzards had killed • confirmation received that Cambodia,
more than 10 million head of livestock Mongolia and the ROK had ratified the
and driven up food prices. Herders and Rome Statute of the International Crimi-
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
farmers had fled the countryside and one nal Court (ICC) OF THEIR FREEDOM
third of Mongolia's 2.5 million population There were some 130 detainees of ICRC
was reportedly living in Ulan Bator. concern in Cambodian prisons in 2002.
CIVILIANS Delegates had access to all places of
After a halt of more than a year, the fourth detention in Cambodia and were able to
and fifth reunions between separated fam- speak with the detainees in private.
ily members of the 1950-53 Korean War
took place in May and September. On During the year the ICRC:
each occasion, 100 persons from the • saw a total of 113 detainees during
ROK and 100 persons from the DPRK 10 visits to detention facilities
were able to meet with relatives, represent-
ing their first contact in 50 years. Both, the • registered 92 detainees linked to the
ROK and DPRK National Societies were Cambodian Freedom Fighters opposi-
involved in organizing these reunions. tion movement
After a break of more than two years, Red • registered two Khmer Rouge detainees
Cross officials from Japan and the DPRK awaiting trial
resumed talks regarding the issues of • carried out visits to eight prisons in
"missing Japanese" and home-visit rights Phnom Penh, Takeo, Siem Reap, Ban-
for 1,800 Japanese women who moved teay Meanchey and Battambang
to the DPRK with their Korean husbands
between 1959 and 1982. For its part, the In Laos, the ICRC continued to pursue var-
Japanese side promised to search for the ious contacts with the authorities in Vien-
259 people from northern Korea who went tiane in an effort to start a dialogue on
missing in Japan before and during the detention issues. An offer of services was
Second World War. made in June.
178
WOUNDED AND SICK Democratic People's Republic of Korea • paying for the prostheses provided by
Official figures estimated approximately the Ho Chi Minh City centre to destitute
Cambodia 36,000 amputees in the DPRK, with the amputees, who were not directly
In 2002, the ICRC and the Cambodian country's rehabilitation facilities able to assisted by the Ministry. A similar pro-
Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour, Voca- accommodate only 4,600 patients per gramme was also initiated in Danang
tional Training and Youth Rehabilitation year. In March, a three-year cooperation and Can Tho in conjunction with the
renewed a one-year memorandum of agreement was signed between the ICRC, Red Cross of Viet Nam, and delivered
understanding for the Cambodia Ortho- the National Society and the Ministry of 1,992 prostheses to amputees in 2002
paedic Component Factory in Phnom Public Health to establish a physical reha-
Penh and the Battambang Physical Reha- bilitation centre in Songrim. Following AUTHORITIES
bilitation Centre. During the year, the Min- intensive renovation of available facilities
There were positive developments regard-
istry began covering 17% of the compo- and installation of equipment, the centre
ing IHL implementation in various coun-
nent factory's overheads. The factory was was officially opened in July. During the
tries in the region. In November, the ICRC
the sole supplier of prosthetic/orthotic year, the ICRC provided the technical staff
met with representatives of the Department
components and walking aids for the 14 with training in prosthetics and various
of Treaty and Law at the DPRK Ministry of
limb-fitting centres (including Battam- medical techniques.
Foreign Affairs to discuss national imple-
bang) and for the Cambodian School of
During the year, the Songrim Physical mentation. In the ROK significant progress
Prosthetics and Orthotics (CSPO). The
Rehabilitation Centre delivered: was made, with the government setting
Battambang centre was the only rehabili-
up a national interministerial committee
tation centre in Cambodia officially recog- • 230 prostheses (32 of these for mine
on IHL and becoming the 83rd State to
nized by the Cambodian government as victims)
ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC as well
part of the national physical rehabilitation
• 4 orthoses as offering to host a future round-table
structure. After three years, the involve-
on IHL.
ment of the Japanese Red Cross in Bat- • 37 wheelchairs
tambang (as a delegated project) came to Thailand continued to display support for
• 80 pairs of crutches
an end. the Ottawa Convention, which it ratified.
The delegation held follow-up discussions
In collaboration with the CSPO, the ICRC Thailand with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
hosted and chaired the third continuing-
Increased military activity along the Thai/ regarding the process of ratification and
education course for prosthetic/orthotic
Myanmar border resulted in a steady implementation of IHL treaties, specifically
technicians, held at the Battambang cen-
stream of war-wounded people. By the the ICC Statute and the Convention on
tre and attended by technicians from
end of 2002, the ICRC's programme to Certain Conventional Weapons and its
the 14 Cambodian rehabilitation centres.
assist wounded people not taken care of protocols.
In 2002, the parts provided by the compo- by one of the NGOs operating in the area

In early 2002, the National Assembly of
nent factory in Phnom Penh went into the had assisted a total of 20 cases, most of
Cambodia adopted a law on the ratifica-
making of some 5,500 prostheses, 2,500 them combatants (80% landmine victims
tion of the Optional Protocol (on the
orthoses and 9,000 walking aids. and the rest gunshot wounds).
involvement of children in armed conflict)
During the year, the Battambang centre to the Convention on the Rights of the
delivered: Viet Nam Child. In May, the King of Cambodia
In accordance with its mandate to ensure signed two new decrees on the recognition
• 1,318 prostheses (including 1,230 of
the continuity of ICRC programmes to help of the Cambodian Red Cross and on the
those for mine victims)
the war-disabled, the ICRC Special Fund use and protection of the red cross
• 847 orthoses for the Disabled has since 1995 sup- emblem. Cambodia and Mongolia both
ported the Ho Chi Minh City rehabilitation became party to the 1998 Rome Statute of
• 206 wheelchairs
centre in partnership with the Ministry of the International Criminal Court.
• 2,470 pairs of crutches Labour, Invalids and Social Action. In
2002, the Fund’s work was again twofold:
• introducing the ICRC polypropylene
technique for the manufacture of artifi-
cial limbs to five more of the Ministry's
rehabilitation centres
179
A Lao translation of the 1949 Geneva infantry officers at the Infantry Training In Viet Nam, a coordination meeting was
Conventions and their Additional Protocols Centre and a presentation on IHL was held with senior representatives of the
was submitted for review to the Lao Min- made for combatants at Mae Hla Camp, Civil-Military Department of the Ministry
istry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions were attended by 40 Interior Ministry staff and of Defence to finalize joint IHL activities.
also held regarding the red cross emblem army personnel. The ICRC was also A train-the-trainer workshop was held
and revision of the penal and military invited to make a pre-deployment briefing for 40 army instructors and border-unit
codes. to two Thai contingents joining the United commanders from southern Viet Nam in
Nations Transitional Administration in East Ho Chi Minh City.
Timor and the United Nations Mission in
ARMED FORCES East Timor.
AND OTHER BEARERS CIVIL SOCIETY
In Cambodia, the ICRC conducted a work- The ICRC programme to promote teaching
OF WEAPONS shop for 35 IHL instructors in the Cambo- of IHL at universities continued to concen-
In Thailand, the ICRC participated as role dian army as well as representatives from trate on prominent law faculties in Thai-
player in the yearly command-post exer- each of the six military districts. In China, land and China.
cise called "Cobra Gold 02" with a view to an introductory course on IHL was given
incorporating IHL into military planning to 350 cadets and faculty at the Nanjing The ICRC participated as the only non-
and procedures. During two planning con- Political Academy as well as a briefing for Chinese organization in the Conference of
ferences the ICRC conducted briefings on 350 officers and cadets at the Chinese the Chinese Association of International
its mandate and on civil-military coopera- army’s Academy of Politics in Xian. In Tai- Law, organized by Fudan University of
tion. In the course of the two "master sce- wan, an IHL briefing was held for army Shanghai. The event was attended by
nario event list" workshops it also drew up officers and professors from the four main 250 international law experts and schol-
a list of events needed to enhance IHL military academies. ars representing various Chinese authori-
training. "Cobra Gold 02" trained joint ties and universities. At the invitation of the
In Laos a workshop on national imple- People's Liberation Army, the ICRC took
forces from Thailand, the United States
mentation of IHL was jointly organized in part in a seminar on IHL for military legal
and Singapore to conduct UN-mandated
August by the ICRC, the Lao Ministry of experts at the Academy of Politics in Xian.
operations. It was the largest military exer-
Foreign Affairs and the Lao Red Cross, and
cise in the region, bringing together The ICRC was asked by the Ho Chi Minh
the ICRC gave a briefing on IHL to senior
20,000 soldiers, 240 aircraft and 40 war- Political Academy and the Swiss embassy
Lao army officers in December. In Mongo-
ships. The organizers invited military in Viet Nam to serve as adviser on a major
lia, the regional delegation took part in the
observers from 13 countries in the Asia- project to publish a textbook and com-
"North-east Asia Peace Operations Semi-
Pacific region. pendium of IHL instruments. Delegates
nar Games", which brought together 40
The ICRC attended the 15th Military Opera- senior military and police officers. A brief- participated in a seminar on the role of the
tions and Law Conference, an event spon- ing was held about the way in which the ICC in enforcing IHL, jointly organized by
sored by the US Pacific Command, that ICRC cooperates and coordinates with the University of Hong Kong and the Hong
brought together in Bangkok 150 senior military entities when crises arise, the rele- Kong Red Cross.
military legal experts as well as senior vance of IHL training and the principles of The ICRC took part in an IHL seminar for
civil defence personnel from 25 countries the Geneva Conventions. Delegates also the law faculty of Ulan Bator University in
of the Asia-Pacific region. conducted a week-long instructors’ course Mongolia in September, and gave a pres-
for 20 high-ranking Mongolian officers. entation to an audience of lecturers and
The regional delegation organized a brief-
ing and later a debriefing in Bangkok for In February, the second IHL seminar for students.
10 officers attending the 97th Military Myanmar opposition groups took place
Course in San Remo, Italy. It also pro- with more than 30 senior members of the
duced a quarterly newsletter for more than Karenni Army (the armed wing of the
NATIONAL SOCIETIES
700 military contacts. Karenni National Progressive Party) The regional delegations of the ICRC and
attending. First contacts were also made the International Federation consulted and
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of coordinated closely on work to develop
with representatives of the Hongsawatoi
Defence held an official ceremony to hand the region’s National Societies. In March,
Restoration Party, a splinter group of the
over to senior representatives of the three delegates took part in the regional Move-
New Mon State Party.
services new IHL training materials jointly ment Partnership Meeting organized in
produced by the ICRC and the Thai armed Indonesia to cover the countries of South-
forces. An IHL briefing was held for 350 east Asia. Also in March, the ICRC gave a
180
presentation on promoting IHL during the
annual Regional Communication Strategy
Meeting in Macao, organized by the Inter-
national Federation in cooperation with the
Macao Red Cross. Delegates had met pre-
viously with International Federation repre-
sentatives in Phnom Penh to discuss a
cooperation-assistance strategy for Cam-
bodia and to share information on ICRC
cooperation with the Cambodian Red
Cross in the realms of IHL-promotion and
tracing. A cooperation-assistance strategy
was also discussed with all Movement
components represented in Laos.
The region’s National Societies were
involved in ICRC programmes to promote
IHL within their own organizations, among
the authorities, the armed forces and civil
society, and to enhance their ability to
spread knowledge of IHL and the Funda-
mental Principles of the Movement. The
evaluation of the first joint three-year IHL-
promotion project between the ICRC and
the Red Cross Society of China ("Dissemi-
nation China 1999-2001") was the focus
of a seminar. The meeting brought
together 70 representatives of the National
Society, as well as from the Hong Kong
and Macao Red Cross, and marked the
start of a new three-year project.
In November, the ICRC president visited
China at the invitation of the Chinese Red
Cross and met with the country's presi-

dent, representatives of the National Soci-
ety, and officials from the Ministries of For-
eign Affairs and Defence.
In Viet Nam, two IHL courses were jointly
conducted by the ICRC and the Viet-
namese Red Cross. Officials from 60 (out
of 61) branches participated in the two
five-day events, which offered the first
opportunity in years for in-depth training.
In Laos, a presentation on IHL was
included in an organizational develop-
ment meeting for four Red Cross branches
in April. Two similar provincial courses
were organized in June and October, co-
sponsored by the ICRC and the Interna-
tional Federation.
181
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC KUALA LUMPUR
KUALA LUMPUR
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia,
Singapore
Personnel:
1 expatriate
2 national staff
The ICRC first operated in Kuala Lumpur

from 1972 until 1983, and opened an
office in June 2001. In the countries it
covers, the Kuala Lumpur regional
delegation works to promote the
ratification and implementation of
humanitarian treaties, to encourage the
incorporation of IHL into military training
and to support development of the
National Societies. The delegation also
works to heighten both government and
National Society awareness of and
support for ICRC operations worldwide
and to develop broader cooperation with
National Societies able to take an active
part in its operational activities.
CONTEXT
In general, 2002 saw political stability Although Singapore and Malaysia main-
Expenditure (in Sfr) maintained in all countries covered by the tained the strongest economies within the
Kuala Lumpur regional delegation. 10-member Association of Southeast
Protection Asian Nations (ASEAN), both countries
The Malaysian government sought to set-
7,427 still struggled to regain their previous eco-
tle differences with the Philippines regard-
Assistance nomic status. ASEAN's annual finance
ing the forced expulsion of more than
0 meeting took place in July, focusing its
300,000 illegal immigrants, while at the
Preventive action agenda on remaining competitive with
same time amending Malaysia's Immi-
305,554 China through the creation of an ASEAN
gration Act to further restrict the hiring of
Free Trade Area and liberalization of cer-
Cooperation with National Societies foreign labour. Malaysia's prime minister
tain market sectors.
126,389 announced his intention to step down,
General after two decades in office, following the
190,215 upcoming meeting of the Organization of
the Islamic Conference in October 2003.
629,585
182
Japan's prime minister visited the Democ-
ratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
ICRC ACTION Japan
In 2002, the ICRC participated for the first
in September for talks aimed at establish- Key points in 2002 time in a meeting of the Japanese
ing diplomatic relations. The visit followed National Committee on IHL, which brings
earlier meetings between the two govern- • promotion of ratification of humanitar-
ian treaties among the countries of the together representatives of the prime min-
ments in Beijing, designed to get the ister's office, various ministries and aca-
process started after a cessation of talks region continued
demic experts. On the agenda was
that lasted nearly five years. Japan contin- • the region's National Societies contin- Japan’s draft Act on Emergency Situa-
ued to struggle with the effects of its third ued to receive various forms of develop- tions, which includes sections on the pro-
recession in 10 years. ment support tection of the civilian population and on
During a three-day visit to the United • relevant authorities were met, to foster the implementation of the 1949 Geneva
States in December, the sultan of Brunei effective methods of teaching IHL Conventions. The ICRC was informed of
Darussalam and the US president held throughout society the steps so far taken to examine the
bilateral discussions in Washington. Statute of the International Criminal Court,
Brunei signed a bilateral Trade and Invest- with a view to its eventual ratification. A
ment Framework Agreement aimed at fur- AUTHORITIES proposal was also discussed to undertake
ther enhancing business confidence and a nationwide study of Japanese legisla-
Malaysia tion regarding IHL instruments.
creating investment opportunities between
the two countries. The chair of Malaysia’s National IHL and
Legal Affairs Committee approached the
ASEAN member States reached an agree- attorney general's office regarding amend- ARMED FORCES
ment during a meeting in Brunei to ment of the Malaysia Red Crescent Act AND OTHER BEARERS
strengthen cooperation to "combat inter-
national terrorism".
1975, so as to update and strengthen the OF WEAPONS
section concerning protection of the
The Malaysian armed forces operated the
emblem.
only regional peacekeeping centre and
The ICRC attended the Committee’s meet- had both a committee for the implementa-
ing in November, along with representation of IHL and a committee on IHL at the
tives from the military and the Ministry of level of joint chiefs of staff. During the year
Education. The meeting focused on pro- the ICRC conducted three IHL courses for
moting IHL and the government's obliga- the Malaysian forces, attended by 82 offi-
tions under the law. The ICRC encouraged cers. The production of a video on IHL
ratification and national implementation of training was also a joint project of the
various humanitarian treaties. The com- ICRC and the forces’ Joint Warfare Centre.

mittee’s chair proposed establishing a In November, the ICRC was invited to the
national committee on IHL, with represen- Staff College to make a presentation for
tatives of certain ministries among the 140 officers from different countries.
members and the Malaysian Red Crescent
In June, a presentation was made to the
Society acting as secretary. Other propos-
Japanese Self-Defence Forces, describing
als included teaching IHL at universities,
the ICRC’s work and the need to enhance
introducing schoolteachers to the ICRC's
IHL training and cooperation. The event
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) pro-
was held in Tokyo at the Japanese
gramme, and organizing regional govern-
Defense Agency and attended by 20 sen-
mental seminars on IHL.
ior officers from the realms of operations,
training, law and medicine.
In Brunei, the ICRC explained its approach
to spreading knowledge of IHL at a brief-
ing attended by 25 senior civil servants
and officers, the latter representing the
Army Training Centre and the Intelligence
Service.
183
In Singapore, the ICRC participated in the The delegation held several meetings with In March, the ICRC held the latest in a long
Fifth International Law Seminar held in decision-makers from the Red Cross and series of basic training courses in Japan
October jointly by the legal services of the the Ministry of Education’s Curriculum for National Society staff planning to work
Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Development Centre on introducing the in international operations. It was attended
Society of International Law. The event, EHL programme to groups of selected by 19 Japanese participants as well as
attended by 150 Singapore armed forces school students. staff from the Philippines, Hong Kong,
legal experts, enabled the ICRC to hold Singapore and Bangladesh.
A joint National Society/ICRC event to train
discussions on IHL with high-level Singa-
instructors in IHL was organized in The EHL programme was presented to the
porean officials, including the permanent
December in Johor Bahru. Staff specializ- director of Red Cross Youth during the year
secretary of defence.
ing in IHL promotion from the Society’s and is being studied to determine whether
In December, a delegate gave a presenta- headquarters and its Sarawak branch pre- and how best to introduce it into the
tion on the ICRC's mandate and activities sented a briefing on IHL and its principles Japanese educational system.
at the first ASEAN Regional Forum's to the 30 participants.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief Seminar in Singapore. The event Singapore
gathered representatives from 19 coun-
The Singapore Red Cross Society dis-
tries (the 10 ASEAN members plus Aus-
played interest in developing its interna-
tralia, China, Japan, the DPRK, South
tional activities. The Society planned the
Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Russia
first national basic training course to pre-
and the United States) and from the Euro-
pare approximately 25 individuals for
pean Union.
international missions with the ICRC or the
International Federation.
CIVIL SOCIETY
Through a pilot project begun in October, Brunei Darussalam
the Malaysian Ministry of Education The Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent
assessed the suitability of introducing the Society, recognized by the ICRC in 1996,
ICRC's programme of EHL into schools. continued to develop its role within the
The ICRC also conducted a workshop for Movement. In February, the International
teachers in Kuala Lumpur. Federation organized a regional disaster-
management seminar in Brunei with the
NATIONAL SOCIETIES Society’s help.
Malaysia Japan
At a meeting of the Malaysian Red Cres- The Japanese Red Cross Society has been
cent’s National IHL and Legal Affairs Com- active in the Movement for 125 years and
mittee in November (see Authorities), the works particularly hard to spread knowl-
main topic for discussion was the edge of the Fundamental Principles. The
strengthening of the regime in Malaysian ICRC took part in an annual course on
law to protect the red cross and red cres- communication and IHL, attended by 31
cent emblems against misuse. Translation participants from various Society
of the Geneva Conventions into the branches. A delegate also presented the
national language was also initiated ICRC’s mandate and activities during a
under the auspices of the attorney general talk on security to a group of 22 members
and the first chapters submitted for review of the Society’s Emergency-Response Unit.
to the National Society and the ICRC.
184
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC NEW DELHI
NEW DELHI
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives
Personnel:
21 expatriates
71 national staff
Since 1982, the New Delhi regional

delegation has worked to achieve
broader implementation of IHL and to
promote respect for humanitarian rules
and principles in institutions such as the
armed forces, universities and the
media. It supports the development of
the Indian Red Cross Society and the
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The
ICRC visits people in India detained in
connection with events in Jammu and
Kashmir, and visits detainees in Bhutan.
CONTEXT

Longstanding tension between India and Violence continued in Jammu and Kash-
Expenditure (in Sfr) Pakistan rose after an attack on the Indian mir as clashes between militants and
parliament in late 2001. As 2002 began, security forces increased in the run-up to
Protection the exchange of heavy artillery fire intensi- state elections in September/October.
2,501,146 fied and troop concentrations built up
In Gujarat, at least 800 people were
Assistance along both sides of the border and the line
reported killed in communal rioting set off
307,216 of control. Under heavy international pres-
by friction between Muslims and Hindus.
Preventive action sure, the two countries backed away from
a full-scale confrontation, but hostility Violence remained sporadic in India's
1,331,339
peaked again in May after an attack by northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland,
Cooperation with National Societies militants in Jammu targeted families of Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, as armed
872,709 Indian army personnel. While the end of groups with ethnic allegiances attacked
General the year saw a gradual military stand- communities or clashed with opposing
11,708 down, the issues underlying the tensions groups or security forces. The United Lib-
remained unresolved. eration Front of Assam and the National
Democratic Front of Bodoland refused the
5,024,119 terms of negotiation proposed by the
185
government and showed no signs of hon-
ouring their agreement to close a number
ICRC ACTION tilities intensified in May, there was
another influx of IDPs, this time some
of camps on Bhutanese territory. For the most part, the regional delegation 100,000, but the government declined the
continued its usual work in 2002. On ICRC's offer of further aid, indicating that it
In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh National-
security grounds, activities in Jammu and was sufficiently prepared. Neither did it
ist Party won elections in October 2001,
Kashmir were suspended in May and accept an offer to help people displaced
but post-election violence continued into
June; they were resumed afterward and by communal violence in Gujarat.
the new year. Occasional clashes in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts, where the 1997 continued as planned. The ICRC main- • IDPs assisted: 16,000
peace accords were still only partially tained its focus on visits to detainees held
implemented, occurred between support- in connection with the situation in Jammu
and Kashmir. India's civilian and military Protecting civilians in Jammu
ers and opponents of the accords. and Kashmir
authorities were preoccupied with pressing
Over 100,000 people left Bhutan follow- issues, and this limited possibilities for Civilians were caught in the middle of the
ing disturbances there in the early 90s. In IHL ratification and implementation and struggle between the government and mil-
2002, discussions on their repatriation teaching the law in the military. Within itant groups. Arrests continued, and fami-
continued and they remained in camps in civil society, however, ICRC efforts to raise lies were seldom informed: many sought
Nepal. The Bhutanese authorities main- awareness of issues of humanitarian news of relatives who had been arrested
tained a dialogue with the government of concern and further develop expertise in or who had disappeared. By delivering
India over how best to control the activities IHL met with interest from the press and Red Cross messages to the families of
of Assamese militants with bases on academic circles, and activities pro- detainees, collecting reports of arrests and
Bhutanese territory. gressed well. In Bangladesh the ICRC making visits to the homes of released
focused on spreading knowledge of the detainees, the ICRC documented problems
law among the authorities and armed of those civilians most vulnerable to secu-
forces personnel. rity risks, using the information gathered
as the basis for representations to encour-
Key points in 2002 age the authorities to ensure civilian safety
and wellbeing.
• visits continued to detainees held in
connection with the situation in Jammu • RCMs delivered to civilians: 384
and Kashmir; third comprehensive
report on findings submitted Enabling refugees to travel
• first Internet-based distance-learning In India, the ICRC issued travel documents
course in IHL launched at the University to help refugees travel to countries that
of Hyderabad had offered them asylum.
• people benefiting from travel docu-

CIVILIANS ments: 854
Assisting IDPs in border areas

In the first months of 2002, increased mil-
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
itary activity near the Indo-Pakistani bor- OF THEIR FREEDOM
der and the line of control prompted the Jammu and Kashmir
displacement, at least temporarily, of
some 60,000 people. These IDPs were In 2002, the Prevention of Terrorism Act
placed in camps and public buildings in allowed authorities to hold suspects without
the Jammu region. The ICRC and the charges for up to six months, and banned a
Indian Red Cross worked together to assist large number of organizations. More
people housed in overcrowded public detainees were transferred to prisons out-
buildings, where living conditions were side Jammu and Kashmir. The ICRC contin-
poor. They distributed lentils, oil and sugar ued its regular visits to detainees held in
(to supplement staples given in gov- connection with violence in Jammu and
ernment rations) and blankets. When hos- Kashmir, in jails both within the state and in
other states, and in some temporary places
186
of detention. It also made release checks to Bangladesh Police and other security forces
ascertain any re-arrest. In July, the organi- Bangladesh ratified the Ottawa Convention In Jammu and Kashmir, the Border Secu-
zation submitted to the government of India in 2000, and in 2002 the ICRC submitted rity Force, the Indo-Tibet Border Police, the
a summary report of the findings from its to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs examples Central Reserve Police Force and the
visits. In October, the ICRC president of legislation ensuring its implementation. Jammu and Kashmir state police work
requested a meeting with the ministers of With ICRC encouragement, the govern- alongside the regular armed forces to
foreign affairs and home affairs to discuss ment began to consider ratifying the Rome combat militant activities. Their senior offi-
the report’s findings and the matter of ac- Statute of the International Criminal Court. cers are drawn from the Indian Police Ser-
cess to all detainees covered by the memo- After the change of government, the ICRC vice. The Assam Rifles operate in the
randum of understanding between the resubmitted a draft emblem law that it had northeast. The ICRC continued to work
organization and the Indian government. submitted earlier. To encourage the repres- with these forces to help them develop
• detainees visited: 1,483 (868 newly sion of grave breaches of the Geneva Con- training in IHL and human rights law.
registered) ventions it prepared a model Geneva Con- Confrontation along the border slowed
ventions Act to present to the Ministry of these activities. By the end of 2002 a
• places visited: 22 Foreign Affairs. number of key security forces were mak-
• release checks: 219 ing IHL a fixed subject of instruction, but
they had not yet taken over the training
• RCMs distributed to detainees: 143 ARMED FORCES themselves. ICRC staff also presented a
AND OTHER BEARERS workshop at the National Police Academy.
Bhutan OF WEAPONS • police and security force personnel
The ICRC made one visit to detainees clas- attending IHL and human rights law
sified as "anti-National" in Bhutan and Military forces
courses: 390
held in connection with disturbances that The ICRC continued to actively support the
occurred in the early 1990s. It offered its further development of IHL training within
services for visits to any detainees who the military in South Asia. Progress was CIVIL SOCIETY
might have been captured in the frame- slowed in India, with the deployment of The ICRC continued its work to promote
work of measures to control armed groups troops at the border with Pakistan and the IHL through India’s diverse and well-
operating in northeastern India from line of control causing the cancellation of developed print, broadcast, and electronic
camps on Bhutanese soil. most army training, including the IHL media, its extensive system of higher edu-
training activities planned with the ICRC. cation, and its many active NGOs and
• detainees visited: 82 (none newly
The ICRC made IHL presentations to air professional associations. Both in India
registered)
force personnel, as well as to future and Bangladesh the organization strove to
• places visited: 2 peacekeeping troops at the United Ser- heighten public awareness of issues of

vices Institute in Delhi. humanitarian concern, to help develop
• RCMs delivered to detainees: 101
In Bangladesh, the ICRC trained IHL expertise in IHL and to influence decision-
instructors from all three military services. makers to ratify and implement the instru-
AUTHORITIES The country remained a leading provider ments of that law and respect the princi-
of troops for peacekeeping operations ples underlying it.
India
around the world and the ICRC continued
The government of India considered ratifi- to work to raise those troops’ awareness Universities
cation of the 1977 Protocols additional to of IHL rules set out in the UN secretary- The ICRC continued to collaborate with
the Geneva Conventions and the Second general's Bulletin of 12 August 1999. Del- national and international organizations
Protocol to the Cultural Property Conven- egates also participated for the first time in and leading institutions of higher educa-
tion. The ICRC encouraged this process the Bangladesh army’s UN-observers tion in order to enhance the study of IHL. It
but noted no significant progress. It gave course at the Bangladesh Institute of helped finance and organize courses,
two presentations on IHL to trainees of the Peace Support Operations Training. seminars, conferences and other events,
Foreign Service Institute and facilitated cir-
• IHL instructors trained: 39 officers aiming to stimulate academic interest in
culation of the ICRC appeal on "Biotech-
(Bangladesh) IHL and foster an exchange of expertise. In
nology, Weapons and Humanity" to lead-
India, IHL was already being taught in a
ing government and non-government • officers attending IHL presentations: number of universities, and the ICRC
scientific and technological institutions. 629 (Bangladesh); 490 (India) worked with the Association of Indian Uni-
187
versities (AIU) to make this instruction • teacher-training programmes in IHL at Protecting the emblem
more systematic and widespread. Having Guwahati University, in Assam, and With the support of the ICRC and the Inter-
already recommended that IHL modules Pune, in Maharashtra: 57 instructors national Federation, the National Societies
be included in the curricula of a number of of both India and Bangladesh conducted
• IHL seminars/workshops in Jammu and
related disciplines, in 2002 the AIU campaigns to reduce misuse of the
Kashmir and Manipur: 160 students
worked with the ICRC and UNHCR to draft emblem. The Indian campaign focused
model postgraduate political-science pro- • a workshop on IHL at Dhaka University: on the northeastern states of Nagaland,
grammes that included IHL and refugee 30 law instructors Mizoram and Tripura, and it included
law, and made similar efforts in the fields workshops for representatives of the med-
of journalism and mass communication. Generating public support for IHL ical and pharmaceutical professions,
There were still not nearly enough quali- door-to-door visits by Red Cross youth, a
The ICRC worked through the media and
fied instructors to cover India's vast net- media campaign and contacts to urge the
through contacts with key figures and
work of universities, and the ICRC helped authorities to counter emblem misuse. In
organizations in civil society to raise
sponsor a number of national and Bangladesh the ICRC helped the National
awareness of issues of humanitarian con-
regional events aimed at enlarging the Society prepare a draft emblem law, and
cern and to generate support for the ratifi-
pool of instructors qualified to teach IHL. It gave Society staff training in how to con-
cation and implementation of IHL. It
collaborated with Hyderabad University to duct a campaign.
organized:
launch a web-based distance-learning
programme in IHL. The programme, • presentations on IHL in media schools
scheduled for later extension to Southeast Responding to violence
in Guwahati, Assam and Srinagar,
Asia, was initially open to students from Kashmir In Jammu and Kashmir and the north-
South Asia. In Bangladesh, where IHL was eastern states, the ICRC helped fund, and
• a seminar at Jawaharlal Nehru Univer- gave technical support to, Indian Red
not widely taught, the ICRC focused on
sity on women caught up in armed con- Cross first-aid training. Over 160 first-aid
developing IHL study at the country’s lead-
flict and other violence, attended by volunteers were trained in Jammu and
ing law school, at Dhaka University. The
Indian diplomats, journalists, represen- Kashmir, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and
ICRC also helped fund research and
tatives of women's organizations and Manipur.
internships in IHL and supported the writ-
others
ing, translation and production of teaching
materials and other IHL resources in both • a workshop for lawyers and judges, Development support
India and Bangladesh. In 2002, the ICRC organized in conjunction with the Bar The ICRC and the International Federation
helped sponsor, provide technical support Association of Bangladesh worked together in a regional strategy to
for or organize: encourage National Societies to review
• the 4th South Asian Teaching Session NATIONAL SOCIETIES their statutes. The Bangladesh Red Cres-
cent continued the process of reviewing its
in IHL, organized in conjunction with The ICRC worked with the National Red
UNHCR and the National Law School statutes which it began in 2001. Working
Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the
and held in Bangalore: 24 participants together to foster National Society devel-
region to further develop their tracing net-
from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal opment in South Asia, the ICRC and the
works and IHL-promotion activities. It
and Sri Lanka International Federation sponsored and
worked with the Indian Red Cross to dis-
organized:
• the 2nd Henry Dunant Moot Court, tribute relief to victims of fighting along the
organized in conjunction with the Indian border with Pakistan and the line of con- • the South Asian Regional Partnership
Society of International Law: 27 teams trol (see Civilians) and supported the meeting, held in Dhaka
from around India Society as it provided tracing services for
• a meeting of secretaries-general of the
victims of the violence in Gujarat. Also in
• the 4th one-year postgraduate diploma region’s National Societies, held in Delhi
India, it supported four training workshops
course in IHL run by the Indian Society that increased the tracing expertise of 22 • a branch-development seminar, held in
of International Law: 80 students with branches, and in Bangladesh helped pro- Sri Lanka
backgrounds in areas such as law, duce a guide for the National Society’s
defence studies, and foreign service tracing service.
188
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC SUVA
SUVA
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Australia, Federated States of Micronesia,
Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru,
New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu,
Vanuatu, and autonomous states, territo-
ries and colonies of the Pacific
Personnel:
4 expatriates
10 national staff
Since the beginning of 2001, ICRC

operations in the Pacific have been
carried out by the Suva regional
delegation. In all countries of the
region, the ICRC works to encourage
ratification and implementation of the
humanitarian treaties and supports
National Society development, with
particular focus on Papua New Guinea,
the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.
It also visits people detained in
connection with past disturbances in Fiji.
CONTEXT

Political stability remains fragile in many country hosted the African-Caribbean-
Expenditure (in Sfr) South Pacific countries. Pacific Summit in Nadi in September.
Protection Fiji Solomon Islands

91,406
Numerous economic and social prob- This country of half a million, mostly
Assistance lems, plus constitutional disputes, contin- Melanesian people, remained near bank-
62,986 ued to slow Fiji’s development. Coup ruptcy following years of fighting, mis-
Preventive action leader George Speight, who had been management and dependency on foreign
1,125,867 convicted and sentenced to death for trea- aid. The government suffered from lack
Cooperation with National Societies son, had his sentence commuted to life of funds sufficient to support services or
1,085,291 imprisonment by the president. even pay wages. Then at year's end,
General Cyclone Zoe slammed into the islands of
Radical privatization plans, designed to
9,080 Tikopia and Anuta, causing widespread
arrest the collapse of Fiji's struggling
devastation.
sugar industry, prompted threats from
the EU that subsidies could be lost. The
2,374,631
189
The most critical concern, however,
remained the continuous deterioration of
Renegade soldiers remained a problem,
as they again took control of barracks in
ICRC ACTION
public order as a result of ethnic differ- the north of the country and made political Key points in 2002
ences. At mid-year, the International demands. Also, the safety and security of
Peace Monitoring Team departed, leaving Papua New Guineans living close to the • seminars on IHL organized for the first
local peace monitors to observe develop- border with West Papua became more of time for policemen in Papua New
ments and carry on the Team’s work. a concern in 2002. Guinea and prison officials in the
Awash as it was with weapons, the coun- Solomon Islands
try saw the murder of a government minis- Vanuatu • the basics of IHL presented to over
ter in August, as the control of armed 200 members of the armed forces, the
The incumbent prime minister, from the
gangs remained virtually unchecked and police and the prison service
Vanua'aku Party, retained office during the
warlords held sway. Questionable activi-
general elections in May and a new coali- • relief provided to 350 displaced families
ties by the "Special Constables", deployed
tion government was formed soon after. in the Solomon Islands through the
to stop fighting between rival ethnic mili-
Vanuatu formally recognized the political Solomon Islands Red Cross
tias, cost many lives, but they have
wing of the Free Papua Organization as a
refused to disband until paid back wages. • the teaching of IHL incorporated into the
legitimate representative of the Papuan
The hunt for the leader of the Malaita Eagle basic training of Fijian army officers
people and signalled its acceptance by
Force brought about a crisis on the Weath-
allowing the West Papua Movement to set
ercoast, with many families uprooted and
fleeing the fighting.
up an office in Port Vila. CIVILIANS
The Asian Development Bank announced Solomon Islands
Papua New Guinea a three-year aid programme for Vanuatu
which will focus on the development of the Early in 2002, 126 families of IDPs from
Mid-year provincial and national elections the Weathercoast took refuge in a school.
outer islands. The programme involves
were marred by violence in many Relief was distributed to each family by the
loans for infrastructure, agricultural devel-
provinces, especially in the Southern ICRC via the National Society.
opment and the preparation of an urban
Highlands and Enga region, which were
sanitation and public health project. As the hunt for Malaita Eagle Force leader
declared "fighting zones". The National
Alliance Party's Sir Michael Somare was Harold Keke was stepped up, another cri-
elected prime minister for the third time by Other countries sis occurred on the Weathercoast. More
parliamentary vote, after an absence from The Organization for Economic Co- than 500 families were displaced, losing
office of 17 years. Negative economic pre- operation and Development began the their belongings and gardens, in the vio-
dictions were borne out when the country’s process of removing Samoa and the Cook lence that accompanied the police search.
currency (kina) reached a 27-year low Islands from its proposed blacklist, follow- On several occasions, delegates met with
the authorities to express concern regard-
exchange rate in November. At year's end ing a pledge by both countries to improve
it was estimated that per capita income their tax and regulatory systems. A new ing civilians victimized and displaced by
could drop a further 10-14% over the next political party, the Cook Islands National police operations.
two years. The Somare government faced Party, was formed in New Zealand to run
further difficulties following decisions by in the Cook Islands general elections
Australia, the IMF and the World Bank to scheduled for 2004.
withhold aid pending compliance with
strict spending cuts and reforms.
An extension of the weapons-disposal
programme on Bougainville drew support
from the government after Australia
announced that peace monitors on the
island were to be withdrawn owing to high
costs.
190
PEOPLE DEPRIVED AUTHORITIES ARMED FORCES
OF THEIR FREEDOM A wide variance remained in the ratifica- AND OTHER BEARERS
tion and implementation of IHL treaties OF WEAPONS
Fiji among countries in the region. Although
The ICRC carried out two visits to security New Zealand and Australia have ratified Fiji
detainees in Fiji, of whom 29 had, by and implemented most of the IHL instru- Following a four-day IHL workshop for 16
year’s end, been visited since 2000. In ments and Tonga ratified the Additional Fiji military officers in March, a regional
total, the ICRC registered four detainees in Protocols during the period under review, train-the-trainer course was held in
the country in 2002 (123 since 2000), Papua New Guinea and Fiji had by November for 18 military officers from
many of whom were military personnel year’s end yet to ratify the 1977 Additional Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New
allegedly involved in a November 2000 Protocols, and the Marshall Islands had Guinea and Tonga. The Fiji army had
mutiny. The ICRC made follow-up visits still not acceded to the 1949 Geneva begun teaching IHL to captains and lieu-
to 47 detainees and also registered four Conventions. tenants as part of their standard training.
new detainees during the year, including One officer attended the 97th International
four arrested because of their alleged Fiji Military Course at the International Institute
involvement in a plot to kidnap the prime of Humanitarian Law in San Remo.
The delegation had discussions with the
minister.
Fijian Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding The Fiji Police Academy continued to pres-
ratification of the Protocols additional to ent an effective environment for the devel-
Solomon Islands the Geneva Conventions, as well as mat- opment of training modules on IHL and
The ICRC continued to visit all detainees ters of detention. Early in the year, the human rights law, which could later be
covered by its mandate and met the ICRC organized discussions on the Addi- adopted by other South Pacific police
immediate needs of the main prisons in tional Protocols at the Fiji armed forces forces.
Honiara and the provinces. A complete headquarters, attended by 14 senior army
visit to Honiara's Rove Prison was carried officers. The armed forces later undertook
in writing to urge the government to ratify Papua New Guinea
out, where conditions were assessed and
58 detainees seen (nine of whom, seen the Additional Protocols before the end of The ICRC presented an IHL seminar for 13
for the first time, were registered). The the year. The ICRC continued its efforts to Papua New Guinea military officers in Port
ICRC distributed aid to the detainees in the persuade a number of senior authorities Moresby, and later held meetings with the
form of clothes, and provided the prison opposed to ratification. officers in charge of Force training and
with soap and other items. Owing to the commanders of the Lae Defence Acad-
collapse of the prison and judiciary sys- Papua New Guinea emy. Support was offered for the inclusion
tems during the hostilities of 1999-2000, of a Red Cross module in training, and
Meetings were held with the Papua New this suggestion was submitted to the chief
the prison service lacked the resources to

Guinea Defence Force's chief of staff, legal of Defence Forces. The ICRC's renewed
provide a proper diet for all detainees. The
officers and the secretary of defence engagement with the country’s Defence
ICRC therefore supplied seeds for prison
regarding ratification of the Additional Pro- Force was received enthusiastically, with
gardens. Detainees also received recre-
tocols. The defence authorities expressed commanders clearly viewing IHL training
ational materials.
their support for accelerating the process as a priority. One Papua New Guinea offi-
of ratification. A meeting was also held cer attended the 97th International Military
with the director-general of the Ministry of Course at the International Institute of
Foreign Affairs and Trade. Strong support Humanitarian Law in San Remo.
for ratification was also received from the
director of the International Law Section of
the Department of the Attorney-General.
Other countries
The ICRC participated in a round-table dis-
cussion with Tonga government officials
in October on ratification of the Additional
Protocols. Tonga did indeed later ratify the
Protocols.
191
Senior training officers of the Royal Papua College in Canberra in December. The address 25 communication students from
New Guinea Constabulary used the ICRC's audience consisted of some 200 mem- Charles Sturt University.
teaching modules to design courses for bers of the military, the majority from the
In September, youth delegates from Red
their Criminal Investigation Department, Australian Defence Force, with six partici-
Cross and Red Crescent Societies through-
which were taught to all officers. The ICRC pants from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
out the world met in Darwin to explore
conducted two IHL and human rights and Tonga.
concepts of humanitarian law using the
seminars in 2002, attended by a total of
At Canberra police headquarters in March, ICRC’s "Exploring Humanitarian Law"
35 members of the Constabulary. At an
delegates gave a presentation for the Aus- (EHL) resource pack. Some 57 youth rep-
IHL seminar in East New Britain province,
tralian Federal Police regarding the ICRC's resentatives from 23 National Societies
the ICRC was able to address officers from
work to spread knowledge of IHL among attended the conference to gain an under-
several nearby provinces.
police forces in the Pacific, and assessed standing of EHL and the skills necessary
the need for IHL training material in the to promote EHL in their home countries.
Solomon Islands units concerned.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Con-
stabulary began in 2002 to teach IHL and
NATIONAL SOCIETIES
New Zealand
human rights law as part of its training. In 2002, cooperation within the Move-
In March, the ICRC took part in an IHL ment was further intensified. In May, a
The ICRC conducted the first IHL courses
workshop conducted by the New Zealand meeting to discuss partnership with the
for prison officers ever held in the Solomon
Defence Force at Trentham Military Camp. Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society
Islands, in Gizo and Honiara. The three
Possibilities for closer cooperation with was organized in Brisbane. The ICRC took
training sessions were attended by a total
the Force were explored. Officers an active part.
of 63 policemen and prison officers.
expressed the Force’s desire to play an
The delegation sustained a dialogue with active role in the teaching of IHL in the To further increase harmonization in
all those involved in the situation in order region and to incorporate relevant parts of approaches to development support taken
to foster development of all regional police the ICRC instruction modules into its work by the Movement’s various components
forces, including the Australian Federal in other countries. working in the region, a joint planning
Police and the Australian development meeting for the next year was held in July
agency in Canberra. in Suva. Also at mid-year, the ICRC organ-
CIVIL SOCIETY ized a workshop for IHL-promotion officers
from the National Societies of Tonga, the
Australia Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea,
The ICRC was invited by the Australian The ICRC contacted the dean of humani- Vanuatu and Samoa. The purpose of the
Defence Force Warfare Centre to present a ties at the University of Papua New Guinea event was to enhance the IHL promotion
lecture during the Law of the Sea Course and discussed the inclusion of ICRC mate- and create a regional development base in
attended by 30 officers and five Force rial in relevant courses as well as the pos- the areas of IHL, and the role and methods
legal experts. Delegates gave another sibility of aid from the organization. After of dissemination.
presentation at the Centre during an inter- initial IHL presentations were conducted at
national peace-operations event attended the university, planning was begun to add
Fiji
by 45 international peacekeeping officers an IHL course to the curriculum.
and participants from the Australian police Five times during the year, the ICRC par-
and development agency. The ICRC also ticipated in school workshops for teachers
Australia
gave a presentation on its training pro- held by the Fiji Red Cross Society. The
grammes at the inauguration of the Asia- On 8 May, World Red Cross and Red Cres- origin of the Red Cross, its emblem, the
Pacific Centre for Military Law, attended by cent Day, a delegate gave a talk on the present Movement, the ICRC and the
over 100 representatives of the Australian organization’s mandate and activities to International Federation were presented to
and foreign armed forces, government, 25 members of the University of New 127 teachers.
academia, the legal profession and NGOs. South Wales Red Cross Club. The ICRC
Late in the year another ICRC seminar took participated in an Australian Red Cross
place at the Centre, with more than 150 moot International Criminal Court trial held
participants. The ICRC perspective on at the New South Wales Supreme Court
peace operations was presented at the and attended by law students, lawyers
Australian Defence Command and Staff and Red Cross personnel. The ICRC was
also invited by the Australian Red Cross to
192
The first joint ICRC/International Federation Other countries
regional emergency-management work- The post of IHL-promotion officer in the
shop, held in Fiji at the end of September, Papua New Guinea Red Cross was filled
was co-sponsored by the American Red in April. The new staff member attended a
Cross. Twelve Pacific National Societies regional training workshop in Fiji and
participated along with representatives of spread knowledge of IHL among National
three national disaster-management Society members and others. He drew up
offices from the region. an IHL-promotion plan for the entire coun-
try. The Tonga Red Cross Society came
Solomon Islands under new management and appointed
The ICRC and the Solomon Islands Red an IHL-promotion officer. The Samoa Red
Cross shared responsibilities in a relief Cross Society launched an IHL-promotion
operation for displaced families on the programme with support from the ICRC.
Weathercoast (see Civilians). The ICRC
continued work to build the Society’s abil-
ity to spread knowledge of IHL and to
deliver emergency aid. The Society pro-
moted IHL, mainly in schools.
Australia
In June, a joint ICRC/International Federa-
tion briefing was conducted for 25 staff
members of the Australian Red Cross. The
subjects covered were the structure of the
Movement, its relationship to IHL, and the
ICRC's mandate in terms of protection,
assistance and prevention (with its related
programmes focusing on South and
Southeast Asia and the Pacific).
At the invitation of the Australian govern-
ment and the National Society, the ICRC
president visited Australia late in Novem-

ber. He met with government and Red
Cross representatives to explore ways to
further develop cooperation in the human-
itarian field. The president also visited
New Zealand, where he held talks with
government and National Society officials.
Both the Australian and New Zealand
National Societies remained committed to
international cooperation, particularly sup-
port for sister Societies in the Pacific
region.
193
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC TASHKENT
TASHKENT
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Personnel:
18 expatriates
153 national staff
The ICRC has worked in Central Asia

since 1992. It promotes the ratification
of humanitarian treaties and their
incorporation into national legislation,
and fosters the teaching of IHL and
humanitarian principles in military
training programmes and civilian
educational institutions. It also
cooperates with the Central Asian
National Societies, supporting them in
boosting their operational capacity. In
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the ICRC
visits detainees falling within its
mandate and carries out operations in
the Fergana Valley. In Tajikistan, it
supports prosthetic/orthotic services for
amputees.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) The countries of Central Asia worked in unrest in the Jal-al-Abad area in southern
2002 to strengthen new political, eco- Kyrgyzstan.
Protection nomic and strategic ties developed during
Celebrating the fifth anniversary of the
1,324,893 military operations by the US-led coalition
peace agreement that ended its recent civil
Assistance in Afghanistan. The Islamic Movement of
war, Tajikistan remained relatively stable
803,883 Uzbekistan (IMU) showed no sign of
in spite of many violent incidents related to
armed activity in the Fergana Valley after
Preventive action drug trafficking and other crime.
many of its members and its leader had
2,618,420 been reported killed in fighting in
Cooperation with National Societies Afghanistan in 2001. This eased concerns
1,039,107 over the possibility of armed incursions
General into the Fergana Valley, but governments
132,212 of the region kept up pressure on Islamic
opposition groups, including the IMU and
Hezb u Tahrir. In March, the arrest of a
5,918,514 popular member of parliament sparked

194
ICRC ACTION Key points in 2002
• visits continued to detainees in Kyrgyz-
Reducing mine risk
In 2000, mines were laid on the Tajik-
The ICRC's work in Central Asia focused stan; agreement signed with the govern- Uzbek border to prevent armed incursions
on Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajik- ment to provide ICRC a firmer basis for into Uzbek territory. In Soughd Oblast and
istan, where religious, political and ethnic access to all detainees of concern to the the Tursun Zade district of Tajikistan,
divisions were fertile ground for conflict. organization where people frequently crossed borders
The densely populated Fergana Valley, for trade, family business and other civil-
which covers areas in all three countries, • visits carried out to detainees in Uz-
ian activities, these newly laid mines
remained a focus of opposition activity. bekistan; dialogue pursued with author-
caused a number of civilian injuries and
ities to clarify procedures for the full
In a decade of extensive work to spread deaths. In the less densely populated
implementation of the agreement on
knowledge of IHL among armed forces mountain passes of Rasht Valley, mine
visits signed in January 2001
personnel and university and secondary- contamination also remained from the
school students in Central Asia, the ICRC • secondary-school lessons on IHL- civil war period. The ICRC supported the
benefited from fruitful cooperation with the related issues begun throughout Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan as it
authorities. For most of that time, however, Kyrgyzstan worked closely with the Ministry of
the organization’s efforts to gain access to Emergency Situations and Civil Defence
• mine-awareness activities initiated by
detainees in the region met with little suc- to launch community-based mine-
Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan
cess. An opening came in 1999 with a awareness work in 14 affected districts
visit to a small number of detainees in (see National Societies).
Kyrgyzstan; after that the ICRC made sev- CIVILIANS • people reached by mine-awareness
eral further visits in Kyrgyzstan and in presentations: 10,000 (60% children)
Assisting IDPs
Uzbekistan. In 2002, gaining broader
access to places of detention remained the The ICRC continued to monitor the condi-
tions of some 3,400 civilians relocated by Family links
ICRC’s priority in the region, and it took
slow steps forward in the long process of the Uzbek government as part of efforts to In close cooperation with the National
bringing about compliance with the terms secure its border with Tajikistan. Villagers Societies, the ICRC maintained a Red
of agreements reached with the govern- were housed in six resettlement villages Cross message network enabling families
ments of both countries. built for them in Surkhandarya. Several of to exchange messages with detained rela-
the villages had a good harvest and tives visited by the ICRC in Uzbekistan and
Through its office in Osh, the ICRC contin- acceptable living conditions, but residents Kyrgyzstan.
ued to develop its field presence in the Fer- of the villages of Tamshush and Istiklol
gana Valley, working with Red Crescent • RCMs received by families: 166
faced a number of problems, including
branches in all three countries. Its ware- poor land, insufficient water and inade-
houses in Dushanbe and Termez sup- quate housing. The ICRC and the Red PEOPLE DEPRIVED

ported operations in Afghanistan. Those in Crescent Society of Uzbekistan brought
Khorog and Turkmenabad were closed as OF THEIR FREEDOM
these problems to the local government’s
it became clear that other supply lines into attention and urged it to ensure adequate Visiting detainees
Afghanistan were working well. At the living conditions for the residents. By the
beginning of the year, the independent del- In Kyrgyzstan, the ICRC carried out several
end of the year the authorities had visits to detainees. An agreement signed
egation in Dushanbe changed status, improved village water supply and helped
becoming a mission as operations in in August between the Ministry of Justice
repair some of the houses. In February the and the ICRC granted full access.
Tajikistan were taken over by the Tashkent ICRC and the Uzbek Red Crescent distrib-
regional delegation. uted over eight tonnes of wheat flour, mat- In Uzbekistan, after many false starts in its
tresses and blankets to help the most vul- efforts to establish prison visits, the ICRC
nerable villagers cope with the harsh was able to follow all its standard proce-
winter, and in November provided clothes dures in some visits to detainees arrested
and shoes for schoolchildren. in Uzbekistan. It also visited a small num-
ber of detainees captured in Afghanistan
• IDPs receiving assistance: 2,330 and extradited to Uzbekistan.
195
The regional delegation continued to seek Discontinuing surgical assistance Repressing war crimes
access to detainees held by the govern- After the end of the civil war in Tajikistan, The ICRC urged Central Asian countries to
ment of Tajikistan, and requested authori- the ICRC continued its medical aid, pro- adopt a full regime of national legislation
zation to initiate visits in Turkmenistan viding hospitals with the materials they to repress grave breaches of the Geneva
after a wave of arrests there. needed to care for people wounded in Conventions and their Additional Proto-
• places of detention visited in Kyrgyz- fighting. The need for materials gradually cols, and to ratify the Rome Statute of the
stan: 5; in Uzbekistan: 7 dwindled and the ICRC discontinued relief International Criminal Court. To this end,
for surgical facilities early in 2002. the ICRC made Uzbek and Tajik transla-
• RCMs delivered to detainees in Kyrgyz- tions of the Geneva Conventions and their
stan: 17; in Uzbekistan: 11 Additional Protocols and began their
AUTHORITIES translation into Kazakh. It commissioned
WOUNDED AND SICK After independence, new Central Asian local experts in Uzbekistan to compare
States introduced national legislation and national legislation with the requirements
Physical rehabilitation in Tajikistan the ICRC took advantage of the process to of the Rome Statute.
promote the incorporation of IHL instru-
The Dushanbe limb-fitting and rehabilita-
ments into the law. Progress had been
tion centre, which the ICRC upgraded and Limiting landmine damage
slowed by a lack of legal expertise and by
reopened in 1999, remained the country’s In Tajikistan, the interministerial committee
language barriers and other constraints. In
only facility producing prosthetic/orthotic on IHL set up a working group for mine
2002 the ICRC worked with interminister-
appliances. In a project delegated to the information and mine action and the gov-
ial IHL committees in Tajikistan and Kyr-
Canadian Red Cross Society, the ICRC ernment developed a national mine-action
gyzstan, and urged Uzbekistan and Turk-
continued to work with the Ministry of strategy. The ICRC sent representatives
menistan to form similar committees. In
Labour and Social Protection to run the from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
2002, Kazakhstan drafted a ministerial
centre. An outreach programme operated and Uzbekistan to Moscow for the ICRC-
order requiring military forces to respect
jointly by the Red Crescent Society of Tajik- sponsored conference on the explosive
IHL and to train their forces in its rules.
istan, the ICRC and the Ministry identified remnants of war (see Moscow).
disabled people and provided follow-up
for those who had already received artifi- Protecting the emblem
cial limbs; it transported patients living in In response to efforts by the ICRC and the ARMED FORCES
remote areas to the Dushanbe centre, fur- International Federation to bring an end to AND OTHER BEARERS
nishing food and lodging while they were the use of the double emblem and thus to OF WEAPONS
treated. By 2002, the centre had fitted pave the way for the recognition of its
more than 1,030 amputees with prosthe- National Society, Kazakhstan adopted a The ICRC continued helping Central Asian
ses. Together with the Tajik Red Crescent law enshrining the red crescent as its only armed forces to develop their IHL training.
It taught IHL instructors, produced training
the centre made a survey of the needs of emblem. At the urging of their National
other types of disabled patients and found Societies, the authorities in Kazakhstan materials and offered other technical sup-
1,000 persons, mostly polio patients, and Uzbekistan considered draft emblem port. It also fostered armed forces expert-
who needed orthoses. The programme laws, and Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan work- ise in IHL by organizing international,
began training technicians to make ed to implement provisions of emblem regional and national events and sponsor-
orthoses and started to produce them on a laws that they had adopted earlier. ing participation in them by Central Asian
small scale. In 2002 the Ministry took on officers.
more responsibility for funding and man-
aging the centre.
• patients registered for the first time: 154
(32 of whom were polio patients)
• provided: 307 prostheses; 44 orthoses;
28 wheelchairs; 200 pairs of crutches
196
Military forces CIVIL SOCIETY Secondary schools
A gradual centralization of forces and the Formerly dependent on the Soviet system,
re-establishment or opening of military Universities schools in Central Asia have few
academies in Central Asia allowed a more Benefiting from years of support by the resources with which to reform their cur-
systematic approach to promoting IHL ICRC, by 2002 most leading law depart- ricula and standards or to develop and
training within military forces of the region. ments in Central Asia had introduced sep- publish new materials. In cooperation with
Showing remarkable progress in develop- arate courses on IHL and had included IHL the Ministries of Education and the Red
ing their instruction, military forces in the material in other related courses; so had Crescent Societies of Uzbekistan, Tajik-
countries covered by the regional delega- some departments of journalism and istan, and Kyrgyzstan, the ICRC wrote text-
tion produced their own teaching materi- international relations. To enhance the books drawing on each country’s history
als, and in some countries set up IHL cen- quality of IHL teaching and research, the and traditions in order to introduce basic
tres. In April, 2002, an ICRC-organized ICRC helped develop and publish instruc- rules and concepts of IHL. The books were
seminar enabled 39 representatives of key tion materials, sponsored research and then translated into the major languages
military forces from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzs- organized various events to foster the of these multi-ethnic republics.
tan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to meet at exchange of expertise. To ensure that this
These textbooks were introduced in 1999
Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan to share experience instruction continued without external
in both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. By
and draw up plans for incorporation of IHL input, it encouraged the inclusion of IHL in
2002, they were being used in 3,000
into their training programmes. ICRC staff State standards of higher education. In
schools in Tajikistan and reached
also presented basic rules of IHL to troops 2002 Kazakhstan included IHL in its State
120,000 adolescents per school year; in
deployed in the Fergana Valley. standards for study of international law. In
Uzbekistan they reached over 500,000
universities in the conflict-prone Fergana
• military IHL instructors trained: 161 secondary-school students yearly. After an
Valley, the ICRC and National Societies
initial phase during which the ICRC trained
• military personnel who attended pre- worked together to encourage the study of
teachers, the authorities agreed to incor-
sentations in IHL: 1,027 IHL. In the year under review, the ICRC
porate IHL training into courses in teacher-
organized and funded:
• officers (from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, training schools. In 2001 Uzbekistan
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) who participated • the third annual Tashkent round of the included IHL in the State educational stan-
in San Remo IHL course: 6 De Martens IHL Moot Court competition dards and in relevant course curricula,
for some 60 students from Kazakhstan, ensuring that IHL would be taught after
Police forces Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan outside funding ends.
The ICRC continued to work with police • travel to Portugal for a team from Kaza- In Kyrgyzstan, the school manual was
and security forces in Tajikistan. With the khstan competing in the Pictet IHL Moot published and distributed in the Kyrgyz,
aim of encouraging progress in visits to Court Russian and Uzbek languages and the
detainees there, it proposed similar activi- educational authorities incorporated IHL

• development of a pedagogical guide
ties in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and the into the civics curriculum for the second-
with reference sources and methods for
academies of both countries' Interior Min- ary schools. After training over 3,000
teaching IHL in the region
istries accepted the proposal. By the end teachers, the programme began instruc-
of the year the ICRC had started seminars • participation by 7 Central Asian schol- tion of over 75,000 secondary-school
in Kyrgyzstan. ars in the advanced IHL course held by students.
the ICRC in Moscow (see Moscow),
• members of police/security forces • students reached (2002-2003 aca-
and of 4 Central Asian scholars in the
trained in IHL and human rights law: 55 demic year): 700,000
20th annual IHL course sponsored
• officers who participated in the course jointly by the ICRC and the Polish Red
for police and security forces in Snegiri, Cross and held in Warsaw (see
Russian Federation: 9 Budapest)
197
NATIONAL SOCIETIES • Tajik Red Crescent volunteers trained in
mine awareness: 31
The ICRC worked to help the Central Asian
National Societies develop their activities
in the fields of tracing, IHL-promotion, and Fergana Valley: conflict preparedness
health care and relief work in conflict To strengthen the response capability of
situations. It also cooperated with the Red Crescent branches in the Fergana Val-
International Federation to help the Central ley, the ICRC helped fund youth work to
Asian National Societies develop their spread knowledge of IHL and provided
managerial capacities and strengthen their volunteers with communication equip-
legal bases. In Uzbekistan, it worked with ment. It gave financial and technical sup-
the National Society to deliver aid to IDPs. port to the Red Crescent branch in Nanai,
The ICRC provided financial and/or techni- Uzbekistan as it organized a forum on
cal support to many events organized by conflict preparedness. The forum was
the Central Asian National Societies, attended by 35 Red Crescent volunteers
including: from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The
ICRC also supported the production of a
• a regional training workshop for admin-
manual on conflict preparedness in times
istrators, held in Tashkent in May
of conflict, translated into Uzbek by the
• the annual workshop on planning (for National Society for use by its staff.
2003), held in Almaty for coordinators
of IHL-promotion, tracing and finance
units
• a training seminar on presentation
skills, production of materials and plan-
ning procedures for all National Society
coordinators working in the areas of
ICRC-funded programmes
• two training lectures for 62 high-ranking
officials from Kazakhstan's Agency of
Emergency Situations
• a train-the-trainer seminar on youth and
conflict resolution for 22 young volun-
teers in Kazakhstan
• a workshop on the Red Cross/
Red Crescent Movement, its Fundamen-
tal Principles and its activities in the
region for 127 university students in
Uzbekistan
Mine awareness
With ICRC funding and technical support,
the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan con-
tinued mine-awareness work started late
in 2001 for 14 mine-affected districts, and
gave technical support to the government
as it developed a system for gathering
data on mine accidents.
198
199
B. Heger/ICRC
Members of a family recently displaced by an escalation in hostilities relate their experiences to an ICRC protection officer.
200
LATIN AMERICA
AND THE
CARIBBEAN
Delegations
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Peru
• Buenos Aires
• Caracas
• Mexico City

The year 2002 saw a marked deteriora- nomically disadvantaged. Cases in point
Expenditure (in Sfr) tion in Colombia's protracted armed con- were Bolivia and Guatemala. For all these
flict, the only remaining large-scale con- reasons, the full spectrum of ICRC activi-
Protection flict in Latin America. Elsewhere in Latin ties, from promoting IHL to protecting
7,239,442 America, the widening gap between rich and assisting civilians and detainees, re-
Assistance and poor remained the root cause of mained highly relevant in this region of
21,941,658 social tensions and violence that threat- the world.
ened the stability of many countries. Eco-
Preventive action
nomic slowdown in many cases exacer- Operational priorities
11,954,592
bated these disparities. For example, the In Colombia, the peace process collapsed
Cooperation with National Societies disastrous economic developments in following the breakdown of negotiations in
3,662,681 Argentina plunged thousands, if not hun- February. The conflict reached acute levels
General dreds of thousands, of people into deep of violence, marked by alarmingly fre-
1,274,249 distress almost overnight. Economic dep- quent violations of IHL. In August, newly
rivation also increasingly politicized ethnic elected President Alvaro Uribe stepped up
divisions, as indigenous groups tended to military action against the country's two
46,072,622 make up a large proportion of the eco- armed groups.
201
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
As the conflict intensified, displacement of 1990s. The Commission formed a work- Venezuela and Argentina especially, but
both individuals and entire communities ing group to deal with the issue of missing also in Ecuador and Bolivia. The ICRC
became more frequent and widespread persons. In addition, the ICRC signed continued to give priority to implementing
across the country, sharply increasing the agreements with the Ministries of Defence its programme to train police forces in
need for humanitarian aid. The situation and the Interior setting up core groups of international human rights standards in
also worsened for the resident population IHL and human rights instructors for the these countries. The delegation in Brasilia,
in disputed areas as the parties to the con- armed forces and police, respectively. which initiated the programme, imple-
flict imposed blockades on food and med- mented the last phase for police forces in
The regional delegation in Mexico City
icines. These developments prompted the Brazil. Starting in 2003 Brazil will be cov-
continued to monitor potential situations
ICRC to expand its operation and therefore ered by the Buenos Aires regional delega-
of tension in the region. It pursued its con-
also to increase its budget. In the course tion. An ICRC office was nonetheless
tacts with the authorities and with repre-
of the year it stepped up its aid pro- maintained in the country so as to pursue
sentatives of civil society, and worked
grammes, focusing first and foremost on various tasks relating to the promotion
closely with the armed forces, academic
the growing number of IDPs. The ICRC of IHL in Brazil. At the same time, 2002
institutions and schools to promote the
assisted some 180,000 newly displaced saw the consolidation of the pool of quali-
permanent integration of IHL into standard
people, an 80% increase over the previ- fied instructors to support the police train-
teaching programmes. In the Mexican
ous year. ing programme in other Latin American
state of Chiapas, the ICRC concentrated on
countries.
At the same time, the ICRC sought to assisting IDPs, seeking, whenever possi-
mobilize other organizations and, in par- ble, to substitute food relief programmes
ticular, the relevant State agencies, to join with more self-sustainable agricultural Promotion of IHL
efforts to assist IDPs beyond the emer- programmes and small-animal farming, Most Latin American countries offered a
gency phase into the period when their and to support the National Society's med- favourable environment for ICRC commu-
needs can no longer be covered by emer- ical programmes. In Haiti, the ICRC nication programmes and for initiatives to
gency aid alone. It continued to make rep- handed over to the authorities full respon- promote IHL and integrate it into national
resentations to all parties to the conflict to sibility for meeting the basic needs of legislation, armed forces training and aca-
ensure that humanitarian work could be detainees under their jurisdiction, although demic curricula.
carried out unhindered and sought to pro- it will continue to monitor prison condi-
The governments of the region remained
mote respect for the lives and property of tions, paying special attention to
keen to step up their presence and the
civilians, in accordance with IHL. In the detainees within its purview.
level of their activity in international fora.
area of health, the ICRC continued to pro-
In Venezuela, in view of a long-feared As a result of increased pressure from civil
vide access to basic care for IDPs and res-
massive spillover of the Colombian con- society, they were willing to accede to
idents of often remote conflict areas. Pre-
flict, the ICRC had concentrated on humanitarian treaties and make efforts to
ventive health-care programmes were also
addressing concerns about the immediate comply with the accompanying obliga-
implemented for detainees.

consequences in humanitarian terms of tions. For example, by the end of the year
In Peru, the ICRC encouraged the authori- possible influxes of refugees in border all five countries covered by the Buenos
ties to ensure adequate treatment of areas with Colombia. As no such spillover Aires regional delegation had ratified the
detainees in terms of health care, restora- occurred, the ICRC's priority shifted to 1997 Ottawa Convention. Peru adopted a
tion of family links and general living con- dealing with potential strife and tensions law requiring that human rights and IHL
ditions, and assisted them in this process. in urban areas, particularly in Caracas. To be included in military and police training
A series of interdisciplinary training semi- that effect, the ICRC stepped up its cooper- programmes and in public education. The
nars for the employees of the National ation with the Venezuelan Red Cross, country also signed an agreement with the
Penitentiary Institute, mainly in the field of focusing on strengthening its operational ICRC on permanent integration of IHL into
preventive health care, had a particularly capacity. the operational procedures and instruction
positive impact. Another ICRC priority was programmes of the armed forces. Specifi-
The regional delegations in Buenos Aires
to address some of the lingering conse- cally, this resulted in the creation of a
and Caracas monitored the situation in the
quences of the armed conflict, in particular humanitarian law centre of the armed
countries they covered and, while continu-
the issue of persons unaccounted for. It forces to oversee the integration process.
ing to make representations with a view to
provided technical assistance to the Truth The "Exploring Humanitarian Law" school
promoting IHL, maintained contact with
Commission set up in 2001 to investigate programme was used in Chile, Colombia,
the authorities in areas where the potential
abuses and violations of human rights El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mex-
for internal disturbances was greatest – in
and IHL perpetrated during the 1980s and ico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
202
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Prompted by the growing number of
requests for IHL training and advice from
its various target audiences, the ICRC
streamlined its working methods to
emphasize lasting impact, rather than
increasing the number of training initia-
tives. It is hoped that this approach will be
more effective in spreading knowledge of
IHL in the armed forces and academic cir-
cles especially.
Cooperation with the Movement

The ICRC continued to concentrate on
building the capacity of National Societies
to bring aid to those who need it most.
In addition, the ICRC, the International
Federation and National Societies pooled
efforts to draw up cooperation agreement
strategies.
203
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN BRAZIL
BRAZIL
Personnel:
1 expatriate
8 national staff
The ICRC has had a permanent presence

in Brazil since 1991. Since 1998, the
delegation in Brasilia has served primarily
as a resource and support centre for
training programmes for police forces in
Brazil and other Latin American countries.
It provides guidance for police and
security forces and works with ICRC
delegations across the region to promote
human rights training, compliance with
human rights instruments relevant to
police work and respect for basic
humanitarian principles.
CONTEXT
In 2002, political life in Brazil was domi- The high crime rate persisted, and prison
Expenditure (in Sfr) nated by presidential elections in October. uprisings were a regular occurrence. In
The candidate of the Workers’ Party, one of the worst instances, in the state of
Protection Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, won 64% of the Rondonia, 27 detainees were killed.
12,854 votes and thus became the country's new
The last phase of a training programme for
Assistance president (date of inauguration: 1 January
Brazilian police forces on human rights
0 2003). In view of Brazil's persistent social
law and humanitarian principles was
Preventive action and economic problems, which included
completed in 2002. The Brasilia delega-
1,133,211 soaring unemployment, a major currency
tion had initiated the programme with the
devaluation, an annual inflation rate of
Cooperation with National Societies aim of implementing it not only in Brazil
12.5% and a heavy public sector debt, he
54,987 but also in other countries, particularly
pledged to give priority to fighting hunger
General those where the potential for internal dis-
and joblessness and to securing eco-
62,456 turbances was high.
nomic stability.
1,263,508
204
At the end of the year, the status of the del-
egation in Brasilia was changed to that of
ICRC ACTION The ICRC also worked with instructors of
the Brazilian Military State Police, an
an office under the umbrella of the Buenos Key points in 2002 important component of the Brazilian
Aires regional delegation. Ongoing pro- security system comprising some
grammes relating to communication, dis- • completion of a training programme for 450,000 members, with the goal of
semination, implementation of IHL and police on human rights law and ensuring that military police complied with
cooperation with the National Society con- humanitarian principles in Brazil human rights instruments relevant to their
tinued to be carried out by the office's local (1,000 core instructors trained), and activities and with basic humanitarian
experts and staff with the support of the consolidation of a pool of ICRC-trained principles. Seven training courses and
regional delegation. instructors from 7 countries in the seminars were held for 161 military police
region to support the programme in officers from 15 states. An evaluation car-
other Latin American countries ried out by the Brasilia delegation and the
• directive issued by the Brazilian army Ministry of Justice of an ICRC project in the
command requiring IHL to be included state of Santa Catarina showed that
in military training human rights had been systematically
and adequately included in training pro-
grammes for military police.
AUTHORITIES
In addition, the ICRC produced a guide to
Brazil ratified the 1998 Rome Statute of
human rights for police instructors in the
the ICC in June 2002, thereby taking a
form of a CD, in both Portuguese and
significant step in terms of IHL implemen-
Spanish, to be distributed to instructors in
tation. A specialized committee had been
Latin American countries where the ICRC
set up earlier to examine the measures
has police training programmes.
Brazil would have to take to bring its inter-
nal legislation into line with the require- In February, the ICRC held the second
ments of the Statute. By October, the com- regional seminar for the 42 members of a
mittee had completed its work and handed pool of ICRC-trained police instructors
over to the Ministry of Justice a draft law from Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico,
on implementation of the ICC Statute. Panama, Peru and Venezuela, allowing
them to perfect their human rights
knowledge and teaching skills. The
ARMED FORCES instructors in turn continued to train police
AND OTHER BEARERS forces of various other Latin American
OF WEAPONS countries in human rights and humanitar-

After a Brazilian delegation took part in the ian principles and developed teaching
ICRC's seminar on IHL for heads of mili- materials in Spanish and Portuguese. In
tary training programmes from Latin total, 12 training missions were con-
America and the Caribbean, held in ducted by members of the pool.
Ecuador in 2001, the Brazilian army com-
mand issued a directive in 2002 requiring
IHL to be included in military training. The
authorities then asked the ICRC to take
part in revising IHL teaching programmes
in the various officers' schools of the
armed forces. In addition, Brazilian army
officers continued to take part in regional
courses on IHL given by the ICRC in
Guatemala and other countries of the
region.
205
CIVIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SOCIETY
In 2002, the Brazilian Red Cross started
Promoting the integration of IHL
on the road to recovery after a decade-
in university syllabuses
long crisis. Priorities included revising the
In September, the ICRC held a seminar on National Society's legal framework with
IHL for 15 professors from 11 Brazilian the participation of the branches, strength-
universities whom it had provided with ening its new governing structure, drawing
specialized training in humanitarian law up a national development plan, and set-
the previous year. The event was organ- ting up procedures for cooperation
ized jointly with the Rio Branco diplomatic between headquarters and the branches in
institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the areas of health, disaster response and
and aimed at promoting the integration of preparedness, volunteering and financial
IHL in university syllabuses. resources. In cooperation with the Interna-
tional Federation, the ICRC supported the
Intensified contact with the media Brazilian Red Cross in organizing a first
The ICRC stepped up contact with the workshop involving all branch presidents
press, radio and television to raise public so as to take stock of the situation and
awareness of IHL and of the ICRC's role design a strategy for the process of reform.
and activities, and in general to boost Shortly thereafter, the National Society ini-
interest in issues of humanitarian concern. tiated the revision of its statutes, with sup-
This led, for example, to reports on ICRC port from the International Federation and
operations in Africa on major television the ICRC.
channels, and to a photo exhibition high-
lighting the ICRC’s activities in Angola.
Through a communication support office
in São Paulo, the ICRC increased contact
with a number of the country's major
media groups based there, and gave half-
day courses on IHL for journalism stu-
dents and journalists. Increasing use of
the ICRC's Portuguese-language website
allowed the delegation to reach a broad
audience with publications such as ICRC
News.
206
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN COLOMBIA
COLOMBIA
Personnel:
63 expatriates
214 national staff
The ICRC has been in Colombia since

1980. It works to secure greater respect
for IHL by all authorities and armed
groups, in particular regarding the
protection of non-combatants, and to
provide emergency relief to IDPs and
other victims of the conflict. As the
armed conflict has increased in both
intensity and territorial scope, the ICRC
is strengthening its role as a neutral
intermediary, developing medical
programmes in affected areas, visiting
detainees and spreading knowledge of
the principles of IHL. The ICRC
cooperates with the Colombian Red
Cross Society in responding to the
needs of the population in times of
conflict.
CONTEXT

The year 2002 was marked by a substan- many regions of Colombia and lasted for
Expenditure (in Sfr) tial intensification of the conflict, following, several months.
foremost, the breakdown of peace negoti-
Operations by armed groups were stepped
Protection ations between the government and the
up, including the sabotage of civilian
4,314,614 principal armed opposition movement, the
infrastructure, indiscriminate urban
Assistance Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
attacks involving explosive devices,
18,366,533 (FARC1), in February. An immediate con-
hostage-takings and summary execu-
sequence was the termination of the zona
Preventive action tions. Threats to mayors and elected offi-
de despeje, an area the size of Switzerland
4,063,435 cials throughout the country led to a num-
over which the government had granted
Cooperation with National Societies ber of resignations. Threats addressed to
the FARC exclusive control in 1998 with a
1,145,980 civilians and the new tendency of armed
view to promoting the peace negotiations.
General groups to establish temporary blockades
Massive military means were used,
in villages or entire regions severely dis-
889,190 including aerial bombing, in an effort to
rupted the everyday lives of the civilian
retake control of the zone. The renewed
population in the conflict-affected zones.
intensification of the conflict spread to
This resulted in a substantial increase in
28,779,751 1 Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia
207
the number of displaced persons. The
number of displaced people assisted by
ICRC ACTION plementary assistance, such as housing,
access to health care and education, to all
the ICRC reached 179,142 compared to Key points in 2002 the displaced. With the technical support
107,572 in 2001. Consequently the ini- of the ICRC, the SSN opened six new
tial budget allowance providing for • accession to the Rome Statute of the ICC reception centres4 offering comprehensive
115,000 IDPs was too little and the ICRC • 180,000 IDPs provided with food and guidance for displaced people with the
decided to launch a Budget Extension essential household items aim of centralizing the various State assis-
Appeal in September to cover the needs of tance programmes. This brought the total
another 80,000 IDPs by the end of 2002. • Latin America's first specialized uni- number of centres to 16.
versity course on IHL successfully
In May, Álvaro Uribe Vélez, who had cam- completed For residents, the ICRC launched 18 new
paigned on promises of more assertive "Quick Impact Projects" (QIPs) for 17,255
action by the State against armed opposi- residents and completed 15 others for
tion groups, was elected president of CIVILIANS 13,730 residents. The projects involved
Colombia. He took office at the beginning The ICRC continued to monitor the treat- repairing, upgrading or constructing
of August, and soon after decreed a state ment of civilians to ascertain whether they schools, youth and community centres,
of emergency. He subsequently created were respected and protected in accor- water and sanitation facilities and a health
so-called "Rehabilitation and Consolida- dance with the provisions of IHL. The ICRC post. In some areas where rebel groups
tion Zones" in three departments, provid- made various oral and written representa- had temporarily taken over towns or
ing the armed forces with exceptional tions to different groups. In general, the embargoed them, the situation did not
powers within these zones. He also called ICRC stepped up its efforts to collect alle- permit infrastructure and food-security
for an additional 100,000 military and gations of IHL violations and in 2002 projects to be carried out. In those cases,
police personnel to be deployed. opened 1,906 new cases, submitting 932 ICRC provided 6,483 residents with emer-
to the armed parties responsible. By gency aid. They received two-week food
Negotiations with the National Liberation
December, the delegation had opened parcels, hygiene parcels, cooking sets,
Army (ELN2), the second largest guerrilla
683 cases of missing persons and was dishes and bedding material.
organization, were officially terminated by
following 784 cases in all.
outgoing President Pastrana in June, then The ICRC also launched eight QIPs for
resumed by President Uribe, only to be 3,428 resettled people and completed
frozen again in December. Assisting people affected by the conflict five others for 1,484 beneficiaries to facili-
In 2002, the ICRC, assisted by the Colom- tate the coexistence of residents and
At the end of the year, the United Self-
bian Red Cross, distributed aid to displaced/resettled people. The projects
Defense Groups of Colombia (AUC3)
179,142 IDPs (39,986 families) from included repairing or constructing schools
entered into exploratory discussions with
764 affected municipalities (68.5% of and implementing income-generating
the government after having declared a
the municipalities in Colombia). IDPs projects. In Antioquia and Sucre, two agri-
unilateral cease-fire.
remained the main recipient of ICRC aid. cultural projects were also initiated for
Emergency food parcels were adapted to 309 returning IDPs. Furthermore, the ICRC
local norms and contained rice, beans/ provided 2,092 people resettling in Bolí-
lentils, vegetable oil, sugar, coffee, pow- var, Chocó, Huila and Antioquia with two-
dered chocolate and salt/vegetable stock week food parcels, hygiene parcels,
cubes. Hygiene parcels, bedding material, dishes and bedding material.
dishes and cooking utensils were also
While the emergency needs of IDPs and
provided according to individual needs.
residents were to a large extent covered,
The ICRC provided emergency relief for their long-term needs, such as housing,
three months to people displaced en education and employment, were still not
masse throughout the country and to indi- being met. This was particularly the case
vidually displaced people in cities where it for IDPs who were unable to return to their
had a structure. In areas where the ICRC places of origin and instead moved
had no structure, the Social Solidarity Net- towards the poverty belts of the main cities
work (SSN) distributed emergency aid to to join hundreds of thousands of other
the individually displaced. In addition, the stranded IDPs.
2 Ejército de Liberación Nacional SSN was responsible for providing com-
3 Autodefensas Unidades de Colombia 4 Unidades de Atencíon y Orientacíon
208
Child soldiers The ICRC provided individual medical care bian health teams on 13 occasions.
This particular violation of IHL remained for 555 individuals through nine health These rounds covered a population of
an ICRC priority as it sought to convince brigades which performed basic surgery 83,758 people who received 2,165 med-
the combatants concerned to stop recruit- and ophthalmic treatment. The collective ical and 321 dental consultations. Fur-
ing under-age youths. The ICRC continued assistance programmes were of benefit to thermore, 654 people participated in
to visit all the places under the authority of 13,126 detainees. health-promotion and disease-prevention
the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare sessions and 4,218 children under five
and women of childbearing age were
which received youngsters who had either WOUNDED AND SICK vaccinated.
surrendered or had been captured. The
Improving access to health services for
visits served to monitor living conditions Although, theoretically, all populations liv-
populations living in conflict-affected rural
and aimed to restore contact between the ing in conflict-affected areas had access
areas, for IDPs and for war-wounded indi-
children and their families. Nine of the to secondary or higher-level medical serv-
viduals remained an ICRC priority. To
children were visited by relatives whose ices, many people were unaware of their
achieve this, the ICRC ran mobile health
transport costs were covered by the ICRC. rights and encountered administrative dif-
units; accompanied local medical teams
In 2002, the ICRC registered 20 minors ficulties when registering as beneficiaries,
in order to ensure their protection and
detained in connection with the conflict and health centres sometimes refused to
thereby allow them to run health brigades;
and by the end of the year was dealing provide free services as stipulated by the
and directed beneficiaries to the services
with the cases of 79 such minors. law. Additionally, the health insurance
provided by the national health system.
system did not cover all the medical costs
The ICRC's four mobile health units in incurred by specialized care. As well as
PEOPLE DEPRIVED Colombia were run as delegated projects directing individuals to the national health
OF THEIR FREEDOM financed by the Red Cross Societies of system, the ICRC itself provided special-
The delegation carried out 467 visits to Norway (in Antioquia and Chocó), ized medical care covering part or all of
140 places of temporary and permanent Canada (in Bolívar), Sweden (in Putu- the costs incurred such as transport,
detention in order to verify conditions of mayo) and Germany (in Caquetá). They housing, food, medicines, surgery or
detention and treatment. During these vis- provided preventive and curative services physical rehabilitation of the patients. In
its the delegates registered 1,875 new including dental care, carried out vaccina- 2002, the ICRC facilitated access to
detainees and visited 1,087 out of a total tion campaigns and gave technical advice appropriate specialized medical care for
of 4,292 others already registered. to communities on rainwater collection, 428 IDPs, 304 civilian war-wounded and
water treatment and the construction of 144 residents of conflict-affected areas.
Basic health and emergency care latrines. During 2002, the units gave
19,711 medical and 3,704 dental con-
The ICRC supported the development of sultations, and 16,864 vaccinations to AUTHORITIES
health projects for detainees, which pro- 10,468 children under five and to women During the year, several developments in

vided health education and contributed to of childbearing age. More than 30,000 IHL implementation and integration took
disease prevention. Projects included the people benefited from over 1,000 health- place. Colombia acceded to the Rome
early detection of breast cancer in seven promotion and disease-prevention ses- Statute of the ICC and steps were being
women's prisons, the prevention of sexu- sions focusing on themes such as family taken towards the implementation at
ally transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDS in planning, maternal and child health, sex- national level of the Ottawa Convention
six male and two female prisons, a train- ually transmitted diseases, oral health, which prohibits anti-personnel mines. Fur-
the-trainer programme on the prevention water and sanitation, prenatal care and thermore, decree 1419 created a national
of such diseases in one prison and the early detection of cervico-vaginal cancer. authority for the prohibition of chemical
development of a pilot community-health weapons.
programme (over 18 months) attended by In some remote and conflict-affected areas
1,000 detainees. In addition, the ICRC where the medical mission had been put
undertook construction work in some of under pressure or threatened by armed
the prisons including the creation of a groups, the ICRC accompanied Ministry of
rehabilitation centre for disabled people Health brigades. Through its presence, the
and a mother and child area. ICRC aimed to ensure better protection of
medical staff and thereby contribute to the
uninterrupted delivery of services. During
the year, the ICRC accompanied Colom-
209
With a view to reinforcing the application the rules of IHL in military manuals and began its second special course on IHL,
of IHL by State bodies in charge of human regulations and in military training pro- run in conjunction with the ICRC and the
rights and IHL, 34 two-day seminars were grammes and exercises. Colombian Red Cross. About 50 students,
organized for 935 civil servants from the drawn from government agencies and
Offices of the Attorney General and of the Police civil society, enrolled in the course.
Ombudsman. These seminars were a first
In May the ICRC conducted two two-day Five universities in Cali and Tunja com-
step towards institutional autonomy in
courses to train 20 IHL instructors at the pleted the first stage of plans to offer IHL
training civil servants in IHL.
National Police School at El Espinal. Sub- instruction through their law and humani-
Furthermore, at local level, four two-day sequently, however, the new president's ties faculties. This involved training
workshops took place in the state capitals plan to boost police numbers and estab- instructors. In Tunja, the University's gov-
of the Atlantic Coast region for 92 examin- lish a police presence in over 100 munici- erning body approved an optional IHL
ing magistrates who, following the decla- palities where there had previously been subject for students of all faculties and
ration of the state of emergency (see Con- none meant that the ICRC was unable to appointed a lecturer who began teaching
text), also dealt with IHL violations. hold any more IHL seminars, nor could a the course in September. In Cali, the Jave-
national seminar for instructors take place. riana University produced a first version of
The police force, which was often involved a CD-ROM on how to initiate a discussion
ARMED FORCES in direct clashes with armed groups, was on IHL in arts subjects, and the Icesi Uni-
AND OTHER BEARERS concentrating on the fast-track training of versity trained a group of students who
OF WEAPONS 10,000 new police officers to enable them then carried out awareness-raising activi-
to be operational early in 2003. ties in some poor suburbs.
Operational dissemination to the General
Staff, officers, and NCOs at division, The ICRC maintained and increased con-
brigade and battalion level remained a pri- Others bearing weapons tact with the media with a view to promot-
ority with a view to enhancing acceptance A total of 36 operational dissemination ing IHL and ICRC activities to a nationwide
of and respect for ICRC field operations sessions on IHL were held for approxi- audience. At the University of Medellín,
in conflict areas. The ICRC carried out mately 1,300 members of guerrilla and sessions on IHL were held for 30 journal-
70 sessions, ranging in duration from two paramilitary groups. First-aid instruction ists, 10 communication lecturers and
hours to one day, for nearly 9,000 military was included in some of the sessions. 30 students and as a result of these ses-
officers, NCOs and police officers. The Maintaining this dialogue with all the con- sions, the ICRC received enhanced media
sessions dealt with topics such as the flicting parties not only spread under- coverage. A number of one-day aware-
ICRC's working methods and IHL. standing of IHL, but also facilitated access ness-raising sessions on IHL were also
to victims and brought greater security for carried out for over 1,000 journalists.
Armed forces ICRC personnel in the field.
Contacts were made with the Human NATIONAL SOCIETY
Rights Office of the Ministry of Defense, CIVIL SOCIETY

and with the General Commander and Conflict preparedness and response
The ICRC continued to stress the impor-
Inspector of the armed forces to promote The ICRC continued to help the Colombian
tance of integrating IHL and humanitarian
the integration of IHL into the military doc- Red Cross Society to strengthen further its
issues into university courses on a per-
trine, operational procedures and stan- emergency-response capacity in a conflict
manent basis with a view to raising
dard instruction, all on a permanent basis. situation. Over 100 National Society staff
awareness among intellectuals and the
On the initiative of the General Command and volunteers attended four security
next generation of Colombian decision-
and with the support of the ICRC and the workshops, developed and carried out
makers of their responsibility to ensure
Colombian Red Cross, a technical semi- jointly by the National Society and the
that the principles of IHL are respected and
nar was held in Bogotá in November to ICRC. The aim of the sessions was to pro-
implemented.
lay the foundations of such a plan. The vide training in security procedures to be
seminar was part of a strategy to ensure At the Universidad Externado de Colombia applied during humanitarian operations.
that IHL is taken into account in decision- in Bogotá, the post-graduates on Latin Furthermore, 115 National Society staff
making processes and in the planning, America's first specialized course on IHL and volunteers attended workshops which
conduct, supervision and evaluation of completed their study in June. Among the taught them how to deal with potential
military operations. This was to be 30 graduates, 20 were from the Ministry mental-health hazards caused by stress in
achieved through the gradual inclusion of of Defense. In August, the University emergency operations.
210
The ICRC provided six municipal branches "Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL)
in the most conflict-affected regions of In an effort to introduce its educational
the country with telecommunication programme "Exploring Humanitarian Law"
equipment. in Colombia, the ICRC, in conjunction with
the Colombian Red Cross Society, organ-
Spreading knowledge of IHL ized its first training seminar for a group of
The ICRC and the National Society also 18 university students who were youth
jointly carried out eight information work- members of the National Society. The aim
shops targeting the general public of of the workshop was to review the content
municipalities directly affected by the of the EHL modules and ascertain the par-
armed conflict. Over 300 people attended ticipants' opinion regarding the feasibility
the sessions which dealt with IHL and of using EHL modules in Colombia in gen-
the mandates and principles of the two eral and within the Colombian Red Cross
organizations. in particular.
The ICRC assisted the National Society in On the basis of that workshop, the
developing modules for a three-day semi- National Society selected 10 newly trained
nar organized for health professionals. instructors considered most capable of
The professionals came from universities, teaching the EHL modules to other youth
health-care institutions and the National members. In November, these instructors
Society. The seminar focused on IHL pro- were given further training in EHL and in
visions regarding the protection of the IHL and human rights law, and in Decem-
medical mission. ber, three of them, under the supervision of
three experts, taught their first session to
The ICRC facilitated a five-day national 27 young National Society volunteers.
meeting of 30 National Society dissemi-
nation officers and brought participants up
to date with humanitarian topics and
issues. Training workshops for Red Cross During the year, workshops were held for
youth trainers were also conducted. The 83 National Society staff members and
aim of the workshops was to provide and volunteers to provide training in tracing
enhance knowledge of IHL and the Funda- activities. During the last quarter of the
mental Principles of the Movement. year the ICRC and the National Society
Throughout the year 552 trained youth revised the "quick-reminder" tracing man-
ual and its complementing instruction

volunteers from all over Colombia raised
awareness of IHL among 8,200 children handbook.
and young people through games and
role-plays.
211
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN PERU
PERU
Personnel:
11 expatriates
38 national staff
The ICRC has had an official

representation in Peru since 1984. It
concentrates on alleviating the
remaining consequences in
humanitarian terms of the years of
armed confrontation between the State
and insurgent groups. In particular, it
monitors the conditions of detention of
people deprived of their freedom and
seeks to ascertain the fate of persons
unaccounted for. Furthermore, the ICRC
supports the process of permanent
integration of IHL into the teaching
programmes of armed forces and
academic institutions. It also supports
the integration of international human
rights law into police training
programmes. The ICRC works to raise
awareness of humanitarian principles in
other sectors of society and helps the
Peruvian Red Cross to strengthen its
legal base and increase its capacity in
the fields of dissemination of IHL,
tracing and emergency response.
CONTEXT
In 2002 the situation remained generally could rule on its validity, two people had
Expenditure (in Sfr) calm in the Alto Huallaga as well as in died, some 200 others had been injured
the Rio Ene/Apurimac areas, where the and damages worth 100 million US dol-
Protection PCP-SL ("Shining Path") maintained an lars had been sustained. The interior min-
1,964,217 armed presence. In Lima, however, a ister and the government's privatization
Assistance bomb explosion in March in a commercial chief resigned.
1,004,379 centre opposite the US embassy, just
In order to press the authorities to honour
Preventive action before an official visit of the US President,
judicial guarantees, detainees in the
1,417,882 killed 10 persons and injured 30 others.
Callao Naval Base detention centre began
Cooperation with National Societies In June, casualties occurred in Arequipa, a hunger strike in February, which rapidly
98,628 Peru's second city, during a week-long spread to 16 other prisons involving some
General series of protests by hundreds of residents 700 detainees. The ICRC provided med-
39,261 against the privatization of two regional ical advice and supplies to help prison
power-generating firms. A state of emer- authorities cope with the situation (see
gency and a curfew were imposed. By the People deprived of their freedom). One
time the government agreed to halt the month later, after the ombudsman and the
4,524,367 sale of the power companies until a court Catholic Church had stepped in, the
212
hunger strike came to an end. Then, in
July, more than 6,000 inmates in Lurig-
ICRC ACTION In the Ayacucho area, the ICRC assisted
12 displaced families who had returned to
ancho and Trujillo declared a hunger Key points in 2002 their home region after years of absence.
strike, once again to draw attention to their
legal concerns. • law promulgated requiring the integra-
tion of the teaching of IHL into the Peru- Missing persons
vian educational system The ICRC provided technical assistance to
the Truth Commission – set up in 2001 to
• resolution passed formalizing an agree-
investigate abuses and violations of
ment to include the "Exploring Hu-
human rights and IHL committed during
manitarian Law" (EHL) programme in
the 1980s and 1990s – through its coop-
the primary- and secondary-school
eration with the working group formed to
curriculum
deal with the issue of missing persons.
• Optional Protocol to the Convention on With a view to drawing up a single list of
the Rights of the Child on the involve- people missing in connection with con-
ment of children in armed conflict flict, the ICRC supplemented the informa-
acceded to in May tion on missing persons in the possession
of the office of the ombudsman (Defen-
• campaign launched to promote aware-
soría del Pueblo) and the Truth Commis-
ness of the dangers of landmines and
sion. The ICRC provided information on
UXO
419 cases of missing persons unknown
• campaign on missing persons to the government, after obtaining the fam-
launched with the aim of consolidating ilies’ consent to do so. When it was deter-
and publishing a list of the thousands of mined that 16 of the people were alive
people who went missing between and well, they were removed from the list.
1980 and 2000 In addition, the ICRC set up four field
teams to search for 153 families for whom
there was no record of whether or not they
CIVILIANS had consented for information on their
The ICRC maintained a presence in the missing relatives to be conveyed to the
areas still affected by insurgency, where it authorities. They also searched for 76
called upon all bearers of weapons to families of detainees registered once but
spare civilians. It carried out field visits in not found on return visits. The work was
the Alto Huallaga and Rio Ene/Apurimac almost completed by the end of the year,
areas to meet with combatants, local

except in the Alto Huallaga. The ICRC
authorities and civilians directly affected encouraged the ombudsman and the Truth
by the violence. It made representations Commission to develop a long-term strat-
when necessary to the armed forces egy in their search for missing persons,
and the PCP-SL. The ICRC gave clothing and supported their information campaign
and food to five adults and 10 children on the issue.
– "recuperados" – who had been "re-
trieved" by the police after being held by In January, the first exhumation of a mass
the PCP-SL in the Rio Ene region. The grave conducted by the Truth Commission
ICRC also organized two family reunifica- and the Peruvian Forensic Anthropology
tions, transferred two minors to an Team took place in the state of Ayacucho.
orphanage in Lima and enabled several The ICRC paid the burial costs of the eight
people to return to their communities by people exhumed. The Commission contin-
covering their travel costs. ued to collect evidence on numerous
graves related to the armed violence of
1980-2000.
213
PEOPLE DEPRIVED In 2002, the ICRC distributed medicines to The ICRC regularly attended meetings of
eight INPE regions responsible for 77 pris- the National Committee for the Study and
OF THEIR FREEDOM ons throughout the country. This was in Application of IHL in its capacity as an
The ICRC continued to monitor whether the addition to the INPE’s own supplies and observer. In May, the ICRC and the Com-
living conditions and treatment of de- thus met the basic medical needs of over mittee, along with UNESCO and the foreign
tainees were in compliance with inter- 14,000 detainees for three months. In and culture ministries, sponsored a
nationally recognized humanitarian stan- addition, the ICRC covered the costs of regional meeting of experts in Lima on the
dards. In January, the ICRC submitted emergency medical treatment for 31 de- protection of cultural property in the event
a summary report on the treatment of tainees, some of whom underwent sur- of armed conflict. Specialists and senior-
the detainees arrested in 2001 to the gery, treated 12 sick detainees and paid level government representatives from
interior, defence and justice ministries. for 20 detainees to receive outpatient treat- 14 Latin American countries took part in
During the year, ICRC delegates visited ment. During the hunger strike in February the event.
2,009 detainees, of whom 60 were newly and March (see Context) the ICRC pro-
registered, on 168 visits to 54 places of In September, the ICRC took part in a sem-
vided medical advice and significant
detention. They distributed items such as inar organized by the national IHL com-
quantities of medicine and equipment
hygiene kits, blankets, and clothing, and mittee on the modern challenges of IHL.
needed by the prison authorities to cope
supplied books and other reading materi- The seminar was attended by international
with the situation.
als to prison libraries. The ICRC worked to public law professors, students, police
restore and maintain family contacts for instructors trained in IHL and human
security detainees. It paid transport costs WOUNDED AND SICK rights law, members of the military legal
to allow the relatives of over 800 of those The families of people wounded by the corps of the Supreme Council of Military
who were imprisoned far from their homes considerable number of anti-personnel Justice and members of the armed forces.
to visit. In addition, it exchanged over mines and UXO in Peru or by other In November, the ICRC organized a semi-
550 RCMs between detainees and their weapons were often unable to pay for nar on IHL and reforms to the code of mil-
families. treatment and rehabilitation. In such cases itary justice for 300 Supreme Council
the ICRC made representations on behalf employees and members of the legal
In conjunction with the National Peniten- corps of the armed forces and police.
of the victims to ensure that they received
tiary Institute (INPE), the ICRC organized
the necessary medical attention. The ICRC
training seminars for prison staff in the Mine awareness
met the medical expenses (consultations,
Puno, Eastern and Southern INPE regions.
hospital treatment or surgery) of 21 peo- In July, the national IHL committee drafted
These seminars dealt with issues relating
ple who had been injured by mine or ord- a law to criminalize the use of anti-
to health care in prisons, prison adminis-
nance explosions. In addition, the ICRC personnel landmines. A subgroup of the
tration, security, respect for human rights,
provided prostheses for three people. committee was established to propose
and the reform of regulations for applying
the criminal code. The 270 participants For people in some remote areas, there guidelines for a national plan to address
included representatives from the INPE, remained a lack of appropriate medical the dangers of landmines. In late Septem-
the Ministries of Health and Justice, the care. In December, the ICRC, in conjunc- ber the ICRC conducted a major campaign
ombudsman's office, the judiciary and the tion with the Ministry of Health, organized in cooperation with the Peruvian national
attorney general's office. Médecins Sans a four-day seminar for health workers in police to raise awareness of the dangers
Frontières attended as an observer. communities along the River Ene. The of anti-personnel mines in 14 villages
course took place in Satipo and brought particularly affected by the problem. The
together 31 health workers. campaign, which featured a puppet show,
Health care in prisons reached more than 7,000 people in Junin
In response to an ICRC proposal, the Min- and Huancavelica provinces. The puppet
istry of Justice set up a working group to AUTHORITIES show was then translated and performed
consider the possibility of forming a health In May, Peru ratified the Optional Protocol in Quechua. For additional impact, the
directorate whose primary responsibility to the Convention on the Rights of the ICRC recorded a song for children and
would be to upgrade health-care services Child on the involvement of children in other young people and distributed leaflets
for detainees. armed conflict; in October, a law was relating a story on the same theme. These
issued creating a special committee to materials were given to the teachers in
revise the penal code. charge of relaying the message in school.
214
In December a committee, presided over pal aim of the course was to create a team Peru, and the National University of San
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was of instructors qualified to provide such Marcos. In August, the ICRC signed a
formed to deal with the issue of mines. training within the Peruvian police system. cooperation agreement with the Diplo-
In August, a refresher course took place for matic Academy, where instruction in IHL
26 police trainers trained in 2001 and began in November.
ARMED FORCES 2002.
AND OTHER BEARERS In April, the Ministry of Education sent
With ICRC support, the Peruvian national three of its representatives to a workshop
OF WEAPONS police took further steps to integrate inter- in Guatemala to learn more about the
In July, a cooperation agreement was national human rights law into its training ICRC's "Exploring Humanitarian Law"
signed between the ICRC and the Ministry by conducting its own decentralized train- (EHL), an educational programme for
of Defence on integration of IHL into train- the-trainer courses and by developing its young people (see Mexico regional dele-
ing at all levels of the armed forces. The own teaching materials. gation, Civil society). On 17 December
agreement involved creating an IHL centre 2002, a resolution was adopted by the
of the armed forces, incorporating IHL in Ministry of Education formalizing an
the doctrine and manuals of the armed CIVIL SOCIETY agreement to use EHL in the Peruvian edu-
forces and training legal and operational The ICRC continued efforts to establish cation system.
experts in IHL inside the armed forces. close working relationships with the
media. In May, it held two introductory
Six train-the-trainer courses were given, courses on IHL for some 20 journalists. NATIONAL SOCIETY
with ICRC support, for 160 officers of The ICRC continued to provide the national On 24 May, the ICRC, the International
the armed forces. Officers trained by the and local press with information on its Federation and the Peruvian Red Cross
ICRC in previous courses carried out part activities in the country and worldwide. In signed an agreement on Movement
of the instruction, to build up a pool of cooperation with the Legal Defence Insti- support for the National Society to
instructors. tute, the ICRC organized four seminars for strengthen its legal base and to promote
In September, two naval officers attended civilian and military magistrates in the its emergency-preparedness and -re-
a course at the International Institute of provinces on Peru's international obliga- sponse activities and its dissemination of
Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy. In tions under IHL and human rights law and IHL and the Fundamental Principles. In
October, another naval officer participated on issues such as judicial guarantees November, a training course on emer-
in an IHL course in Toronto, Canada. within the existing legislation. Some 298 gency preparedness and response was
officials and NGO representatives attended carried out with ICRC and International
In November, an IHL refresher course took the seminars in Chiclayo, Ayacucho, Lima Federation support for staff and volunteers
place for armed forces instructors and the and Iquitos. from 26 branches. A national plan on vol-
newly appointed members of the IHL cen- untary service was also under discussion.
tre. It focused on revising and updating the During the year, the ICRC conducted ses-

training materials to be used in the centre sions on the essentials of IHL for represen- The ICRC gave financial support for the
and on the introductory course for future tatives of various ministries, the Truth production of dissemination materials, the
staff. Commission, the ombudsman's office, the monthly National Society newsletter, and
media, human rights NGOs, and students the cost of transportation for National
Police and civil servants. Society volunteers from the Chiclayo
region who brought health education to
In February, three instructors attended the On 29 May, the official journal El Peruano
over 800 families.
annual regional meeting of police instruc- published a law making IHL instruction an
tors organized by the ICRC in Brazil. The integral part of Peru’s education system.
Peruvian national police created a Human The law applied to all levels of the civilian
Rights Office in March under the auspices and military education systems and in
of the Instruction and Doctrine Directorate higher education, including universities.
and on 6 May the ICRC and the police, in From the beginning of the second univer-
cooperation with the Ministry of the Inte- sity term, professors from the hu-
rior, launched the second course on manitarian law interest group set up by
human rights law and humanitarian prin- the ICRC delegation in May included IHL
ciples for police instructors, which was in eight courses at the University of
attended by 17 police officers. The princi- Lima, the Pontifical Catholic University of
215
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN BUENOS AIRES
BUENOS AIRES
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay,
Uruguay
Personnel:
2 expatriates
12 national staff
The ICRC regional delegation in Buenos

Aires was established in 1975. It
centres its activities on promoting the
incorporation of IHL into national
legislation and into the training of
armed and security forces and the
curricula of academic institutions. In
addition, it works to spread knowledge
of IHL among the authorities, schools,
media and the general public. The ICRC
also strives to strengthen the capacity
of the region’s National Societies and
assists them in their humanitarian work.
As of 2003, the regional delegation will
also cover Brazil.
CONTEXT
The regional economic situation signifi- The crisis was also responsible for the
Expenditure (in Sfr) cantly worsened at the start of 2002, pri- growing impoverishment of the vulnerable
marily owing to the depth of the crisis in section of the population and a rising
Protection Argentina and its knock-on effects. In fact, crime rate. Nevertheless, the overall situa-
176,112 the entire region, with the exception of tion seemed to be improving slowly to-
Assistance Chile, was in recession or economic ward the year's end. The over-devaluated
16,880 stagnation. The economic integration peso strengthened slightly against the US
Preventive action plans of Mercosur (uniting Argentina, dollar, and the country's trade balance
866,212 Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) fell by improved because of a boost in exports
the wayside. and a lull in inflation. The transitional gov-
ernment put in place at the beginning of
351,702 After many months of crisis, the economic
2002 was to hand over power in May
General situation in Argentina continued to be
2003 to newly elected authorities.
50,750 bleak. High inflation, rising unemploy-
ment, the collapse of most public services
and a freeze on bank deposits at the end
of 2001 fuelled general discontent, which
1,461,656 eventually led to demonstrations and riots.
216
Uruguay, in recession since 1999, also
suffered economically. The Argentine crisis
ICRC ACTION The ICRC continued to follow up the cases
of 32 detainees in Paraguay. In September
caused the Uruguayan economy to shrink Key points in 2002 it visited a military place of detention
by nearly 2% in the first half of 2002 where seven military detainees monitored
compared with the same period in the pre- • launch of a new scheme of training in by it were held, and also met military offi-
vious year. In 2002, the country received human rights and humanitarian princi- cials to discuss both judicial and deten-
a loan of three billion US dollars from ples for Bolivia's police forces tion issues.
the IMF. • full involvement of Chile’s Education
Ministry in preparing for implementation
The Bolivian presidential elections in mid-
of the EHL project and considerable
AUTHORITIES
2002 revealed the growing power of the In each of the five countries covered by the
indigenous population: nearly a quarter of progress in the same task in Uruguay
regional delegation, there was progress in
the voters supported presidential candi- • development of large-scale pro- IHL treaty-ratification and implementation.
date Evo Morales from the Movimiento al grammes to promote IHL and knowl- Three of the region's IHL committees pre-
Socialismo,1 which represents the inter- edge of the ICRC's role among opinion sented their annual reports for 2002 to
ests of the indigenous population and makers and the public the ICRC.
farmers, especially coca-leaf growers. For
the first time, too, the indigenous popula- • use of the media, including a new pro- In January, Argentina ratified the Second
tion was widely represented in the parlia- motional video broadcast free of charge Protocol to the Hague Convention. With
ment. Ex-President Gonzalo Sanchez de on television technical assistance from the ICRC, an
Quesada of the traditional MNR2 party • major progress in the ratification of IHL interministerial commission set up to
won the elections. In the first half of 2002, treaties, with Bolivia and Uruguay ratify- study the incorporation of the Rome
Bolivia was rocked by a series of social ing the Rome Statute of the International Statute into national legislation finalized
disturbances. In the Chapare region, Criminal Court and Chile the 1980 Con- its work in early 2002. Among other activ-
enforcement of a law prohibiting the mar- vention on Conventional Weapons ities, the ICRC attended a meeting with the
keting of coca leaf led to violent confronta- Argentine parliament on IHL implementa-
tions between members of the coca-leaf • helping persuade Paraguay to set up a tion at the national level, involving 230
farmers' union and security forces. The new national IHL committee and Bolivia participants, including 28 parliamentari-
clashes resulted in the death or detention to pass a new law to protect the red ans, legal advisers, and key government
of scores of people. cross emblem and military officials.
Other grass-roots demonstrations took A new bill to protect the emblem was sub-
place in Paraguay and Chile. At mid-year PEOPLE DEPRIVED mitted to the ICRC in October for comment.
in Paraguay, peasant organizations OF THEIR FREEDOM The bill on the implementation of the ICC
blocked roads in and out of the capital of Throughout the region, the ICRC main- Statutes was presented to Congress and

Asunción, and the security forces were put tained contact with the various prison debated in October by the Senate's Foreign
on alert. Following demonstrations and departments and families of detained peo- Relations Committee.
subsequent violence in which two people ple in order to monitor individual cases.
died, a state of emergency was declared Bolivia ratified the Rome Statute and
for 48 hours. Presidential elections were The ICRC visited two places of detention in adopted a law on the protection and use
scheduled for April 2003. In March, mem- Bolivia and monitored the situation of 65 of the emblem. The Chamber of Deputies
bers of the indigenous population in detainees, including 54 newly registered approved the law authorizing ratification
southern Chile protested against the con- ones. During their visits, delegates distrib- of the 1954 Hague Convention and its
struction of a hydroelectric dam. Police uted hygiene items and basic medical Protocols. An IHL documentation-and-
put down the demonstration and made supplies. research centre, set up with ICRC support
some arrests but the detainees were soon In Chile, delegates visited five places in the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
released. of detention and continued monitoring was inaugurated.
58 detainees.
1 Movement towards Socialism

2 Nationalist Revolutionary Movement
217
Chile ratified the 1980 Convention on ARMED FORCES In 2002 the ICRC took part in a course
Conventional Weapons, as amended in conducted in Uruguay for 28 military offi-
2001, and its Protocols, and progressed AND OTHER BEARERS cers to promote IHL’s incorporation into
toward ratification of the 1954 Hague OF WEAPONS military training.
Convention and its Protocols, the 1968
Convention on War Crimes and the Rome IHL and the armed forces
Police forces – human rights and
Statute. The ICRC participated in a meeting A number of IHL training activities were humanitarian principles
organized in Santiago in October by the organized for the region's armed forces.
Foreign Ministry to take stock of progress The courses included two held in In May, the ICRC launched a programme
achieved in implementing IHL. The meet- Argentina for 95 military and civilian par- for the Bolivian national police to en-
ing brought together 130 participants, ticipants and a one-week UN peacekeep- hance knowledge of human rights norms
among them senior government and mili- ing seminar conducted by the Uruguayan and humanitarian principles. The launch
tary officials and professors. armed forces for some 200 officers from ceremony was attended by 45 high-
12 countries. Participants from Argentina ranking officers; delegates provided an
In July a bill on the emblem was submit- overview of the programme’s aims, con-
were among 90 officers of 16 countries
ted to the Paraguayan National Congress tents and methods. The process achieved
who attended a course on IHL sponsored
for approval. The interministerial commit- a high approval rating from the authorities
by Canada and also attended by NATO
tee for the study and implementation of and was followed in September by a
and Commonwealth representatives. The
IHL, created at the end of 2001, took up two-week instructors' course attended by
ICRC participated in the fifth Conference of
its work in February. Events attended by 28 participants.
Defence Ministers of the Americas, held in
the ICRC included:
Santiago in November, during which the
• a course on human rights and IHL incorporation of IHL into military doctrine CIVIL SOCIETY
organized by the Defence Ministry for was discussed. The course was a follow-
new committee members, which up to the pan-American seminar held in Public communication and the media
brought together 70 participants October 2001 in Ecuador. Major progress with the media was
• an IHL/human rights seminar held by The ICRC established contacts with the achieved primarily in Argentina, although
the ICRC and the UN in April in Asunción Bolivian Defence Ministry and senior army the ICRC journalism and communication
and attended by some 120 representa- officers to enlist their support for its pro- contests were open to the entire region.
tives of various government ministries, grammes in their areas of responsibility. It The ICRC developed its use of the Internet,
embassies and the armed forces also met army officials responsible for the and the ICRC Spanish-language website
technical aspects of IHL and human rights was available throughout the world. A new
• ad hoc meetings with the committee edition of the IHL on-line course for media
law to plan training in that law.
concerning the 1954 Hague Convention personnel was used by a large number
and its Protocols Delegates travelled to Chile to meet of professionals from Argentina, Bolivia
various military officials to discuss IHL and Chile.

Uruguay deposited the instruments for the
training. The ICRC supported training and
ratification of the Rome Statute with the UN A new campaign to promote IHL was
other preparations for a peacekeeping field
in June. The ICRC held meetings in launched. It included the production of an
exercise in which 1,200 officers and
Uruguay with the Defence and Foreign original television advertisement that was
troops from eight countries took part. The
Affairs Ministries and the armed forces in broadcast free of charge for a couple of
level of IHL knowledge displayed by the
July to discuss the future of the national months on air and on cable networks in
participants was encouraging.
IHL committee, ratification of the Rome several countries in the region. In addition,
Statute and of the CCW, among other top- The organization gave a standard instruc- a cinema version was produced and
ics. It also met with various government tors' course on IHL for some 30 officers of placed in Buenos Aires movie theatres as
officials in Montevideo to monitor IHL the three branches of Paraguay's armed a free advertisement.
implementation and discuss technical forces.
support for it. In March, the ICRC selected the regional
winners from among 23 participants in
the 2001 regional Henry Dunant journal-
ism competition for students of journalism
and communication. The winning texts
were published on the ICRC's Spanish-
language website.
218
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) In Argentina, the ICRC organized a confer- To help the Argentine Red Cross respond
An assessment of the EHL programme for ence on the relationship between IHL and to internal strife and urban violence, the
schools was conducted in Chile in Octo- the ICRC. The conference, held at the Uni- ICRC provided training to 30 first-aid vol-
ber. It concluded that EHL had been well versity of Buenos Aires, was attended by unteers and contributed to the purchase of
received by the authorities, teachers and eight professors of international public law a vehicle for use by the newly created ini-
students and was running successfully. and some 70 students. In June, 90 stu- tial intervention unit. It also financially
By the end of 2002, some 8,000 students dents and professors of an advanced supported the first integrated training
had been introduced to EHL. course on criminal law at the university course that brought together 320 repre-
attended a course organized by the ICRC sentatives of the National Society and
The ICRC financially supported a series of on criminal repression and IHL. governmental organizations to discuss
regional and national workshops organ- training of Red Cross personnel and vol-
ized by the authorities and each attended Meetings were held with the ICRC’s con-
unteers, among other issues.
by over 90 participants to discuss various tacts in academic circles in Chile and
aspects of EHL. As of June 2002, the pro- Paraguay between July and October. Support for the Bolivian Red Cross
gramme was extended to 34 schools in These enabled the organization to make included help in producing a handbook on
three regions. The authorities pledged to preparations for an IHL seminar to be held security norms for first-aid workers during
introduce EHL to 25 additional schools in 2003. periods of internal violence. Other ICRC
and train some 170 teachers in 2003 in activities included two courses for 52
National Society IHL-promotion officers,
order to reach over 16,000 students by NATIONAL SOCIETIES covering issues such as protection of the
the end of that year.
In February the ICRC participated in a emblem and the Seville Agreement.
By prior agreement with the Uruguayan meeting in Buenos Aires with the heads of Through regular meetings, the ICRC and
Education Ministry on implementation of the communication departments of the the International Federation continued to
EHL, a training seminar was organized in Bolivian and Chilean National Societies in coordinate their activities for the benefit of
March. The event brought together 26 order to support their activities, which the Bolivian Red Cross.
supervisors and teachers who were given include developing websites, promoting
permission to implement EHL in their competitions for journalism and commu- Major work carried out in support of or in
classrooms or in extracurricular activities. nication-science students and promoting cooperation with the Chilean Red Cross
In October, authorization to incorporate an on-line course for journalists. The ICRC included the annual national meeting of
EHL modules into the education system continued to support four of the region's the Chilean Red Cross Youth, which led
was formally given by the Ministry. National Societies in the production of to two workshops on the Movement and
their newsletters. IHL (attended by 160 young people), a
In December, a one-day meeting with training seminar for some 30 senior offi-
Education Ministry officials, school princi- The sixth Inter-American Forum for Com- cers of the National Society and a training
pals and teachers was held in Montevideo munication and Resource Development seminar for communication and tracing

to assess the impact of EHL on students, was held in Bolivia in May. It brought officers.
to take stock of the experiment carried out together 34 participants including repre-
in 20 schools and to formulate a working sentatives of 13 Latin American and Some 40 directors and volunteers of the
strategy for 2003. Caribbean National Societies, the Interna- Paraguayan Red Cross received informa-
tional Federation and the ICRC. On the tion from the ICRC to increase their knowl-
agenda was the formulation of a commu- edge of Red Cross institutional policy.
IHL in academic circles
nication strategy for the next five years.
A total of 200 university professors in the
region who teach IHL as part of their regu-
lar courses continued receiving updated
material on current legal and policy devel-
opments regarding IHL and humanitarian
action.
219
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN CARACAS
CARACAS
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname
and the 11 English-speaking Caribbean
countries
Personnel:
2 expatriates
7 national staff
The ICRC has had a regional delegation

in Caracas since 2000. It focuses on
spreading awareness of IHL among the
armed and security forces as well as
civil society. It promotes ratification of
humanitarian treaties and the adoption
of national implementation measures.
The ICRC also contributes to
strengthening the response capacity of
National Red Cross Societies throughout
the region; particular attention is paid to
preparing for the needs that might arise
in the event of internal strife and
tension.
CONTEXT
Both political and economic conditions In December the situation took on a new
Expenditure (in Sfr) worsened in Venezuela in 2002, with dimension when the State-owned oil cor-
opposition movements demanding the poration, Petróleos de Venezuela, joined
Protection resignation of President Hugo Chavez. In the general strike. With production para-
109,931 April, in the midst of a general strike and lysed and oil tankers staying anchored,
Assistance accompanying demonstrations that left 18 several regions soon began experiencing
0 people dead and some 100 wounded, the petrol shortages, and the country slipped
Preventive action president was forced to leave office. How- further into economic difficulties. As a
944,536 ever, after three tense days, he reclaimed result of Venezuela’s weakened domestic
the presidency. In the aftermath, he reshuf- economic situation, 650,000 households
fled and replaced several government slid into poverty, foreign investors steered
823,173 ministers and high-ranking military offi- clear and there was a flight of capital from
General cials. As time went by, demonstrations the country.
44,513 and counter-demonstrations became the
Retired colonel Lucio Gutierrez won the
order of the day, with mediation by the
November presidential elections in
OAS between the president’s supporters
Ecuador on a campaign platform to fight
1,922,154 and the opposition making little headway.
220
corruption and poverty. The country's eco-
nomic situation continued to be critical.
ICRC ACTION In Ecuador, the ICRC held regular meet-
ings with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs,
Unequal access to wealth, rising unem- Key points in 2002 Defence and the Interior, in order to
ployment and low wages, as well as the encourage the country to ratify IHL treaties.
process of dollarization and privatization, • integration of IHL into military doctrine, With the Interior Ministry, the ICRC also
fuelled social tension. Attempts to hike manuals and procedures in Venezuela discussed its detainee-welfare activities
gas, electricity and petrol prices met with and Ecuador (Belize and Guyana and the issue of Colombian refugees.
immediate and sometimes violent public showed an interest in doing likewise)
Ratification of the Ottawa Convention by
reactions, particularly in the oil-rich • continuing integration of human rights Suriname in May was a boost to the
provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana norms into police practice, instruction ICRC's efforts to promote IHL in the CARI-
where three people died and 20 were and manuals throughout the region COM region. Through official visits and the
injured during clashes between demon-
• ratification by Suriname of the Ottawa work of its Advisory Service on Interna-
strators and military forces.
Convention tional Humanitarian Law, the ICRC urged
In the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Guyana to ratify IHL treaties, and called
region, the general political situation upon the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,
remained calm except in Jamaica, where PEOPLE DEPRIVED Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia to draft
isolated acts of violence during general OF THEIR FREEDOM a Geneva Conventions act and to enact
elections resulted in several casualties, In Ecuador, the ICRC made eight prison legislation relating to the Ottawa Conven-
including some deaths. Guyana was visits and interviewed 14 detainees, tion and the Rome Statute of the ICC.
affected by sporadic rioting and in Trinidad including 13 Colombians – 10 of whom In Trinidad and Tobago, ICRC efforts to
and Tobago calls for general elections were newly registered – held in connection promote IHL achieved positive results. The
intensified. Urban criminality spread, and with the conflict in their country. The ICRC country established an ad hoc interminis-
the illicit traffic in drugs and the prolifera- delivered two RCMs and intervened on terial committee to examine humanitarian
tion of small arms continued to beset the behalf of one detainee who had been seri- treaties awaiting ratification – the Conven-
region. In addition, there was concern ously wounded. It provided detainees with tion on Certain Conventional Weapons in
about the growing incidence of HIV/AIDS ad hoc medical and legal assistance, and particular – and proposed the tabling, in
among young people, obliging govern- met with officials of the Colombian con- parliament, of two outstanding bills on the
ments to allocate scarce resources to sulate in connection with the Colombian ICC and the Geneva Conventions.
dealing with the problem. The effects of the detainees.
terrorist attacks in the United States were
felt in the region, especially in the tourism ARMED FORCES
industry, where a number of hotels had to AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BEARERS
close and airlines lost significant numbers The ICRC continued to meet with political
OF WEAPONS

of passengers. authorities throughout the region in order
to encourage ratifications of and acces- IHL and the armed forces
sions to international humanitarian
treaties. The ICRC met regularly with high-ranking
officials of defence forces throughout the
In both Venezuela and Ecuador, the ICRC region to assess progress in integrating
maintained contact with various ministries IHL into military instruction programmes.
– interior, education, defence, and foreign Numerous dissemination activities dem-
affairs – in an effort to promote IHL and the onstrated that the defence forces were on
ICRC mandate and activities. their way to achieving the objective.
To encourage Venezuela to ratify the 1954
Hague Convention and its Protocols, the
ICRC invited a representative of the Insti-
tute of Cultural Property to participate in a
regional seminar on the Convention
organized in Lima in May.
221
In cooperation with the Venezuelan Red Three Ecuadorian and four Venezuelan IHL in universities and schools
Cross, the ICRC conducted two courses on police officers attended the annual A professor of the law faculty of the Andres
IHL and Red Cross principles in February regional instructors' meeting organized by Bello University in Caracas was selected
for some 70 staff and commanding offi- the ICRC in Brazil. In 2002, each of to participate in the first Latin American
cers of military units in Tachira and Apure Ecuador’s 22 provinces had access to at "summer" course on IHL organized by the
states on the Colombian border. In April least two ICRC-trained instructors who ICRC in Guadalajara, Mexico, in July.
and May, two one-week IHL courses were taught human rights to some 3,800
given to 77 Venezuelan officers from the recruits throughout the country. In April the second Latin American work-
air force and the National Guard and three shop on the introduction of "Exploring
During missions to Barbados, Grenada, Humanitarian Law" (EHL) into school cur-
basic instructors' courses were conducted
Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, the ricula was held in Guatemala. The work-
for 71 instructors from the army, navy and
ICRC discussed human rights and IHL shop brought together educational author-
air force.
issues with CARICOM police commission- ities and professors from Venezuela, as
In total, 118 army personnel attended IHL ers and senior military officers involved in well as representatives from the Venezue-
training courses organized in Ecuador by training. The ICRC participated in two lan and Ecuadorian National Societies.
the ICRC or with its support. meetings organized by the Secretariat of The workshop's main objective was to
the Association of Caribbean Commis- prepare representatives of ministries of
In the CARICOM region, the ICRC adviser
sioners of Police in the Bahamas to evalu- education and instructors from National
on IHL and an ICRC-trained officer
ate regional police forces' training pro- Societies to coordinate the implementation
attended the "Tradewinds 2002" military
grammes and facilities, and to discuss of EHL in their respective countries.
exercise held in April in Antigua, where
integration of international human rights
they discussed IHL and its integration into Following several working sessions
law into police doctrine and practice.
the manuals of the armed forces. The ICRC involving the ICRC, the Venezuelan
sponsored the attendance of one officer In September, six police officers from National Society and key Education Min-
from Guyana's defence forces at a course Trinidad and Tobago attended the fourth istry officials, Venezuela's Assistant Minis-
on IHL at the International Institute of regional international instructors' course ter for Education issued instructions that
Humanitarian Law, in San Remo, Italy, on human rights and humanitarian the draft agreement on EHL be studied
provided basic training materials for the principles. without delay and signed by the end of
defence forces of Belize and Jamaica, and 2002. However, owing to the prevailing
briefed Guyana's defence forces on the
process of integrating IHL into defence
CIVIL SOCIETY turmoil, the matter was suspended until
further notice.
doctrine, military procedures and manu- Media and IHL
als. An IHL trainers' course was success- The ICRC continued to support the training
fully carried out in Guyana for 32 non- With the support of the ICRC, the Ecuado- of instructors who will train other IHL
commissioned officers. rian Red Cross organized a one-day sem- teachers or teach the basics of IHL to
inar in March entitled "Journalists on dan- young pupils. Venezuela’s pre-military IHL
gerous missions", during which 30 and humanitarian principles programme
Police forces: human rights law journalists discussed the ICRC’s activities was extended to three more states, bring-
and humanitarian principles in Latin America, the basic principles of ing the total of participating states to 10.
The ICRC met regularly with high-ranking IHL and the protection of journalists in
officials of police and security forces times of armed conflict. In the CARICOM region, the Institute of
throughout the region to assess progress International Relations of Trinidad and
National Societies and the ICRC main- Tobago gave the go-ahead for the ICRC to
in integrating human rights standards into
tained contact with the media in the CARI- include a two-part lecture series on IHL
police practice, instruction and manuals.
COM region on various Red Cross activi- and the ICC in the Institute's programme
A total of 32 police officers attended two ties. In Guyana and Suriname, promotion for the second semester, between January
courses organized in Venezuela. Other of the Ottawa Convention received wide and April 2003.
planned training activities had to be post- media coverage.
poned indefinitely owing to the strife pre-
vailing in the country.
222
NATIONAL SOCIETIES In the CARICOM region the ICRC and the
International Federation helped some
In Ecuador, the ICRC, the International National Societies revise their statutes and
Federation and partner National Societies draft their national development plans.
continued discussions with the Ecuado-
rian National Society to draw up a cooper- The ICRC and the International Federa-
ation agreement based on a newly estab- tion's offices in Port of Spain continued
lished national development plan. to work together closely. They jointly
Representatives of the ICRC and the Inter- organized a workshop in November for
national Federation went to Ecuador to CARICOM National Societies' communica-
help its National Society draw up effective tion officers on IHL, the Movement's Fun-
measures for carrying out the plan. damental Principles, humanitarian values
and communication issues.
The ICRC continued to assist Ecuador’s
Sucumbios Red Cross branch in develop-
ing its tracing and medical activities. Dur-
ing a three-day visit, security and health-
related activities were discussed and
planned. A workshop on security was held
at the end of the year to respond to the
security concerns of the National Society's
personnel working in this region bordering
Colombia. The workshop was attended by
34 staff of the provinces concerned, and
by a Colombian Red Cross official.
Following the April and December distur-
bances in Caracas, the Venezuelan Red
Cross quickly stepped in to provide the
victims with medical care. The National
Society's first-aid workers helped bring the
injured to its hospital and other medical
facilities in the capital where they received
emergency treatment. The National Society
also provided humanitarian aid to mer-

chant sailors and oil-tanker crews who
had been caught up in the general strike
that gripped the country and had decided
to stay docked. In the aftermath of the
crisis, the National Society, with help from
the ICRC, replenished the hospitals’ stocks
of standard first-aid kits and surgical
supplies.
With ICRC support, the National Society
updated its contingency plan in anticipa-
tion of a potential influx of Colombian
refugees to Venezuela. The ICRC provided
tents and radio-communication equip-
ment to eight Red Cross branches on the
border with Colombia.
223
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN MEXICO CITY
MEXICO CITY
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic,
El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,
Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama
Personnel:
13 expatriates
61 national staff
Officially inaugurated in June 2002, the
Mexico City regional delegation promotes
the incorporation of IHL into national
legislation and into the teaching
programmes of armed and police forces
and academic institutions. In addition, it
supports the strengthening of the capacities
of National Societies. In Mexico itself, the
ICRC focuses on providing assistance to
IDPs and residents affected by the situation
in Chiapas; in Panama, it assists
Colombian refugees in the Darién region;
and in Haiti, it monitors the conditions of
detention of people deprived of their
freedom who come within the ICRC’s
purview.
Mexico City also hosts the ICRC's Advisory
Service's unit for Latin America. The unit's
programmes stretch beyond countries of the
region, providing support to other ICRC
delegations throughout the continent, and
include activities with the Organization of
American States (OAS) and a variety of
inter-American institutions.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) In Mexico, the Chiapas issue remained economic crisis, with adverse conse-
unresolved. Since 2001 – despite quences for their populations. Falling cof-
Protection attempts by the new government to revive fee prices, natural disasters and uncertain
661,715 talks with the indigenous Ejército Zapatista global economic conditions resulted in the
Assistance de Liberación Nacional1 (EZLN) move- continued emigration of thousands of
2,553,866 ment and despite the EZLN march to Mex- Central Americans, although in fewer
ico City to promote the parliamentary draft numbers than in 2001.
Preventive action
declaration of the rights of indigenous
3,529,316 The activity of organized youth gangs con-
peoples – dialogue has not been restored.
Cooperation with National Societies tinued to destabilize Honduras and El Sal-
Meanwhile, there were clashes in 2002,
1,188,210 vador to a considerable degree. The
albeit rare, between the various communi-
authorities reacted by taking strict meas-
General ties in Chiapas state.
ures – as in Honduras, where the new
188,078 president deployed the army in the streets
The Central American countries continued
to suffer from the effects of a protracted to ensure security.
8,121,185 1 Zapatista National Liberation Army

224
In a report to the Guatemalan congress,
the ombudsman concluded that the
ICRC ACTION region to discuss the situation and needs
of refugees and residents with the relevant
majority of the population remained Key points in 2002 authorities and other leaders. The organi-
excluded from essential services, while zation followed up the Education Min-
the peace process was lagging behind • opening of the regional delegation in istry's school initiative aimed at providing
and human rights continued to be flouted Mexico City education opportunities for Colombian
with impunity. This was borne out by the • activities for detainees in Haiti, Mexico children and adults in four villages in Dar-
murder in April of a member of the Rigo- and Panama ién. The ICRC provided the materials for
berta Menchu Foundation and numerous the construction of three schools, along
reports of assassinations, lynchings, • assistance activities in Chiapas (Mex- with eight teachers and educational and
forced disappearances and other human ico) and Darien (Panama) other materials.
rights abuses. Tension mounted between • ratification by 6 countries (or authori-
landowners and landless peasants over zation by their legislative assemblies for Missing persons
the issue of land occupation, deemed ille- the ratification) of a series of conven-
Members of the two Guatemalan commis-
gal by the former and judged to be a tions and protocols
sions created to address the issue of
necessity for survival by the latter. At the
• Panama's accession to the Rome forced disappearances participated in a
request of Guatemala’s President, the OAS
Statute of the ICC and the drafting of leg- series of workshops organized by the
sent representatives to the country to help
islation for cooperation with the ICC and ICRC in Geneva on the subject of missing
find ways of reviving dialogue between the
the prosecution of crimes defined in the persons.
various sectors of society.
Statute
In Haiti, international aid was still being Haitian civilians in Cuba
withheld because of the non-resolution of • Nicaragua's adoption of a law on pro-
the political crisis that ensued from the tection of the red cross emblem Through the Cuban Red Cross, the ICRC
contested legislative elections of May continued to assist Haitian civilians
• launching of the EHL programme in
2000. The OAS pursued its efforts to stranded in Cuba by providing them with
Honduras and Guatemala
resolve the crisis. It set up a mission in material aid.
Port-au-Prince in April 2002 and adopted • conducting of the first IHL courses for
resolutions 806 and 822, the latter on Mexican armed forces Mexican communities in remote areas
4 September 2002 containing a schedule of Chiapas
for elections in 2003 and encouraging the CIVILIANS The ICRC continued providing food assis-
international community to assist the tance to residents and IDPs and – together
country both technically and financially. Colombian refugees with the Mexican, German and the
Haiti’s recent joining of the Caribbean and Panamanian residents Spanish Red Cross Societies – developing

Community (CARICOM) offered a glimmer The number of Colombian refugees stay- programmes geared towards helping
of hope that it might foster resolution of its ing in Panama’s Darién province to affected indigenous communities achieve
political crisis and help it to advance eco- escape the internal conflict in Colombia self-sufficiency.
nomically through its membership of the varied between 900 and 1,200. As the
CARICOM common market. In Las Cañadas, the work done by the
only international organization with a reg-
Mexican Red Cross medical team at
ular presence in this remote region, the
the ICRC-sponsored San Miguel clinic
ICRC maintained support to the Panaman-
included 12,411 medical consultations,
ian Red Cross, which has an office in Dar-
566 hospitalizations and 219 evacuations.
ién from which it assists the refugees.
Some 700 received material supplies, and Cooperation continued between the
in November the first batch of food items, National Society medical team and locally
sufficient for four months, was provided trained health workers, who carried out a
for 50 refugees. vaccination programme planned together
with the ICRC. Through 10 workshops the
The ICRC also supported the Panamanian
ICRC trained 22 health workers.
National Society’s efforts to provide med-
ical consultations and basic medicines for
a number of refugees and resident com-
munities. It conducted missions to the
225
The ICRC continued to provide material Safe motherhood for indigenous women The SFD participated in three training
and technical support, including training, In Los Altos the ICRC continued running its courses on upper and lower limb prosthe-
to communities to ensure efficient func- midwife programme, which included ses in Guatemala City and Managua for
tioning of water supply systems. Positive courses on diet during pregnancy, and 19 prosthetic/orthotic technicians. It also
outcomes included the construction of breastfeeding. The Women’s Centre (Casa participated in a regional meeting on
water supply systems and 25 latrines in de Mujeres) sponsored by the ICRC was physical rehabilitation in Central America,
four villages. These activities were accom- used for the workshops and also for meet- organized in Managua by the Gesellschaft
plished by communities supported by ings organized by the women concerned. für Technische Zusammenarbeit.
ICRC-trained technicians. The ICRC participated in the last workshop
Some 20 extension workers from 13 dif- for traditional midwives carried out in PEOPLE DEPRIVED OF
ferent communities attended six courses cooperation with Mexican Red Cross in
Polhó. By the end of 2002, the pro-
THEIR FREEDOM
given by the ICRC on agriculture and
stockbreeding. The ICRC supervised five gramme had been handed over to the Detainees' welfare
pilot projects for vegetable gardens, seven Mexican Red Cross.
In Panama, three detainees of concern to
for fishponds, 13 for soybean plantations, the ICRC were visited in 2002.
seven for amaranth plantations and the Mine action and assistance
planting of 184 fruit trees. These projects to mine victims In Mexico the ICRC made 15 visits to 14
were designed to benefit 167 families. detention centres in six states and inter-
An estimated 135,000 mines/UXOs were
viewed 72 detainees.
scattered in Nicaragua during the conflict,
Los Altos an estimate that only concerns those laid The ICRC continued to encourage the gov-
The ICRC carried on providing food assis- by government armed forces. So far, half ernment to improve conditions in Haiti’s
tance to some 4,700 civilians in Los Altos. of all mines – both in the field and in detention centres. Delegates visited the 16
It continued to cooperate with the National stock – have been destroyed. The number detention centres in 2002. The ICRC pro-
Society's medical teams, which worked of mine/UXO victims in 2002 was 23. vided material support to the National
with IDPs in the region, assisting some Penitentiary Centre to help it improve its
The Nicaraguan Red Cross and ICRC infor-
10,000 beneficiaries in camps and vil- facilities. Repairs to a septic tank and
mation programme on the dangers of
lages. The teams achieved the following evacuation pipes at the National Fort
mines, De Niño a Niño,2 addresses chil-
results: 10,463 consultations, 79 hospital- centre were completed in cooperation with
dren in the populous and densely mined
izations and 184 transfers of emergency the Directorate of Prison Administration
northern border region. Some 30 Red
cases to established medical centres. Visit- (DPA). Having earlier notified the authori-
Cross instructors were trained in the pro-
ing medical teams also carried out a vacci- ties of its plan to phase out its regular sup-
gramme and teaching material was
nation programme and managed commu- port to the prison system after nearly eight
arranged and translated into the local
nity-health programmes. ICRC engineers years of considerable support, in March,
Miskito language. The newly trained
supervised work on water supply systems the ICRC ended reimbursement of various
instructors then held group sessions on
in five communities and built 167 latrines. medical charges. It also ended its support
mine awareness and first aid for 120
to the monthly meetings of DPA nurses.
The ICRC helped diversify food resources pupils. The ICRC continued to provide for
However, the ICRC will continue to monitor
by supporting some 40 collective veg- the staff of two ambulances assigned to
the situation of the detainees who fall
etable gardens. In addition, over 63 col- the mine-contaminated province of
under its mandate.
lective rabbit- and chicken-breeding Jinotega.
projects were assisted throughout the The ICRC's Special Fund for the Disabled
year. Vaccination campaigns for domestic (SFD) produced 473 prostheses; 548
AUTHORITIES
chickens were launched and over 10,000 orthoses and 427 pairs of plantar soles in
chickens were treated, notably against IHL and the authorities
2002. The SFD supported Nicaragua's
New Castle disease and cholera. For the state-owned prosthetic/orthotic centre by Sustained efforts to broaden participation
long rains, starting in April, the ICRC dis- financing or donating 704 prostheses, in IHL treaties and incorporate their provi-
tributed some 25 tonnes of maize, bean, wheelchairs and crutches, and other sions into domestic laws yielded concrete
peanut and potato seed to 2,556 families. support towards assistance for mine/UXO results in a number of the region's States.
In addition, it distributed 8.3 tonnes of victims. Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico and the Domini-
maize seed to 831 families for the short can Republic ratified the 2000 Optional
rains, starting in October. Protocol on Participation of Children in
2 From child to child
226
Armed Conflicts. El Salvador ratified both The ICRC also produced an extensive In Guatemala the ICRC conducted the first
Protocols of 1954 and 1999 to the 1954 report on the status of IHL implementation regional IHL course for intelligence offi-
Convention on the Protection of Cultural in OAS member States. Together with the cers, attended by 26 officers from 12
Property in Armed Conflicts, while the OAS, the ICRC published the proceedings countries; gave a talk on its functions and
Dominican Republic adhered to the first of the governmental experts' meeting held activities, and on the ICC to 50 officers of
Protocol. Honduras and Panama ratified in San José in March 2001. the Guatemalan army and military stu-
the 1998 Rome Statute of the ICC, while dents; conducted a number of courses,
Regular contacts were maintained with the
Guatemala adhered to Protocol IV of 1995 including an introductory one on IHL
Inter-American Court of Human Rights,
of the 1980 CCW, and El Salvador to the attended by 30 soldiers; and sponsored
and on November 29, judges and other
1976 Environmental Modification Tech- an officer to attend an annual IHL meeting
legal professionals at the Court partici-
niques Convention. in Costa Rica, on the integration of
pated in a workshop on IHL studies,
IHL into military manuals and training
The countries of the region continued to organized for the second consecutive
programmes.
take steps to implement IHL treaties. Costa year.
Rica amended its criminal code to incor- The Nicaraguan armed forces trained
porate provisions for the punishment of 35 instructors in IHL during a one-week
war crimes and adopted a law on the
ARMED FORCES course. In Costa Rica, the ICRC partici-
prohibition of anti-personnel mines. AND OTHER BEARERS pated in a panel on peacekeeping, IHL
Nicaragua adopted a law on the use and OF WEAPONS and human rights, attended by 25 military
protection of the red cross emblem. The and civilian participants from 15 Latin
importance of legal reforms in these IHL and the armed forces American countries.
areas, and with regard to the protection of Throughout the region, the ICRC met with
cultural property, was underscored to the various military authorities with a view to Police forces: human rights
authorities of all States in the region promoting the inclusion of IHL in armed and basic IHL principles
whose legislation fell short of existing forces' training, manuals and operations.
treaty obligations. Between February and March, five police
In November Mexico, Guatemala, Hon- officers from Guatemala, Panama and
Throughout the year the ICRC kept national duras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Mexico attended a seminar on the forma-
committees for the implementation of IHL Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and tion of a group of police training experts
in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Panama attended the sixth regional meet- organized by the ICRC in Brazil (see
Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama ing of officers responsible for the imple- Brazil.)
informed about developments in humani- mentation of IHL in the armed forces,
tarian law. The committees also partici- organized in Costa Rica with the support In order to strengthen the capacity of
pated in an international meeting of simi- of the ICRC. During the meeting the national police and in conformity with the
lar bodies organized by the ICRC in Nicaraguan armed forces presented their cooperation agreement between the ICRC

Geneva in March 2002. In Costa Rica and manual, which includes IHL. Other coun- and the Presidential Committee for Human
Mexico the ICRC advised the authorities on tries confirmed that they were working Rights, eight human rights/IHL sessions
the necessary steps for the establishment towards the same goal. were held for 340 national civil police offi-
of such committees. cers and agents from eight departments of
In Mexico, six IHL seminars and confer- Guatemala. In June the ICRC held a two-
A Special Session on IHL, held in Wash- ences were conducted for over 2,000 week course on human rights law and
ington in March by the OAS Committee on members of the country's navy, armed humanitarian principles for 28 police offi-
Juridical and Political Affairs helped fur- and security forces, and air force acad- cers. In October and December, 80 police
ther consolidate relations between the OAS emy. The majority of participants were academy students attended a presentation
and the ICRC. The Session led to the army and security officers from Chiapas. on principles of IHL applicable to police
adoption by the OAS General Assembly in The year was marked by the first IHL functions.
Bridgetown, Barbados, of Resolution courses organized for the Mexican armed
1904 (XXXII-O/02) on the promotion of In Mexico the ICRC conducted or helped
forces. Officers from the ICRC's pool of organize three training courses on human
and respect for IHL. instructors conducted the three courses, rights law and humanitarian principles,
which were attended by military and air- attended by some 90 police officers
force intelligence officers. and instructors from the Attorney General’s
Office and the Federal Preventive Police in
Chiapas.
227
CIVIL SOCIETY In July the ICRC and Guatemala's Educa- NATIONAL SOCIETIES
tion Ministry conducted the first national
The delegation produced three issues of its EHL teacher-training workshop in the Tracing services
publication Región, which has a circula- country. The objective of the workshop
tion of 4,000 and focuses on contempo- The National Societies of Costa Rica,
was to familiarize a selected group of edu- Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and El Sal-
rary humanitarian and IHL issues. The cators with the methods and contents of
seventh issue appeared on 10 June to vador organized a series of meetings and
EHL. Additionally, an EHL evaluation workshops attended by their staff and vol-
mark the official opening of the regional workshop was held in Guatemala City to
delegation and the visit of the ICRC presi- unteers of their tracing services, and deal-
enable 13 EHL teachers to air their con- ing notably with the restoration of family
dent. It was devoted to the 25th anniver- cerns, supplement their basic knowledge
sary of the Protocols additional to the links and other operational matters.
of IHL and receive guidance on teaching
Geneva Conventions. The ICRC also pro- EHL.
duced 2003 calendars with IHL themes. Promotion of IHL
The ICRC and the Honduran Red Cross, At the ninth annual meeting of National
IHL in academic circles working under the auspices of the Educa- Society dissemination and communica-
tion Ministry, organized the first national tion directors in Mexico, representatives of
In Haiti the ICRC gave 42 presentations EHL training workshop in Honduras. A
on IHL at the national diplomatic academy nine of the region's ten countries met for
national EHL programme coordinator was five days to discuss a broad range of top-
for law students to help interest the aca- appointed and teachers were given the go-
demic authorities in teaching this branch ics related to IHL implementation, com-
ahead to begin teaching EHL in 25 munication and financial management.
of law. Since the beginning of the aca- schools in five departments by February
demic year 2002-2003, the academy On the whole, the year saw intense activity
2003. in the promotion of IHL by all the region's
has been carrying out the teaching of IHL
independently. National Societies. The ICRC and the Inter-
IHL and the public national Federation provided technical,
Eight IHL courses were organized in Mex- For broader dissemination of humani- material and financial backing for the
ico by the ICRC or with its support. Partic- tarian principles and public health mes- National Societies' efforts. These included
ipants included around 405 students and sages to the communities of Las training workshops for dissemination per-
professors from various Mexican universi- Cañadas, in Mexico, the ICRC conducted sonnel, the production of material includ-
ties. The ICRC made a presentation on sessions on those topics in local lan- ing newsletters for the promotion of IHL,
biological weapons and IHL at a seminar guages. Some 2,160 children watched and seminars primarily to discuss the
organized by the Mexican university the ICRC puppet show which explained the red cross emblem and Fundamental
(UNAM) and the French embassy in Mex- Red Cross mandate and delivers public- Principles.
ico City for 50 participants, and organized health messages.
an art competition entitled Humanidad
Assistance to civilians
2002 for 27 art students from UNAM. In order to raise awareness of basic IHL
norms and help promote them in the The ICRC continued to financially support
At the University of El Salvador, the profes- regions worst affected by violence, the the Mexican Red Cross and its volunteers
sor of international law included IHL as a ICRC made a special effort to address the involved in health and food-distribution
subject in his course. authorities at the municipal level and programmes in Chiapas. The delegation
community leaders in Guatemala. Twenty- conducted training workshops on conflict
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) five meetings and 16 workshops on management and effective presentation
The ICRC held a regional EHL training sem- humanitarian principles and related topics skills for medical teams of the Mexican
inar in Antigua, Guatemala, for representa- were held for some 650 participants, Red Cross.
tives of education ministries and National including representatives of municipal
Societies who will play a pivotal role in authorities and local leaders from different Organizational development
coordinating EHL training at national level. regions.
The ICRC and the International Federation
The seminar was on EHL training modules supported the National Societies in the
for secondary-school students, and partici- revision of their statutes. In the course of
pants came from Guatemala, Honduras, the year, the Honduras and Guatemala
Peru, El Salvador and Venezuela. The National Red Cross Societies' revised
countries are thus committed to imple- statutes were adopted and entered into
menting the EHL programme. force.
228
229
F. Clarke/ICRC
Assistance to the displaced living in tent camps is concentrated on the most vulnerable.
230
EUROPE AND
NORTH AMERICA
Delegations
• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Macedonia, Former Yugoslav
Republic of
• Southern Caucasus
(Armenia and Azerbaijan)
• Southern Caucasus
(Georgia)
• Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of
• Budapest
• Kyiv
• Moscow
• Washington
• Brussels
• New York
• Paris
• International Tracing Service (ITS)
Europe did not experience any new out- affected by the situation in Chechnya, in

break of armed conflict in 2002. However, coordination with other humanitarian
many of the root causes of past conflicts agencies and NGOs. In terms of budget, it
Expenditure (in Sfr) were still unsettled and the situation was the ICRC's third-largest operation
remained fragile in a number of contexts. worldwide. In the course of the year, the
Protection ICRC carried out extensive assessments of
Weapons did not fall silent in Chechnya,
17,159,892 the needs of residents and IDPs in Chech-
in the Russian Federation, where armed
Assistance nya, Ingushetia and Daghestan. In the
confrontation continued between the fed-
56,703,579 light of the findings, the ICRC prepared to
eral armed forces and Chechen fighters.
shift the emphasis of its operation to the
Preventive action The effects of the unresolved dispute were
Chechen republic, where protection and
21,908,484 felt in other parts of the Russian Federation
assistance were urgently needed. The
Cooperation with National Societies and the situation remained a destabilizing
ICRC then started to readjust its operation
8,394,414 factor for relations between the Russian
to respond to the nutritional, material,
Federation and Georgia.
General medical and sanitation needs of only the
2,667,634 The ICRC's operational focus in 2002 was most vulnerable IDPs.
again on the northern Caucasus, where
the organization was continuing its large-
106,834,002 scale assistance operation for people

231
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA
The ICRC continued to visit people cation and other organizations. In 2002, ies concerned. It monitored the situation of
detained in connection with the military these programmes were streamlined, with the isolated and vulnerable Albanian and
operation in Chechnya on the basis of an the aim of maintaining the results Serb communities in southern Serbia. It
agreement concluded in 2000. achieved while gradually decreasing kept a close eye on the political, military
resources. In the three countries covered and economic situation in the former
In view of Chechnya's highly precarious
by the Kyiv regional delegation, the Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and
security context, the ICRC sought to
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" education remained poised to step in should a new
strengthen dialogue with the local and
programme was under way, aiming to crisis erupt requiring humanitarian action.
regional authorities and security forces so
introduce young people of secondary- Both in that country and in the Federal
as to gain their support for its humanitar-
school age to humanitarian concepts. Republic of Yugoslavia the ICRC carried
ian operations. Similarly, the ICRC worked
Programmes to promote the national on visiting a small number of detainees
to maintain the constructive dialogue and
implementation of IHL and its integration and seeking access to all others who fall
coordination developed with the interna-
into military training were pursued. within its mandate. In Bosnia and Herze-
tional community, UN agencies and other
govina, the ICRC continued to work with
humanitarian organizations present in The events of 11 September 2001 and the
local health professionals and communi-
Moscow and the northern Caucasus. subsequent US military operation in
ties to improve the country’s self-reliance
Afghanistan resulted in a steep increase in
In the southern Caucasus, the desperate in health matters. In addition, it ran pro-
the operational activities of the Washing-
condition of the most vulnerable residents grammes to promote IHL among the
ton regional delegation, mainly in connec-
and IDPs in the conflict-affected regions of authorities, armed forces and civil society
tion with the protection of internees held at
western Georgia and Abkhazia continued and maintained its mine-awareness pro-
the US military base in Guantanamo Bay,
to give rise to concern, although open gramme in close partnership with the Red
Cuba.
hostilities were nine years past. As basic Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
needs remained unaddressed by develop- In addition, the ICRC continued to give pri-
In the countries covered by the Budapest
ment and reform initiatives, the ICRC ority to fostering a dialogue with the US
regional delegation, the ICRC concentrated
stepped in to launch an extensive food-aid authorities and with governments world-
on establishing an extensive network of
programme. At the same time, it called on wide to convince them of the continued
contacts in civil society to raise awareness
the national and international bodies con- relevance of IHL and to enlist their support
of its mandate and activities and of IHL. It
cerned to address the situation. In addi- in ensuring that it is upheld. The ICRC del-
encouraged the region's national authori-
tion, it maintained limited support for egations in Brussels, Paris and New York
ties to incorporate or consolidate IHL in
surgical services in western Georgia/ played an increasingly important part in
their political agendas and to promote IHL
Abkhazia, prosthetic/orthotic services in working to enhance respect for humanitar-
implementation. Partnership with the
Georgia and Azerbaijan, and primary ian principles, secure the necessary politi-
National Societies in promoting IHL, for
health care in the Nagorny Karabakh cal support for ICRC operations and dis-
example by introducing the "Exploring
region. cuss the respective roles of all those
Humanitarian Law" programme in sec-

involved in conflict situations.
The ICRC's other priority, as before, was to ondary schools, remained of utmost
visit detainees and encourage the authori- In the countries of the former Yugoslavia, importance. The ICRC continued to sup-
ties to improve the living conditions of which were in a phase of transition and port the Croatian Red Cross mine-
those detained, where necessary. It con- recovery, the missing persons issue awareness programme, and prepared to
tinued to support the authorities in Arme- remained one of the bitterest legacies of hand it over completely to the National
nia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in bringing past conflicts. As a priority in this region, Society.
under control the deadly tuberculosis the ICRC continued to support the families
Having established cooperation with the
threat in the penitentiary system through of missing persons in their search for
Turkish military authorities to promote IHL
region-wide implementation of effective answers and to help sustain a dialogue
among the armed forces, the ICRC sought
health strategies, in close coordination among all the parties concerned. At the
to consolidate the progress made in this
with other organizations working in this international level, it worked to promote
field over the past few years. In addition, it
field. "good-practice guidelines" in this field.
worked to develop IHL programmes for
To ensure the long-term continuity of its While phasing out direct assistance to universities in Turkey and to further
programmes to promote IHL teaching in IDPs from Kosovo in Serbia proper, the strengthen cooperation with the Turkish
universities and schools in member coun- ICRC continued to participate in the search Red Crescent Society, particularly in the
tries of the CIS, the ICRC kept up its dia- for solutions to their problems, together fields of dissemination and tracing.
logue with the respective ministries of edu- with other international and national bod-
232
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA ALBANIA
ALBANIA
Personnel:
2 expatriates
16 national staff
Present in Albania since the unrest in

1998, the ICRC focuses on relations with
the authorities and the National Red
Cross Society. It is working to improve
conditions for detainees, prevent mine
accidents among civilians and help the
Albanian Red Cross develop its tracing
and dissemination capacities.
CONTEXT

Election of a new president preoccupied achieve these goals included combating
Expenditure (in Sfr) the country for the first half of 2002. A illegal trafficking – which despite the
stalemate between the ruling Socialist efforts of the local police remained a seri-
Protection Party and the main opposition Democratic ous problem – strengthening State admin-
287,071 Party over who should be president per- istration, and solving economic problems.
Assistance sisted until 24 June when Alfred Mojsiu, a The OSCE monitored political develop-
48,303 retired general, was sworn in following a ments in Albania closely.
Preventive action series of extraordinary meetings between
The Albanian government promised to
the country’s two main party leaders.
506,217 promote regional stability and took part in
Cooperation with National Societies Negotiations for a stabilization agreement several meetings with the Greek, Mace-
197,850 with the EU and integration into NATO donian and Turkish presidents and prime
General structures were the main aims of Albania’s ministers to discuss the issue. Albania
foreign policy. These steps were expected and Yugoslavia normalized their relations,
148,067
to strengthen ties between Albania and which had been severed three years ear-
western European institutions, but political lier, and continued to cooperate with other
instability slowed progress. Conditions governments in monitoring trafficking.
1,187,507 that Albania would need to fulfil in order to
233
While the American, French, German and
Spanish National Societies were still pres-
ICRC ACTION with the UNDP to draw up a national
mine-action plan. The meeting aimed in
ent in the country, all but the Spanish Red Key points in 2002 particular to analyse factors influencing
Cross scaled back their activities. The the mine/UXO situation, formulate a work
International Federation maintained a • closure of ICRC delegation and placing plan to address the mine/UXO threat on
presence. Other remaining humanitarian of management of its activities in Alba- the Albania-Kosovo border and share
organizations like CARE International and nia under its regional delegation in responsibility for the national plan among
the International Rescue Committee also Budapest all those involved in mine action in
curtailed activities. The UN continued to Albania.
shift its focus from humanitarian activities CIVILIANS ICRC staff also took part in a workshop to
to cooperation and development.
formulate a two-year mine-awareness
Missing persons
strategy for Albania, and supported the
The ICRC continued its efforts to trace production by the Albanian Red Cross of
42 people who went missing during the a mine-awareness notebook for school-
Kosovo conflict. Some of the people children.
reportedly disappeared in Albania. Others
are said to have disappeared while out- The ICRC continued to lobby on behalf of
side Albania, but were seen there later. mine victims. Close contacts were main-
This tracing work involved making tained with the American, French and Ger-
enquiries in cemeteries for Kosovar man Red Cross Societies and with organi-
refugees in the remote districts of Tropoja zations such as SOS Albania, the Hammer
and Mat, consulting lists of Kosovar Forum and the Institute for Rehabilitation,
refugees hospitalized in Tropoja in 1999, which specialized in the treatment of
and checking for possible transfers of severe injuries.
wounded Kosovar refugees, including for- The Tirana Military Hospital's National
mer National Liberation Army fighters, Orthopaedic Centre received raw materials
from Albanian hospitals to Italy for further from the ICRC and treated three mine vic-
treatment. No positive results were tims while continuing to fit others with
obtained regarding the whereabouts of the prostheses.
people sought. ICRC staff in Pristina were
responsible for following these cases. In addition, the ICRC provided the Alban-
ian Mine Action Executive with materials
and supported a project to aid victims of
Mine action
mines.
The ICRC remained the lead agency in

mine-victim assistance in Albania. The
organization intensified contacts with PEOPLE DEPRIVED
mine-clearance companies interested in OF THEIR FREEDOM
working in Albania. As a result, four mine-
clearance teams from the Swiss Federa- Prison visits
tion for Mine Action, Danish Church Aid In 2002 the ICRC carried out visits to
and Humanitarian Mine Action began to Albanian prisons under the authority of the
operate in the neglected Tropoja district. Ministry of Justice. Police commissariats
The ICRC conducted a field trip to the under the authority of the Ministry of the
north of Albania where it introduced Interior were also visited. The objective
donors to mine-clearance teams they were was to obtain a complete picture of deten-
financing. tion conditions in Albania. Comprehensive
reports summarizing the ICRC’s observa-
Mine/UXO awareness tions and recommendations were pre-
In June the ICRC participated in a mine- pared and submitted to the authorities.
action workshop organized by the Albania
Mine Action Committee in cooperation
234
AUTHORITIES Promotion of human rights law Albanian Red Cross tracing activities
among police forces An American Red Cross project to help the
IHL implementation Four courses on human rights law were Albanian National Society set up an effec-
ICRC efforts to promote IHL bore fruit. On conducted in the cities of Durres, Lezha tive tracing service was successfully com-
28 August, Albania ratified the Convention and Elbasan. Participants included 68 pleted in July. Most tracing cases involve
on Certain Conventional Weapons, its Pro- middle-ranking police officers and 29 people whose relatives have emigrated.
tocols I, III and IV, and its amended Proto- senior commanders who received the To The ICRC provided the Albanian Red Cross
col II. The ICRC also had discussions with Serve and to Protect handbook, a publica- tracing coordinator with training. By year’s
an expert from Tirana University’s Euro- tion entitled Discover the ICRC and other end, the tracing service had working rela-
pean Centre, who prepared an assess- materials. In November, 29 district com- tionships with local partners who could
ment of the compatibility of the country’s manders in charge of training who had help solve cases, and contacts with the
national legislation with the provisions of themselves been trained by the ICRC Hellenic Red Cross and the Italian Red
IHL. attended a seven-day course in Tirana Cross. In addition, the tracing service
given by the ICRC. could count on trained tracing personnel
in Albanian Red Cross branches, and
ARMED FORCES the full support of the National Society's
AND OTHER BEARERS CIVIL SOCIETY leadership.
OF WEAPONS The media and Red Cross activities
On the occasion of International Women’s Mine/UXO action
Promotion of IHL
Day (8 March), two television stations The ICRC formalized an agreement with
among the armed forces
broadcast an ICRC video entitled Women the Albanian Red Cross giving the
The ICRC maintained contacts with the and mines in Albania. National Society responsibility for using a
hierarchy of the armed forces and of the community-based approach to raise
Ministry of Defence, and installed and The ICRC produced 8,300 copies of Dis- awareness of the danger of mines in vil-
equipped an IHL classroom at the Military cover the ICRC in Albanian. lages along Albania's northern border. The
Academy. ICRC provided training for specialized
The ICRC presented its mandate and activ- NATIONAL SOCIETY staff.
ities and distributed publications during a Contacts were made with media represen- The Albanian Red Cross and the ICRC
course conducted for 97 Albanian armed tatives to encourage them to draw atten- drew up a plan of action which involved
forces personnel by a training team from tion to the plight of mine victims and to training and briefing the National Society
the Turkish Partnership for Peace Training cover Albanian Red Cross tracing serv- mine-awareness coordinator, following up
Centre. Other activities included: ices. The ICRC and the National Society field activities in neighbouring countries,
undertook a joint review of their com- and organizing a workshop for mine-

• IHL training for 20 senior officers of the
Albanian general staff and for members munications strategies in an effort to awareness instructors in northern Albania.
of the Staff College bring about improvements. They also
reviewed their cooperation with regard to • mine-awareness presentations: 215
• a regional seminar hosted by the Alban- IHL training. • posters distributed: 500
ian Ministry of Defence and dealing with
ICRC activities and IHL, attended by 20 • sets of "Be aware of mines" game dis-
Missing persons tributed: 1,000
military legal officers and diplomats
An assessment of pending tracing cases
Dialogue was maintained with the Doc- was completed. In the year under review,
trine and Manuals Centre on the topic of 1,670 cases, some of which dated back
incorporating national and international as far as 1991, were entered into the
legislation into various naval manuals, database. Each person who had
and on ICRC support for the production requested that a family member be traced
of certain publications in Albanian and was contacted afresh. Based on their
English. replies, tracing cases were closed or fur-
ther action was taken. In 2002, 42 new
cases were received and, in all, 125
cases remained pending.
235
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA
Personnel:
9 expatriates
104 national staff
The ICRC, in partnership with the Red

Cross Society of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, supports the population in
its efforts to recover from the emotional
wounds of the conflict that ended with
the Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995.
Acting independently, though in close
coordination with the authorities and
national and international organizations,
the ICRC supports the families of
missing persons in their quest to
ascertain the fate and whereabouts of
their loved ones. The ICRC, which
initially opened an office in Bosnia and
Herzegovina in 1992, has had a
delegation in the country since 1995.
CONTEXT
Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Coun- In July, the presidents of Bosnia and
Expenditure (in Sfr) cil of Europe on 24 April, an important Herzegovina, Croatia and the Federal
step in forging closer ties with the rest of Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) met in Sara-
Protection Europe. The new High Representative of jevo – their first joint meeting since the end
2,394,080 the international community in Bosnia and of the war – to discuss, among other
Assistance Herzegovina, Lord Paddy Ashdown, things, refugees, IDPs and missing per-
505,207 assumed office in May. He was also sons. One result of the summit was a pro-
Preventive action appointed EU Special Representative in posed protocol to expedite the exhumation
1,572,175 Bosnia and Herzegovina from 3 June. The process and the search for missing per-
first general elections organized by the sons in Croatia and the FRY. The human
authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains of between 1,400 and 1,700
1,724,297 since the end of the war took place on people were exhumed in 2002, bringing
General 5 October. Three main political parties the total since 1992 to around 15,500.
31,449 won 55% of the votes cast, but no gov-
ernment had been formed as at the end of
2002.
6,227,207
236
NATO’s military stabilization force (SFOR)
continued its efforts to apprehend war-
ICRC ACTION Sixteen small-scale psychological-support
projects for members of families of miss-
crimes suspects. It arrested Momir Nikolic, Key points in 2002 ing persons were funded in 2002. They
indicted by the International Criminal Tri- included support groups and counselling
bunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for • revival of the Working Group on Per- for 250 adults and 50 children, and train-
the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, as well as sons Unaccounted For ing and dissemination activities that
Darko Mrdja, indicted for war crimes in • launch of the "Exploring Humanitarian reached 21 members of family associa-
Koricanske Stijene. In The Hague, Slobo- Law" (EHL) programme tions and 84 professionals. The projects
dan Milosevic went on trial at the ICTY for helped create links between associations
war crimes against Bosnia and Herzegov- of families of missing persons within com-
ina, while Biljana Plavsic, a former presi- CIVILIANS munities and with other public-sector
dent of the Republika Srpska, pleaded organizations and NGOs providing serv-
Missing persons
guilty to charges of crimes against ices for such families.
humanity. The ICTY sentenced Mitar Vasil- By the end of December 2002, the ICRC
jevic to 20 years’ imprisonment for crimes had received a total of 20,860 tracing
Public health care
against humanity committed in Visegrad. requests, of which 3,385 were closed.
The ICRC continued to work with seven
The economy continued to stagnate, while The Working Group on Persons Unac- groups of doctors and nurses to improve
the unemployment rate remained high, counted For, the official body established Bosnia and Herzegovina's self-reliance in
reportedly between 40 and 50 per cent. by the Dayton Peace Agreement to ensure health matters. It helped these groups cre-
Nevertheless, Bosnia and Herzegovina a systematic flow of information between ate two nurses' associations in Sarajevo
still had to cope with nearly 500,000 the families of missing persons and the and Central Bosnia cantons, develop clin-
IDPs. While some of its 250,000 nation- authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ical guidelines, and set up a website.
als who had sought asylum abroad con- was set to reconvene. The Working Group Working jointly with the health ministries
tinued to trickle back, it was important to had not met since 1999, when its activi- of both entities (the Federation of Bosnia
address the return process, and to do so ties had failed to achieve any progress and Herzegovina and the Republika Srp-
not in isolation but within a broad spec- and had had to be suspended. Working ska) and WHO, the ICRC conducted a
trum of other concerns (restitution of prop- on a bilateral basis with the authorities community-nursing course attended by
erty, legal protection, access to social and concerned, the ICRC did its best to get the 15 nurses.
health services, employment, education process under way again while putting the
Group on a new footing. The Working With the support of the ICRC, the "healthy
and security, etc.). In Sarajevo alone, for
Group was expected to resume its work in communities" project completed two
example, nearly 14,000 people remained
February 2003. phases of its community-health develop-
registered as internally displaced in their
ment model in 25 communities and
own city because their housing units had In cooperation with forensic experts of the served at least 89,000 community mem-

not been reconstructed. Republika Srpska, two books containing bers. In 2002, 10 projects financially sup-
photographs of clothing taken from ported exclusively by community mem-
exhumed human remains were produced bers were completed or got under way.
and shown to 840 family members.
Books of this kind are used to generate
leads that can result in identifications. In AUTHORITIES
all, 35 sets of personal belongings were
recognized, leading to the confirmation of IHL and domestic law
six identities (28 cases are still being Work progressed on a study of the com-
processed by the forensic experts). Family patibility of domestic legislation with IHL.
members consulting these books were Three officials from Bosnia and Herzegov-
offered psychological help by NGOs ina attended a regional conference on
belonging to a referral network set up by implementation of the ICC Statute organ-
the ICRC. Two seminars were organized at ized in Budapest by the ICRC and the Hun-
which mental-health professionals who garian authorities in early 2002. Meetings
assist families of missing persons shared were also held with high-ranking officials
experiences. of the Republika Srpska to promote IHL
implementation.
237
The ICRC continued to work with the The EHL programme The ICRC worked closely with the Red
authorities and mine-action agencies to Following initial consultations with the Cross organizations of both entities to col-
encourage integration of the Red Cross Office of the High Representative and the lect data on mine victims, which it used to
mine-awareness programme into the education authorities of Brcko district, the bring the mine-awareness programme
country's overall mine-action strategy. EHL programme was presented to 15 into line with the community’s needs. The
school principals and officials of the Min- information was forwarded regularly to
other organizations – the Landmine Sur-
ARMED FORCES istry of Education in September 2002. As
vivor Network and the Jesuit Refugee Ser-
a result, it was decided to implement the
AND OTHER BEARERS programme in all of the district's second- vice in particular – to help them select
OF WEAPONS ary schools by integrating it in the com- beneficiaries for their aid programmes.
pulsory "debate class". The Office of the The number of victims of mine accidents
IHL and the armed/security forces High Representative and the ICRC sup- has declined steadily, from 3,346
Entity armed forces’ IHL programmes ported the training of 45 high-school between 1992 and 1995 to 72 in 2002.
– including a workshop held in June for teachers selected to introduce EHL in their The overall total of recorded mine and UXO
17 IHL instructors – continued to receive classrooms starting from March 2003. victims reached 4,771.
ICRC support. IHL publications in Bosnian Some 8,000 students were expected to Through radio and television broadcasts,
and Serbian were distributed to officers use the programme every year. posters, brochures, radio quizzes and talk
and soldiers of the armed forces of the shows, the mine-awareness message
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine/UXO action was conveyed regularly to the public. The
and of the Republika Srpska. ICRC contributed to a media seminar on
Since March 1996 the ICRC has been
In addition to a seminar held in June for implementing a mine-awareness pro- mine awareness attended by 50 journal-
senior officers of SFOR, the ICRC contin- gramme comprising four main compo- ists from all over the country.
ued to conduct presentations for the force nents: a community-based approach, a • over 2,390 presentations and 4,440
on an ad hoc basis. school programme, a media campaign group discussions for 99,470 participants
and data gathering.
• 28,305 quizzes, competitions and pre-
CIVIL SOCIETY The ICRC, in close partnership with the sentations reaching 2,070 people in the
Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herze- Republika Srpska
Media coverage of govina, continued to carry out mine-
humanitarian activities awareness activities using a network of • distribution of over 60,000 leaflets and
Improved relations with local and inter- 96 trained community-based mine- other materials with mine-awareness
national media contributed to positive awareness instructors. In 2002 the ICRC messages
coverage of humanitarian activities, espe- continued to support workshops for mine- Other organizations with which the ICRC
cially those concerning missing persons, awareness coordinators and others
cooperated included: SFOR, to produce

ante-mortem data collection, mines/UXO involved in mine action, on topics such as and distribute mine-awareness posters;
and IHL. A documentary on the issue of assessing the needs of communities in Handicap International, whose "Bosnia
missing persons and their families was mine-infested areas. and Herzegovina landmine impact survey"
under production by a local television sta- aimed to establish a standardized data-
tion with ICRC help. base on the socio-economic impact of
mines and UXO on communities; the gov-
Pursuit of IHL studies at universities ernment agency in charge of mine action
IHL was among the subjects chosen for (BHMAC), mainly to help develop and test
extracurricular study by the law faculty of mine-awareness materials; UEFA, which
Sarajevo University, which continued to sponsored a project that used football to
explore the possibility of starting a regular convey the mine-awareness message to
course on the subject next year. The ICRC over 3,000 children; UNHCR, to provide it
organized presentations and meetings on with statistics on mine and UXO victims for
IHL attended by students and lecturers use in its programmes for returnees.
from the six main universities in Bosnia
and Herzegovina.
238
NATIONAL SOCIETY
Cooperation
The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and
Herzegovina continued to act as the
ICRC’s operational partner in tracing,
primary health care and mine/UXO-
awareness. ICRC support for building the
National Society’s capacity consisted of
monthly support to the Red Cross organi-
zations of both entities, institutional sup-
port projects (84 "small projects" in over
60 local Red Cross branches), and a
coordinated approach to fundraising to
replace support to the National Society’s
home-care programme provided in the
past by the Movement. The ICRC contin-
ued its efforts to ensure that the National
Society becomes financially independent.
These included a market research survey
that will help the National Society to raise
funds.
The ICRC supported financially the
National Society's efforts to provide fami-
lies of missing persons with psychological
and other help.
The ICRC provided financial and technical
support for 104 mine-awareness supervi-
sors and instructors, with the aim of
enabling the National Society to run the
programme on its own. In November and
December, the National Society ran mine-
awareness quiz competitions involving

more than 55,000 students in 500
schools.
The International Federation’s regional dis-
aster-preparedness and -response office,
the National Society and the ICRC contin-
ued using their trilateral approach to dis-
aster and conflict preparedness. A major
achievement in 2002 was the formation of
an emergency-response-unit manage-
ment team within the National Society.
ICRC support for the National Society's
efforts to improve its emergency prepared-
ness through training included funding,
equipment, and technical assistance.
The law on the use and protection of
the red cross emblem was adopted on
29 April and entered into force on 8 June.
239
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
FORMER YUGOSLAV
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Personnel:
12 expatriates
59 national staff
Since the crisis in the former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia (fYROM) began
in March 2001, the ICRC has been
running an assistance and protection
programme for IDPs and the resident
population of the villages and towns
worst hit by the fighting. It also visits
detainees and monitors compliance with
IHL. The ICRC cooperates with the Red
Cross of the former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia in carrying out tracing
activities and promoting IHL. The ICRC
has been present in the country since
1993.
CONTEXT
Following parliamentary elections in Sep- ployment, because of mines/UXO and

Expenditure (in Sfr) tember and protracted negotiations, a new inhabitants hostile to the new force.
government – a coalition of an ethnic
Protection Several incidents in 2002 underscored the
Macedonian party, SDSM, and an ethnic
1,131,487 fragility of the security situation. These
Albanian party, DUI – was formed on
included the killing, by the Macedonian
Assistance 3 October. Other major events of 2002 in
police in March, of seven men described
1,546,744 the fYROM included the passage of a law
by the Ministry of the Interior as
Preventive action on local self-government, paving the way
"Mujahideen" although they were most
876,516 for increased power at the municipal level;
probably unfortunate illegal immigrants
the passage in March of a law on amnesty
Cooperation with National Societies from Pakistan. A blockade organized
for former fighters of the Albanian National
309,451 along the main highway to Tetovo by fam-
Liberation Army (NLA), and the subse-
General ilies of missing persons in July degener-
quent release of most of the detainees held
73,651 ated into an armed stand-off between rival
in connection with the 2001 conflict; and
groups. In September five people were kid-
the gradual redeployment of a multi-ethnic
napped and later released following nego-
police force in the former conflict zones. A
tiations between the abductors and the
3,937,850 few areas remained off-limits to the rede-
240
OSCE, the EU and the US. Earlier, in Janu-
ary, the headquarters of the Albanian
ICRC ACTION able; IDPs with individual security con-
cerns preventing them from returning to
Coordination Council, a new umbrella Key points in 2002 their villages, and people with serious
organization for ethnic Albanian political medical problems and no access to
parties in the fYROM, was attacked, leav- • access gained to pre-trial detainees adequate medical facilities (protection
ing at least three people dead and some • completion of large-scale assistance cases); minorities from regions with secu-
10 wounded. Of particular concern to the activities for IDPs rity problems.
population were the activities of numerous
• food parcels: 30,814 and 482 tonnes
criminal gangs in the Tetovo region, where
the return to their homes of people who CIVILIANS wheat flour
had fled the fighting was hampered by • hygiene parcels: 10,599
Missing persons
vandalism, shootings and threats. In
At the end of 2002, 23 people who had • baby hygiene parcels: 8,021
addition, there was an increase in
hostage-taking in several communities. gone missing during the internal conflict in
2001 were still unaccounted for. The ICRC PEOPLE DEPRIVED
A significant number of IDPs and refugees pursued dialogue with the authorities in an
began to return to their homes in the for- effort to obtain information on their fate. OF THEIR FREEDOM
mer conflict zones. The ICRC ended its Through regular contact with the families
assistance programme for IDPs and resi- Detainees
of the missing, the ICRC learned that two
dent populations in March. However, it ethnic Albanians, for whom tracing cases The ICRC made 11 visits to regional pris-
continued to assist IDPs living in collective had been opened at the time of the con- ons, thereby completing a series of visits
centres. In addition, returnees were pro- flict, had returned to their homes. The ICRC – which commenced in March 2001 – to
vided with a one-month supply of food. continued to deal with a small number of prisoners in the fYROM. The ICRC pre-
Owing to the particularly difficult situation tracing cases linked to the Kosovo crisis. sented a report of its observations and rec-
in three mountainous villages of Skopska A total of 277 RCMs were exchanged. ommendations resulting from the visits,
Crna Gora, the ICRC, in consultation with and from debriefings of former prisoners
UNHCR, also provided food rations for released under the March 2002 amnesty
Respect for IHL law, to the authorities concerned.
refugees returning from Kosovo.
The organization also continued to moni-
The ICRC continued to visit prisons, and tor respect for IHL, particularly the treat- The ICRC maintained good cooperation
through dialogue with the government ment of civilians by the armed forces. with the Directorate of Prisons, who pro-
made significant progress in its efforts to vided timely and accurate information on
obtain access to pre-trial detainees. By the pre-trial and sentenced detainees. In
Assistance "urgent" cases, the ICRC was able to
second quarter the ICRC resumed its work
with government authorities promoting Although the bulk of the programme pro- obtain oral confirmation of the detention of

IHL. Other activities, such as the viding food and other aid for IDPs and newly arrested people and pass on the
mine/UXO-awareness programme and civilians in areas affected by conflict information directly to their families. This
promotion of IHL among the armed and ended in March, the ICRC continued to was particularly important at the time of a
police forces, remained on course. provide food for IDPs still in collective cen- hostage incident in August following
tres, while ECHO assisted those living with arrests resulting from the killing of two
host families. By June 2002, most of the policemen in Gostivar. The ICRC continued
70,000 people displaced by the conflict of to follow up new arrests and was finally
2001 had returned to their villages. able to talk in private with two pre-trial
Between July and November, the ICRC detainees. Previously, the organization
carried out an entirely new registration of had only been allowed to visit detainees
IDPs. By late December, it had registered once they were sentenced.
8,441 IDPs, of whom 2,071 were in col-
lective centres and 6,370 lived with host
families. Deregistered IDPs received a
one-month supply of food to help them
resettle. The following three criteria were
used for the re-registration of IDPs: people
with damaged houses deemed uninhabit-
241
Assistance AUTHORITIES Police forces
The ICRC made a three-day visit to Idri- During a three-day IHL trainers’ workshop
zovo Prison in Skopje in January to evalu- The authorities and IHL for the Special Forces Police, the ICRC
ate health conditions and delivery of med- The changing situation in the country made a presentation on mine/UXO aware-
ical services. Some medical items were encouraged the ICRC to undertake a num- ness. Materials supplied in 2002 included
donated to the prison. Work started on an ber of activities in addition to the ones specialized human rights texts for police
assistance programme to replace the old defined in its objectives for 2002. In July, investigators and instructors. Translation
and obsolete medical equipment of a for example, it launched an assessment of and printing of the summary of the man-
newly built primary health-care centre national measures for the implementation ual To Serve and to Protect remained on
(ambulanta) in Idrizovo. of IHL by appointing a professor of inter- track.
national law to carry out the study.
The police academy was revived and a
WOUNDED AND SICK 12-week human rights course for a
ARMED FORCES 1,100-strong multi-ethnic police force
Ambulantas was launched by the OSCE. The main
AND OTHER BEARERS objective of the course was to promote a
Nearly all ambulantas that were not dam-
aged reopened. Repair work on damaged OF WEAPONS community policing system to pave the
ones started to gain momentum as areas way for the development of the Macedon-
Promotion of IHL in the armed forces
affected by crisis became increasingly ian police force. Mine awareness was
accessible to international organizations The ICRC supported the translation, print- included in the course curriculum. In addi-
and NGOs. In March, WHO, in coopera- ing and production of IHL publications tion, 251 ethnically mixed junior police
tion with the Ministry of Health and other and the dubbing of IHL videos for the officers attended presentations on mine
organizations, started preparations to armed forces. The ICRC also supplied IHL awareness, which were followed by
establish temporary mobile health teams publications to army personnel and evaluations. Mine-awareness kits were
for villages where medical services were donated materials to the Macedonian mil- distributed. The police troops would be
not expected to resume in the near future. itary academy. patrolling in former conflict areas and
As a result of the increased involvement of The ICRC gave presentations on its princi- would therefore need to be aware of the
other international organizations and ples, mandate and activities in the fYROM danger of mines and UXO. They would be
NGOs in areas affected by the crisis, the and on IHL to the armed forces on several in constant contact with the local resident
ICRC put on hold the supply of basic med- occasions including: population and needed to be able to con-
icines to the ambulantas and hospitals in vey the mine-awareness message and
order to avoid a duplication of efforts, and • 2 seminars attended by 30 senior offi- respond appropriately to requests for
closed the Skopje delegation’s medical cers of the Macedonian army mine/UXO clearance from residents.
department in December. The remaining • a seminar at the Skopje Military Acad- Two seminars were held for 13 senior offi-
stocks of medical supplies, with the emy organized by the Turkish Partner- cers and instructors of the Macedonian
exception of an emergency medical stock ship for Peace training centre, attended Special Forces Police, and briefings were
containing surgical kits, were distributed by 24 officers conducted for 27 newly arrived OSCE
to hospitals. police instructors.
• a specialized 4-day IHL course for
14 air force officers
Emergency medical services
Owing to security concerns many people, • IHL courses for instructors, attended by CIVIL SOCIETY
mainly from outlying villages in the Tetovo 12 army officers
The media and IHL
region, were afraid to use the roads from • an IHL presentation attended by 95 ca- The local media regularly covered devel-
their villages to Skopje or Tetovo at night. dets from the Macedonian Military opments regarding missing persons and
Emergency medical services were also Academy the scaling-down of relief programmes.
reluctant to do so. The ICRC therefore
Dissemination materials were distributed Press conferences were held as part of the
stepped in to bring aid to people in need,
after each of these events. effort to promote the mine/UXO-awareness
such as young babies or those with
programme.
chronic medical complaints.
242
The ICRC presented its mandate and activ- NATIONAL SOCIETY
ities in the fYROM to International Federa-
tion and Macedonian Red Cross staff at Owing to difficulties with the Tetovo branch
workshops, to representatives of local of the Macedonian Red Cross, cooperation
communities in Tetovo, and to 18 newly was frozen in the second half of the year.
arrived OSCE monitors and advisers at Nevertheless, the mine-awareness team
their initial briefing. remained active and completed its pro-
gramme. The National Society’s dissemi-
The ICRC completed its third video in Mace- nation department put considerable effort
donian. Panorama 99, Panorama 01 and into raising awareness of humanitarian
the Story of an idea were all available in principles in primary schools and at the
both Macedonian and Albanian. community level. Several handbooks were
translated and produced, mainly to help
Teaching of IHL in universities the National Society revise its statutes.
A professor from Skopje University
attended an IHL university lecturers' semi- Mine awareness
nar organized by the ICRC in Geneva. In The Macedonian Red Cross mine/UXO-
November, three law students and a law awareness programme focused on the
professor participated in the ICRC regional urban displaced population. The ICRC pro-
moot court in Belgrade. Other activities vided training and technical support that
geared towards students included presen- enabled the local community and Mace-
tations on the ICRC for the Skopje law fac- donian Red Cross mine/UXO-awareness
ulty, and discussions with the South-East instructors to carry out activities which
European University, in Tetovo, about the included 202 presentations in mine/UXO-
possibility of offering IHL courses. Docu- affected areas attended by 1,571 adults
ments on the Geneva Conventions and the and 2,038 children. Theatre was one of
ICRC in the Macedonian and Albanian lan- the ways in which the mine-awareness
guages were distributed at these events. message was conveyed to children.
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) Information materials

In October, a preparatory workshop for 25 distributed in 2002
participants was held to organize the • 1,701 leaflets for adults; 1,257
resumption of the "promotion of human brochures for children; 10,838 pocket

values" (PHV) school programme, which calendars
had been on hold since the eruption of the
2001 conflict. Three workshops held in • 25 posters of a general nature; 73
December were attended by 120 high- posters announcing children's theatre
school students and 24 teachers from dif- performances
ferent cultural and ethnic backgrounds. • 6,694 diaries for displaced school chil-
The participants were given the opportu- dren and 910 for resident children
nity to get to know each other, express
their opinions, discover and understand • 11 CDs and 20 video cassettes on
different cultures, and learn about Red mine awareness
Cross principles. Two parts of EHL, the
ICRC’s educational programme for young
people, were incorporated and success-
fully field-tested in a PHV workshop.
243
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA SOUTHERN CAUCASUS
SOUTHERN CAUCASUS:
ARMENIA
AND AZERBAIJAN
Personnel:
Armenia:
8 expatriates
60 national staff
Azerbaijan:
19 expatriates
48 national staff
The ICRC has been working in Armenia

and Azerbaijan, in the context of the
Nagorny Karabakh conflict, since 1992. It
focuses on addressing the missing
persons issue and the problems of
people who are held in connection with
the conflict and vulnerable detainees. It
supports the authorities in bringing the
spread of tuberculosis in prisons under
control. It also promotes the national
implementation of IHL and its integration
into the training of the armed and
security forces and into university and
school curricula. In Azerbaijan, the ICRC
assists the health authorities in making
limb-fitting services available across the
country. In Nagorny Karabakh, it supports
primary health-care services.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) Like previous years, 2002 saw a number mass protests against chronic poverty,
(Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) of mediation initiatives led by the French, unemployment and other social ills
Russian and United States co-chairmen of reached a peak in June.
Protection the OSCE Minsk group and bilateral talks
3,228,175 In Nagorny Karabakh, social and eco-
between the Presidents of Armenia and
nomic conditions remained dismal
Assistance Azerbaijan, for example at the October CIS
although reconstruction efforts continued.
15,523,690 summit in Chisinau and November's
The region remained under martial law.
Preventive action NATO summit in Prague. However, no tan-
3,640,516 gible progress was made towards a settle- One of the ICRC's continuing priorities was
ment of the 11-year-old dispute over the to involve the parties in a constructive dia-
Nagorny Karabakh region. logue on the issue of people unaccounted
361,629 for. While the organization was called
General Both countries continued to suffer from
upon on several occasions to carry out
501,463 widespread poverty, the slow pace of
various activities for people detained in
reforms and the lingering effects of the
connection with the conflict, the focus of
conflict, including the protracted exile
its work was on monitoring the living con-
of more than one million displaced people
23,255,474 and refugees. In Azerbaijan renewed
ditions of detainees, particularly vulnera-
244
ble groups within the prison population.
The ICRC's programme to contain the
ICRC ACTION Throughout the year the ICRC maintained
contact with various local and interna-
threat of tuberculosis (TB) in prisons Key points in 2002 tional NGOs, such as the Clasen group on
made encouraging progress while its pri- missing persons (a working group of the
mary health-care and mine-awareness • progressive implementation of DOTS- Heinrich Böll Foundation) and the Helsinki
programmes were gradually being based TB control programmes in pris- Citizens' Assembly.
handed over to local partners, as planned. ons: start of the treatment phase in
Programmes to promote the incorporation Armenia, completion of extension work
on treatment and diagnostic facilities in Family members
of IHL into national legislation, military separated by the conflict
training and school and university curric- Azerbaijan
ula continued. In view of extreme needs, Telephone and postal links between Arme-
• transfer of responsibilities for the mine-
the ICRC stepped in to provide food aid to nia, Azerbaijan and the Nagorny
awareness and the primary health-care
235 destitute families in Stepanakert/ Karabakh region were still disrupted as a
programmes in Nagorny Karabakh to
Khankendi. result of the conflict. For a small number of
the authorities concerned
people, the Red Cross message (RCM)
As before, the ICRC coordinated its efforts service was still the only way of maintain-
with other organizations, mainly the CIVILIANS ing contact with family members they had
OSCE, UNHCR, the World Food Pro- left behind. In 2002, this ICRC service dis-
gramme and local and international Missing persons and their families tributed 317 RCMs.
NGOs. Over a decade after the outbreak of the
Nagorny Karabakh conflict, thousands of Mine awareness in Nagorny Karabakh
families were still without news regarding In 2002, mines and UXO injured 15 peo-
the fate or whereabouts of relatives who ple, including four children, in Nagorny
had gone missing. The ICRC has received Karabakh, showing that the threat had not
3,390 tracing requests (of these, 142 yet been eliminated. The year was marked
were collected in 2002) from families in by the gradual handover of the ICRC's
Armenia and Azerbaijan, including community-based mine-awareness pro-
Nagorny Karabakh, and has kept remind- gramme to local partners. Luminescent
ing the authorities of their duty to provide white boards with warning messages had
clear answers in all these cases. While been put up in 46 communities. To enable
maintaining contact with the official com- the communities to run mine-awareness
missions set up by the parties to that activities themselves with the support of
effect, the ICRC, as in the past, sought to the local authorities, the ICRC provided
convince the parties of the need to estab- video equipment and a computer for the

lish a multilateral mechanism to deal production of TV spots, organized training
comprehensively with this issue. workshops and distributed teaching and
In an encouraging move, in April Azerbai- promotional materials. The other major
jan proposed a resolution on missing per- aspect of the programme concentrated on
sons at the 58th session of the Commis- activities carried out in schools or by chil-
sion on Human Rights of the UN dren for other children, such as puppet
Economic and Social Council, urging shows. As a result of the ICRC's pro-
States to comply with the rules of IHL and gramme, mine awareness was taught in
recommending cooperation with the ICRC. 228 schools reaching an estimated
The resolution was co-sponsored by a 22,000 children. Throughout the year, the
number of countries including Armenia ICRC supplied printed and audiovisual
and adopted by the Commission. teaching materials and organized semi-
nars for teachers, children and representa-
tives of the education authorities.
245
PEOPLE DEPRIVED TB control programme in prisons WOUNDED AND SICK
OF THEIR FREEDOM The prevalence of TB among prisoners,
Primary health care in Nagorny
coupled with a high level of resistance to
Visiting people detained in connection first-line TB drugs, remained a serious Karabakh
with the conflict problem in Armenia and Azerbaijan. In In Nagorny Karabakh, the health sector
On both sides, people were still detained 2002 the ICRC maintained its firm com- continued to suffer from the poor eco-
in relation to the conflict, albeit in small mitment to the DOTS-based prison TB- nomic situation, compounded by several
numbers. During the year, the ICRC visited control programmes it had launched in other factors such as lack of training for
six such detainees in Armenia and Azer- cooperation with the authorities in Azer- health workers and administrators, and
baijan and supervised the repatriation of baijan in 1998 and in Armenia in 2000. insufficient information about preventive
five of them. On one occasion, the organi- In Armenia, the authorities completed con- measures. The ICRC's primary health-care
zation was able to arrange for the exhu- struction of the security wall around the TB programme, in its fourth and final year,
mation and return home of the mortal department of the prison system's central continued to serve a population of some
remains of an Azerbaijani civilian from hospital in Yerevan. This enabled the pro- 57,000 in the conflict-affected districts of
Nagorny Karabakh to Azerbaijan proper, gramme to enter the treatment phase. Mardakert/Agdara, Martuni/Khocavend
and those of an Armenian civilian from Starting in November, detainees with TB and Hadrut. In February, when the Ameri-
Azerbaijan proper to Nagorny Karabakh. were transferred to the TB department, can Red Cross ended its involvement in
both from prisons and from the Sevan the programme, the ICRC took it over. In
penal colony, where active case-finding the course of the year the ICRC completed
Monitoring the situation of vulnerable the rehabilitation of health-care facilities
and security detainees allowed prisoners with TB to be diagnosed
in the early stages of the disease. At the as planned (66 facilities rehabilitated in
The ICRC had access to the entire prison all) and transferred the responsibility for
end of 2002, 66 prisoners were being
population in Armenia and Azerbaijan. the programme to the de facto health
treated in the TB department. In addition,
The Azerbaijani authorities renewed their authorities. In addition, it provided the
the ICRC organized health-education
agreement to that effect. The ICRC focused services of a consultant to assist them in
activities.
on such vulnerable groups as women, developing a system to finance health
minors, foreign nationals and those sen- In Azerbaijan, the ICRC continued to mon- care. The ICRC will continue to provide this
tenced to death, whose conditions of itor the TB programme and advise the support and to supply the health-care
detention it monitored on an individual authorities, promote health education, facilities with medicines.
basis. In Nagorny Karabakh, the ICRC provide medicines, laboratory supplies
gained access to all places of detention and equipment, and arrange for staff train- In addition, the ICRC maintained an emer-
and to all categories of detainees, whether ing in the country and abroad. Mass gency stock of drugs and surgical ma-
convicted or not. Where needed, the miniature radiography was introduced as terials so as to be able to assist local
organization provided small-scale assis- a pilot project in Baku's pre-trial detention structures promptly should hostilities
tance to improve detainees' living condi- centre to allow for rapid screening of pris- recur or an epidemic erupt. This enabled
tions. In addition, the ICRC maintained the oners upon entry into the prison system. the organization to help out during a
RCM service for detainees who wished to The ICRC continued work to expand treat- hepatitis A outbreak in December. The
exchange news with their families. ment and laboratory facilities in Colony 3, ICRC also arranged for three surgeons to
the country's referral hospital for prisoners be trained in war surgery at a seminar in
• visits to detention facilities: 173 (in 64 Moscow.
suffering from TB, and in the women's
places of detention)
colony, in order to make them suitable for
• detainees registered: 165 DOTS. By the end of the year these proj-
ects had been completed and the TB ward
• RCMs distributed: 1,450
for women had admitted its first patients.
The ICRC put special emphasis on cooper-
ating with local health staff on health edu-
cation and supported them in producing
suitable materials.
246
Amputees and other disabled people In November, both Armenia and Azerbai- entation on IHL for 130 of the school's
Ensuring access to good-quality prosthe- jan sent representatives to the regional cadets and instructors. In addition,
ses for amputees and other people with conference on landmines and explosive strengthened cooperation between the
disabilities in Azerbaijan remained a prob- remnants of war organized by the ICRC in ICRC and the military press resulted in the
lem. In 2002, cooperation between the Moscow. publication of a series of eight articles on
ICRC and the health authorities focused on IHL in the Martik armed forces newspaper.
At the end of the year, the Azerbaijan Min-
extending physical rehabilitation services istry of Foreign Affairs informed the ICRC
from Baku to other parts of the country. that preparations were being made to CIVIL SOCIETY
Seven ICRC-trained technicians had establish a national committee for the The delegations in Baku and Yerevan
already begun, or were about to begin, implementation of IHL. maintained regular contact with the
putting their skills at the service of the var-
media, including the military press, and
ious prosthetic/orthotic centres. Construc-
tion work began on a new limb-fitting and ARMED FORCES produced and used a wide range of
printed and audiovisual materials to pro-
production facility in Ganja, western Azer- AND OTHER BEARERS mote knowledge of the ICRC’s mandate
baijan, and was nearly complete at the OF WEAPONS and activities in the region.
end of the year. The ICRC also provided
support in the form of materials and com- In 2002 the ICRC and the Armenian Min-
ponents to the Nakhichevan prosthetic/ istry of Defence concluded a cooperation Promoting IHL concepts in schools
orthotic centre which had been set up by agreement on IHL training for the armed
In both Armenia and Azerbaijan, the ICRC
an ICRC-trained technician. forces, giving priority to integrating it into
kept up its support for a school pro-
practical field training. A 48-hour IHL
gramme carried out in cooperation with
course was already taught at the Military
AUTHORITIES Institute of the Ministry of Defence, the
the education authorities, which aimed to
familiarize secondary-school pupils aged
In Armenia and Azerbaijan, the ICRC main higher educational institution of the
11 to 15 with the basic principles of IHL
maintained contact with the authorities Armenian armed forces, and a 30-hour
and humanitarian action. In both coun-
concerned with the implementation of IHL IHL programme was launched as part of
tries, the programme is officially recom-
in national legislation and provided them the Ministry's advanced officers’ courses.
mended by the education authorities.
with advice and technical support, for In the course of the year the ICRC trained
example with the official translation of IHL 20 officers as IHL instructors for both pro- In Armenia, the new version of the ICRC-
treaties into the national language and grammes and supported the development sponsored textbook for the seventh grade,
with IHL research projects. In each coun- of IHL teaching materials in Armenian. At Man for man, and accompanying teach-
try, the ICRC organized a seminar on the the request of the Ministry of Defence, the ers' guides were published (23,700 text-
1998 Rome Statute of the International ICRC took part in the initial planning con- books and 2,000 teachers' guides). ICRC
Criminal Court (ICC) to familiarize the ference for a NATO Partnership for Peace staff, in cooperation with the local educa-

authorities with the requirements in terms exercise to be held in Armenia in June tion authorities and Armenian Red Cross
of ratification and implementation. In 2003. branches, held 15 training seminars on
Armenia, the seminar was organized in content and methodology for 435 teach-
In Azerbaijan, the ICRC kept up its efforts
cooperation with the Armenian interna- ers from Yerevan and six other regions of
to initiate cooperation with the Ministry of
tional law association, and in Azerbaijan, Armenia.
Defence. In April, an ICRC delegate pre-
in cooperation with the parliament.
sented IHL at a NATO Partnership for In Azerbaijan, the first programme phase
In Armenia, a group of legal experts com- Peace orientation course in Baku for offi- was completed with the distribution of the
pleted a study of the compatibility of cers of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence. sixth-grade textbook, My world, your
national legislation with the provisions of world, to schools countrywide. Some
In Nagorny Karabakh, the ICRC main-
the ICC Statute. The study was then sub- 190,000 copies of the textbook, which
tained contact with the military authorities
mitted to the ICRC Advisory Service on had previously been tested in schools
with a view to encouraging them to inte-
International Humanitarian Law for com- mainly in the Baku area, plus 12,000
grate IHL in army training. It also entered
ments. In October, the Armenian and teachers' guides were distributed. The pro-
into cooperation with the Stepanakert/
Canadian governments, in conjunction gramme focus then shifted to intensive
Khankendi military and sports high
with the OSCE, organized a conference teacher training. Eight seminars were held
school, which agreed to include IHL in its
entitled "Banning anti-personnel land- for some 130 methodology specialists to
curriculum. The ICRC provided reference
mines: capacity and cooperation in the prepare them in their turn to give training
materials and gave an introductory pres-
southern Caucasus". seminars for literature teachers working
247
with the textbooks in Azerbaijan's various In Nagorny Karabakh, the ICRC stepped
regions. The ICRC then made preparations up contact with education authorities and
for a thorough evaluation of the pro- university teachers with a view to having
gramme in 2003. IHL integrated in law and journalism stud-
ies. As a result of the organization's
In Nagorny Karabakh, the education
efforts, the Stepanakert/Khankendi nursing
authorities agreed to introduce the new
college included a six-hour IHL module in
ICRC-sponsored textbook for the seventh
a course on military and medical skills in
grade in school curricula starting in 2003.
emergency situations.
• Textbooks and teachers' guides pro-
duced and distributed: 230,000
NATIONAL SOCIETIES
Promoting IHL teaching at universities Armenian Red Cross
In 2002 the ICRC kept up efforts to The Armenian Red Cross Society lobbied
develop the two countries' academic for the adoption of a law recognizing it as
capacities in the field of IHL by providing Armenia's National Society, which should
training and support materials and spon- put its humanitarian activities on a firmer
soring the participation of students and financial footing. The ICRC provided finan-
lecturers in IHL-related events. In Armenia, cial and technical support to the Armenian
the organization worked closely with Yere- Red Cross for its tracing, dissemination
van State University, which sent a student and first-aid programmes.
team to represent Armenia at the sixth
annual De Martens moot-court competi- Azerbaijan Red Crescent
tion on IHL organized by the ICRC in
Moscow for students from across the CIS. In 2002, the ICRC supported the Red Cres-
The ICRC also established contact with the cent Society of Azerbaijan in its efforts to
international relations faculty of Acharian develop its dissemination and tracing pro-
University, a leading private institution grammes through training and financial
which offers IHL as part of international support for key staff members. Continued
law studies and as a separate subject. The support will be needed before the National
Humanitarian Institute in Hrazdan offered Society is able to take full responsibility for
an IHL study programme prepared by a these key programme areas.
local lecturer with support from the ICRC.
In Azerbaijan, the ICRC worked closely as

before with Baku State University, where it
financed an IHL book fund, and with
Khazar University, which in 2002
included IHL in its third-year programme.
With support from the ICRC, the Baku State
and Odlar Urdu universities each sent a
student team to the De Martens event in
Moscow.
248
SOUTHERN CAUCASUS:
GEORGIA
Personnel:
31 expatriates
343 national staff
In Georgia and its breakaway region of

Abkhazia, the need for humanitarian aid
remains acute. As few other
organizations are working there, the
ICRC covers the basic food needs of the
most vulnerable people in Abkhazia and
of IDPs and destitute residents in
western Georgia. Throughout Georgia
(including the separatist regions
Abkhazia and South Ossetia) the ICRC
visits detainees and runs a tuberculosis
(TB) control programme in prisons. It
also supports a prosthetic/orthotic
programme for war amputees and other
disabled people, and works to promote
IHL among the authorities, the armed
forces and civil society. The ICRC has
been working in Georgia since 1992.

Expenditure: see Southern Caucasus
(Armenia and Azerbaijan)
CONTEXT
In 2002, as in previous years, Georgia In April, tension mounted between Georgia
experienced both internal and external and the Russian Federation when Russian-
political problems. Its economic and led CIS peacekeepers deployed in the
financial situation worsened further, Kodori valley without notifying the United
fuelling popular discontent. Nations Observer Mission in Georgia
(UNOMIG), but was defused by direct dis-
Efforts continued on all sides to negotiate
cussions between Presidents Shevard-
a solution to Georgia's conflicts in its sep-
nadze and Putin. The presence of several
aratist regions of South Ossetia and Ab-
thousand Chechen refugees from the
khazia, but yielded no tangible result.
Russian Federation in Georgia's Pankisi
Georgia's relations with its breakaway
valley remained a destabilizing factor for
province of Abkhazia were marked by ten-
the sensitive relations between the two
sion in the buffer zone and in the Kodori
countries.
valley, part of which is still controlled by
the central government. Tensions eased in the latter part of the
year. In September, Georgian security
forces began to crack down on armed
249
groups in the Pankisi valley. After the CIS
summit held in the Moldovan capital
ICRC ACTION Given Abkhazia's widespread poverty,
insecurity and crime, isolated elderly
Chisinau, the Georgian authorities extra- Key points in 2002 members of minorities remained particu-
dited to Russia several Chechens wanted larly easy targets for criminal attacks and
on terrorism charges. • start of an extensive aid programme in harassment. The ICRC kept a close watch
western Georgia involving food, water on their situation. On a number of occa-
Western Georgia continued to suffer from and shelter, and continuation of food sions where individuals had experienced
the economic and social consequences of aid in Abkhazia problems it brought their cases to the
the unresolved conflict situation in Ab-
• third tripartite agreement with the Geor- attention of the authorities. Those who
khazia. As the authorities lacked the
gian authorities ensuring continuation wished to leave were given the opportunity
means to tackle these problems, and as
of the TB control programme in prisons; to join their relatives elsewhere, mostly in
humanitarian emergency aid had been
more than 85% of the patients who Georgia proper.
drastically cut in favour of longer-term
development strategies, the needs of took part in the programme and com- • RCMs distributed: 5,511
many destitute residents and IDPs were pleted treatment cured
• people reunited with their families: 9
not being met. This prompted the ICRC to
embark on a major assistance pro- CIVILIANS Food aid for vulnerable groups
gramme in the region.
Shedding light on the fate of missing in Abkhazia
In Abkhazia, the ICRC maintained its
persons A review of ICRC assistance programmes
assistance for vulnerable groups. In both
western Georgia and Abkhazia, the organ- Many families were still without news of in spring 2002 showed that they
ization continued to run "safe blood" pro- relatives who went missing during the remained crucial to the survival of many
grammes and to support key surgical 1992-93 armed conflict in Abkhazia (at people in Abkhazia. The ICRC therefore
facilities and the prosthetic/orthotic centres least 1,300 people were unaccounted for, kept up three types of programmes to
in Tbilisi and Gagra. The ICRC kept up its according to official estimates). As in the cover the food requirements of the most
traditional protection activities, and its TB past, the ICRC urged the Georgian and vulnerable, either in full or partially,
control programme in prisons was well on Abkhaz State Commissions for tracing the depending on the degree of need. About
the way to reaching WHO’s 2005 target missing to exchange all relevant informa- two-thirds of the beneficiaries were
for treatment success. tion in their possession, and provided women over 60 belonging to minorities.
them with technical assistance. In Novem- Under a community kitchen programme
ICRC programmes promoting IHL were ber it organized a training workshop in
carried out in selected universities and in (delegated to the Finnish Red Cross until
Tbilisi on expediting data collection. This June), the ICRC supplied food on a daily
many schools. In order to continue these involved enlisting the services of forensic
programmes while decreasing its financial basis at 21 soup kitchens and seven
experts specializing in the identification of mobile canteens for an average of 5,100
involvement, the ICRC began to look for an mortal remains, and also of a psychiatrist
external sponsor. people in urban areas. A home assistance
who set up a referral system for family programme, delegated to the Swedish Red
When an earthquake wrecked hundreds of members in need of psychological help. A Cross and carried out with the help of
buildings in and around Tbilisi in April, the similar initiative was planned on the Ab- some 440 local Red Cross volunteers,
ICRC stepped in to build a new collective khaz side, but the work of the Commis- provided some 1,400 housebound elderly
centre for 50 displaced families and carry sions came to a complete standstill after people with meals and basic home care
out structural repairs on two other centres the chairman of the Abkhaz Commission every day. Dry-food rations were distrib-
housing 300 people. It also performed resigned. No successor had been named uted monthly to an average of 2,300 des-
repair work and built new medical wards by the end of the year. titute people in rural areas, and quarterly
in the Sizo 1 pre-trial detention centre and to over 11,000 people in urban areas with
in the women's penal colony. Restoring family links no support from other sources. The ICRC
For a majority of the Abkhaz population, also provided the beneficiaries of these
the ICRC's Red Cross message (RCM) net- programmes with other forms of assis-
work remained the only means of keeping tance, such as clothing and school mate-
in touch with relatives outside Abkhazia, rials, as needed.
mostly in Georgia, but also in the Russian • people receiving food aid: 20,000
Federation and other countries.
• food distributed: 4,561 tonnes
250
Safe water for Sukhumi PEOPLE DEPRIVED Over 2,120 patients have been treated
and Ochamchira since the programme started in June
OF THEIR FREEDOM 1998, with a cure rate of over 80%.
Given Abkhazia's steadily deteriorating
Living conditions in prisons continued to
infrastructure and the authorities' chronic
be affected by the country's economic cri-
lack of resources, water supply and basic
sis. The Ministry of Justice welcomed the WOUNDED AND SICK
sanitation remained problematic, espe-
ICRC's proposal to form a steering com-
cially in Sukhumi and Ochamchira. Hav- Support to surgical facilities
mittee to push through urgently needed
ing completed major repairs by midyear to To ensure that patients with weapon-
improvements. The ICRC remained the
ensure sewage evacuation and water pro- related injuries and emergency surgical
only organization to have regular access
duction, the ICRC then focused on helping patients had access free of charge to
to prisons throughout Georgia, including
the water boards maintain and repair the proper care and safe blood transfusion,
Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It focused on
secondary water-distribution network by the ICRC, as in the past, regularly provided
people detained for conflict-related or
providing materials and monitoring surgical hospitals with equipment, sup-
security reasons and on vulnerable
progress. In addition, the ICRC launched a plies and medication. In western Georgia,
groups (such as women, minors and for-
series of presentations in Sukhumi's the hospitals benefiting from ICRC support
eign nationals), whose cases it monitored
schools explaining basic facts about included the Republican Hospital in Zug-
on an individual basis.
water and sanitation to youngsters. didi, the regional referral hospital, and
• visits to detention facilities: 71 (includ- two facilities in Darcheli and Jvari. In
Food, water and shelter ing 20 in Abkhazia) Abkhazia, the ICRC regularly assisted
for western Georgia's poorest • detainees visited: 117 (including 38 three referral hospitals (in Sukhumi,
In view of the dismal living conditions of newly registered) Agudzera and Tkvarcheli) and two first-
the resident population and the 100,000 line hospitals.
• RCMs distributed: 260 (including 77 in
or so displaced people stranded in west- At the Zugdidi Republican Hospital and at
Abkhazia)
ern Georgia since 1992, the ICRC stepped three hospitals in Abkhazia, the ICRC con-
in to help. It distributed food and other tinued to help the hospital blood banks
necessities quarterly to the 5% of the TB control programme in prisons
screen blood for infectious diseases and
population who were worst-off – mostly Given the high TB risk which threatens ensure that only uncontaminated blood
elderly, chronically ill or otherwise vulner- the prison population – and the population was used for transfusions. In June the
able people who were no longer able to at large when infected detainees are project, which consists in providing
meet even their most basic needs. At the released – the ICRC continued to support reagents, tests and blood bags, was
same time, it began to upgrade the the government in implementing TB con- extended to a fourth Abkhaz hospital, in
extremely poor and insalubrious water trol measures in prisons and integrating Gagra.
and habitat conditions in communal cen- them into the national TB programme.

tres housing IDPs. Systematic screening, coupled with strict In addition, the ICRC agreed to a request
adherence to the WHO-recommended for financial support, made by the working
Based on its assessment of medical care, group of the Georgian-Abkhaz coordina-
DOTS approach, helped to reduce further
the ICRC launched emergency projects to tion commission, to enable children from
the number of infectious cases, diagnose
improve the water supply and basic Abkhazia with congenital heart diseases
the disease much earlier (in 2002, 80%
hygiene standards in the Zugdidi and Jvari to be treated at a children's hospital
of TB cases had no past TB history, com-
hospitals. A comprehensive report with in Tbilisi. Eight children were assisted in
pared with 60% in 2001) and signifi-
findings and recommendations on the this way.
cantly lower the rate of multi-drug-
rapidly declining health-care situation was
resistant cases (from nearly 22% in 1998 An ICRC seminar on war surgery, held in
being prepared at the end of the year.
to 7.7% in June 2002). Moscow in October, was attended by five
• residents and IDPs assisted: 22,800 surgeons from Georgia, including two
The ICRC focused on further decentralizing
• food and other supplies distributed: 920 the programme, which has been extended from Abkhazia.
tonnes to six prisons. This involved rehabilitating • hospitals assisted regularly: 8
the civilian TB laboratory in Rustavi. In
• housing improved: 10 communal cen- • patients who received blood transfu-
addition, the ICRC organized health edu-
tres housing 3,900 IDPs sions: 620
cation for prison inmates and staff in coor-
dination with the national TB programme. • surgical operations: 2,900
251
Amputees and other disabled patients cise entitled "Best efforts 2002", held ficient numbers of teachers. The training
The ICRC kept up its support for the pros- south of Tbilisi for multinational battalions courses were extended to the Kutaisi, Zug-
thetic/orthotic centres and workshops in from 16 countries. The ICRC contributed didi and Batumi regions.
Tbilisi and Gagra, still the country's only role plays and IHL-related scenarios.
major physical rehabilitation facilities. An Promoting IHL teaching in universities
"outreach" programme continued, under CIVIL SOCIETY The ICRC continued to facilitate the inclu-
which a specialist team regularly visited a sion of IHL in the law and journalism cur-
small number of patients who were unable Contact with the media and NGOs ricula of universities by arranging presen-
to get to the centres. Both centres were The ICRC maintained regular contact with tations and seminars for lecturers and by
fully staffed and run by the authorities with the media in Georgia proper and Ab- providing or supporting the production of
the ICRC team playing an advisory role. khazia. In connection with its assistance teaching materials. IHL was taught as a
This allowed the ICRC to start working on programme in western Georgia, it pro- separate subject at Tbilisi, Batumi,
a withdrawal strategy, in consultation with duced a documentary entitled Lives on Kutaisi, Zugdidi and Sukhumi state univer-
the authorities concerned. hold and organized a photo exhibition. sities and the Independent Diplomatic
• prostheses fitted: 478 (including 163 Another documentary was made about the Academy, and in the journalism faculty of
for new patients) TB programme in prisons. As part of an Kutaisi State University. At six other facul-
IHL-related research project, the ICRC ties it was taught as part of other subjects
• orthoses fitted: 968 (including 352 for interviewed 105 combatants and former such as international or medical law. In
new patients) combatants from various parts of Georgia. April, a team from the Sukhumi branch of
Tbilisi State University took part in the
ICRC press releases were regularly picked
AUTHORITIES up by the major regional information
international De Martens moot-court com-
petition on IHL organized by the ICRC in
The ICRC maintained close contact with agencies, and documentaries on its activ-
Moscow.
the authorities regarding the ongoing ities were broadcast on Georgian and Ab-
process of ratification and implementation khaz television. The ICRC strengthened its The ICRC maintained its cooperation with
of the 1998 Rome Statute of the Interna- cooperation with major NGOs and with the European Law Students' Association
tional Criminal Court. In June 2002, the two law students' associations (see Georgia and the Georgian Young Lawyer's
ICRC contributed its IHL expertise as a par- below). Association and supported them in organ-
ticipant in an international conference on izing workshops and other events on IHL
In addition, the ICRC lent support in the
the Court, organized in Tbilisi by the Con- themes. One such event was a moot-court
form of information materials and training
stitutional and Legal Policy Institute and competition on IHL for law students from
to mine-awareness programmes run by
the Institute of European Law and Interna- Georgian universities, organized in
the HALO Trust, a British NGO, in western
tional Human Rights Law. Batumi in October by the Georgian Young
Georgia.
Lawyers' Association.
ARMED FORCES Promoting IHL concepts in schools

AND OTHER BEARERS The ICRC kept up its support for the school
NATIONAL SOCIETY
OF WEAPONS programme carried out in cooperation After the election of a new National Society
with the Ministry of Education which aims President in 2001, the International Feder-
The ICRC continued to work closely with ation, supported by the ICRC, assessed
the Ministry of Defence and provided it to familiarize secondary-school pupils
with the basic concepts of IHL and hu- the situation of the Red Cross Society of
with financial and technical advice in sup- Georgia with a view to restoring its public
port of the ongoing integration of IHL in manitarian action. Some 150,000 young-
sters at Georgia's 3,000 schools were image and developing its operational
military training on both tactical and oper- capacity, which had suffered as a result of
ational levels. A cooperation agreement to using the ICRC-sponsored textbooks for
the sixth and seventh grades, Know your- internal problems. Meanwhile, the ICRC
that effect was signed in October. Under an kept up support for the National Society
IHL programme at the National Defence self and What hate destroys. In Abkhazia
and South Ossetia, the Russian version of dissemination and tracing services. This
Academy, over 180 command and staff enabled the Georgian Red Cross to teach
officers were trained by the ICRC as IHL the fifth- and sixth-grade textbooks was
used to teach some 7,600 pupils. The school teachers and school leavers the
instructors. principles of IHL as part of its youth pro-
programme focused on teacher training
In June, the ICRC took part in a NATO and refresher courses aimed at enhancing gramme, and to help displaced families in
"Partnership for peace" field training exer- the quality of teaching and motivating suf- Ajaria maintain contact with their relatives.
252
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
YUGOSLAVIA
Personnel:
37 expatriates
330 national staff
The ICRC works throughout the Federal

Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and
supports the families of missing persons
in their efforts to ascertain the fate of
their loved ones. The ICRC provides
them with psychological and material
assistance where necessary. Working
closely with the Yugoslav Red Cross, the
ICRC also distributes basic food and
hygiene items to the most vulnerable
IDPs, and implements small-scale
programmes to help them to become
self-sufficient. The ICRC has operated in
Yugoslavia since 1991.
CONTEXT

In June 2002, the federal parliament rati- Political uncertainty prevailed in Serbia.
Expenditure (in Sfr) fied an agreement for a three-year period Three successive elections had not pro-
to transform the Yugoslav federal State duced a president by the end of 2002
Protection into a union of Serbia and Montenegro, because voter participation was below the
6,169,485 thereby paving the way for a temporary minimum requirement of 50%. In Mon-
Assistance solution to the uncertain relationship tenegro, local elections confirmed Milo
14,735,411 between the two republics. Other develop- Djukanovic as President.
Preventive action ments included the federal parliament’s
In Serbia unemployment remained high,
ratification of the Dayton Peace Agree-
2,331,206 foreign investment minimal, and the need
ment, the adoption of important laws on
Cooperation with National Societies to replace humanitarian aid with develop-
cooperation with the International Criminal
1,370,227 ment aid became increasingly evident.
Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY),
General Notwithstanding an increase in the num-
amnesty for former armed groups in
ber of violent incidents, southern Serbia
147,676 southern Serbia and civilian control of
remained relatively calm. A multi-ethnic
State security services.
police force was trained and deployed in
the area.
24,754,004
253
Over 400,000 refugees from the region
and some 230,000 IDPs from Kosovo
ICRC ACTION FRY to identify human remains and attend
funerals.
remained in the FRY. The United Nations Key points in 2002
Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo Kosovo conflict
(UNMIK) and the Serbian government • food provided for the most vulnerable
IDPs from Kosovo Since January 1998 the ICRC had col-
separately developed plans for the return
lected 5,799 tracing requests from direct
of IDPs to Kosovo, which called for a safe • continued support to the authorities in
family members. The total number of peo-
environment for returnees, freedom of the exhumation and identification of
ple still missing was 3,695 at the end of
movement, economic and other condi- human remains
2002. In 2002, 173 cases were solved,
tions for their survival, and reintegration in
• support increased to families of missing as follows:
society.
persons through production of a booklet
• 57 located alive
Formation of a new government in Kosovo with useful information on legal and
following assembly elections in November administrative matters • 70 confirmed dead (human remains
2001 was held up by a dispute between were identified/there was circumstantial
the Kosovo Democratic League (LDK) and evidence on the fate of the people in
the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK). The CIVILIANS question)
impasse was solved in February, when
Missing persons • 47 cases were closed as they did not fit
Ibrahim Rugova of the LDK was chosen to
ICRC criteria
be president, and Bajram Rexhepi of the Croatia conflict 1991-1995
PDK prime minister. The stalemate slowed The FRY and UNMIK authorities continued
Altogether the ICRC had collected 5,192
the transfer of power from UNMIK to to work together to resolve the issue of
tracing requests from direct family mem-
Kosovo institutions. people missing as a result of the Kosovo
bers. The total number of people still miss-
conflict. The two sides signed protocols on
Although the WFP’s Food Safety Net pro- ing was 2,625 at the end of 2002. In
cooperation between verification teams
gramme, which had benefited some 2002, 118 cases were solved as follows:
looking for concealed prisons, the
70,000 people, ended in March, a size-
• 60 located alive exchange of forensic expertise, and repa-
able number of people remained in need
triation of identified remains. Excavation of
of aid. Discouraged by lack of prospects • 57 confirmed dead (human remains
graves intensified in Serbia while UNMIK
and access to employment, and other were identified/there was circumstantial
made plans to speed up the exhumation
problems, there were still more Serbs leav- evidence on the fate of the people in
process in Kosovo. The ICRC’s collection
ing Kosovo than returning to it. However, question)
of ante-mortem data on both sides of the
members of the Roma, Ashkali and Egypt-
• 1 case was cancelled at the family's administrative boundary eased the task of
ian communities returned to Kosovo in
request matching ante- and post-mortem data.
increasing numbers. Most of the IDPs
from southern Serbia returned to that The ICRC carried on working with all con- The ICRC carried out a study on legal,
region. Fewer than 5,000 refugees from cerned to resolve the issue of people miss- administrative and cultural problems
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedo- ing as a result of the conflict between linked to the status of missing persons
nia (fYROM) reportedly remained in Croatia and the FRY in 1991-92 and and to related issues for families of the
Kosovo. 1995. FRY and Croatian government rep- missing. It subsequently produced a book-
resentatives on a joint commission on let providing the families with useful infor-
missing persons continued to cooperate, mation on how to deal with problems
and remained committed to completing ranging from making property claims to
the exhumation process in 2003. They obtaining death certificates. The booklet
excavated mass graves in Sabac, Gracac will be distributed through lawyers' net-
and Korenica. Work continued at the Insti- works helping these families. Psychologi-
tute of Forensic Medicine in Zagreb to cal assistance was offered to the families
identify exhumed human remains by DNA. through discussion groups involving psy-
The ICRC continued to collect ante-mortem chologists and legal experts. The ICRC also
data for use in identifications. It arranged organized a special viewing of clothes
for members of families of missing per- found on human remains, arranged for
sons, including people without travel family members to attend and provided
documents, to travel to Zagreb from the them with psychological support.
254
IDPs from Kosovo • other aid distributed: 221,189 hygiene ties with a view to resolving the problems
The ICRC regularly visited the former parcels in Serbia and 37,425 hygiene that discouraged people in enclaves from
Ground Safety Zone (GSZ) and its envi- parcels for IDPs in Montenegro visiting relatives in detention in Kosovo or
rons to assess the situation of the civilian Serbia proper.
The ICRC upgraded part of the Muhovac
population. It checked on people arrested ambulanta (health-care centre) in the for- • detainees visited: 271
by the Yugoslav Security Force following mer GSZ, increased material assistance to
sporadic security incidents. • RCMs handled: 191
eight local water boards and arranged for
Means of communication between two Red Cross health-care centres and a
enclaves in Kosovo and the rest of the FRY soup kitchen to receive a daily supply of WOUNDED AND SICK
improved further, thereby reducing reliance water.
Basic health care
on RCMs. The ICRC and UNMIK worked The ICRC met regularly with the Kosovo
together to facilitate family reunifications, Force (KFOR), UNHCR, the Kosovo Pro- In Kraljevo, the area with the highest con-
visits and transfers of people across the tection Corps and Handicap International centration of IDPs from Kosovo, the ICRC
administrative boundary between Kosovo to ensure that returning IDPs were made supported efforts to make basic health
and Serbia proper. aware of the danger of mines, to support care accessible to both the resident and
mine-clearance activities and to discuss displaced populations. It continued work-
• RCMs exchanged between people in ing with the Serbian health ministry and
Kosovo and their family members in assistance to mine victims.
the World Bank on a three-year primary
other parts of the FRY or elsewhere: 708 health-care project for Kraljevo municipal-
Water supply for IDP ity. The ICRC provided material and techni-
Income-generating projects to help IDPs
and resident populations cal support to public health-care facilities
enhance their self-sufficiency remained on
course. They benefited 740 families in the In Kosovo the ICRC concluded a water and in Kraljevo.
Nis, Belgrade and Kraljevo areas. habitat programme that strengthened the
To give civilians in hard-to-reach areas
authorities’ capacity to restore water sup-
Community-based programmes were greater access to health care, the ICRC
ply systems damaged by conflict. An
developed to improve the social condi- provided logistical support, essential
important component of the programme,
tions of IDPs and their relations with resi- drugs and other medical supplies to local
which included training, material and
dents. In pilot programmes in the Belgrade health institutions managed by the Vranje
technical support, was the construction of
and Kraljevo areas, various recreational Health Centre. The organization also
a reservoir and the repair of a pipe that
and social activities were used to integrate assisted all ambulantas in the Presevo
supplied water to some 90,000 people in
IDPs into the local community. Some 900 area, serving roughly 1,200 people per
the Gnijlane area.
IDPs were thus given the opportunity to month. Working with other organizations
take part in activities that would otherwise the ICRC helped a number of previously
have been inaccessible to them. PEOPLE DEPRIVED closed ambulantas to reopen. The "Joint

OF THEIR FREEDOM State-and-Red-Cross pharmacies project"
The ICRC continued to provide food for continued to provide essential drugs
IDPs such as pensioners, single-parent After the release of some 150 detainees for over 7,000 IDPs per month in the
households and the disabled. An ICRC and their return to Kosovo, the ICRC dras- five regions with the highest concentration
study revealed that ICRC assistance met tically reduced its detainee-welfare activi- of IDPs.
25% of the average displaced house- ties in Serbia proper, but continued to visit
hold's needs, thereby helping reduce a very small number of detainees arrested
poverty. for security reasons. A final series of sum- Emergency and basic health care
mary reports on prison conditions in Ser- Local Red Cross teams in the Mitrovica
• IDPs receiving a monthly food ration bia and Montenegro was handed over to region were trained in emergency medical
consisting of 12 kg of wheat flour and a the authorities in mid-2002. The ICRC evacuation. Staff of the Red Cross of
parcel containing beans, oil, sugar, maintained contact with other organiza- Kosovo and Metohija received first-aid
etc.: 59,000 tions and the donor community to ensure training and equipment. The Swiss Red
• food distributed: 11,430 tonnes, in- support for prisons. Cross contributed to a WHO/UNMIK
cluding 9,000 tonnes of wheat flour health-care project by training nurses and
The ICRC also decreased its detention-
and 32,935 individual parcels doctors in the Pec/Peja region.
related activities in Kosovo but still visited
some detainees. The ICRC maintained
contact with the UNMIK and FRY authori-
255
AUTHORITIES KFOR and IHL A presentation on the ICRC, its activities in
In Kosovo, the ICRC continued to familiar- Kosovo and the basic principles of IHL
National implementation of IHL ize international forces engaged in peace was made for 120 students of the "Faik
The ICRC maintained its contacts with the support operations with its mandate and Konica" journalism school.
authorities in Serbia and Montenegro. The activities. These efforts included IHL
FRY passed a federal law on cooperation workshops and information sessions IHL and universities
with the ICTY and it entered into force. The attended by: In Serbia proper and Montenegro, activi-
ICRC continued to encourage the FRY ties for university students included a
• 431 KFOR officers
authorities to accede to the Ottawa Con- regional moot-court competition attended
vention, and maintained its dialogue with • 510 Protection Police Service cadets by eight teams from the Balkans, Belgrade
supranational and regional organizations and 111 Kosovo Correctional Services University's launch of a postgraduate
on missing persons and other issues of officers and social workers course in IHL, and a seminar at the Foren-
humanitarian concern. sic Institute in Nis attended by 35 students
• 50 instructors and senior officers from
the Kosovo Protection Corps and professors.
ARMED FORCES The ICRC held a seminar on IHL in April
AND OTHER BEARERS CIVIL SOCIETY in Belgrade for law students and pro-
fessors from the FRY, and met representa-
OF WEAPONS Media support tives of the universities of Pristina and
The FRY police and human rights law The ICRC maintained its contacts with the Mitrovica to discuss integration of IHL in
media. The local and international media their curricula.
The ICRC organized a human rights
course for 68 Serbian and Montenegrin in the FRY (including Kosovo) continued
police officers and also carried on partici- to inform the public about ICRC activities Mine/UXO action
pating in police training courses organ- concerning IDPs, detainees, missing per- In southern Serbia, where the ICRC contin-
ized by the FRY and the OSCE for newly sons, mine awareness, and the "Women ued efforts to alert the population to the
recruited policemen from southern Serbia. and War" project. danger of mines and UXO, there was a
Three FRY officials attended meetings marked decline in the number of mine vic-
organized by the ICRC or with its support, The "Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) tims. Two theatre companies performed a
including one on human rights law, held programme play based on the "Little Red Riding Hood"
in Vienna. The ICRC carried on working with the edu- story, which had been adapted to convey
cation authorities in Serbia proper and mine-awareness messages to school-
The Yugoslav army and IHL Montenegro to promote integration of IHL children and teach them safe behaviour.
in secondary-school curricula. A major Evaluations confirmed that they had
The ICRC conducted a specialized course
development in this area was the educa- become very aware of the danger posed
for the air force and worked with the
tion ministry’s consent, given in May, to by mines and UXO. The ICRC and the
Yugoslav Red Cross to organize three IHL
implementation of an EHL project as part Yugoslav Red Cross also delivered food
seminars attended by 84 officials, includ-
of civics studies in secondary schools and other items to mine/UXO victims and
ing instructors and military commanders,
beginning in 2003. A cooperation agree- their families.
from the FRY armed forces and the
defence ministry. A total of 11,000 IHL ment was reached with MOST, an educa- • training: 41 National Society staff and
books were distributed. tional group, concerning the training of volunteers
EHL instructors, adaptation of EHL materi-
als to the ministry's specifications, and • theatre performances: 50, seen by
support in monitoring and evaluation. The 4,232 children and 512 adults
instructors were trained in June and the
adapted EHL materials were submitted in
November for accreditation by the ministry
– a condition for overall implementation of
the EHL programme in Serbia.
256
The ICRC visited 120 villages in Kosovo to In Kosovo, there were two operating Red
raise awareness of the danger posed by Cross organizations, namely the Red
mines and UXO among the population in Cross of Kosova and the Red Cross of
affected areas. It reported on its activities Kosovo and Metohija. After a successful
to mine-clearance agencies for follow-up. experience in October when these organi-
Data gathered on mine/UXO victims (10 zations worked together to provide relief
killed and 21 injured) were used to adapt goods to 3,674 families, discussions
the mine-awareness programme to the began on forming one single Red Cross
needs in the field, and were shared with organization in Kosovo. The discussions
other agencies that assist victims and had made significant progress by the end
communities affected by mines. of the year. The International Federation
and the ICRC actively supported the
• participation in meetings/courses: 102
strengthening of ties between the two
Red Cross volunteers, staff and others
organizations.
• materials produced/distributed: 14,400
The ICRC remained the Movement's lead
notebooks, posters for adults and
agency in Kosovo, while six partner
children
National Societies continued to support
the Red Cross branches through training
NATIONAL SOCIETY and income-generating activities. As the
The ICRC continued to support the local partner of a UNHCR-funded pro-
Yugoslav Red Cross. In April the Distribu- gramme, the branches helped support
tion Management and Control Centre, host families housing IDPs and refugees.
which had previously been managed by In addition to providing support to the
the ICRC and the International Federation, development of the Red Cross branches
was handed over to the Serbian Red in Kosovo, the International Federation
Cross, which became fully responsible for completed the training of first-aid
the Centre’s distribution of relief goods to instructors, while the ICRC completed a
IDPs. This marked the successful comple- medical-evacuation programme involving
tion of a joint effort by the National Society, 15 volunteers.
the International Federation and the ICRC
to strengthen the capacity of the Serbian
Red Cross to manage relief operations.
Other activities included:

• training: 32 tracing staff; 75 dissemina-
tion staff
• materials provided: stationery and trac-
ing kits for 120 Red Cross branches
257
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA BUDAPEST
BUDAPEST
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania,
Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia
Personnel:
7 expatriates
26 national staff
The Budapest regional delegation, which

was established in 1997, aims to
develop a broad network of contacts
with governments, academic circles,
civil society and the media in Central
Europe. It supports the civilian and
military authorities in their efforts to
incorporate IHL into school and
university curricula and military training
programmes, and cooperates with the
National Red Cross Societies of the
region. In Croatia, the ICRC is also
addressing the after-effects of the
conflicts that occurred between 1991
and 1995.
CONTEXT
Integration into the EU and NATO remained alliance. In November NATO invited Bul-
Expenditure (in Sfr) a major objective of the foreign policies of garia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Roma-
the Central European countries. For the nia, Slovakia and Slovenia to become full
Protection ordinary citizen, the prospect of integration members, possibly in May 2004.
759,401 into those bodies symbolized security
On 22 October, Ireland, the only EU coun-
Assistance – economic security in particular. For gov-
try that had not ratified the Nice Treaty on
0 ernments, it symbolized political success.
the Union’s enlargement, voted in favour
Preventive action The countries made significant strides
of its ratification, thereby removing a
1,921,356 towards gaining admission to NATO in
major stumbling block and helping move
2002, partly as a result of external factors,
Cooperation with National Societies applicant countries closer to their goal. In
such as the events of 11 September
1,198,203 December the EU decided that the Czech
2001. The ensuing "international war on
General Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
terrorism" prompted Russia to abandon its
151,568 Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
objections to NATO membership for former
could join the Union in May 2004. Nig-
Soviet republics, thus removing one of the
gling problems remained, even for the
last obstacles to the admission of Estonia,
more prosperous countries. The thorniest
4,030,528 Latvia and Lithuania into the defence
258
concerns were agricultural production
quotas, the issue of compensation for the
ICRC ACTION detainees held in Croatia. Apart from pro-
viding transport and escorting family
Sudeten Germans in the Czech Republic, Key points in 2002 members during the visits, the ICRC’s
and the restitution of Church and royal main concern was to ensure that those
properties in Romania. The countries of • agreement by the South East European without travel documents were also able
the region made uneven progress in their Network for Professionalization of the to visit detained relatives. The programme
bids to enter the two organizations. Bul- Media to incorporate IHL into its regular enabled:
garia and Romania were unlikely to join training activities
• 389 people from the FRY to visit
the EU before 2007, and Croatia’s appli- • parliament's adoption of the Red Cross 118 detainees in Croatia
cation was hampered by EU preconditions law, making the Croatian Red Cross an
such as allowing the return of IDPs and auxiliary to the State in implementing • 42 people from Bosnia and Herzegov-
refugees and cooperating with the Interna- the mine-awareness programme ina to visit 18 detainees in Croatia
tional Criminal Tribunal for the former
• the testing, for the first time, of the • 3 ex-detainees to return to the FRY fol-
Yugoslavia.
"Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL) lowing their release
Most economic activity in the region was programme in secondary schools in
the result of private enterprise. All the central and eastern Croatia
region’s countries had the basic elements
AUTHORITIES
of a market economy, with functioning Implementation of IHL
markets in goods and services, capital, CIVILIANS
and labour. The restitution of once nation- Bulgaria, Estonia, Romania and Slovakia
Missing persons became party to the 1998 Rome Statute
alized assets was either complete or well
advanced. However, the transition from Following excavations of mass graves in of the ICC. Croatia ratified the amended
State-controlled to market economies pro- Knin and Sabac, the ICRC arranged for Protocol II and Protocol IV to the 1980
duced "winners" and "losers", and the gap members of families of missing persons Convention on Certain Conventional
between them was widening. The elderly – including those who had no travel docu- Weapons. Poland made progress towards
(relatively unable to adjust to new chal- ments – to travel to Zagreb from other ratification of Protocol II to the 1954
lenges), the infirm and marginalized parts of Croatia and the FRY to confirm Hague Cultural Property Convention.
groups – such as Roma throughout Cen- identifications made by the Croatian gov- Romania withdrew the reservations it had
tral Europe, Turks in Bulgaria or Russians ernment. In all, the ICRC arranged for made in 1954 upon ratifying the 1949
in some of the Baltic States – clearly lost 236 family members to participate on Geneva Conventions.
out in the developments of the past 11 occasions, which resulted in the identi- A draft assessment of Latvia's domestic
decade. The social safety net that should fication of the remains of 110 persons. legislation with regard to IHL obligations
protect such groups was still nascent in The ICRC then arranged for 157 of the was completed. In September the ICRC
families to attend funeral ceremonies in

the region. forwarded its comments on the draft docu-
Croatia. In 2002 the ICRC collected ante- ment for consideration in the final report.
Regarding the emotive issue of missing mortem information from families of
persons, cooperation between Croatia and Studies on the compatibility of national
416 missing persons, which it handed legislation with IHL continued in the Czech
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) over to the Croatian and Yugoslav com-
improved, thus facilitating the search for Republic, and also in Slovakia, where an
missions on missing persons. (See Fed- IHL committee was formed at the begin-
the human remains of Serbs in Croatia eral Republic of Yugoslavia.)
and Croats in Serbia. The Croatian gov- ning of 2002. The ICRC continued to
ernment completed destruction of its assist Lithuania in developing a plan of
stockpile of anti-personnel mines ahead PEOPLE DEPRIVED action to implement recommendations
made in connection with an assessment
of schedule. OF THEIR FREEDOM of its national IHL measures.
In Croatia, the ICRC visited 32 detainees
held in 11 places of detention in connec- ICRC staff travelled to Bulgaria, the Czech
tion with the past conflict, including Republic, Poland and Slovakia to discuss
detainees serving sentences for war IHL implementation, ratification of the
crimes. The main focus of the ICRC's Ottawa Convention and national IHL
detainee-welfare programme was to facili- committees.
tate visits, by family members living in the
FRY and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to
259
In June the ICRC and the Hungarian gov- In July, the Polish Red Cross and the ICRC CIVIL SOCIETY
ernment organized a regional conference organized the 20th Warsaw summer
on implementation of the Rome Statute of course on IHL, which was attended by The ICRC and the region’s National Soci-
the ICC. The objectives of the conference, representatives of the Polish foreign and eties provided the media with information
attended by representatives of 22 States, culture ministries and of diplomatic mis- on the organization’s mandate and activi-
including some from outside the region, sions in Poland, and by 40 students from ties and on activities of the Movement in
were to assess legislative amendments 31 countries. general. The media’s interest in the ICRC
required to implement the Statute at the was boosted by its visits to the internees in
The ICRC translated its police training Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The South East
domestic level, and to provide those
manual, To Serve and to Protect, into 12 European Network for Professionalization
attending with an opportunity to benefit
of the region’s languages and published it of the Media agreed to incorporate IHL into
from other States’ experiences.
in 10 countries. Contact was maintained its regular training activities.
The ICRC presented the results of a study between the ICRC and the national author-
of measures to protect the red cross ities of all countries to ensure proper IHL in universities
emblem to the Hungarian national IHL implementation of a police and security
committee and the Hungarian Red Cross forces programme on IHL. The ICRC sponsored the participation of
for submission to the relevant authorities. Hungarian and Lithuanian university
teams in the Jean Pictet IHL competition in
Following the destruction of stockpiled IHL in armed forces Portugal. It supplied materials on IHL to
anti-personnel mines near Knin, in Octo- The ICRC conducted IHL courses for the the Hungarian Academy of Science, the
ber, the Croatian government, in coopera- armed forces of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, library of the Hungarian parliament and
tion with the Croatian Mine Centre and the Poland and Slovakia. In addition, it spon- the IHL Centre at Wroclaw University, in
"Croatia without mines" NGO, hosted a sored the enrolment of two army officers, Poland, and agreed to help start optional
seminar on implementation of the Ottawa from Estonia and Poland, in a course on IHL courses at a university in Latvia. The
Convention, which the ICRC attended. IHL at the International Institute of Human- ICRC met academics in Croatia and the
itarian Law, in San Remo, Italy. The ICRC Czech Republic to promote IHL in universi-
also held an IHL workshop for the Hungar- ties, and students and IHL professors of
ARMED FORCES ian armed forces, four IHL courses for the the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia to
AND OTHER BEARERS air forces of Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, discuss the "Women and War" project and
OF WEAPONS Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, and two the teaching of IHL.
specialized IHL courses for the Bulgarian
IHL and human rights law and Croatian navies. In six countries of the
in police forces region, it conducted IHL workshops for NATIONAL SOCIETIES
Eleven training courses were conducted in military academies, which integrated National Societies' statutory role
the region to support the authorities in their humanitarian law into their training proce-
dures, manuals and exercises. In April the ICRC and the Polish Red Cross
efforts to integrate international human
organized a workshop in Warsaw that
rights law and principles of IHL into ICRC financial support enabled the Bulgar- was attended by the Czech, Latvian,
national policing practices and to help ian and Czech armed forces to produce Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Slovak
create or enhance national capacities to IHL manuals in their national languages. and Swedish National Societies. The main
teach or promote these bodies of law.
The yearly "point of contact" meeting was objectives were to share experiences and
These included courses conducted for the
held in Bratislava in June and July to enhance cooperation.
national police or gendarmerie of Croatia,
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania. enable participants (military representa- The ICRC provided the Estonian, Latvian,
tives of 17 countries) to share experiences Lithuanian, Polish and Romanian
A regional meeting of representatives of in IHL implementation and to plan IHL National Societies with financial support to
interior ministries of the Central European activities for 2003 in each of their help them promote IHL. In addition, the
countries on IHL and human rights law countries. ICRC produced publications in the various
organized jointly by the ICRC and the Hun-
languages of the region.
garian government provided a forum for
exchanges of information and experience.
260
Together with the International Federation, The ICRC and the National Society contin- The "Exploring Humanitarian Law" (EHL)
the ICRC organized two regional disaster- ued to support mine-related activities such programme
and conflict-preparedness workshops in as the formation of a mine-victim section Croatia’s Education Ministry and the Croa-
Bulgaria and Lithuania. It offered financial in the National Association of Invalids, tian Red Cross examined means of incor-
support for the tracing activities of the participation in the first national assess- porating EHL into the secondary-school
Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Slovak and ment of civilian mine victims, creation of a curriculum, and devised a joint implemen-
Slovenian National Societies, and spon- photo reportage on children injured by tation strategy. In a series of workshops,
sored the attendance of representatives of mines to help secure funding, promotion teacher trainers, students and youth lead-
the Czech, Hungarian and Slovakian of a booklet on mine victims' rights, and ers tested EHL to decide on teaching meth-
National Societies at the annual meeting cooperation with the Croatian Campaign ods. Training sessions were then carried
of National Society tracing services in to Ban Landmines. out and the programme was tested in sec-
Geneva. Other efforts supported by the ondary schools in central and eastern
The ICRC and the Croatian Red Cross also
ICRC included: Croatia.
supported the Croatian government, the
• the annual Central European partner- Croatian Mine Action Centre and NGOs in In August the Croatian Red Cross organ-
ship meeting in Warsaw for compo- organizing a seminar in Dubrovnik, enti- ized an international youth camp that
nents of the Movement, which brought tled "Croatia without mines", which brought together participants from 16
together 26 National Societies including focused on implementation of the Ottawa countries. The aim was to help young
14 from the region Convention. people understand the need to respect life
• the second round-table conference in No fewer than 55 mine-awareness and human dignity. The EHL programme
Croatia for the region's dissemination instructors from the National Security net- was presented to the participants, who
officers work of 50 branches in mine/UXO-affected were keen to have it implemented in their
areas raised awareness of the danger of countries.
• a youth camp organized by the Hungar-
mines. They gave 1,356 presentations In November a cooperation agreement on
ian Red Cross in Zanka, Hungary
attended by 17,662 adults and 15,179 the integration of EHL into the secondary-
• a workshop organized by the Interna- children. school curriculum in Lithuania was con-
tional Federation and the Norwegian cluded between the country’s Ministry of
Five refresher courses on mines, the
Red Cross Education and the Lithuanian Red Cross.
awareness programme and fundraising
• the fourth general assembly of the Red were organized by the National Society The same month the ICRC and the
Cross of Romania with ICRC support for 87 mine-awareness National Society organized Lithuania’s first
instructors and Red Cross branch training seminar on the programme,
secretaries. which was attended by 20 teachers
Mine action
selected by the Ministry of Education.
Launched in 1996 by the ICRC and the Major mine-awareness activities included

Croatian Red Cross to help prevent mine a multimedia exhibition, providing chil-
accidents, the Croatian mine/UXO aware- dren with safe playgrounds in mine-
ness programme continued to work contaminated areas, and performances of
through local Red Cross branches to reach a play entitled Ne, ne...mi-ne, which used
population groups at risk, such as a popular children's story to convey the
returnees, hunters, farmers, fishermen and mine-awareness message to over 8,000
children. In October, the parliament pupils. Other projects included sports
adopted a law on the Croatian Red Cross, competitions, radio programmes and
making it the State’s auxiliary in imple- youth competitions.
menting the mine-awareness programme.
The ICRC supported the efforts of the Croa-
tian Red Cross and the Croatian Mine
Action Centre to use radio and television to
convey mine-awareness messages to
population groups at risk. It also took part
in the production of an animated film enti-
tled Mines – the invisible killer.
261
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA KYIV
KYIV
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine
Personnel:
1 expatriate
8 national staff
The Kyiv regional delegation, which has

been operating since 1995,
concentrates on promoting IHL and
encouraging the authorities in the region
to implement it. The far-reaching
reforms currently under way in the
countries covered offer a unique
opportunity for IHL to be incorporated
into national legislation, university and
secondary-school curricula, and training
programmes and codes of conduct for
the armed, police and security forces.
CONTEXT
Political life in Ukraine was marked by In Moldova, the authorities in Chisinau

Expenditure (in Sfr) conflicting trends in 2002. While the out- and the breakaway region of Transdnistria
come of parliamentary elections in March made no progress towards settling their
Protection showed a clear shift away from the previ- differences, despite intensive international
15,954 ous massive support for President mediation efforts.
Assistance Kuchma's party, by the end of the year
The ICRC pursued its brief to spread
0 pro-presidential factions had gained a
knowledge of and foster respect for IHL.
Preventive action majority in parliament.
The authorities and the armed forces
921,640 Belarus remained in political isolation. remained highly receptive to these activi-
Cooperation with National Societies This was illustrated, among other things, ties and made considerable efforts to
348,554 by the worsening relations between the implement IHL at national level and inte-
General authorities and the OSCE mission in Minsk grate it progressively in military training.
0 which closed after the de facto expulsions Similarly, cooperation continued with the
of two successive acting heads of mis- police and security forces regarding train-
sion. However, by the end of the year, ing in IHL and human rights. The pro-
negotiations had resulted in the decision gramme to promote IHL among students
1,286,148 to reopen the OSCE office in 2003.
262
and academics at selected universities in
all three countries gained momentum as
ICRC ACTION AUTHORITIES
the universities increasingly took their own The ICRC continued to advise the authori-
Key points in 2002 ties of Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine
initiatives and cooperated with each other
in this field. In Belarus and Ukraine, the • progressive implementation of the EHL regarding the implementation of IHL at
pilot phase of the "Exploring Humanitarian school programme in Ukraine and national level and provided them with
Law" (EHL) programme for secondary Belarus and increasingly pro-active material and financial support to that end.
schools was extended to other regions. approach of the ICRC's partner universi- The process was well advanced in all
The ICRC associated the National Soci- ties in preparing IHL-related teaching three countries, if hampered at times by
eties closely with all its activities in the materials and organizing IHL-related internal political factors.
region covered. events
With ICRC support, the Belarus national
• increased willingness and ability on the committee for the implementation of
part of the authorities and the armed IHL organized a high-level seminar for
and security forces to implement IHL judges on IHL and the repression of
and integrate it in military training war crimes. The ICRC partly financed a
manual on the theme written by the
Belarusian Deputy Minister of Justice, who
PEOPLE DEPRIVED heads the committee.
OF THEIR FREEDOM The Moldovan parliament drafted a new
The ICRC kept a close watch on the situa- penal code in April, taking into account the
tion of security detainees and pursued its ICRC's recommendations regarding the
efforts to negotiate renewed access to the repression of serious IHL violations. At the
remaining members of the "Ilascu group" end of the year, the draft code was await-
held in Transdnistria in connection with ing its second reading in parliament.
the armed conflict in 1992. The ICRC had Moldova's national committee on IHL initi-
last visited these detainees in October ated a study on the compatibility of
1993. In May 2001 the authorities in national legislation with the 1998 Rome
Tiraspol freed Mr Ilascu, but not his three Statute of the International Criminal Court
fellow detainees. (ICC). The study is expected to serve as a
In addition, at the request of the prison major tool to facilitate and promote ratifi-
authorities, the ICRC acted as a neutral cation and implementation.
intermediary to help resolve a health In Ukraine, the national committee on
emergency in a prison housing detainees IHL completed a similar study regarding

with tuberculosis (TB) in the city of Ben- the compatibility of Ukrainian legislation
dery. Conditions in the prison, which is on with the ICC Statute. The study was then
Transdnistrian territory but controlled by submitted to the Ministry of Justice for
the Moldovan authorities, had become examination.
insufferable since the Transdnistrian
administration cut off water and electricity
in September 2002. When the crisis
reached a peak in December the ICRC
played a major role in persuading the
Transdnistrian side to restore the water
supply and encouraged both sides to
engage in a dialogue on this issue. The
organization agreed to the request of
both sides for a survey of the TB situation
in prisons to be conducted jointly
by Moldovan, Transdnistrian and ICRC
doctors.
263
ARMED FORCES CIVIL SOCIETY In Ukraine, where EHL was already being
introduced on a pilot basis in the Kyiv
AND OTHER BEARERS Promoting IHL in academic circles region using the recently translated Russ-
OF WEAPONS The ICRC maintained contact with selected ian version, orientation seminars and
In all three countries covered by the universities in the region to promote the training workshops on the programme
regional delegation, the ICRC pursued its study of IHL as part of law, international were organized for representatives of the
cooperation programmes with the respec- relations and journalism courses, mainly education authorities, pedagogical insti-
tive defence ministries with a view to pro- by providing relevant literature and spon- tutes, and universities, and for directors
moting the integration of IHL in military soring the participation of teachers and of schools and teachers of courses that
training and procedures. This involved students in IHL-related events. With sup- prepare students for military service. The
giving seminars on IHL for senior officers port from the ICRC and UNHCR, in Febru- programme was also extensively tested
from various armed services and lecturers ary a Moldovan team also participated in outside formal school settings, in particu-
and students from military academies, the Jean Pictet competition on IHL in Por- lar among socially marginalized young
and training IHL instructors in specialized tugal. In April six teams of students from people, Red Cross educators and youth
courses. Cooperation with the interior min- Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine took part in leaders.
istries of these countries involved organiz- the sixth De Martens moot-court competi- In May 2002, as a result of a mid-
ing seminars and presentations on IHL tion on IHL, organized by the ICRC in term review, the regional education
and human rights for senior police officers Moscow. In the 2002-03 academic year, authorities of Donetsk (eastern Ukraine)
and lecturers and students of police acad- Kyiv International University for the first gave their approval for EHL to be tested in
emies and other educational institutions. time offered an IHL course as part of jour- 34 schools. A group of trained teachers
An important aspect of the ICRC's activities nalism studies. With financial support was designated to start implementation in
in Ukraine consisted in preparing police from the ICRC, two of the university's the 2002-03 school year. At the end of
officers to take part, as instructors or teachers prepared a teaching file on IHL 2002, the programme was extended on a
policemen, in UN civilian police missions in Ukrainian for the use of universities pilot basis to two more regions in central
across the world. In addition, the ICRC countrywide. Three Moldovan universities and western Ukraine. In December, the
provided, produced or helped to produce a made preparations for a national IHL com- ICRC facilitated an EHL competition for
broad range of publications and training petition to be held the following year, in students in schools participating in the
materials, including a CD with IHL materi- cooperation with the ICRC and using input programme, which led to the creation of a
als in Russian and English. provided by Kyiv International University. regional Red Cross youth organization.
• IHL seminars for the armed forces: In Belarus, an EHL event was held for
15 seminars for 688 participants EHL: educational programme for young pupils and teachers from six of the coun-
people try's regions, followed by a national work-
• instructors trained: 161
In Ukraine and Belarus, the ICRC, in co- shop on EHL organized by the Belarusian
• IHL/human rights seminars for the operation with the education authorities Red Cross for young people from schools,
police and security forces: 25 seminars and National Societies, continued to sup- colleges and institutes across the country.
for 575 participants port the introduction of the EHL educa- A training seminar on EHL, in which three
• police officers trained for UN missions: tional programme into secondary-school Ukrainian instructors and four head teach-
30 curricula. The programme is aimed at ers from schools using the programme in
developing knowledge and understanding Ukraine took part, was held in September
of the basic rules and principles of IHL and at the Brest Regional Institute for Advanced
related issues among adolescents. In Management and Teacher Training. As a
2002 efforts were under way in over result of the seminar, the institute included
40 countries to work towards integrating EHL in its plan of activities for the 2002-
EHL in secondary-school curricula. A draft 2005 period, and the Brest regional
Russian version of the programme was administration agreed to offer EHL as an
completed in 2002 under the supervision optional course in 21 schools starting in
of the ICRC. Work on the Ukrainian version September 2002. EHL was expected to be
was expected to begin in 2003. introduced in alI seven regions in 2003.
264
NATIONAL SOCIETIES Support for dissemination activities carried
out by all three National Societies helped
As in the past, the regional delegation spread knowledge of IHL among the gen-
gave financial and material support and eral public and furthered understanding of
technical advice to the National Societies the activities and role of the Societies in
of the countries covered, in particular their their own countries. In particular, it
tracing and dissemination services. Dis- enabled the National Societies to produce
semination activities focused on the EHL printed and other promotional materials,
programme. The ICRC also continued to take part in training workshops and, in the
support first-aid posts in Crimea which case of the Ukrainian Red Cross, purchase
provided urgently needed health services a vehicle to serve as a mobile dissemina-
in remote settlements, but which were not tion unit. The Ukrainian Red Cross also
yet financially autonomous. presented the ICRC's "People in war" trav-
ICRC support enabled the Ukrainian Red elling exhibition, which was viewed by
Cross Society tracing service to respond thousands of people across Ukraine. The
more effectively to requests relating to National Societies of Belarus and Ukraine
compensation for victims of the Second were closely involved in the EHL pro-
World War, which represent the bulk of its gramme (see above). The ICRC estab-
caseload. The Ukrainian Red Cross also lished working relations with the Red
trained its counterparts in the Red Cross Cross Society of Moldova, with which it
Society of Belarus in the use of computer- organized a seminar on the Movement,
ized tracing programmes. IHL and the ICRC for the Bendery branch
and local officials in Transdnistria. Ben-
dery is the only town controlled by
Transdnistria on the west bank of the
Dniestr river. The National Society's newly
recruited dissemination officer, whose
salary was financed by the ICRC, received
training and prepared to start an EHL pro-
gramme in Moldova.
265
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA MOSCOW
MOSCOW
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Russian Federation, with specialized
services for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and to some
extent Central Asia
Personnel:
36 expatriates
346 national staff
The Moscow delegation, which was

opened in 1992, combines operational
functions in the Russian Federation with
regional functions in other member
States of the CIS. In the Russian
Federation the ICRC assists vulnerable
populations affected by armed
confrontations in Chechnya, and visits
people detained in connection with that
context. In all the countries covered, the
ICRC runs long-term communication
and preventive programmes to promote
IHL among the authorities, the armed
and security forces and civil society, and
to foster understanding of the ICRC's
mandate and work.
CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) In 2002, the Russian Federation pursued diary and facilitated the release of eight
its course of political and economic children and one adult. The ICRC also pro-
Protection reform. vided two doctors for a short period who
1,425,332 gave medical treatment to hostages dur-
Meanwhile, the armed confrontation
Assistance ing the crisis. In December, more than 70
between federal forces and Chechen fight-
24,344,224 people were killed and another 150 were
ers continued to take its toll, as did a
injured in a bomb attack on the Chechen
Preventive action series of violent incidents linked to the
government headquarters in Grozny.
5,866,840 unresolved Chechen issue. In May, a
Cooperation with National Societies bomb blast killed some 50 people and The need for humanitarian aid and
2,615,307 injured close to 200 in Daghestan. In rebuilding in the northern Caucasus
October, a Moscow theatre became the remained undiminished, especially in the
General
scene of a hostage crisis during which Chechen republic, while the basic needs
281,384 over 100 civilians died. At the request of of Chechen IDPs in Ingushetia were
the Russian authorities and the hostage- largely covered by humanitarian organi-
takers, the ICRC stepped in on a strictly zations. Moves by the federal government
34,533,086 humanitarian basis as a neutral interme- to close tent camps in Ingushetia met with
266
international protest and were subse-
quently put on hold.
The regional communication support cen-
tre based at the Moscow delegation con-
ICRC ACTION
tinued to coordinate and support ICRC Key points in 2002
The ICRC maintained its large-scale assis-
programmes to promote IHL in the various
tance operation for people affected by the • in the northern Caucasus, a major
countries of the region.
armed confrontation. After conducting review of ICRC assistance programmes,
extensive economic security surveys resulting in better targeting of beneficiar-
among residents in Chechnya and IDPs in ies' needs in Ingushetia and Chechnya
Daghestan and Ingushetia, the organiza-
tion began to shift its operational focus to • at the level of the CIS, streamlining of
the Chechen republic. The ICRC began to long-term programmes to promote IHL,
scale down its assistance in Ingushetia with a view to ensuring their continua-
and Daghestan to concentrate on the most tion, where possible with gradually
vulnerable IDPs. It coordinated its activi- decreasing ICRC resources
ties closely with those of OCHA, other UN
agencies and NGOs present on the CIVILIANS
ground.
Helping Chechnya's vulnerable resident
When floods swept through parts of south-
population
ern Russia in late June, the ICRC stepped
in to provide 10,000 households with While high unemployment and poor
relief goods, in cooperation with the local social and economic conditions were
authorities and Russian Red Cross Society widespread in the northern Caucasus and
branches. southern Russia, in the Chechen republic
they were exacerbated by the ongoing
Security problems in the region remained armed confrontation. The situation contin-
a major constraint on the activities of ued to affect the population in terms of
ICRC expatriates, who stayed based in access to schools, marketplaces, work
Nalchik (Kabardino-Balkaria) and Nazran and health care. Some 60% of the popu-
(Ingushetia), although they did carry out lation in the central and southern parts of
assignments in Chechnya several times the republic had difficulty meeting their
each week. The ICRC sought to intensify daily food needs. Many homes had been
its dialogue with key authorities at the fed- damaged by fighting. Protection remained
eral, regional and local levels so as to a key issue, as residents ran the constant
promote understanding and acceptance of risk of being caught up in operations of

its mandate and thereby to facilitate its the federal security forces or attacks by
action. In November, two ICRC staff mem- Chechen fighters.
bers were abducted in Chechnya, prompt-
ing the ICRC to suspend its activities in the Despite security constraints, the ICRC
republic. Both were released soon after- (until August, jointly with the Chechen
wards, and operations resumed. branch of the Russian Red Cross, then
independently) regularly provided vulnera-
Protection concerns focused on issues ble people (elderly, disabled and destitute
relating to detention and to the situation of people, families with five or more children,
the civilian population, including the orphans and households headed by
needs of missing persons and their fami- women with bread, sugar, oil, soap and
lies. The ICRC made a special effort to pro- tea. On average, 550,000 bread loaves
mote IHL among the armed and security were distributed each month. At the end of
forces operating in the northern Caucasus. the year, some 47,000 people benefited
It also developed its mine-awareness pro- from this programme, roughly half of
gramme further, especially in Chechnya them in Grozny. In addition, the ICRC ran
and Daghestan. four programmes to give supplementary
food, hygiene kits and other items to an
average of 3,000 IDPs in collective
267
centres, 500 people in seven medical and Helping IDPs in Ingushetia Helping needy residents and IDPs
social-welfare institutions, and unpaid or The largest concentration of IDPs across the region
poorly paid workers providing essential remained in Ingushetia. Many of them fre- In Chechnya, Daghestan, Ingushetia and
services. In the second half of the year, the quently ventured back into Chechnya. seven other republics and regions, thanks
ICRC began to register people in tempo- Based on its economic-security review of to programmes carried out by the National
rary accommodation centres in Grozny April 2002 and further assessments car- Society with ICRC support, some 4,250
and Gudermes, and provide them with ried out among individual IDP households elderly and bedridden people, other vul-
personal hygiene items. These centres in August, the ICRC gradually scaled down nerable individuals and families, and resi-
had been set up by the authorities prima- its food and other aid to focus exclusively dents of social-welfare institutions regu-
rily for displaced people returning to on the neediest among them. In the four larly received food parcels and hygiene
Chechnya. At the end of the year, the ICRC distributions carried out during the year, kits, as well as basic medical and per-
had registered over 4,000 such people. In the number of beneficiaries dropped from sonal care. In addition, between January
addition, the ICRC provided 24,000 an initial 135,000 to around 88,000 in and May, through the Russian Red Cross
school kits and 17,000 pairs of shoes to December. The aid consisted of food the ICRC provided 19,000 of the neediest
Chechen children on State-sponsored parcels, candles and hygiene kits and displaced people in these regions with
vacation in recreational facilities outside supplemented the basic assistance pro- summer and winter clothes. In coordina-
Chechnya. vided by the WFP. Until May, some tion with the International Federation, the
30,000 IDPs in camps and collective cen- ICRC continued to lend financial support to
Providing safe water and stoves tres each received three bread loaves a National Society programme providing
In Chechnya's heavily damaged capital weekly from the Russian Red Cross (2.43 IDPs with psychological counselling and
Grozny, water remained a major problem. million loaves were distributed in all). legal advice on such matters as their
The ICRC continued to support the efforts Through the Ingush branch of the Russian rights and legal status.
of the local water board to increase its Red Cross, starting in June the ICRC pro-
• total aid distributed in southern Russia/
capacity to repair and maintain the water vided children's shoes to hundreds of des-
northern Caucasus: 321,713 food
supply network by supplying it with such titute IDP families, as well as baby-care
parcels, 1.127 million hygiene kits and
materials as welding equipment, an exca- parcels to those with newborn infants.
8,110 tonnes of food
vator and two sewage trucks, on the Working in coordination with UNHCR, the
understanding that priority would be given International Rescue Committee and MSF- Helping separated family members
to improving sanitation in hospitals and Belgium, the ICRC continued its large-
collective centres. scale water and sanitation operation, The need remained for family links to be
keeping some 40,000 IDPs in camps restored, mostly between people in the
An ICRC-funded water treatment plant pro- northern Caucasus and their relatives who
duced an average monthly supply of supplied with sufficient water to meet their
daily drinking water and personal hygiene had settled elsewhere in the Russian Fed-
some 21,000 cubic metres of safe drink- eration or abroad. In Chechnya, the ICRC’s
ing water, which was sufficient to meet the needs throughout the year.
RCM service enabled people living in
needs of some 40,000 of Grozny's inhab- remote areas and elderly people whose
itants. The water was distributed by the Helping vulnerable groups in Daghestan families had left to maintain family con-
International Rescue Committee, the In Daghestan, one of Russia's poorest tact. In 2002, some 1,740 messages
municipal housing department and private republics which had also been affected by were distributed.
trucks. In addition, the ICRC donated three the armed confrontation in Chechnya, the
water trucks to the water board to ensure ICRC gave 8,000 residents in four districts
water delivery to neighbouring villages, food parcels and hygiene kits. In coopera-
and donated pumps and bladders to a tion with the Daghestan branch of the
Polish NGO active in this field. Russian Red Cross, the ICRC ran a school
In addition, the ICRC water and habitat feeding programme for 500 children in
team installed 920 stoves in schools and Novostroy and completed a kitchen-
hospitals in Grozny and Chechnya's other garden project. With a view to refocusing
major cities. its assistance on Chechen IDPs in 2003,
the ICRC registered the entire displaced
population and assessed water and habi-
tat conditions in eight collective centres in
Khasavyurt.
268
The ICRC also collected requests for infor- PEOPLE DEPRIVED In addition, the ICRC supported a pro-
mation from families regarding the where- gramme initiated by the Chechen branch
abouts of their relatives whom they OF THEIR FREEDOM of the Russian Red Cross to supply basic
believed to be detained, and regularly On the basis of an agreement with the medicines and supplies to medical facili-
submitted them to the authorities. During Russian authorities first concluded in ties of the Ministry of Health in Chechnya's
the year under review, 288 such cases March 2000, the ICRC continued to have Urus Martan and Shali districts, serving a
were brought to its attention. In total, 540 access to people detained in connection population of some 220,000. The pro-
cases remained unresolved since the ICRC with military operations in Chechnya. The gramme provided basic health services at
started collecting them in 2001 (these fig- volatile security situation and the difficul- a rate of 15,000 consultations monthly.
ures do not represent the total number of ties involved in obtaining the approval of
the authorities for escorts to ensure the After completing a survey of hospitals in
persons missing, as not all families who
safety of ICRC staff meant that certain Chechnya's main cities, the ICRC
have lost contact with a relative report the
places of detention remained out of launched projects to upgrade the water
case to the ICRC).
bounds, particularly within Chechnya supply and sanitary situation in two of
itself. Delegates nonetheless carried out them. At the Urus Martan district reference
Alerting youngsters hospital, it completed major repair work,
to the landmine threat 70 visits to 39 places of detention under
the jurisdiction of the Justice and Interior thereby significantly improving conditions
Landmines and UXO remained a constant ministries, including 32 in Chechnya, and for the facility’s 320 patients. At the Shali
threat to the resident population in Chech- registered 776 detainees (in total, 2,496 hospital, technical preparations were
nya and to displaced people upon their detainees had been registered in 52 made for large-scale repairs to begin the
return home. As before, the ICRC’s mine- places of detention since March 2000). following year.
awareness programme focused on chil- The ICRC engaged in direct, constructive Through its surgical programme, the ICRC
dren as the group most at risk. It targeted dialogue with prison authorities and the provided wheelchairs and crutches to
thousands of Chechen children in Chech- relevant ministry officials, aiming to patients with disabilities. To address
nya itself, in IDP camps in Ingushetia or ensure that the detainees were treated longer-term needs for physical rehabilita-
on State-sponsored vacation in sanatori- humanely. During all visits, detainees tion among Chechnya's several thousand
ums in the northern Caucasus, and were given the opportunity to write RCMs war amputees and other disabled people,
schoolchildren in mine-affected communi- which were then collected for delivery to the ICRC started a programme to train spe-
ties in two regions of Daghestan. A variety their relatives. In 2002 the ICRC distrib- cialized Chechen staff for a prosthetic/
of tools were used or were being devel- uted 116 messages in all. orthotic centre in Grozny which the author-
oped, including puppet shows, a televi- ities reopened in 2002. During the year
sion series and cartoons featuring the three students completed training and
popular character Cheerdig. A "child-to- WOUNDED AND SICK began working at the centre, while another
child" approach aimed to teach young- In Chechnya, surgical and general health- five started their training in November. The

sters ways of avoiding accidents and care facilities and equipment remained ICRC also donated equipment to the
passing life-saving information on to their crippled by both war damage and lack of Grozny centre.
peers. A similar approach was used for means and maintenance. The ICRC con-
teenagers. The ICRC also supported a tinued to supply, as needed, nine hospi-
project developed by the senior council of tals in Chechnya and one referral facility AUTHORITIES
imams (community leaders). In addition, each in Ingushetia and Daghestan with In the Russian Federation, the ICRC pur-
the ICRC continued to collect data on mine medicines and surgical materials and sued a concerted dialogue on the ratifica-
and UXO casualties from the hospitals it equipment. To respond better to existing tion and implementation of IHL treaties,
assisted, so as to make this information needs, the ICRC decided to supply greater such as the 1998 Rome Statute of the ICC,
widely available. quantities and a broader range of medi- with the various ministries concerned. The
cines. It sponsored the participation of a ICRC supported the authorities by organiz-
Chechen surgeon in an ICRC seminar on ing and participating in conferences and
war surgery in Moscow. other IHL-related events, and provided
them with reference materials.
269
In November, the ICRC held a first regional Ministry of Defence Ministry of the Interior
conference in Moscow on landmines and In 2002 the ICRC helped set up a Ministry In 2002 the ICRC's cooperation with the
explosive remnants of war. The aim was of Defence working group which drew up Ministry of the Interior stayed focused on
to raise awareness among Russian and a three-year plan for IHL integration, and dissemination of human rights law and
international experts and policy-makers of recommendations to ensure that key com- humanitarian principles among law-
the provisions of treaties such as the bat manuals included relevant humanitar- enforcement personnel and Interior troops
1997 Ottawa Convention and the 1980 ian rules. As regards training, 135 officers of the Russian Federation. To help inte-
Convention on Certain Conventional graduated as IHL instructors from six two- grate rules of human rights law and princi-
Weapons, and to promote national acces- week IHL courses at the leading Russian ples of IHL into the curriculum of more
sion and implementation efforts in Russia staff college (Combined-Arms Academy). than 50 institutes and academies as well
and other CIS member States (in 2002, Another IHL course was held for 32 offi- as 120 training centres of the Ministry of
only Moldova, Tajikistan and Turk- cers of the Leningrad military district head- the Interior, the ICRC assisted the Ministry
menistan had ratified the Ottawa Conven- quarters in St Petersburg. Ten general and in creating a programme specifically for
tion). Participants included all but two CIS staff officers attended two Russian- this purpose. In addition, it trained 96 offi-
member States, as well as representatives language IHL classes at the International cers as IHL instructors in four seminars.
of Western countries, UN organizations Institute of Humanitarian Law in San
and NGOs. In order to raise interest in human rights
Remo, Italy. Twelve teams from officer
law and humanitarian principles among
The ICRC maintained close working rela- cadet schools demonstrated their IHL
future police officers, a "professional of the
tions with the Interparliamentary Assembly skills at the third Skobelev competition on
future" competition was held in which
of the CIS which draws up model laws laws and customs of war, while a team
eight teams from seven police institutes
and makes recommendations for member from the elite Ryazan airborne school did
and academies in Russia and one from
States. The main topic in 2002 was ratifi- well at an international IHL competition
Ukraine participated.
cation and implementation of the ICC held at the San Remo institute. Some
Statute. In October 2002 the Assembly 60 chiefs of civic training and chief editors The ICRC attached considerable impor-
adopted a resolution on ratification of the of the Ministry of Defence media gathered tance to spreading knowledge of human
Statute intended for the relevant bodies of at a seminar to discuss IHL issues and rights law, humanitarian principles and its
CIS parliaments. At the request of the ICRC activities. own activities among the large number of
Assembly's secretary-general, an agree- police forces and Interior troops stationed
In the northern Caucasus, 2,280 officers
ment was prepared with a view to in the northern Caucasus. In 2002, nearly
and men due to be deployed in Chechnya
strengthening cooperation with the ICRC in 8,000 rank and file attended 74 seminars
or take part in peace-support operations in
the field of IHL promotion. and presentations.
Georgia attended 18 IHL training sessions
held by the ICRC.
ARMED FORCES CIVIL SOCIETY
AND OTHER BEARERS Federal Border Service To familiarize the general public with the
Movement, IHL and humanitarian action,
OF WEAPONS As a result of the ICRC's efforts, the director
the ICRC's travelling exhibition entitled
of the Federal Border Service issued "Order
No. 558 on Measures to Ensure IHL "Humanity and war" continued its tour of
The ICRC continued to assist the armed Respect in Border Service of the Russian the northern Caucasus and southern Rus-
forces and other bearers of weapons in the Federation". Russian border guards ac- sia, attracting thousands of viewers. In
Russian Federation in incorporating the tively participated in most ICRC-supported September, the ICRC took part in the
rules of IHL into all aspects of their training events organized for the Ministry of "Swiss days" exhibition in Moscow. In
and operations. Defence. In the northern Caucasus, 3,212 addition, the regional delegation in
Federal Border Service officers and men Moscow produced newsletters, fact sheets
attended 22 IHL training sessions held by and press releases in English and Russian
the ICRC. and distributed them widely to the authori-
ties, media outlets and other audiences.
270
Promoting IHL concepts in schools Major events organized by the ICRC in Civilians). In August, the primary health-
Working through a team of Russian edu- 2002 included, in April, the sixth De care and home-care programmes were
cation experts, the ICRC continued its Martens moot-court competition on IHL, put on hold because of internal problems
school programme, begun in 1995, aim- which was attended by 18 teams from in the branch.
ing to familiarize secondary-school pupils seven CIS countries (the competition was
across the Russian Federation with the simultaneously held in Tashkent for 11
basic principles of IHL and humanitarian teams from four countries). This and other
action. A textbook for the 8th grade, the events helped to strengthen contact with
last of a series of four ICRC-sponsored lit- regional law and international relations
erature manuals for grades 5 to 8 entitled experts, and to encourage students to
A world around you, was printed and dis- engage in research on IHL topics. The
tributed. In terms of production, distribu- ICRC provided IHL publications and tech-
tion and reprinting, this represents, for nical support to students and academic
each of the four grades, an average of institutions.
1.84 million manuals for pupils and
100,000 teachers' guides. Continuous NATIONAL SOCIETY
monitoring of the programme showed that
The Russian Red Cross continued its
around 60% of teachers and pupils regu-
reform process with structural support pro-
larly used the ICRC manuals.
vided by the ICRC to strengthen the
In grades 9 to 11, an ICRC resource book National Society's tracing and dissemina-
on IHL led to the inclusion of IHL topics in tion services and boost operational coop-
seven new civic-education manuals and eration with the branches in the northern
four manuals for a course entitled "The Caucasus. For example, ICRC support
basics of living safely". enabled the Russian Red Cross tracing
centre in Moscow, which still deals with
Having completed the first programme
some 40,000 cases relating to the Sec-
phase, the ICRC began to focus on inten-
ond World War every year, to start com-
sive teacher training, impact evaluation
puterizing its registration card index. A
and extension of the programme to spe-
pilot project to improve the dissemination
cialized military schools. At the same
capacity of local Red Cross branches
time, the ICRC maintained contact with the
through youth volunteers was extended
Ministry of Education regarding its long-
from seven to 10 regions. The Russian
term goal of having IHL topics included in
Red Cross also redesigned its magazine.
federal education standards.

The ICRC maintained cooperation with the
Promoting IHL teaching in universities 14 branches in the southern Russia and
northern Caucasus regions. While it
The ICRC maintained cooperation with
phased out food aid for IDPs in Ingushetia
law, international relations and journalism
and Daghestan, it continued to support the
faculties across the Russian Federation. It
branches' psychological and legal coun-
focused its efforts on creating a pool of IHL
selling services for IDPs. Thanks to a proj-
experts among Russia’s academics and
ect funded by the American Red Cross,
State officials, capable of initiating IHL-
branch managers were given extensive
related events and training, developing
capacity-building training, and the home-
reference materials and assisting the
care programme received financial sup-
authorities in integrating IHL in national
port. These programmes helped to
legislation. In September the ICRC organ-
broaden the Movement's services for IDPs
ized the eighth international course on the
and residents in areas affected by the
subject, which brought together 46 partic-
ongoing armed confrontation. In Chech-
ipants including university professors and
nya itself, the Chechen branch of the
officials from 11 CIS States.
Russian Red Cross was a major imple-
menting partner for the organization (see
271
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Canada, United States of America
Personnel:
8 expatriates
4 national staff
The ICRC’s Washington regional

delegation has become an
acknowledged source of information for
government officials, organizations and
other interested groups and individuals.
Since January 2002, the ICRC has been
regularly visiting internees held by the
US armed forces at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, and Norfolk, USA. The ICRC
works closely with the American and
Canadian Red Cross Societies, mainly
within the framework of their
international activities and the
promotion of IHL. The ICRC delegation
in Washington was established in 1995.
CONTEXT
The impact of the attacks on New York and ally. The US-led fight against terrorism
Expenditure (in Sfr) Washington on 11 September 2001 con- and, more specifically, the issue of the
tinued to be felt by people and govern- internees held at Guantanamo Bay also
Protection ments around the world. In response to resulted in renewed interest in and debate
1,307,404 these attacks, the US and allied countries on the applicability of IHL in modern
Assistance launched military and security operations conflict situations. By the end of the
0 in a number of countries against those year, 619 internees were being held at
Preventive action deemed responsible. It will take some time Guantanamo Bay.
1,342,807 to gauge the full impact of these develop-
ments on the economic, political and
security environment both within the
126,946 United States and worldwide. The year
General 2002 marked a dramatic shift in focus by
28,659 the US in its foreign policy. The country’s
campaign against what is considered a
worldwide terrorist network has had rami-
2,805,816 fications both regionally and internation-
272
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON
ICRC ACTION offices of Food for Peace and Foreign Dis-
aster Assistance at the US Agency for Inter-
CIVIL SOCIETY
national Development; the Stability and The delegation continued actively to pro-
Key points in 2002 mote understanding of the ICRC’s opera-
Humanitarian Affairs, General Counsel,
• visiting the internees held by the US and Policy offices at the Defense Depart- tional and protection activities, and to
government at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ment; and related offices of the Joint spread knowledge of IHL. The delegation
monitoring their situation and remaining Chiefs of Staff and the National Security took part in a wide range of programmes
in contact with the US authorities con- Council at the White House. and seminars with NGOs, policy centres
cerning them and academic institutions, including The
The delegation also maintained relations Brookings Institution, the Carnegie
with the Canadian government bodies Endowment for International Peace, the US
AUTHORITIES concerned with international humanitarian Institute of Peace, the Woodrow Wilson
Apart from its regular activities as an ICRC aid, in particular the Canadian Interna- Center for International Scholars and the
regional delegation, the Washington dele- tional Development Agency and the Min- Hoover Institution in Washington, numer-
gation in 2002 initiated protection activi- istry of Foreign Affairs. ous universities and organizations else-
ties on behalf of the internees held by US where in the US, and the Pearson Peace-
In its dialogue with the authorities the ICRC
forces at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. ICRC keeping Centre and other institutions in
discussed humanitarian concerns the
teams visited the internees and inter- Canada. The delegation attended meet-
world over, particularly in the numerous
viewed them in private, and reviewed their ings of the Disaster Response Committee
situations of persistent political tension
access to food, shelter and medical care, of InterAction, the umbrella organization
and conflict. The ICRC also pursued efforts
as well as the general conditions of their for American organizations active in inter-
to ensure that the Magen David Adom
detention and treatment. The delegation national humanitarian aid. The delegation
society of Israel achieves full membership
also facilitated the exchange of RCMs maintained contact with the World Bank
in the International Red Cross and Red
between the internees and their families. and the OAS, both based in Washington.
Crescent Movement.
Altogether, the ICRC handled 3,168 such
RCMs in 2002. These activities were fol-
lowed by meetings with officials of the ARMED FORCES NATIONAL SOCIETIES
Defense and State Departments in Wash- The delegation worked closely with the
ington, the US Central Command and
AND OTHER BEARERS International Services and International
Southern Command in Florida, the OF WEAPONS Social Services departments of the Ameri-
National Security Council and with other The ICRC took part in IHL training pro- can Red Cross on coordination of over-
authorities. The delegation also had grammes for US and Canadian military seas projects and tracing activities. The
numerous discussions with the US admin- staff at the National War College, the Inter- American Red Cross continued to be a
istration on respect for standards laid American Defense College, and the West- leading supporter of full membership in
down by IHL for internees such as those in ern Hemisphere Institute in the US, and at the Movement for the Magen David Adom.

US custody. the Judge Advocate General’s School and
The ICRC also maintained its close ties
the Canadian Forces Support Training
The delegation continued its discussions with the Canadian Red Cross Society,
Centre in Canada. In US Marine field-
with US and Canadian officials on the full which remained active in Red Cross inter-
training exercises, ICRC delegates acted
range of the ICRC’s programmes world- national programmes.
the part they would play in a real battle
wide. In addition to its contacts with US
situation.
authorities concerning the internees and
other humanitarian aspects of the Afghan The ICRC also concluded a working agree-
conflict, the delegation maintained active ment with the US Marine Corps that will
relations with government departments allow the organization not only to attend
and offices concerned with other issues field-training exercises but also to conduct
relating to international humanitarian aid, courses on its mandate and activities at
including the Bureau for Population, the Marine Corps University in Quantico,
Refugees and Migration, the Bureau for Virginia.
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor,
and the Legal Adviser at the State Depart-
ment; the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict
and Humanitarian Assistance and the
273
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA BRUSSELS
BRUSSELS CONTEXT ICRC ACTION
Covering: In 2002, as in previous years, the ICRC Key points in 2002
Institutions of the European Union (EU), delegation in Brussels pursued its dia-
• strengthening of working relations with
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization logue with officials from the European
EU institutions, in particular the strategic
(NATO) and the NATO Parliamentary institutions (the European Commission,
dialogue with ECHO, and stepping up
Assembly the Secretariat of the Council of the EU and
the promotion of IHL in a broad range of
the European Parliament), as well as with
Personnel: EU fora
representatives of NATO and the NATO
1 expatriate
Parliamentary Assembly. • developing dialogue with NATO
4 national staff
Given the development of the EU's com- • engaging political, academic and
mon foreign and security policy and its humanitarian circles in a dynamic dia-
increasingly prominent role on the interna- logue on IHL and related issues
tional scene, particularly in the area of cri-
sis management, the ICRC continued to
assign a high priority to strengthening its EU INSTITUTIONS
working relations with EU institutions, In 2002, the ICRC kept up extensive high-
especially on issues relating to respect level discussions with the European Com-
for IHL. mission (ECHO, EuropeAid, External Rela-
The ICRC has been working in Brussels tions, and Justice and Home Affairs),
since 1999 to build strong institutional Similarly, in view of NATO's involvement in which is one of the ICRC's four main
and operational relations with the EU contexts where the ICRC carries out its donors, and with officials of the Secretariat
institutions, NATO and the NATO humanitarian tasks, the ICRC continued its of the Council of the EU. The aim was to
Parliamentary Assembly. The aim is to efforts to develop a constructive dialogue ensure that the ICRC's viewpoint on spe-
heighten awareness of the ICRC's with that organization. cific issues of humanitarian concern was
mandate and mobilize political, taken into account.
diplomatic and financial support for
ICRC activities to ensure that victims of At the invitation of the Spanish presidency
armed conflict receive the protection of the Council of the EU during the first
and assistance to which they are semester of 2002 and the Danish presi-
entitled under IHL. dency during the second half of the year,
ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger visited
Madrid in February and Copenhagen in
June. In December, he travelled to Athens,
where he met the Greek President and

other government officials for discussions
Expenditure (in Sfr) in anticipation of Greece's EU presidency.
The ICRC President travelled to Brussels in
Protection March and October for his spring and
0 autumn working lunches with the EU polit-
Assistance ical and security committee, at which he
0 emphasized the relevance of IHL to current
Preventive action security policy trends and outlined the
758,968 ICRC's operational priorities.
68,549
General
97,445
924,962
274
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA BRUSSELS
In March, Mr Javier Solana, Secretary- tinued relevance of IHL in contemporary OTHERS
General of the Council and High Represen- armed conflicts, and presented the organi-
tative for the EU’s common foreign and zation's position on such topics as explo- Invited to address military staff at the
security policy, visited ICRC headquarters sive remnants of war, the Ottawa Conven- Royal Institute of Defence in February, the
in Geneva. The issue of people un- tion, chemical weapons and the ICRC stressed the relevance of Article 361
accounted for as a result of armed conflict International Criminal Court. of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Con-
in the Balkans was a central topic, and ventions. The issue of the convergence of
Mr Solana pledged his support for the military and humanitarian operations was
ICRC project called "The Missing".
NATO discussed at a symposium organized by
The ICRC worked to develop a structured the Belgian Minister for Defence, at which
Throughout the year, the ICRC took every dialogue with the NATO Secretariat and the the ICRC presented its position on civil-
opportunity to raise concerns of a human- Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers military cooperation.
itarian nature and ensure that IHL was Europe (SHAPE), and fostered a substan-
high on the agenda of various fora. For The Brussels delegation regularly pre-
tive exchange of views with the NATO Par- sented the ICRC's role and the organiza-
example, in April the ICRC was invited to liamentary Assembly. In March, the
present its "Exploring Humanitarian Law" tion’s view of its relationship with peace-
Assembly's political committee paid a visit support forces at training courses for
programme for schools at a European to ICRC headquarters in Geneva. In April,
seminar on IHL held in Salamanca by officers of the CIMIC Group North in Budel,
at the Assembly’s invitation, the ICRC took Netherlands.
Spain's EU presidency, which had part as an observer in the 51st Rose-Roth
declared IHL a top priority. The same seminar in Bratislava on the theme "NATO, In May, the ICRC and the Madariaga Foun-
month, a presentation on ICRC protection new threats, new horizons". In May and dation for Europe jointly organized a con-
activities was given to EU Commission November, ICRC representatives partici- ference in Brussels on the role of IHL in
staff. In June, the ICRC was invited to pated in the Assembly's spring and crises and conflicts. In cooperation with
present its position at a conference on autumn sessions, held in Bulgaria and the College of Europe, the Brussels dele-
civil-military cooperation organized by the Turkey, where they presented humanitar- gation organized in October the third
EU general staff in Brussels and attended ian concerns relating to landmines. In annual Bruges Colloquium, an event
by representatives of NATO, the OSCE, the addition, the ICRC followed the work of aimed at stimulating discussion on IHL
UN and European NGOs. In August, the several commissions of interest to the and related issues among diplomats and
ICRC's Vice-President and its delegate to organization. officials working with Brussels-based
the EU took part in a European conference institutions. The 2002 colloquium focused
on conflict prevention organized by the on the relevance of IHL to non-state
Swedish Foreign Minister in Helsingborg, actors.
which followed similar UN-sponsored
events. The ICRC representatives under-
NATIONAL SOCIETIES

lined the importance of IHL dissemination
as a contribution to conflict prevention and The Brussels delegation maintained close
reminded the States party to the Geneva relations with the various components of
Conventions of their obligations in this the Movement present in Brussels, such
respect. In September, the ICRC, along as the EU Red Cross Liaison Bureau and
with UNHCR and the IOM, shared its the Belgian Red Cross.
analysis of Afghanistan’s needs in
humanitarian terms at a meeting of a
group of experts. The meeting, on ques-
tions relating to the return and protection
of refugees and asylum and immigration
policies, was called by the European
Commission as part of its efforts to
develop common strategies on these mat- 1 "In the study, development, acquisition or adop-
ters. In December, for the first time, an tion of a new weapon, means or method of war-
fare, a High Contracting Party is under an obliga-
ICRC delegation addressed the EU Council tion to determine whether its employment would,
committee on international public law. It in some or all circumstances, be prohibited by
reiterated the ICRC's affirmation of the con- this Protocol or by any other rule of international
law applicable to the High Contracting Party."
275
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK
NEW YORK CONTEXT ICRC ACTION
Personnel : The ICRC’s New York delegation remained Key points in 2002
3 expatriates in close contact with numerous UN bodies
7 national staff • spreading knowledge of and garnering
and with think-tanks, academic circles
support for the ICRC's mandate and
and the media. It continued its efforts to
activities
ensure that the UN and its various entities
had an accurate understanding of issues
of ongoing humanitarian concern, and UNITED NATIONS
that the ICRC’s neutral and impartial
humanitarian activities were facilitated. In UN Security Council
particular, the delegation sought to ensure The delegation kept a close eye on issues
that the ICRC’s mandate was accepted addressed by the Security Council during
and that its specific concerns were taken the year. In accordance with established
into account in any UN deliberations hav- practice, the delegation met at the begin-
ing direct implications for humanitarian ning of each month with the Council’s
work. presidency to present the ICRC's concerns
regarding operational developments in sit-
uations on the Council's agenda.
The United Nations (UN) role of
ensuring international peace and UN General Assembly
security comprises many humanitarian
In order to keep abreast of developments
aspects. Operating since 1983, the
relevant to the ICRC, and where necessary
ICRC delegation to the UN and its
to promote understanding of and support
agencies and programmes has served
for the ICRC's mandate and work, the del-
as a support and liaison for operational
egation closely monitored the work of the
and legal initiatives. The delegation
General Assembly (GA). The ICRC has
conveys the ICRC's viewpoint, keeps
observer status in the GA, including its
abreast of trends and developments
special sessions, such as that on children
relating to humanitarian issues, and
held from 8 to 10 May, and its subsidiary
promotes IHL.
bodies, such as the Special Committee on
Peacekeeping Operations. The ICRC also
attended meetings relating to the draft
comprehensive anti-terrorism treaty, the

Convention on the Safety of United Nations
Expenditure (in Sfr) and Associated Personnel, and the estab-
lishment of the International Criminal
Protection Court (ICC).
0 During the GA's 57th session, the delega-
Assistance tion contributed statements on a variety of
0 issues on the agenda, including disarma-
Preventive action ment, enforced or involuntary disappear-
1,198,416 ances, the report of the UNHCR, children's
Cooperation with National Societies rights, the advancement of women, the
24,797 status of the Protocols additional to the
General Geneva Conventions of 1949, the estab-
lishment of the ICC, and coordination of
1,206,272
humanitarian and disaster relief.
2,429,484
276
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK
On these and other topics, the delegation OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
maintained regular contact with perma-
nent missions to the UN. Jointly with the The delegation participated in numerous
New York University School of Law, the round-table talks, discussion groups and
delegation organized the 19th annual workshops on topics related to the ICRC's
seminar on IHL for diplomats accredited to mandate, operations and policy concerns,
the UN. convened by various organizations and
think-tanks, including the Open Society
Institute, the Carnegie Council on Ethics
UN Secretariat and International Affairs, the International
The delegation attended the weekly meet- Peace Academy, the Council on Foreign
ings of the Inter-Agency Standing Commit- Relations, the Business Council for the
tee, chaired by OCHA. In its capacity as a UN, Columbia University, the City Univer-
standing invitee, it also attended working sity of New York and the Stanley Founda-
sessions on issues such as the impact, in tion. It also attended Human Rights
humanitarian terms, of sanctions, the pro- Watch's regular open meetings.
tection of civilians in armed conflict, in
The delegation regularly published press
particular from sexual abuse and exploita-
releases on ICRC operations, and
tion, and on preparations for the humani-
responded to queries from the media, pri-
tarian affairs segment of the Economic
vate organizations and individuals on
and Social Council’s substantive session.
issues such as the protection of persons
It also took part in expert group meetings
deprived of their freedom, the ICRC's work-
chaired by the UN Mine Action Service.
ing methods and the red cross and red
Numerous bilateral meetings were held crescent emblems.
with various departments of the UN Secre-
The delegation was regularly consulted on
tariat to discuss issues of common con-
topical issues of humanitarian concern by
cern, which were often related to contexts
students, academics and organizations.
in which the UN and the ICRC were both
Its documentation centre was frequently
active. The protection of vulnerable groups
visited and its resources were made avail-
in areas where peacekeeping operations
able to permanent missions, the media
were deployed was one such topic. The
and the public. Upon request, the delega-
delegation also maintained regular con-
tion provided its visitors with information
tact with UNICEF, UNDP, WFP and UNHCR
on the ICRC's work and on IHL.
on issues such as the delivery of aid in

Afghanistan, Angola, Israel, and the occu- The delegation helped provide students
pied and autonomous territories, and on from a number of countries with insight
preparations for the GA's Special Session into the ICRC's work vis-à-vis the UN
on Children held in May. through briefing sessions organized in
connection with Model United Nations
conferences. Also, as in previous years,
the delegation was invited to make a pres-
entation on IHL and the role of the ICRC to
naval officers from a variety of countries
being trained at the Naval Staff College in
Newport, Rhode Island.
277
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA PARIS
PARIS CONTEXT ICRC ACTION
Personnel: The Paris delegation remained a key ele- Key points in 2002
1 expatriate ment in the ICRC's network for humanitar-
• consolidation of relations with the
5 national staff ian diplomacy, through which the organi-
French political authorities
zation seeks to promote IHL, increase
understanding of its mandate, stimulate • strengthened cooperation with the Min-
debates on issues of humanitarian con- istry of Defence regarding IHL training
cern and influence strategies among its for France's various armed services
target audiences. (including 18 courses on IHL for some
1,000 French military personnel and
another 4 courses for about 200 offi-
cers from other countries)
• production, and distribution to the
French authorities, representatives of
diplomatic and economic circles,
NGOs, the media and opinion-makers,
of a multimedia CD-ROM with text and
video footage of the first Etats généraux
de l'action et du droit international
humanitaire (see Civil society)
The Paris delegation, set up in 2000,
focuses on promoting IHL and
facilitating ICRC operations in the field. AUTHORITIES
Its target audiences include the French The delegation maintained contact and
authorities, representatives of the shared ICRC concerns with the French
French-speaking world, economic authorities, in particular with the offices of
interest groups, the media, the the President of the Republic, the Prime
diplomatic community, military and Minister and the President of the National
academic circles and the French Assembly, and the Ministries of Foreign
Red Cross. Affairs, Defence, and Cooperation and the
French-speaking Communities. During a
visit to ICRC headquarters in March, the
French Foreign Minister, Mr Hubert Védrine,
and ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger

Expenditure (in Sfr) discussed a number of topics, ranging
from the applicability of IHL in the fight
Protection against terrorism to ICRC operations in
0 Afghanistan and Chechnya.
Assistance In connection with ICRC operations, the
0 Paris delegation met various political
Preventive action leaders visiting France and maintained
971,828 contact with numerous representatives of
opposition groups based in France. For
the most part, ICRC operational diplomacy
48,604 focused on matters of concern to Africa,
General and intensified during the second half of
0 the year in connection with the unfolding
crises in Côte d'Ivoire and the Central
African Republic.
1,020,432
278
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA PARIS
ARMED FORCES CIVIL SOCIETY
AND OTHER BEARERS In 2002, as a follow-up to the Etats
OF WEAPONS généraux de l'action et du droit interna-
tional humanitaire1 (a conference on
Based on its agreement with the Ecole de humanitarian action and IHL), the Paris
gendarmerie in Rochefort, which prepares delegation produced, and distributed to
armed forces personnel for service in for- the French authorities and representatives
eign theatres of operation, the delegation of diplomatic and economic circles,
continued to regularly give courses on IHL NGOs, the media and opinion-makers, a
for French soldiers due to leave on mis- multimedia CD-ROM of the event, so as to
sions abroad, and for dozens of personnel maintain the impetus of the debate. The
from other countries taking part in military CD-ROM was distributed in France
training programmes in France. together with the fourth 2002 issue of
A new agreement on IHL training was con- L'Humanitaire Maghreb (a magazine pub-
cluded with the air force academy for non- lished by the ICRC regional delegation in
commissioned officers. In addition, the Tunis), which devoted its editorial to the
delegation organized the first combined- concept of responsibility promoted by the
arms training course on operations of a meetings.
civilian/military nature, and contributed to As a member of the committee responsible
a colloquium on "Ethics and deontology: for drawing up a charter on the security of
the human factor in crises", held at journalists on dangerous missions pro-
the Ecole d'application de l'arme blindée posed by Reporters sans frontières, the
cavalerie in Saumur. It also strengthened delegation incorporated into the text vari-
ties with the European Police College and ous IHL principles, notably Article 79 of
the Collège interarmées de défense, and Protocol I additional to the Geneva Con-
supported research carried out individu- ventions, on measures of protection for
ally, for the preparation of advanced journalists. The charter was then circu-
degrees, and collectively, for instance for lated in some 100 countries.
auditors of the Centre des hautes études
de l'armement. In December, the ICRC
addressed the 55th session of the Institut
des hautes études de défense nationale on
defence-related issues. The participants

included high-ranking officers of the
armed forces and the gendarmerie
nationale, representatives of economic cir-
cles and opinion-makers.
In coordination with the Ministry of
Defence, the delegation also published a
special feature on IHL in the magazine
Armées d'aujourd’hui, which has a circu-
lation of 120,000.
1 This series of high-level meetings and discus-

sions, organized in November 2001 by the ICRC
and French experts and NGOs, such as Médecins
Sans Frontières, Médecins du monde, Handicap
International, Action contre la faim and Première
urgence, was aimed at promoting awareness of
IHL and related issues, particularly that of the
accountability of the many parties involved in
contemporary armed conflict.
279
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA INTERNATIONAL TRACING SERVICE
INTERNATIONAL The mandate of the ITS is to gather, file,
preserve and process personal records
surge in the number of enquiries sent to the
ITS. To deal with the additional workload,
TRACING SERVICE concerning civilians who were persecuted
under the Third Reich. In particular, the ITS
the ITS developed a new system for pro-
cessing requests, using standard lists. This
Personnel: regularly acquires archival documents – in system enables the German foundation’s
1 expatriate 2002 for example, more than 865,000 partner organizations (five major founda-
new names were added to the central data- tions in Central and Eastern Europe, the
bank – and provides victims of the Nazi Jewish Claims Conference and the Interna-
regime with certificates attesting to the fact tional Organization for Migration in
that they were persecuted, for example by Geneva) to transfer the data contained in
The International Tracing Service (ITS) in being deported, interned or subjected to the requests they receive to the lists. These
Bad Arolsen, Germany, is an forced labour. are then passed on to the ITS, which
international institution which cross-checks the names in its central data-
The ITS grew out of the Central Tracing
assembles, classifies, preserves, bank and enters the information it finds
Bureau, which was set up by Allied Head-
evaluates and uses, for strictly directly on the lists, before sending them
quarters at the British Red Cross in London
humanitarian purposes, records back to the partner organizations. In 2002,
in 1943. The Bureau moved several times
concerning civilians persecuted during under this programme, the ITS cross-
before finally settling in Arolsen, Germany,
the National Socialist period in Germany checked 349,804 names sent in by the
in 1946. It adopted its current name on
(1933-1945) and non-Germans partner organizations and other bodies,
1 January 1948. Since 1955, the ITS has
displaced as a result of the Second such as the Migrant Service in Australia
been directed and administered by the
World War up until 1952. The ITS and various National Societies, as well as
ICRC and supervised by an international
searches for missing persons and issues by individuals.
commission composed of representatives
certificates to civilians who suffered of the ITS member States (Belgium, France, Since the ITS’s stock of documentary mate-
incarceration or forced labour and to Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxem- rials is unfortunately far from complete,
their family members eligible for bourg, the Netherlands, the United King- many enquiries could not be answered. To
financial compensation. The institution, dom, the United States of America and, give the enquirers an additional chance to
which derives its mandate from the since March 2000, Poland). provide evidence of their persecution, the
Bonn Agreements of 1955, is run by an Federal Association for Information and
ICRC-appointed director and supervised The digitization of the ITS’s central index of
Advice for Persecutees of National Social-
by an international commission names (47 million records) was com-
ism in Cologne, the Federal Archives in
comprising 11 member States. pleted at the end of 1999. The databank,
Koblenz and the ITS have established a
which became operational in the second
cooperation network which guarantees that
half of 2000, makes it possible to process
individual and list enquiries which could
a considerable quantity of data electroni-
not be answered by the ITS are forwarded
cally rather than manually, and thus to

electronically to numerous participating
respond more quickly to requests for infor-
Expenditure (in Sfr) mation and certificates. The scanning of
archives in Germany for further checks. By
the end of 2002, the ITS had forwarded
documentary materials from the ITS
Protection 343,201 requests to the cooperation net-
archives was started in 1999 to secure the
441,502 work and received positive information in
information contained in the documents,
2,042 cases. This number does not
Assistance which are mostly in bad condition owing to
include the replies sent back directly to the
0 their age and frequent handling by case-
partner organizations.
Preventive action workers, and expedite the processing of
0 requests. In addition to the enquiries received in con-
nection with the German foundation, during
Cooperation with National Societies Under a German law enacted on 12 August
the year under review the ITS received
0 2000, a federal foundation entitled Erin-
84,531 new individual requests from
General nerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft
66 countries and gave 164,618 replies to
0 (Remembrance, Responsibility and Future)
these and other requests received earlier. In
was set up to provide financial compensa-
total, the ITS replied to 587,210 requests in
tion for persons persecuted by the Nazi
2002. At the end of the year, 385,395
regime, including those subjected to slave
441,502 or forced labour. As a result, there was a
requests still awaited processing.
280
281
J. Barry/ICRC
An ICRC team arrives to lend support at the scene of a family home destroyed in conflict.
282
MIDDLE EAST
AND
NORTH AFRICA
Delegations
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel, the occupied territories
and the autonomous territories
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Syria
• Yemen
• Kuwait
• Tunis

The spiralling violence in Israel and the same time, an unprecedented wave of
Expenditure (in Sfr) occupied territories, the looming threat of indiscriminate and devastating Palestinian
war in Iraq, and the many repercussions suicide attacks caused deep psychologi-
Protection of the "global war on terrorism" meant cal trauma in Israel and loss of civilian
18,761,884 that, throughout 2002, world and media life.
Assistance attention were repeatedly turned to the
In response to the upsurge of violence, the
52,968,716 Middle East and North Africa region.
ICRC decided in May to increase its field
Preventive action The situation in the occupied territories, presence, strengthen its protection work
8,257,316 already tense, escalated further in early and expand its assistance activities. The
Cooperation with National Societies spring, when Israel's "Operation Defensive budget for the country was almost dou-
7,642,041 Shield" saw the redeployment of troops in bled, and a special appeal launched.
General major West Bank towns, claiming many
From that moment on, an increased num-
lives. Closures and curfews, imposed on
753,550 ber of ICRC delegates worked across the
Palestinian towns and villages, remained
West Bank and Gaza Strip to ensure the
tight throughout the year, largely
protection of the civilian population by
paralysing economic and social life. At the
88,383,507 monitoring and documenting violations
283
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
of IHL. They helped the civilian popula- The ICRC viewed these relief programmes effects of 12 years of international trade
tion to cope with the severe restrictions as extraordinary and temporary measures sanctions. In 2002, the ICRC's water and
on their movements, by facilitating the designed to meet emergency needs and to habitat programme in Iraq was one of its
crossing of checkpoints in emergencies, provide short-term boosts to household largest worldwide.
access to water and the harvesting of economies. The ICRC repeatedly stressed
Given the volatile situation as the year
olives. They made regular visits to moni- that humanitarian agencies cannot con-
drew to a close, the ICRC enhanced its
tor the conditions of detention and treat- tinue substituting for the occupying power,
emergency-response capability by build-
ment of detainees held in Israeli and which alone bears primary responsibility,
ing up relief supplies in Iraq and neigh-
Palestinian places of detention. While the in accordance with the Fourth Geneva
bouring countries, in preparation for any
family visit programme for Palestinians Convention, for ensuring the welfare of the
sudden increase in needs.
detained in Israel went ahead, it was population living under its occupation.
continuously disrupted because of the The ICRC underlined that the worsening The ICRC continued to urge both Iran and
military operations, closures and other situation for the Palestinian population Iraq to resolve outstanding issues from
security restrictions. was largely attributable to Israeli security their 1980-88 war, namely to release and
restrictions imposed there, and strongly repatriate POWs and to make progress in
Repeated representations were made to
urged Israel to adjust its security policy in identifying and repatriating the bodies of
the Israeli authorities, urging them to
order to minimize its devastating impact those killed in the war. In 2002, bilateral
respect IHL. The ICRC also made
on the entire civilian population. talks between the two countries led to the
approaches to the Palestinian authorities
repatriation of over 500 Iraqi POWs, under
and militant groups to impress upon them The year furthermore saw an increase in
ICRC auspices, and the reported exchange
the need to desist from deliberate attacks the already substantial financial, technical
of the human remains of 800 Iranians and
on Israeli civilians, summary executions and material support for the Palestine Red
1,300 Iraqis killed in the 1980-88 war.
of suspected collaborators and the Crescent Society, especially its emergency
involvement of children in the violence. medical services, and increased opera- Nearly 12 years after the end of the 1991
The ICRC took advantage of every oppor- tional cooperation with and support for the Gulf war, thousands of families in the Gulf
tunity to make known its concerns on Magen David Adom. countries remained without news of close
humanitarian issues and to foster better relatives or loved ones, their anguish
As the year advanced, Iraq came under
knowledge of and respect for IHL and the deepened by the fact that they still did not
increasing international pressure to prove
work of the International Red Cross and know whether they were dead or alive. The
that it had rid itself of weapons of mass
Red Crescent Movement. ICRC continued its efforts to revive meet-
destruction. This was accompanied by an
ings of the suspended Tripartite Commis-
At the same time, an innovative economic intensification of hostilities over the north-
sion and its Technical Sub-Committee and,
security programme was launched, using ern and southern "no-fly zones" imposed
as in previous years, organized consulta-
a voucher system – deemed an appropriate after the 1991 war. Concern grew about
tion meetings with the parties in Geneva.
form of assistance given the weighty the potential consequences of a full-
An encouraging breakthrough was

mobility and security constraints – to pro- scale conflict from the humanitarian view-
achieved at the end of 2002 when Iraq
vide food and basic household goods to point, and the possible threat to stability
agreed to return to direct talks with other
vulnerable families in besieged West Bank in the region.
parties to the conflict, within the framework
towns. Other ongoing relief operations were
As in previous years, the ICRC was one of of the Tripartite Commission. The talks
expanded, under which families in rural
the very few international organizations were due to resume early in 2003 under
areas, and in Hebron old town, received
with humanitarian projects and a regular ICRC auspices. In 2002, the ICRC super-
distributions of food and hygiene items.
presence throughout Iraq. It continued its vised the repatriation of 188 Iraqi service-
The over 300,000 people thus assisted
extensive aid programmes begun in mid- men detained in Iran since 1991.
represented some 15% of the total West
1999, focusing on urgent needs not cov-
Bank population. A substantial amount of For most of 2002, ICRC activities in Iran
ered by the UN oil-for-food programme.
basic household goods and shelter was were primarily devoted to providing logis-
ICRC activities mainly involved the repair
provided to families affected by the Israel tical support for the relief operation in
and maintenance of health-care and water
Defense Forces' house destruction policy. Afghanistan, through a temporary opera-
and sanitation facilities, and training and
During the dry season, a water distribution tional presence established in Mashhad in
capacity-building in the health-care sector.
programme was run for isolated West Bank north-eastern Iran at the end of 2001, with
The primary aim was to keep selected vital
villages. Support for Palestinian surgeons the cooperation of the Iranian Red Cres-
infrastructure functioning and to guarantee
was also stepped up. cent Society. By mid-2002, the relief oper-
basic hygiene, in a country suffering the
ation was gradually being wound down
284
and the warehouse was closed and and child victims of violence. It also con- Red Crescent Society, and encouraged the
handed back to the National Society. An tributed to strengthening its national first- authorities to assume their responsibilities
ICRC presence was maintained in Mash- aid network. A new prosthetic/orthotic pro- towards mentally ill detainees. RCMs were
had to respond at short notice to potential duction unit using ICRC technology was exchanged between detainees/internees in
new needs in Afghanistan. As part of its inaugurated at Ben Aknoun centre in Afghanistan and Guantanamo and their
regional preparedness planning to meet Algiers. In late 2002, the ICRC opened a families in Yemen, as well as between
potential new humanitarian needs in Iraq, new delegation in Algiers, following the refugees from the Horn of Africa and their
the ICRC set up a logistics supply base in signing of a headquarters agreement with families.
Kermanshah in western Iran. the Algerian authorities. This permanent
Across the region, the ICRC pursued its
presence would allow better follow-up of
In 2002, the ICRC received a substantial efforts, in cooperation with the National
the organization's activities in the country,
number of tracing requests from families Societies, to enhance knowledge of the
which were previously covered by the
in the Gulf region who had lost contact rules of IHL and the Fundamental Princi-
regional delegation in Tunis.
with their relatives after the fall of the Tal- ples of the Movement among opinion-
iban regime in Afghanistan. Links were In Jordan, the ICRC continued to focus on makers, academic circles, the media and
restored between people interned or protection-related activities (visits to civil society as a whole. In 2002, further
detained in Afghanistan and Guantanamo detainees). The logistics support unit in steps were taken to promote and introduce
and their families, by means of Red Cross Amman was significantly enlarged to cope the ICRC’s "Exploring Humanitarian Law"
messages (RCMs). The ICRC also han- with increased needs in the West Bank, (EHL) teaching programme in secondary
dled tracing requests and exchanged and to enhance emergency preparedness school curricula in practically all the coun-
RCMs for Afghan refugees in Iran. for any worsening of the situation in Iraq. tries of the region. A first regional training
workshop on the programme was held in
Hopes for an overall resolution of the situ- In October, the ICRC was officially granted
Rabat, Morocco, in October, attended by
ation in the Western Sahara still did not access to all persons held in places of
representatives of 18 Arab League mem-
materialize. 216 Moroccan prisoners were detention in Lebanon, in accordance with
ber States. The workshop, which lasted
released and repatriated by the ICRC in its standard visiting procedures. However,
two weeks, was organized by the ICRC in
two separate operations, meaning that, at at the end of the year, it had still not been
conjunction with the Moroccan Red Cres-
the end of the year, 1,260 Moroccan pris- able to begin the visits, and discussions
cent Society and the Moroccan Ministry of
oners were still in captivity. Most of them were continuing with the authorities. In
Education, and held under the auspices of
had been held for over 20 years. Through- southern Lebanon, the ICRC continued to
the Arab League. National training ses-
out 2002, the ICRC reiterated its represen- monitor the volatile situation along the
sions were also run in various countries
tations to the Polisario Front regarding its Israeli border so as to be in a position to
throughout the year, in cooperation with
obligations under IHL and the situation of respond quickly to any new needs. It also
the respective National Societies.
the prisoners, and drew various State provided a channel for restoring and
players' attention to the importance of maintaining links between Lebanese The ICRC supported the work of national

ensuring respect for these obligations. In refugees still in Israel since May 2000 and committees for the implementation of IHL,
the meantime, it continued its twice-yearly their families in southern Lebanon. and encouraged those countries which
visits to the prisoners, accompanied by had not yet done so to establish such
In Syria, too, the ICRC acted on behalf of
medical teams who treated cases of par- committees. Cooperation with the armed
separated families, facilitating contacts
ticular need on the spot. Meanwhile, some forces of the region in the fields of IHL dis-
between the Syrian population living in the
150,000 Sahrawi refugees, according to semination and its integration into training
Israeli-occupied Golan and their relatives
UNHCR figures, were still living in precari- curricula was given a boost in 2002 by
in Syria.
ous conditions in camps in the desert of the organization of a regional seminar for
south-west Algeria, dependent on external The ICRC continued to focus on visits to the armed forces of the Middle East and
aid, given the continued political stale- detainees in Yemen, in particular vulnera- North Africa in Tunis. A first regional semi-
mate concerning their status. ble groups. It sought to gain regular nar on IHL for senior police officials was
access to people held by the Political also held in Cairo in June, in cooperation
In Algeria, acts of violence continued to
Security Department, including those with the Egyptian Ministry of Justice and
take a heavy toll on the civilian popula-
arrested for security reasons and/or in the Arab League. In Jordan, the ICRC gave
tion. The ICRC pursued its visits to people
connection with the "fight against terror- presentations at the annual IHL day at the
deprived of their freedom and its support
ism". The ICRC continued to implement a Royal War College, which was attended
to Algerian Red Crescent programmes to
special assistance programme for women by high-ranking officers from across the
provide psychological support to women
detainees, in cooperation with the Yemen region.
285
The ICRC’s regional promotion office in
Cairo continued to work to ensure a coher-
ent approach to dissemination and train-
ing in IHL in the Middle East and North
Africa. It provided the backbone of dis-
semination materials, both printed and
audiovisual, for the Arab world. To pro-
mote awareness of the impact of war and
conflict on women, the Arabic version of
the Women facing War study was offi-
cially launched in Jordan. In Syria, a
"Women and War" campaign week was
held.
Development of, and joint activities with,
the National Societies of the region contin-
ued to be a priority for the ICRC, which
sought to involve them in spreading
knowledge of IHL and to back their assis-
tance programmes. In 2002 it supported
the National Societies in building up
their own capacities in the fields of dis-
semination, emergency preparedness and
tracing, and focused on establishing a co-
operative, joint approach in all Movement-
related matters.
In 2002, the ICRC's operations in the
occupied Palestinian territories benefited
from a novel and increased support from
Red Crescent Societies, including, first and
foremost, those of Egypt and Kuwait, but
also those of Bahrain, Iran, Saudi Arabia,
Syria and the United Arab Emirates. The
year saw the continued involvement in this
context of over 20 National Societies from

around the world, some of which were
running delegated or bilateral projects.
At the end of the year, the ICRC hosted two
meetings in Geneva with partner Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in
cooperation with the International Federa-
tion, in order to coordinate the Move-
ment's emergency-response planning in
the event of a full-scale conflict in Iraq.
286
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA EGYPT
EGYPT
Personnel :
4 expatriates
20 national staff
The ICRC concentrates on spreading

knowledge of IHL and promoting its
incorporation into national legislation in
Egypt and, through its cooperation with
the League of Arab States, throughout
the Arab world. The ICRC supports IHL
training organized by the relevant
authorities for the armed and security
forces and for civilian and military
magistrates, and promotes the inclusion
of IHL and related subjects in university
and school curricula. This is backed up
by technical and academic support for
the implementing bodies, production and
distribution of teaching materials and
other dissemination tools, and help to
enhance the capabilities of those,
including in the Egyptian Red Crescent
Society, who are engaged in training.
Communication with the region's media
is also a task of the Cairo delegation,
and the ICRC's first Arabic website will
be launched in 2003. With some pauses,
the ICRC has been working in Egypt
since the beginning of the Second World
War.
CONTEXT

Egypt was at the forefront of efforts by As in other Arab countries, public out-
Expenditure (in Sfr) Arab States to defuse regional tension bursts of anger flared across the country
generated by the threat of war in Iraq and following Israel's redeployment of its
Protection the worsening situation in the occupied forces in the occupied Palestinian territo-
114,684 Palestinian territories. ries early last spring. In response to the
Assistance redeployment, Egypt severed all non-
The Egyptian president met twice in the
33,414 diplomatic relations with Israel but
first half of 2002 with the US president in
Preventive action rejected demonstrators' demands that it
an effort to dissuade the US from taking
should break diplomatic ties and abrogate
1,124,767 military action against Iraq and to propose
its landmark 1979 peace treaty with
Cooperation with National Societies a timetable for the creation of a Palestinian
Israel.
90,209 State. Egypt also called on Iraq to fully
General comply with United Nations resolutions
regarding its weapons programmes.
95,743
1,458,816
287
Emergency security laws introduced in the
1990s to deal with banned radical Egypt-
ICRC ACTION The Red Crescent opened a first-aid centre
near the border early in 2002. The ICRC
ian Islamic groups remained in force. Key points in 2002 supplied it with basic medical equipment,
However, there has been no resurgence of medicines and furniture. Staffed by a Red
violent Islamic militancy since the Novem- • the ICRC contributed to the setting up of Crescent doctor and an assistant, the cen-
ber 1997 massacre in Luxor of 58 foreign a Red Crescent emergency-relief centre tre provided emergency medical care,
tourists and four Egyptians. at the Egyptian border with the Gaza food and water to Palestinians stranded
Strip to assist stranded Palestinian civil- on the Egyptian side of the border by the
In June, Egypt passed a new law en- ians and to cope with any sudden influx intensified Israeli security clearance
abling the government to disband non- of Palestinian refugees should the cur- delays. ICRC support for the centre was
governmental organizations that illegally rent situation deteriorate also intended to increase preparedness for
receive funds from abroad or engage in
• counsel was provided to the League of any sudden influx of Palestinian refugees
activities judged to be inconsistent with
Arab States to create the first Arab model from Gaza into Egypt arising from a further
the terms of their officially approved
draft law on the ICC deterioration of the situation in the Pales-
statutes.
tinian territory. The ICRC's support took the
Egyptian security forces arrested scores of • the national committee on IHL was form of financing tents, blankets, mat-
alleged members of banned militant assisted in a project to harmonize cur- tresses, dried food, kitchen sets and
Islamic organizations. However, many of rent Egyptian legislation with the provi- hygiene kits for up to 500 people.
these alleged militants were released sions of the Rome Statute of the ICC
Israeli-Palestinian hostilities in Gaza had
towards the end of the year. • legal advice and IHL reference docu- a direct impact on civilians living on the
Top government priorities remained reduc- mentation was provided to help the Egyptian side of the Rafha/Gaza border.
ing widespread unemployment, repairing national committee for the implementa- Exchanges of fire between the two sides
dilapidated water and sanitation systems tion of humanitarian law to assess cur- regularly caused damage to their homes.
and ensuring the preservation of the coun- rent Egyptian legislation’s compatibility In September, an Egyptian woman was
try's rich cultural heritage. with IHL injured when her house collapsed after
being struck by shells.
CIVILIANS The ICRC was asked by the Egyptian
Nationals from countries in the Horn of authorities to assist in tracing a number of
Africa continued to receive ICRC travel Egyptian nationals reported missing in
documents to facilitate resettlement in northern Iraq, and contact was estab-
third countries. Basic material aid was lished with their families to gather infor-
also provided in specific hardship cases. mation that might help determine their
whereabouts.
In view of the upsurge of Israeli-
Palestinian violence the ICRC maintained Red Cross messages from two Egyptian
its monitoring and assistance role at nationals interned in Guantanamo Bay
Gaza's Rafha border post with Egypt, in were distributed to their families whose
cooperation with local authorities and the replies were forwarded.
Egyptian Red Crescent. Throughout the
year, hundreds of Gaza residents were
blocked for days on end at the border post AUTHORITIES
by Israeli security restrictions. However, League of Arab States
there was a marked drop in the number of
Gaza residents crossing the border into The ICRC Cairo delegation made signifi-
Egypt, owing to the security-clearance cant progress in promoting IHL in Egypt
delays and fears of being unable to return and across the Arab world through
home should the situation in Gaza increasingly close cooperation with
worsen. national authorities and the Cairo-based
League of Arab States.
288
Two Arab League meetings were held in ARMED FORCES ICRC training in IHL for Egyptian diplomats
2002 to discuss ratification by member began in 1982 and was extended to the
States of the Rome Statute of the ICC. Dur- AND OTHER BEARERS armed forces in 1989. In 1999, the ICRC
ing those meetings the ICRC presented OF WEAPONS began holding regular IHL-promotion ses-
documents on IHL, including a model law sions for Egyptian civilian and military
on the ICC for implementation in Arab Armed forces magistrates and, at the end of 2000, sim-
States. Spreading knowledge of IHL in the Egypt- ilar sessions were initiated for senior
ian armed forces remained a priority. The police officers.
The Arab League Ministers of Justice
Council, meeting in Cairo in October, creation of a national committee on IHL
adopted a resolution on IHL implementa- has enabled the ICRC to make rapid Police forces
tion in the Arab world in which it praised progress on incorporating IHL instruction A five-day ICRC train-the-trainer course
cooperation between the League's techni- into the curricula for training of civilian was held in March at the Cairo Police
cal secretariat and the ICRC in preparing and military magistrates, and ICRC- Academy for 30 senior police officers rep-
the first Arabic model law on IHL. trained Egyptian academics, judges and resenting various services from around the
military officers were increasingly giving country. This group was selected from
As a result of sustained ICRC promotional IHL instruction courses autonomously. some 600 Egyptian police officers who
and teaching activities, a growing number
As a result, by the end of 2002, IHL had had attended a theoretical course on IHL
of Arab League member States either
been largely incorporated into the aca- in 2001.
established or moved closer toward set-
ting up national committees for the imple- demic curricula of the main Egyptian mili- The ICRC participated in June in IHL
mentation of IHL. tary academies. However, it had yet to be courses organized by the relevant Egypt-
fully incorporated into operational training. ian authorities for two groups of police
This question was addressed at a meeting officers ranging in rank from brigadier to
IHL in Egypt
in March with the Egyptian armed forces colonel (140 participants), and for 200
Contacts were developed with relevant chief of staff. Following these talks a one- deputy prosecutors.
Egyptian authorities to promote the incor- day seminar was held for senior officers
poration of IHL into national legislation. in charge of training and another one- The first regional seminar on IHL for senior
The national committee also requested day seminar took place in September for police officials and officers was held in
ICRC assistance in launching a study to 24 brigadiers-general and colonels from Cairo in June in conjunction with the
determine the compatibility of current the armed forces training directorate. Egyptian Ministry of Justice and the Arab
Egyptian legislation with the provisions of League Ministers of Justice Council.
the Rome Statute. Refresher courses for Egyptian air force
and navy IHL instructors were held in
Egypt signed the Rome Statute in 2000 April. ICRC courses in IHL were also held CIVIL SOCIETY
but had not ratified it by the end of 2002. for civilian judges and military judges Agreement was reached with the Ministry

Egyptian authorities and the Arab League from the national centre for judiciary of Education to gradually introduce IHL
increasingly solicited ICRC legal counsel studies. courses into secondary school education
on IHL, particularly regarding its applica- Fourteen students from eight Arab League beginning in the 2002-3 academic year.
tion to the situation in the occupied Pales- members States, including Egypt, Pursuant to the Ministry of Education's
tinian territories. They also sought infor- attended a course on the law of armed plan to introduce "Exploring Humanitarian
mation on the organization's mandate conflict in May at the San Remo Interna- Law" (EHL) modules into the Egyptian
and activities there. tional Institute of Humanitarian Law, a education system, the ICRC organized two
A draft law to protect the red cross and red non-governmental organization set up in training sessions under the Ministry's aus-
crescent emblems, prepared by the 1970 to spread knowledge and promote pices in July and August at the Students'
National Committee in conjunction with the development of IHL. The Institute spe- Union Centre in Agouza, near Cairo.
the ICRC, was submitted for parliamentary cializes in organizing courses on IHL for
military personnel from around the world. The first session (27 July to 1 August)
approval in May. brought together 41 primary school teach-
ers and 38 secondary school teachers
and inspectors from various Governorates
participated in the second session (3 to
8 August).
289
Two regional seminars to promote incor- NATIONAL SOCIETY
poration of IHL into Arab education sys-
tems were held in Rabat (Morocco) in For many years the ICRC worked to build
October and November. Organized by the the emergency-response capacity of the
ICRC in conjunction with the Moroccan Egyptian Red Crescent Society, particularly
Red Crescent and the Moroccan Ministry in the field of first aid. With this objective
of Education, under the auspices of the largely attained, the ICRC has in recent
Arab League, the seminars were attended years been helping the Society develop its
by the training directors of national educa- role as an auxiliary to the government in
tion ministries and inspectors responsible the humanitarian field.
for modernizing national education pro- ICRC promotional events for National
grammes in 14 of the 18 League member Society staff helped move the overall IHL
States (Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, implementation process forward. The
Mauritania, Morocco, the Palestinian ICRC stepped up its support for the
Authority, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, Society's work to assist the State in
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and spreading knowledge of and implement-
Yemen). Morocco's Minister of Education ing the law. Much emphasis was laid on
and the ICRC regional delegate for North introducing the subject in secondary
Africa attended the opening sessions. schools and universities.
Discussions were led by a team of EHL ICRC-trained Red Crescent staff helped set
experts from the Moroccan Ministry and up an EHL pilot project in primary and
the ICRC EHL coordinator for the Middle secondary schools. The first EHL work-
East, who based their presentations on shops were held in the summer of
EHL pilot projects introduced in Morocco 2002. The project's aim was to boost
and other countries in the region. Follow- the National Society's ability to independ-
ing the seminar, the 54 participants stated ently use EHL modules for its own IHL-
their interest in having EHL incorporated promotion programmes.
into their national secondary-school cur-
ricula and drew up implementation strate- The ICRC participated in a meeting of Arab
gies for submission to their respective National Societies in May in Cairo to deter-
ministries. mine the main regional challenges that
they faced, particularly with regard to help
Growing unrest in the Middle East height- for Palestinians.
ened interest in ICRC activities and made it
even more important to project a clear In response to the worsening situation in

image of ICRC's mandate, in particular the occupied Palestinian territories last
with regard to the organization's protec- spring, the Egyptian Red Crescent worked
tion and assistance role in major ICRC hard to provide material aid to the Pales-
operational zones such as the occupied tinian population. Through its logistical
Palestinian territories, Afghanistan and unit in Amman the ICRC ensured that this
Iraq. aid reached the intended beneficiaries.
As a result, the ICRC regularly provided

local and regional media with ICRC
newsletters translated into Arabic detailing
the organization's work and objectives in
these places. At the same time, delegates
maintained an increasingly active dia-
logue with academic circles, NGOs and
other influential shapers of public opinion
to promote knowledge of IHL and the
ICRC's mandate.
290
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA IRAN
IRAN
Personnel:
4 expatriates
6 national staff
Since the 1988 cease-fire between Iran

and Iraq, the ICRC has urged the two
parties, in accordance with IHL, to
release and repatriate all POWs, to
make progress in identifying and
repatriating the bodies of those killed in
the war, and to resolve the problem of
personnel missing in action. Before
supervising their repatriation, the ICRC
holds private interviews with POWs it
registered during the Iran-Iraq war so as
to ascertain that they do indeed wish to
return home. It also works to strengthen
its partnership with the Iranian Red
Crescent Society and to promote IHL.
As part of its relief operation for
Afghanistan, in late 2001 the ICRC set
up an office and logistics base in
Mashhad, in eastern Iran. It did this in
cooperation with the Iranian Red
Crescent, with which it has been
working, with some interruptions,
since 1978.
CONTEXT

In the year under review, Iran sought to An estimated two million refugees
Expenditure (in Sfr) forge closer political and economic ties remained on Iranian soil, mostly Afghans
with neighbouring States and the Euro- but also several hundred thousand Iraqis.
Protection pean Union. In April, UNHCR started a programme to
87,192 repatriate Afghan refugees and by the end
Bilateral talks with Iraq, resumed in late
Assistance of the year more than 300,000 displaced
2001, focused on resolving issues out-
0 Afghans had returned home.
standing from their 1980-1988 war, in
Preventive action particular concerning prisoners of war and The third five-year economic plan entered
3,949 missing persons, and the question of war its third year with a programme of liberal-
Cooperation with National Societies reparations by Iraq, as stipulated under ization, diversification and privatization,
72,771 relevant UN resolutions. and the creation of 3.8 million new jobs
General by 2005.
In further signs of improved relations
0 between Tehran and Baghdad an agree-
ment to expand bilateral trade was signed
in November.
163,911
291
Heavy rainfall in the spring ended a pro-
longed drought in all but four of Iran's
ICRC ACTION As part of its regional mobilization to meet
the need for humanitarian aid in the event
provinces. In two provinces (Sistan and Key points in 2002 of war in Iraq, the ICRC set up a logistical
Baluchistan), where conditions remained supply base in Kermanshah, in western
dry, wetlands dried completely and • interviews conducted with 78 released Iran, where stocks of food and non-food
farmland was rendered unusable. Iraqi POWs to determine whether they relief, including medicines, were pre-
Afghanistan's decision to renew the natu- wished to return to Iraq and, if so, to positioned. The Iranian authorities assured
ral flow of the Helmand River into Iran, arrange for their repatriation the ICRC of their fullest cooperation in the
blocked by the authorities in Afghanistan • contact restored between Afghan event of a crisis.
in 1999, reinstated the main water supply refugees in Iran and their families via At the beginning of 2002, there were still
to Iran's Zabol region. the Red Cross message (RCM) service, approximately two million Afghans and
A strong earthquake in north-western Iran and RCMs from Iranian nationals half a million Iraqi refugees living in Iran,
in June killed some 230 people, injured interned in Guantanamo delivered to according to Iranian government figures.
more than 2,000 others and left more their families in Iran In April, UNHCR started a voluntary repatri-
than 25,000 homeless. ation programme for Afghan refugees liv-
Thousands of Iranian students held CIVILIANS ing in Iran. Between April and the end of
the year, some 360,000 Afghans had
almost daily rallies in November and
Airlifting relief supplies for Afghanistan reportedly returned home.
December in protest against a death sen-
tence imposed on a reformist academic The ICRC logistics base in Mashhad con-
for alleged blasphemy of Islam. The tinued to support the organization’s relief Restoring family links
demonstrating students also called for a operations in Afghanistan, providing more Hundreds of thousands of people in Iran,
national referendum on the country’s polit- than 5,000 tonnes of food and non-food including many Afghan and Iraqi refugees,
ical future. supplies that were either airlifted (300 continued to have difficulty restoring con-
flights) or transported overland to Ghor tact with relatives in their home countries.
province. A large proportion of the sup- In conjunction with the Iranian Red Cres-
plies were purchased locally. cent, the ICRC tracing service afforded
Operations at the base, established as a many such people renewed family ties by
temporary emergency measure in late means of RCMs.
2001, were gradually scaled down begin-
ning at mid-year and the Iranian Red Cres- Tracing missing persons
cent warehouse in Mashhad which had The fate of thousands of Iranians reported
been used by the ICRC was handed back missing during the Iran-Iraq war remained
in August. Nevertheless, an ICRC presence
a source of serious ICRC concern. The

was maintained to respond at short notice organization continued to maintain confi-
to any new needs in Afghanistan. dential contact with both parties on this
The high level of cooperation extended by issue in parallel with the parties’ own con-
the Iranian authorities and the National tinuing bilateral talks.
Society was a major factor in the success In an encouraging development, Iran and
of the Mashhad operation. Authorization to Iraq reached agreement on the issue of
use Iranian airspace to fly relief supplies refugees who had fled from one of the two
into Afghanistan proved crucial during the countries to the other during the war and
2001-02 winter months, when road con- who may now wish to return to their coun-
ditions were largely unsuitable for over- try of origin. In many cases, the where-
land transport. abouts of these refugees, many of whom
had fled their homes more than two
decades before, was still unknown to their
families.
292
In January, the ICRC met with a number of place at the Mundharieh/Khosravi check- The ICRC continued to coordinate RCM
families of missing Iranian soldiers, some point on the border between the two coun- exchanges between POWs and their fami-
of whom had previously been registered tries, in accordance with standard ICRC lies in Iraq, with support from the Iranian
by the ICRC in Iraq. In certain cases, the procedures whereby delegates had regis- National Society. In the third quarter the
families had received RCMs. Other cases tered the POWs beforehand and spoken ICRC also started to coordinate with the
involved persons not registered by the privately with each of them to ensure that Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian
ICRC whose existence had been reported they were returning home of their own free Red Crescent the distribution of RCMs from
to delegates by ICRC-registered Iranian will. In November, another 20 Iraqi POWs Iranian nationals interned in Guantanamo
POWs. were repatriated under ICRC auspices Bay to their families in Iran.
across the same checkpoint.
Repatriating human remains It was the 11th such operation carried out AUTHORITIES
On 17 February, the head of Iran’s Com- under ICRC auspices and was part of an Delegates met in June with the head of the
mission for POWs and Missing Persons ongoing process that began in April 1988 Multilateral and International Affairs
announced that Iran and Iraq had agreed to repatriate all remaining POWs from the Department of the Ministry of Foreign
to launch a joint committee to search for Iran-Iraq conflict who wished to return Affairs to discuss the ICRC’s activities in
human remains in the Meymak area of home, and to find out what had happened Iran.
Iran and the Mandali area of Iraq. to prisoners whose names had been sub-
mitted to the ICRC by the two countries. In talks with the director-general of the
In four separate operations between Feb- Department for International Political
ruary and September, the remains of over Earlier, in July, the ICRC monitored the Affairs, a procedure was established for
800 Iranians and 1,300 Iraqis killed in exchange of the remains of over 1,700 the distribution – by the ICRC in conjunc-
the Iran-Iraq war were reportedly POWs from the Iran-Iraq war (1,152 tion with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
exchanged at the frontier between the two Iraqis and 570 Iranians). the Iranian Red Crescent – of RCMs from
countries. Iranian nationals interned in Guantanamo
As part of the repatriation process, the
ICRC conducted private interviews with Bay and Afghanistan.
PEOPLE DEPRIVED Iraqi POWs registered during the Iran-Iraq Talks were also held with senior officials at
OF THEIR FREEDOM war to determine whether they wished to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Min-
return home and, if so, to supervise their istry of the Interior to discuss cooperation
The ICRC continued to urge both Iran and repatriation. In June and July, at the invi-
Iraq to release and repatriate POWs from in the event of war breaking out in Iraq,
tation of the Iranian authorities, 78 particularly with regard to any massive
their 1980-1988 war, to make progress in released Iraqi POWs were interviewed,
identifying and repatriating the remains of influx of Iraqi refugees.
mostly in Kermanshah, to find out whether
those killed in the war, and to solve the they wished to return. Delegates also held The ICRC participated in an international
problem of those missing in action. workshop on disaster management

several rounds of talks with Iran’s Com-
In high-level meetings on the matter in mission for POWs and Missing Persons in organized in December by the Interna-
Geneva, Tehran and Baghdad, the ICRC Tehran. tional Federation and hosted by the Iran-
reminded the two parties of their obligation ian Red Crescent. Participants included
During a visit to Geneva in October, the the minister of health, the National Society
under IHL to solve the POW issue. Commission gave the ICRC 77 Red Cross president, the deputy minister of the inte-
Meanwhile, bilateral talks between Iran messages written by Iraqi detainees in rior for development, and a representative
and Iraq continued throughout 2002, Iran who had not been registered by the from UNDP. The ICRC explained its man-
leading to some progress on matters ICRC. The messages were later forwarded date in connection with conflict and its
linked to the war. to the Iraqi authorities and distributed to specific position within the Red Cross and
the detainees' families with the help of the Red Crescent Movement.
In January, 507 Iraqi POWs from the Iran- Iraqi Red Crescent Society.
Iraq conflict and 188 Iraqi servicemen
unaccounted for since the 1991 war and
held in Iran were repatriated under ICRC
auspices. This handover of POWs was the
first since 2000, and was agreed during a
high-level official Iranian visit to Baghdad
earlier in the year. The operation took
293
ARMED FORCES The Society’s ability to respond effectively The Iranian government gave the Society
to disaster proved crucial in the relief oper- responsibility for managing any sudden
AND OTHER BEARERS ations that followed the devastating earth- influx of Iraqi refugees in the event of war.
OF WEAPONS quake that struck northwest Iran in June. To prepare for this, the Society’s director-
The ICRC continued its work to make the Working in conjunction with the Interna- general attended meetings organized by
armed forces command aware of the help tional Federation, the Red Crescent quickly the ICRC for National Societies to deal with
it could provide in incorporating IHL into helped to stabilize conditions for the esti- the potential consequences in humanitar-
theoretical and practical military training mated 25,000 people made homeless ian terms, both in Iran and throughout the
at all levels. and the more than 2,000 injured in the region.
disaster.
The Iranian Red Crescent continued to
CIVIL SOCIETY The Red Crescent helped forward RCMs chair the national committee on the imple-
and tracing requests for Afghan refugees mentation of IHL, established in 1999,
In December, the ICRC attended the first
in Iran. It was also a key factor in the suc- and set up an IHL awareness-raising
seminar organized by the National Com-
cess of the operation mounted by the ICRC office that expressed interest in working
mittee on IHL. During the seminar, lectures
in Mashhad late in 2001 to dispatch with the ICRC.
were given by representatives of the Min-
emergency supplies to Afghanistan. On
istries of Foreign Affairs and Defence and Movement coordination was consolidated
21 August, the ICRC officially handed
by Iranian international law professors to by means of closer dialogue between the
back part of the material it had used on
an audience of some 300 students at ICRC and the International Federation and
loan from the Society at its logistics base
Tehran University. the Iranian National Society about joint
in Mashhad. This included a warehouse,
planning and emergency preparedness,
While IHL is taught at some of the main a large tent and three trucks. The Society
particularly with regard to a possible war
Iranian universities, students and instruc- assured the ICRC that it could use them
in neighbouring Iraq.
tors continued to have only limited oppor- again for future relief operations.
tunity to develop their knowledge of the
The Society’s interaction with the rest of
subject. Moreover, the general public
the Movement increased through its par-
remained unfamiliar with IHL and the
ticipation in international relief opera-
Movement.
tions. Apart from its help with the Mash-
The ICRC strove to broaden contacts with had operation, the Iranian Red Crescent
law professors at different universities with also supplied medicines to the Palestine
a view to incorporating IHL into interna- Red Crescent Society (forwarded by the
tional law courses throughout Iran. It also ICRC to the occupied territories) and sup-
sought to develop closer relations with the ported the ICRC's relief operation there,
Iranian media. including financial support for the pur-
chase of medical equipment, tents and

sub-warehouses.
NATIONAL SOCIETY
The ICRC strengthened its partnership with In the framework of plans to enhance pre-
the Iranian Red Crescent Society, a well- paredness for any sudden deterioration of
structured and active organization pos- the situation in Iraq, an ICRC tracing sem-
sessing significant operational capacity, inar was held in Tehran in December for
including an efficient tracing service. 10 ICRC headquarters staff and 10
National Society tracing officers.
294
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA IRAQ
IRAQ
Personnel:
33 expatriates
323 national staff
The ICRC has been present in Iraq since

the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq war in
1980. The organization focuses on the
human consequences of two wars in
as many decades and the effects of
12 years of international trade sanctions.
Since mid-1999, it has placed particular
emphasis on repairing water, sanitation
and health-care infrastructure to
alleviate the deteriorating conditions in
which the civilian population lives. The
ICRC also pursues its traditional
humanitarian work in northern Iraq
arising from the effects of the conflict
between Kurdish groups.
CONTEXT

Iraq was the object of intensive interna- Tension was heightened by the largest
Expenditure (in Sfr) tional pressure to prove that it had rid itself United States and British military build-up
of weapons of mass destruction or face in the Gulf region since the 1991 war.
Protection the full-scale military action threatened by
Pressure on Iraq was further increased by
2,521,187 certain States that continued to contest
an intensification of US and British air
Assistance Iraq’s claim that it was complying with
attacks over the Iraqi northern and south-
17,875,621 United Nations resolutions.
ern "no-fly zones" imposed after the 1991
Preventive action Iraq allowed UN arms inspectors back into war with the stated aim of protecting Kur-
1,373,969 the country in November following a four- dish communities in the north and the Shi-
Cooperation with National Societies year suspension of their activities. It did so ite population in the south.
555,823 in accordance with UN resolution 1441,
Meanwhile, the threat of war aggravated
General which found Iraq to be in "material
the already dire plight of the Iraqi popula-
breach" of the relevant UN resolutions
68,465 tion, which continued to suffer from the
passed after it invaded Kuwait in 1990.
effects of two wars and 12 years of exact-
The resolution warned Iraq of "serious
ing sanctions. Levels of unemployment,
consequences" if it failed to cooperate with
22,395,065 the inspectors.
poverty and deprivation remained high,
295
with many still depending on government
food rations for day-to-day survival.
ICRC ACTION plants nationwide. Increased emphasis
was placed on ensuring that water distri-
Key points in 2002 bution networks function smoothly and
Iraq’s war-damaged and dilapidated water
supply a maximum number of people.
and sewage networks further deteriorated • ICRC emergency-relief capability in Iraq
and constituted a growing threat to public and neighbouring countries was rein- The ICRC:
health. Iraq continued to sorely lack ade- forced in preparation for any sudden • renovated or increased the capacity of
quate medical supplies, health-care facili- increase in needs 22 water treatment and pumping sta-
ties and equipment, as well as trained
• following a 4-year hiatus, the ICRC tions and 5 sewage treatment plants,
medical personnel to care for a widening
facilitated a resumption of direct dia- serving millions of civilians
range of serious disorders affecting grow-
ing numbers of people. logue between Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi • continued major repair and renovation
Arabia to discuss issues still outstand- work at 6 water treatment and 3 sewage
Changes to the UN oil-for-food programme ing from the 1991 war disposal sites in various parts of the
increased the availability of certain goods
• the ICRC supervised the repatriation of country
for the civilian population but nevertheless
fell far short of covering basic needs. Most 527 Iraqi POWs captured during the • had by year’s end renovated 282 water
of Iraqi society still suffered from inade- Iran-Iraq conflict and of 188 Iraqi ser- treatment plants and pumping stations
quate basic services and goods. The need vicemen detained in Iran since 1991 and 7 sewage evacuation stations since
for humanitarian aid therefore remained the programme began in 1993, and more
substantial throughout the country. CIVILIANS than 5 million people had gained access
to regular and safe supplies of drinking
Iraq agreed in November to resume direct The ICRC continued extensive aid begun in
water as a result of this programme
talks in the framework of the Tripartite mid-1999 to focus on urgent needs not
Commission – suspended since late covered by the UN oil-for-food pro- Basic equipment, such as pumps and
1998 – to establish what had happened gramme. ICRC programmes mainly con- pipes, continued to be obtained under the
to people unaccounted for since the 1991 cerned the repair and maintenance of oil-for-food programme, while other spare
war. This followed years of discreet diplo- health-care, water and sanitation facilities, parts were purchased from the local market.
matic effort by the ICRC to restore direct and training and capacity-building in the
Supplying drinking water to small rural
dialogue in order to accelerate progress health-care sector. The primary aim was
communities, through an easily manage-
on these issues. The first round of talks to keep selected vital facilities functioning
able chemical-free system, was a techni-
was expected to take place early in 2003. and to guarantee basic hygiene.
cal challenge that was met by a process
As in previous years, the ICRC remained known as roughing filtration. ICRC engi-
one of the very few international organiza- Maintaining water neers adapted this technique to local con-
tions with humanitarian projects and a and sanitation systems ditions in five governorates, providing vil-
regular presence throughout Iraq. Given Insufficient clean water supplies and inad- lages with direct access to safe drinking
the volatile situation as 2002 drew to a equate sewage disposal facilities re- water for the first time.
close, the ICRC enhanced its emergency- mained a major source of concern, as
In addition to regular maintenance and
response capability in Iraq and neighbour- reflected in high levels of water-borne dis-
repair, ICRC engineers also responded to
ing countries. eases. Access to clean water and ade-
numerous sudden breakdowns, thus pre-
quate sanitation remained particularly dif-
venting entire communities from being
ficult in rural areas. Raw sewage
deprived of water for long periods.
continued to contaminate rivers and lakes
and the water available to the population
in many areas was unfit to drink. Protecting civilians
In view of the uncertainty that prevailed
The ICRC's water and habitat programme
in Iraq throughout the year, the ICRC
in Iraq had become one of its biggest
developed its contingency planning and
worldwide. ICRC engineers and their Iraqi
built up relief supplies in Baghdad and
counterparts continued to gauge the grow-
other parts of the country – and in neigh-
ing needs in this sector and to devise
bouring countries – in preparation for
appropriate technical means of repairing
sudden events adversely affecting the
or upgrading water and sewage treatment
civilian population.
296
The ICRC continued to assess the effect on In ad hoc ICRC repatriation operations: a representatives from Kuwait and 1991-
civilians of increased hostilities between Kuwaiti citizen arrested for reportedly war coalition States: United States, Britain,
the Ansar al Islam Islamic faction and the entering Iraq illegally was repatriated to France and Saudi Arabia.
authorities of the Patriotic Union of Kurdis- Kuwait in March under ICRC auspices; a
In January, the ICRC supervised the repa-
tan (PUK) and the Kurdish Democratic month later, six Iraqis reportedly rescued
triation from Iran to Iraq of 188 service-
Party (KDP) in northern Iraq. It also by the Saudi Arabian coast guard after
men unaccounted for since the 1991 war.
stepped up regular coordination with the their boat sank off the Saudi coast in
Since that war ended, the ICRC has organ-
PUK and KDP and relevant UN agencies in November 2001 were repatriated together
ized the repatriation of more than 70,000
northern Iraq to improve the sharing of with the remains of two Iraqis who did not
Iraqis, over 4,000 Kuwaiti and other
information and bolster aid to an increas- survive the incident; two Iraqi nationals
coalition POWs and some 1,300 Kuwaiti
ing number of internally displaced per- released from Kuwait’s Central Prison,
and third-country nationals detained by
sons requiring shelter and basic relief. In where they had been detained for reasons
Iraq during the conflict.
northern Iraq, ICRC aid was limited to unrelated to the 1991 war, were repatri-
areas which fighting made inaccessible to ated under ICRC auspices in July. In 2002, the ICRC issued 3,846 certifi-
the oil-for-food programme, other UN cates of detention for POWs from the
agencies and local authorities. Emergency 1991 war.
shelter equipment and other relief were
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
provided to hundreds of IDPs in northern OF THEIR FREEDOM Iran-Iraq war – repatriation of POWs
Iraq as part of a longstanding programme
1991 Gulf war – resolving outstanding In January, 507 Iraqi POWs from the Iran-
to help civilians who continue to be driven
issues Iraq war were repatriated under ICRC aus-
from their homes.
The ICRC continued to do its utmost to pices. It was the tenth operation of its kind
ascertain what had happened to persons and was part of an ICRC process initiated
unaccounted for since the 1991 war. in 1988 to attempt to ensure the repatria-
The ICRC tracing service continued to help tion of POWs and to determine what had
Iraqis restore or maintain contact with rel- After years of sustained ICRC effort, a happened to prisoners whose names had
atives living in countries with which Iraq breakthrough was achieved in November been submitted to the ICRC by the two for-
had no diplomatic relations, or with which when Iraq agreed to return to direct talks mer warring parties. The organization
communications remained unreliable or with other parties to the 1991 conflict, supervised the repatriation of a further 20
insecure. A total of 8,281 RCMs were for- after withdrawing from them four years Iraqi POWs in November.
warded between relatives separated by before. The talks, held under ICRC aus-
conflict and between people and detained pices, were due to resume early in 2003 The ICRC continued to hold meetings with
loved ones. in the framework of a sub-committee of both sides to deal with remaining POW
the Tripartite Commission set up in 1994 cases, to facilitate the exchange of individ-
At the request of the United Nations High ual files and lists of names and to provide
to discuss well-documented cases of

Commissioner for Refugees, 324 ICRC the respective parties with relevant infor-
travel documents were issued for refugees missing persons and prisoners of war.
mation after cross-checking the informa-
of various nationalities in Iraq who Iraq’s decision to rejoin the process was tion with its own records. By 2002, the
requested resettlement in third countries. an important step towards bringing the ICRC had supervised the repatriation of
Planned family visits under ICRC auspices former warring parties closer to resolving more than 97,000 POWs from both sides.
to Iraqis detained in Kuwait, already issues which have strained relations
between them since the conflict ended. Red Cross messages from 76 Iraqi POWs
agreed to by Kuwait, were still awaiting still detained in Iran were forwarded to the
approval by the Iraqi authorities. Since the suspension of the sub-commit- ICRC by Iranian representatives in Geneva
A number of requests for the ICRC to organ- tee sessions at the end of 1998, the ICRC and then by the ICRC to Iraq, where they
ize and monitor repatriation operations, had continued to hold confidential bilat- were distributed with the assistance of the
submitted by the governments of Kuwait eral talks with individual members of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society.
and Saudi Arabia, were discussed with the Tripartite Commission and to chair meet-
ings of the Commission – without Iraq – Concerning unresolved cases of POWs
Iraqi authorities and then carried out. and missing persons, regular dialogue
three times yearly in Geneva. In 2002, as
in previous years, Commission meetings was maintained with the Permanent Com-
in Geneva were attended by high-level mittee for War Victims in Baghdad.
297
During the year under review, a total of Following ICRC representations to the Kur- The ICRC has continued to adopt an inte-
275 ICRC detention certificates were dish authorities, delegates gained access grated approach to improving services for
issued for POWs from the Iran-Iraq war, to several places of detention, run by the a large part of the country’s 23 million
including certificates for nine Iraqi service- KDP and PUK, that they had never previ- inhabitants, combining repairs of major
men from that conflict who were repatri- ously visited. systems at health-care facilities with man-
ated from Iran under ICRC auspices in agement, nursing and maintenance train-
January 2002. ing for staff of hospitals and primary
WOUNDED AND SICK health-care centres upgraded by the ICRC.
Assessing prison conditions Contingency planning
In accordance with its obligation to ensure Renovating hospitals
The ICRC continued to visit detainees
maximum preparedness for any increased and smaller facilities
whose States of origin had no diplomatic
representation in Iraq. They were being needs arising from a sudden deterioration In 2002, major structural renovation was
held at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad. In of the situation in Iraq, the ICRC pre- completed at Basra teaching hospital and
northern Iraq, the ICRC maintained visits positioned emergency supplies in Iraq and Al-Rashid psychiatric hospital. The work
to detention centres run by the Kurdish neighbouring countries. involved upgrading the water supply and
authorities (KDP and PUK) in order to sewage disposal systems, furnishing or
Stocks of medical supplies were delivered
assess the detainees’ treatment and con- repairing surgical equipment, and repair-
in and around Iraq for the treatment of
ditions of detention. ing heating and cooling systems, electri-
7,000 war-wounded people, while emer-
cal circuits and facilities such as operating
In the course of partial and complete visits gency health-care kits were placed in and
theatres, lifts, laundries and kitchens.
to places of detention in both Baghdad around Iraq in order to be ready for any
Upgrading was also completed at eight
and northern Iraq, ICRC aid (clothes, sudden increase in needs.
primary health-care centres in various
hygiene kits, cleaning materials and recre- parts of the country and renovation was
ational items) was distributed to detainees Ensuring quality heath care still in progress at another three such cen-
whenever needed. The health-care system in Iraq continued tres as 2002 drew to a close.
After the general amnesty decreed by the to suffer from the consequences of past
Following the renovation work at Bagh-
Iraqi president on 20 October, several wars and 12 years of international trade
dad’s Al-Rashid hospital (1,000 beds) –
released foreign detainees approached the embargo. National public health authori-
the only hospital providing psychiatric
ICRC and requested help with repatriation. ties and well-documented independent
care and treatment in Iraq – the ICRC con-
The organization forwarded these requests surveys indicated continuing high rates of
tinued training staff in occupational ther-
to the Iraqi authorities. Any further ICRC infant and maternal mortality and wide-
apy.
action remained contingent on their spread malnutrition, while Iraqi doctors
response. Other requests by ex-detainees continued to be confronted with diseases By the end of the year, the organization
that have re-emerged for the first time in had upgraded 10 hospitals and 23 other
for resettlement in third countries were dis-

cussed with the UNHCR. The ICRC also decades. facilities in various parts of the country
engaged in a dialogue with the Iraqi For- since the programme started in 1999.
Much of Iraq’s health-care infrastructure,
eign Ministry to ensure that none of these once amongst the most modern in the Prenatal, maternal and child-care support
ex-detainees was expelled from Iraq to Arab world, has not been properly main- through nursing training continued
their countries of origin against their will. tained in years. As a result, medical facili- throughout the year at eight health-care
Complete visits were made to the Depart- ties throughout the country remained centres upgraded by the ICRC. In addition,
ment of Social Reforms for non-Iraqis at largely inadequate to properly treat the medical publications were made available
Abu Ghraib prison during which private injured and sick. The lack of trained med- to enable doctors and other staff to keep
interviews were conducted with the ical and maintenance staff has aggra- their knowledge up to date.
detainees. The ICRC distributed clothes vated the situation.
and hygiene kits to all 360 detainees. Fitting amputees
RCMs were delivered to detainees and, fol- Iraq still has a high number of amputees:
lowing the visits, a working paper was wounded from the Iran-Iraq and 1991
handed to the relevant Iraqi authorities wars, victims of intra-Kurd hostilities in
regarding detainee treatment and condi- northern Iraq and people injured by land-
tions of detention. mines, which still infest many parts of the
country.
298
In 2002, the ICRC continued to support ARMED FORCES With the support of a local fine arts insti-
six prosthetic/orthotic centres run by the tute, the ICRC promoted, sponsored and
Iraqi authorities. This took the form of AND OTHER BEARERS produced a theatre play about its history,
raw materials and components, technical OF WEAPONS mandate and the main features of the
follow-up and staff training in the fields of The ICRC made significant progress Geneva Conventions. The play was then
limb-fitting and physiotherapy. towards its objective of incorporating IHL broadcast during prime time on local tele-
into the regular training programmes of vision stations and on two satellite net-
The ICRC’s prosthetic/orthotic programme
those who bear weapons in northern Iraq. works. This was followed up by an ICRC-
continued to aim at improving local qual-
sponsored television report about the
ity-control skills for lower-limb prosthetics Two ICRC seminars completed the training organization’s activities and mandate
by helping to define policies and stan- of 62 officers in charge of teaching IHL to broadcast by the same stations.
dards and by training technicians as a PUK military personnel in Sulaymaniyah
means of promoting autonomy and sus- governorate. The ICRC will now focus on Publication continued of the popular ICRC
tainability. Over the year the ICRC work- monitoring the impact of courses given by Sindibad youth magazine, which provides
shop produced an average of 200 appli- these trained officers to PUK military rank a forum for young artists, writers and intel-
ances per month and aimed at stabilizing and file. lectuals to express their views and talent
at that level while maintaining or improv- on a variety of topics. Circulation was
ing quality. ICRC train-the-trainer courses were also doubled to 60,000 issues and the Min-
held in Dohuk and Arbil for 65 instructors istry of Education agreed to distribute the
ICRC staff went to the Sangasar region and from different units of the KDP armed publication in Iraqi schools.
Balyan Valley in northern Iraq to assess forces.
the needs of amputees unable to travel to In northern Iraq, IHL lectures were con-
limb-fitting centres for security reasons. ducted for about 100 law students. The
There was a need for renovation at limb- CIVIL SOCIETY ICRC provided documentation on IHL to
fitting centres in four towns in northern The ICRC further developed its dialogue various law faculties and took part in reg-
Iraq, as well as at the Basra centre and a with influential circles in civil society, ular events organized by the Iraqi Red
physical rehabilitation school. including the media, to heighten aware- Crescent Society in northern Iraq. Dele-
ness of the ICRC’s specific mandate and gates gave a general presentation to
A safety seminar was organized by the
its activities. young people on the organization’s man-
ICRC in conjunction with the Ministry of
date and activities, and information ses-
Health for physical rehabilitation staff in Contact was established with five law fac-
sions were organized for members of the
Baghdad – the first such course ever ulties in Iraq, including the Baghdad Law
Kurdistan Women’s Union in Sulay-
staged. The participants were made aware College, and all showed interest in devel-
maniyah and Dohuk governorates.
of the dangers involved in the production oping cooperation with the ICRC to pro-
process for artificial limbs. mote IHL teaching in their curricula. ICRC
NATIONAL SOCIETY

publications on IHL were distributed to all
Finally, the ICRC upgraded the limb-fitting
law faculties in Iraq and an introductory
centre in Arbil. Improving preparedness
course on the Movement, its various com-
ponents and IHL was held for 24 post- The Iraqi Red Crescent was mandated by
AUTHORITIES graduate law students from different the government to draw up a national
A constructive dialogue was consolidated universities. disaster-preparedness plan and to coordi-
with the authorities in northern Iraq with In all, some 200 journalists and media nate the activities of all international
whom the ICRC held regular meetings professionals attended six seminars with humanitarian organizations with the
ranging from briefings to detailed presen- the aim of fostering interest and accurate exception of the ICRC and UN agencies.
tations about the Movement, IHL and ICRC media coverage of the ICRC and IHL- The ICRC initiated a number of Movement
activities in the region. related issues and activities, including fora to improve cooperation with the Inter-
laws governing the protection of journal- national Federation and the Iraqi Red
ists in wartime. As the year ended, ICRC Crescent, particularly as regards a coordi-
Baghdad was receiving an increasing nated approach to bolstering disaster pre-
number of media requests for information paredness. The ICRC contributed guide-
about the organization’s mandate and lines for conflict preparedness.
activities in the region.
299
National Society branch directors were
instructed in techniques to help them iden-
tify the key differences between conflict-
related and other disasters with a view to
better management and clarity regarding
responsibilities. A review of ICRC, National
Society and International Federation radio
systems resulted in an agreement on
steps to ensure improved power supply to
high-frequency systems in all Society
branches and to VHF communications
between the three components of the
Movement.
The ICRC helped the Society recruit and
train new tracing officers and continued to
provide financial and other support for its
work in central and southern Iraq to
spread knowledge of IHL. Similar pro-
grammes continued in northern Iraq,
where the ICRC maintained regular contact
with Red Crescent leaders in all three
governorates.
As part of its programme in the four south-
ern governorates particularly contami-
nated by mines/UXO, the ICRC and the
National Society surveyed the area to
determine the level of danger. It also
organized a four-day course on the sub-
ject attended by Society staff and Iraqi civil
defence officials.
300
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAISRAEL, THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES AND THE AUTONOMOUS TERRITORIES
ISRAEL, THE OCCUPIED
TERRITORIES
AND THE AUTONOMOUS
TERRITORIES
Personnel:
72 expatriates
120 national staff
The ICRC has maintained a permanent

presence in Israel and the occupied and
autonomous territories since the 1967 Arab-
Israeli war. It works towards ensuring the
faithful application of, and respect for, IHL, in
particular the Fourth Geneva Convention for
the protection of civilians in time of war and
of occupation. In the current climate of
violence, it monitors the situation of
Palestinian civilians, carries out visits to
detainees and, where needed, makes
representations to the relevant authorities,
both Israeli and Palestinian. It provides direct
assistance to Palestinians whose houses
have been demolished and the people worst
affected by curfews, closures and other
restrictions in West Bank towns and villages.
As lead agency in this situation, the ICRC
coordinates the relief response of the
Movement. It also supports the work of the
Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and
the Magen David Adom (MDA).

CONTEXT
Expenditure (in Sfr) The year under review was one of the Palestinian territories in 35 years. By the
most violent and destructive in Israel and end of June the IDF had redeployed in
Protection the occupied Palestinian territories since seven of the West Bank's eight major
11,732,917 Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza cities. It imposed the most stringent secu-
Assistance in 1967. By the end of 2002, spiralling rity clampdown ever in the troubled terri-
hostilities were reported to have claimed tory, plunging Palestinian society into
33,905,311
the lives of more than 1,700 Palestinians even deeper socio-economic disarray, iso-
Preventive action and some 700 Israelis since the current lation and dependency. The almost her-
2,183,112 Palestinian insurgency against occupation metic blockade was still in force as 2002
Cooperation with National Societies erupted in September 2000. ended but this did not put a total stop to
5,173,859 attacks by armed Palestinian militants in
In the first half of 2002, an unprecedented
General either the occupied Palestinian territories
wave of indiscriminate and devastating
327,437 or in Israel.
Palestinian suicide attacks caused deep
psychological trauma in Israeli society IDF troops, backed by tanks, combat
and prompted the most massive action by helicopters and armoured bulldozers,
53,322,637 the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the engaged in heavy fighting in densely
301
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA ISRAEL, THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES AND THE AUTONOMOUS TERRITORIES
populated urban areas in the course of a
search-and-destroy mission targeting
nisms eroded further. Meanwhile concern
mounted about the nutritional status and
ICRC ACTION
what they described as an infrastructure of health of the population, particularly chil- Key points in 2002
terror responsible for the attacks against dren, the elderly and the sick.
Israelis. In the process, many civilians • ICRC protection staff were doubled
In March, the Israeli parliament passed an
were killed and thousands of suspected • ICRC visited more than 13,000 Pales-
"unlawful combatants" law designed to
militants were arrested. Hundreds of tinians detained in 39 Israeli places of
legalize the indefinite detention of any per-
houses and other buildings were detention and hundreds of detainees
son suspected of engaging in "hostile
destroyed, leaving thousands homeless, held by the Palestinian Authority
activity" against Israel, whether direct or
and extensive damage was inflicted on
indirect. • both sides were repeatedly urged to
vital public utilities such as the water sup-
ply and electricity system. In the Gaza During a visit to the region in October, the respect IHL
Strip, IDF airstrikes and incursions by ICRC president noted that the situation in • ICRC food-relief and hygiene-parcel pro-
ground forces against militant Palestinian humanitarian terms had grown worse grammes tripled to cover 30,000 of the
strongholds also continued throughout the than at any time since the ICRC estab- most vulnerable families in rural West
year. These caused considerable inciden- lished a constant presence there in 1967. Bank villages
tal damage, including many civilian
While stressing Israel's primary responsi- • an innovative urban voucher scheme
deaths.
bility for the welfare of the civilian popula- was implemented to provide food and
In June, work started on the construction tion under its occupation, the ICRC was meet the other basic household needs
of a security barrier between Israel and the swift to react to the worsening situation by of 20,000 particularly vulnerable fami-
West Bank in response to mounting Israeli greatly increasing its presence on the lies in besieged West Bank towns
public and political pressure to physically ground and vastly expanding aid in an
separate the country from Palestinian ever more precarious economic security • food-parcel distribution programme
communities in the occupied territory as a and health environment. was doubled to cover 2,000 of the most
means of preventing infiltration by armed needy families in Hebron’s old town
Meanwhile, on the Israeli-Lebanese bor-
Palestinian militants. • basic shelter kits were distributed to
der, the situation remained tense between
The development of infrastructure for Hezbollah and the IDF, especially in the thousands of Palestinians whose
Israeli settlements continued with the disputed Shebaa Farms area. homes were destroyed or expropriated
building of more settler-only bypass roads • ICRC surgeons enhanced the skills of
and enlarged buffer zones around settle- Palestinian war surgeons at peripheral
ments. This resulted in further expropria- hospitals and clinics in order to reduce
tion of Palestinian land and destruction of the need to transfer patients to referral
Palestinian farmland. As a result, tensions centres in urban areas
continued to run high between Palestinian

communities and the estimated 400,000 • a new water-distribution programme
Israelis living in 145 locations in the West was started in response to a chronic
Bank and Gaza Strip. Violent incidents shortage of drinking water in hundreds
between settlers and neighbouring Pales- of isolated West Bank villages
tinians were reported almost daily, rang- • support was stepped up to both the
ing from simple harassment and stone- PRCS and the MDA
throwing to shootings with deaths on both
sides.
CIVILIANS
Rigid curfews, stepped up closures and
other severe constraints on the movement Protecting civilians
of people and goods confined much of the In 2002, the ICRC documented a signifi-
population of two million to their homes cant increase in both the scale and types
for prolonged periods, with no access to of IHL violations by the IDF and armed
basic items such as health care, educa- Palestinian militants.
tion and work. Unemployment and poverty
rates soared as traditional coping mecha-
302
Protecting the civilian population While acknowledging Israel's security ity, as the occupying power, to ensure the
remained central to the work of the ICRC concerns, the ICRC president urged the welfare of the Palestinian population. The
as it operated in an ever more volatile Israeli authorities to fully implement the ICRC stressed that the worsening situation
security climate, particularly during "Oper- provisions of the Fourth Geneva Conven- for the inhabitants of the occupied Pales-
ation Defensive Shield" in early spring tion, that is "to take measures that will tinian territories was largely attributable to
when the organization made repeated enable the civilian population living in the Israeli security restrictions imposed there
appeals to the Israeli authorities, in partic- occupied territories to resume as normal a and strongly urged Israel to adjust its
ular to allow unimpeded medical work life as possible, and to respond to their security policy in order to minimize its
and to spare the lives of civilians not tak- humanitarian needs". He pointed out the devastating impact on the entire civilian
ing part in the hostilities. harmful impact of mobility restrictions on population.
civilians.
In response to the upsurge of violence, the
ICRC in May decided to expand its field A key issue raised by the ICRC president in Assisting families in the West Bank
presence and protection work. Its purpose all his talks was the absolute necessity, as An innovative urban voucher programme,
was to put more staff on the ground as a laid down by IHL, to draw a clear distinc- the largest of its kind ever launched by the
means of better assisting the victims of tion between combatants and unarmed ICRC, started in July 2002 in the nine
the violence and enhancing its ability to civilians, and to respect at all times the largest towns of the West Bank. Its aim
deal with numerous issues of urgent principle of proportionality in the use of was to provide basic food and other relief
humanitarian concern, document IHL vio- force. He also appealed for the red cross for 20,000 families, or some 20% of the
lations and make timely representations and red crescent emblems to be respected urban population. Under the scheme, ben-
to the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and the need to facilitate the work of the eficiary families received monthly vouch-
and armed groups. Throughout the vio- Palestine Red Crescent Society and the ers worth US$ 90 to purchase basic food
lence, ICRC staff remained present in Magen David Adom, stressing that in and other essential household items from
the occupied Palestinian territories, fur- times of conflict and other violence med- pre-selected local retailers. Apart from the
nishing whatever aid and protection it ical staff must be allowed to carry out their primary objective of helping destitute fam-
could within the limits imposed by the life-saving work unhindered. ilies, the project also provided a stimulus
security situation. to the local economy by ensuring that the
ICRC representations to both the Israeli
product mix available in exchange for
ICRC dialogue with the Israeli authorities and Palestinian authorities resulted in
ICRC vouchers contained certain items
facilitated some Palestinian economic some improvements, particularly with
supplied by local producers. By the end
activities. For example, the organization regard to the ability of emergency medical
of 2002, an average of two distributions
secured relatively safe access by Palestin- services to carry out their work. However,
had been carried out in each of the nine
ian farmers to olive groves in order to har- as 2002 drew to a close the security cli-
towns involved. A tightly controlled moni-
vest the fruit for oil production, which has mate remained precarious for both Israeli
toring system was put in place to oversee
become the main source of income for and Palestinian civilians, as well as for

the scheme, which was set to run until
many Palestinians who have lost their humanitarian workers.
June 2003.
jobs since the second intifada started in
September 2000. Expanding aid At the start of 2002, the ICRC launched a
large-scale economic-aid programme in
During a six-day visit to Israel and the For most of the year hundreds of thou-
the form of monthly relief packages (food
occupied and autonomous territories in sands of West Bank Palestinians were
and hygiene parcels and sports/school
October, the ICRC president met Israel’s confined to their homes for prolonged
kits) for 10,000 particularly needy fami-
president and prime minister as well as periods, leading to the near total socio-
lies living in isolated West Bank villages.
the chairman of the Palestinian Authority. economic collapse of Palestinian society.
In May 2002, the number of beneficiaries
The ICRC president also held talks with In response, new and expanded ICRC aid
was increased to 30,000 families in some
key military and civilian officials on both programmes sought to help 50,000 of the
300 villages and a bulk-food component
sides. In all meetings he conveyed the most needy families, representing more
was added. By 1 December 2002, the first
ICRC's grave concern about the growing than 300,000 people or some 15% of the
distribution of bulk food (50 kg of wheat
crisis which he described as the worst sit- total West Bank population.
flour, 50 kg of sugar and 50 kg of rice per
uation from a humanitarian viewpoint
The ICRC viewed its relief programmes as family) had been completed in all rural
since the ICRC had established a presence
extraordinary and temporary measures to areas covered by the programme, and a
in the region in 1967.
meet emergency needs, and not as a sub- second round was under way (bulk food
stitute for Israel assuming its responsibil- comprising flour, rice, sugar, oil and
303
lentils) in coordination with the World summer were almost totally dependent on When requested by the families, the ICRC
Food Programme. The programme was increasingly expensive tanker deliveries transferred the remains of deceased
set to continue until the end of June 2003. which most of the population could no Lebanese civilians from Israel to Lebanon
longer afford. The problem was further in order to provide them with a dignified
Both of the above-mentioned programmes
aggravated by the questionable quality of funeral in their country of origin.
were delayed by mobility constraints
water trucked to villages, which was
imposed by closures and curfews. ICRC delegates pursued a dialogue
reflected in an increased incidence of
with the relevant authorities regarding
water-borne diseases. To ensure that rural
Extending food aid in Hebron Lebanese civilians in Israel who
villages had sufficient quantities of clean
expressed the wish to return to their coun-
The living conditions for residents of water during the summer months, the
try of origin.
Hebron’s old town continued to deteriorate ICRC introduced a new water distribution
as a result of almost round-the-clock cur- programme between August and Novem- The 16,000 Syrian nationals in the Israeli-
fews, frequent violence between Israeli ber 2002, targeting 2,500 households in occupied Golan who had been separated
settlers and Palestinian militants, and IDF nearly 300 isolated villages. from their families in Syria since 1967
operations. continued to benefit from ICRC efforts to
To supplement its water distribution pro-
ensure that they were able to travel to Syria
In mid-2002, the ICRC doubled the gramme, the ICRC laid the groundwork for
for educational or religious purposes, or to
monthly food-parcel programme in enhanced rainwater storage capacity in
get married in the separation zone with
Hebron’s old town to cover 2,000 fami- selected West Bank communities by
persons from Syria.
lies. Eleven distributions were completed installing storage cisterns.
in 2002 despite continuous disruptions
At the height of the violence in the second
caused by the unpredictable pattern of the
quarter of the year, the ICRC regularly facil-
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
stringent curfew regime and recurrent vio-
itated the safe passage of municipal repair OF THEIR FREEDOM
lent incidents involving Israeli settlers, the
and maintenance staff in West Bank and The ICRC considerably enlarged its protec-
IDF and armed Palestinian militants.
Gaza Strip towns where water supply facil- tion role in response to mass arrests of
ities had either been destroyed or severely suspected Palestinian militants by Israeli
Shelter for the homeless damaged during IDF operations. ICRC security forces. Increased ICRC staff levels
The scale of ICRC shelter aid grew sharply engineers were also directly involved in enabled the organization to regularly visit
in response to the increased number of emergency repair work. growing numbers of people held in deten-
Palestinian families rendered homeless by tion centres in Israel and the occupied
the demolition or expropriation of their Restoring family links Palestinian territories in order to assess
dwellings during IDF operations and More than 2,000 Lebanese nationals who their treatment and living conditions
Israeli settlement expansion, particularly fled southern Lebanon following the Israeli and help them maintain contact with their
in the Gaza Strip. withdrawal in May 2000 remained in families.
More than 2,300 Gaza families received Israel in 2002 and required help main-
either a full or partial ICRC house destruc- taining contact with their families in Detainees held by Israel
tion relief kit (comprising emergency shel- Lebanon, with which Israel has no formal As 2002 drew to a close, the Palestinian
ter and basic household items) from July ties. Family links were ensured through detainee population totalled 5,444,
to November 2002. In the West Bank, the Red Cross message (RCM) service. including security and administrative
similar aid was provided to some 400 The RCM service also served to enable detainees, ordinary detainees and
people over the same period under a pro- Palestinians detained by the Israeli detainees of undetermined status, includ-
gramme that will continue in 2003. authorities to restore and maintain contact ing foreigners. The ICRC conducted weekly
with their families. A total of 5,009 such visits to four Israeli interrogation centres
Water distribution messages were collected and 3,432 were and made regular visits to six provisional
distributed in 2002. detention centres, as well as to 19 prisons
Hundreds of isolated rural villages not
and some police stations.
connected to water supply systems con- In addition, the ICRC introduced a system
tinued to face chronic shortages as the for the issuing of power-of-attorney docu- Israel reopened the Ofer and Qetziot
long, dry summer months depleted ments and arranged for their exchange, reserve military detention centres to
reserves accumulated in underground cis- together with other official documents, accommodate the growing number of
terns during the rainy winter. The ICRC between Lebanese families living in Israel arrested Palestinians. The ICRC was able
identified some 270 such villages that in and others in Lebanon. to visit both camps shortly after they
304
opened and continued to monitor treat- Detainees held by the Palestinian Helping detainees deprived
ment and conditions there throughout Authority of family visits
the year. The number of people held by the Pales- Palestinian detainees are entitled to main-
In all, the ICRC visited 13,118 detainees tinian Authority dropped significantly fol- tain family contacts, in accordance with
in 39 Israeli places of detention, focusing lowing the large-scale destruction of the relevant provisions of the Geneva Con-
primarily on interrogation centres and the Palestinian detention facilities, particularly ventions. However, IDF military operations
Ofer and Qetziot camps. In the latter during IDF incursions into the West Bank and tight closures continued to severely
camp, Israel was holding nearly 900 in early spring. The precarious security sit- disrupt the ICRC's family-visit programme
Palestinian administrative detainees by uation brought ICRC detainee-welfare for Palestinian detainees. In the West
the end of the year. Visits were also carried work in the West Bank to a near halt Bank the programme was operational for
out to Israeli prisons, the Meggido military following "Operation Determined Path." In only about 20 days in 2002. In the Gaza
camp, provisional detention centres and the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority’s Strip, family visits resumed in August,
some police stations. security services managed to maintain a having been suspended since June, and
limited detention capacity and regular vis- continued throughout the year despite
Almost 50 foreign detainees whose States its to places of detention continued. considerable implementation difficulties
had no diplomatic relations with Israel and delays.
were regularly visited by ICRC delegates to At year's end, the ICRC was assessing the
assess their treatment and living condi- treatment and conditions of 277 persons The lack of family visits in the West Bank
tions and also to determine whether they held by the Palestinian authorities, mostly also deprived detainees of a source of
wished to return home and, if so, to facili- alleged collaborators with Israel, com- essential material support. This prompted
tate that process. (Several foreign pared with 799 at the start of the year. the ICRC to distribute clothing, medical
detainees were repatriated under ICRC With the near-collapse of the central and recreational items to special hardship
auspices.) In other cases it helped prison system in the West Bank, many cases in various places of detention. The
arrange resettlement in third countries. detainees were under house arrest or ICRC also provided supplies to canteens
being held in police stations. Some and newspaper subscriptions in more
The Central Prison in Jericho was still alleged collaborators were the victims than 20 places of detention.
holding six detainees at the end of the of extrajudicial executions, prompting
year, transferred from Ramallah on 5 June The ICRC continued to urge the Israeli
ICRC representations to the Palestinian
as part of the resolution of the spring siege authorities to enable a full resumption of
Authority.
of the Palestinian Authority’s presidential family visits in a manner that ensured the
compound. All six were held by the Despite continued representations to the safety and dignity of families involved.
Authority under the supervision of a joint authorities concerned, the ICRC was
US and British monitoring team requested unable to gain access to places of deten-
by Israel. tion run by the Palestinian Authority’s Mili-
WOUNDED AND SICK
tary Intelligence Services.

ICRC discussions with Israeli authorities Ensuring access to victims
to improve the detainee-notification sys- Emergency medical services encountered
tem resulted in some progress. Weekly Missing Israelis some of the worst security problems that
visits to the four interrogation centres run The ICRC continued its efforts to determine they had ever faced in the entire history of
by the Israeli Security Authority remained a what had happened to nine missing Israeli the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, particularly
priority. nationals. Despite repeated ICRC repre- during "Operation Defensive Shield". As a
sentations to the relevant authorities, no result, the ICRC had to remind the Israeli
Following a decision by the Israeli progress was made on this issue in 2002. authorities of the paramount importance of
Supreme Court on 23 August 2001 to During his visit to Israel and the occupied ensuring those services safe and unhin-
grant them the right to be visited, the ICRC Palestinian territories in October, the ICRC dered access to the victims and to hospi-
was finally allowed access to two president met with the families of the tals.
Lebanese administrative detainees on 23 missing Israelis, who were desperate to
June 2002, one of whom had never been Stringent mobility restrictions imposed by
know what had happened to their loved
visited by the ICRC since his arrest in the IDF enabled the Palestinian Red Cres-
ones. He reiterated the organization’s
1994. At present, 17 Lebanese nationals cent to respond to only 10% of emergency
commitment to resolving this issue and
are still being held in Israel after being calls at the height of violence during IDF
reaffirmed the prisoners’ right to family
arrested in southern Lebanon and sen- military incursions into the West Bank in
visits. He told the families that "the ICRC
tenced by a court in Israel. the spring. The ICRC was frequently forced
does not forget and does not give up."
305
to change the way its emergency services surgery seminars in October for some 200 hostility" against Israel, or belonging to a
operated owing to the increasingly precar- surgeons and other medical staff from force which carries out such acts against
ious security environment that resulted in hospitals across the Gaza Strip and West Israel and not fulfilling the conditions
its staff and ICRC ambulances encounter- Bank. More such seminars are planned for needed for prisoner-of-war status. Accord-
ing threatening behaviour from IDF troops. 2003. The hospitals were also provided ing to this law, the detention of such a per-
Scores of Red Crescent staff were arrested, with surgical instruments and oxygen son can last as long as his or her release
including the Society’s president, and in concentrators. is deemed to endanger Israel’s security.
four separate incidents four emergency The ICRC reminded the Israeli authorities
medical workers – three of them from the that its application must not deprive per-
Red Crescent – were killed while carrying
AUTHORITIES sons protected by the Fourth Convention of
out their medical duties. The ICRC strongly condemned Palestinian the rights afforded to them therein.
attacks on Israeli civilians and stepped up
Despite the serious mobility constraints, its representations to the Palestinian Finally, nineteen high-ranking Palestinian
the ICRC delivered many truckloads of Authority and militant groups claiming Authority officials attended a talk on the
emergency medical supplies for the Pales- responsibility for many of these attacks. role of the ICRC in implementing IHL.
tinian Ministry of Health and the Red Cres-
cent within the West Bank itself and It also repeatedly urged Israel to ensure
between the West Bank and Gaza. This that dealing with legitimate security con- ARMED FORCES
was in addition to the many emergency cerns did not prevent it from meeting its AND OTHER BEARERS
transports of supplies for other humanitar- overriding responsibility to see to the OF WEAPONS
ian organizations and for individual security and welfare of the civilian popula-
tion under its occupation, as this was The year saw continued constructive dia-
patients, carried out particularly during the
gravely affected by stringent closure and logue with the IDF with a view to improv-
IDF’s five-week incursions into the West
curfew measures that denied people ing respect for IHL and increasing knowl-
Bank, launched on March 29.
access to the basic necessities of life. edge of its provisions among the force’s
Security-clearance delays for ambulances rank and file.
eased somewhat after an enquiry was car- These priority concerns were the subject of
wide-ranging discussions held by the Efforts were stepped up to have IHL incor-
ried out by Israel into IDF conduct during
ICRC president during his meetings in porated into the IDF’s theoretical and prac-
"Operation Defensive Shield" vis-à-vis
October with the Israeli and Palestinian tical training. The ICRC for the first time
humanitarian organizations and their
authorities. These talks led to improved organized a talk for commanders at the
medical services in particular. In the Gaza
dialogue with the Israel Civil Administra- IDF junior officers school. A presentation
Strip, however, more constraints were
tion and, to a lesser extent, the IDF, but by on the ICRC and basic IHL was held for 25
imposed on already hard-pressed medical
the end of the year had nevertheless failed Israeli police officers stationed in the
services by a new military security regula-
to bring about any tangible improvement northern sector of the occupied Palestinian
tion requiring a minimum of three persons
territories. Cooperation continued with
in vehicles seeking to cross checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian territories from

a humanitarian point of view. Similarly, Israel’s military law school on the produc-
dividing the Strip.
the ICRC president's appeal to Palestinian tion of a self-training CD-ROM on IHL.
militants to cease attacks against Israeli IHL dissemination courses were also held
Reducing dependency
civilians failed to stop that violence. for over 90 members of four different
on referral hospitals
Israel ratified the Geneva Conventions in branches of the Palestinian Authority
The ICRC expanded its surgical training security services in the Gaza Strip.
and support programme in peripheral 1951 but has not incorporated them into
hospitals to reduce the need to transfer domestic law. Nor has it ratified a number
patients to urban centres. ICRC war sur- of other humanitarian treaties, including
geons working at hospitals in both the Protocols I and II additional to the Geneva
Gaza Strip and the West Bank assisted Conventions, the Ottawa Convention and
their Palestinian counterparts by providing the Rome Statute of the International Crim-
expertise in vascular, neurological and inal Court.
reconstructive surgery, as well as inten- In March, the Israeli parliament passed a
sive and post-operative care. "detention of unlawful combatants" law
In cooperation with the Palestinian Min- defined as targeting any person having
istry of Health, the ICRC held four war- taken part directly or indirectly in "acts of
306
CIVIL SOCIETY children in violence. Several presentations NATIONAL SOCIETIES
were organized for Palestinian journalists
The ICRC continued to promote knowledge to improve their understanding of the ICRC Acting as lead agency in Israel, the occu-
of the basic principles of IHL among opin- mandate and activities and increase pied and the autonomous territories, the
ion makers, the media and academic cir- reporting on the subject. ICRC endeavoured to ensure a coordi-
cles in both Israel and the occupied Pales- nated approach among all components
tinian territories. The impact of the troubles had a devastat- of the Movement and their respective
ing impact on Palestinian children, who activities. Priority was given to the institu-
In Israel, delegates gave a briefing on IHL continued to be exposed to traumatizing tional development of the Palestine Red
and the ICRC to 19 trainee diplomats at acts of violence. While most Palestinian Crescent Society and the Magen David
the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fre- children were victims of the violence, Adom in order to enhance their ability to
quent exchanges of information took place some continued to be involved in acts of deliver effective emergency humanitarian
between the ICRC and legal-affairs- violence, either incited by others or acting services.
oriented NGOs, and the ICRC organized a spontaneously.
one-day seminar for representatives of five During his October visit to the region, the
Israel-based NGOs specializing in human In response, the ICRC worked closely with ICRC president assured the presidents of
rights law. Legal texts and ICRC law- three NGOs to sponsor activities in Pales- the Palestinian and Israeli Societies of the
promotion kits were regularly distributed tinian summer camps that heightened ICRC's commitment to supporting their
to NGOs. awareness of basic human values. Twenty ambulance services. He also reaffirmed
young staff from one NGO attended an ICRC determination to resolve the emblem
The ICRC also continued discussions with ICRC workshop on film-animation tech- issue with a view to integrating the MDA
the Israeli Ministry of Education on inte- niques and subsequently helped set up into the International Red Cross and Red
grating "Exploring Humanitarian Law" four animation workshops in the Gaza Crescent Movement.
(EHL) into some secondary-school curric- Strip during which scores of children pro-
ula. EHL modules were translated into duced cartoon films on humanitarian top- In 2002, the ICRC increased its already
Hebrew and in conjunction with the ICRC ics of their choice. In the West Bank, the substantial financial, technical and mate-
and the Magen David Adom, the Ministry ICRC worked with a local NGO to raise rial support for the Palestine Red Crescent
of Education organized the first in a series awareness of these same human values Society (PRCS), in particular the Society’s
of four seminars on EHL for 49 of its among some 1,000 youths in 20 summer emergency medical services (EMS). The
national supervisors. In addition, 25 EHL camps, with the help of 20 students ICRC funded EMS training courses both at
modules in Arabic were supplied to the trained in IHL by the ICRC. technical and management levels and
education authorities for the Arab sector of reinforced the EMS structure through the
Israeli society. More than 150 lecturers and students at provision of conflict-preparedness and
the Islamic University in Gaza and the EMS specific equipment (ambulances and
EHL modules were presented to the Pales- Arab-American University in Jenin received pre-hospital medical care equipment,
tinian authorities, who agreed to work

basic IHL instruction. Seminars were held radio communication devices, generators,
toward EHL’s inclusion in the mainstream for 20 practising Palestinian lawyers, in etc.). Furthermore, the ICRC provided EMS
curricula of secondary education. The partnership with the Gaza-based Palestin- training and teaching material to the PRCS
process was initially due to start in 2002 ian Bar Association. Several presentations Emergency Medical Technician training
but was deferred to the 2003-2004 aca- were also made for Palestinian journalists centre and supported EMS information
demic year owing to the disruption of the to improve their understanding of and and education campaigns aimed at
education system that resulted from the reporting on the principles of IHL as well enhancing general public knowledge
upsurge in violence. In November, four as the ICRC’s mandate and activities. about the PRCS ambulance services. The
representatives of the Ministry of Educa-
One Palestinian and one Israeli univer- ICRC covered part of the running costs of
tion participated in a 10-day training sem-
sity professor were invited to attend the the EMS, including the salaries of EMS
inar organized in Rabat by the Ministry of
4th Training Seminar on IHL for Uni- staff and volunteers, and provided expert-
Education of Morocco and the ICRC, under
versity Teachers, organized in September ise regarding the maintenance and
the auspices of the League of Arab States.
in Geneva by the ICRC and Geneva upgrading of PRCS ambulance services.
In cooperation with various NGOs focus- University. Regular support to the PRCS publications
ing on this issue, a presentation on IHL
throughout the year helped disseminate
and the ICRC mandate was given to 20
information about PRCS activities and
Palestinian lawyers and a study was com-
Movement principles and values among
pleted on the involvement of Palestinian
PRCS branches and the general public.
307
The ICRC assisted the PRCS in their dis- Norwegian Red Cross and supported by
semination and communications training and coordinated with the ICRC – proved
sessions for staff and volunteers, includ- successful.
ing specialized training courses on IHL.
The ICRC sponsored a visit by an MDA
World Red Cross and Red Crescent day
tracing worker to the American Red Cross
activities were jointly defined and carried
tracing centre in Baltimore to gain more
out by PRCS volunteers. The ICRC also
practical experience. An ICRC-facilitated
contributed to covering the running costs
field trip for Society staff included visits to
and salaries of the PRCS dissemination
ICRC headquarters in Geneva, the Interna-
and information department.
tional Tracing Service in Arolsen (Ger-
ICRC and PRCS cooperation in the organi- many) and the Russian Red Cross tracing
zation of family visits to detainees was fur- centre in Moscow. The Society’s participa-
ther enhanced in 2002. The ICRC pro- tion in Movement courses increased. The
vided administrative, organizational and ICRC financially assisted its staff in their
financial support to the ICRC-PRCS family- participation in a British Red Cross basic
visit programme. Transport to places of training course in London, a FACT (Field
detention was arranged in close collabo- Assessment and Coordination Team)
ration between the two institutions. course in Panama and a Movement Part-
nership meeting in Uganda.
Continuing hostilities between Palestinian
militants and IDF troops in Gaza and the A total of 6,333 blood bags were con-
West Bank left certain areas littered with tributed to the MDA’s blood bank and an
unexploded ordnance. These caused agreement was reached for the ICRC to
deaths and injuries among the civilian fund the rent and set-up costs (refurbish-
population. Most accidents involved chil- ment and equipment) of its International
dren who inadvertently handled explosive Office.
devices. The ICRC conducted a mine-
Owing to the need for timely and substan-
awareness/UXO assessment mission in
tial deployment of emergency medical
spring and then started a training pro-
services to cope with situations with the
gramme for Red Crescent staff and volun-
potential for mass casualties, such as sui-
teers in both Gaza and the West Bank to
cide bombings, the Society has had to
enhance their ability to deal with the prob-
increase the number of overtime hours to
lem. The ICRC also supported the con-
keep more of its field staff on permanent
struction of two safe playgrounds for chil-
standby. The ICRC responded by covering

dren in Jenin.
7% of the total overtime and extra staff
In June, the Magen David Adom and costs incurred by the MDA during 2002.
the ICRC established an agenda for joint
The involvement of foreign National Soci-
activities based on the 2002 budget
eties in support of ICRC relief programmes
extension. These focused on strengthening
in the occupied Palestinian territories
the Society’s tracing and disaster-
increased during 2002. Frequent coordi-
response capacities.
nation meetings were held with the Inter-
Operational cooperation with the MDA sig- national Federation, the Palestinian Red
nificantly progressed and the ICRC pro- Crescent and representatives of National
vided support for a series of theoretical Societies.
and practical courses for its paramedics,
planned over a 15-month period and
intended to train 30 new paramedics by
the end of 2003. A paramedic exchange
programme and emergency-response
training for MDA staff – sponsored by the
308
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA JORDAN
JORDAN
Personnel:
21 expatriates
36 national staff
The ICRC has been present in Jordan

since the 1967 war. Its work there
largely consists in visiting detainees to
monitor their treatment and conditions
of detention, tracing on behalf of
civilians and foreign detainees to restore
family links, and promotion of
international humanitarian law
throughout Jordanian society in close
cooperation with the Jordan National
Red Crescent Society. The delegation
also provides logistical support for ICRC
relief operations in Israel, the occupied
territories and the autonomous
territories, and in Iraq.
CONTEXT

Jordan, located at the perimeter of major Palestinian territories and threats of an
Expenditure (in Sfr) upheavals that have shattered regional escalation of the conflict in Iraq prompted
stability in recent years, again found itself Jordan to step up border security to pre-
Protection within close range of potentially disruptive vent illegal entry and to curb cross-border
664,099 forces generated by escalating Israeli- arms smuggling.
Assistance Palestinian violence and growing uncer-
Law-and-order enforcement measures
71,189 tainty regarding the outcome of the inter-
were extended after large public protests
Preventive action national crisis over Iraq.
over Israel's redeployment in the West
634,248 Flanked by Israel and the West Bank to the Bank, the killing of a United States official
Cooperation with National Societies west and Iraq to the northeast, Jordan in Amman and skirmishes between secu-
86,705 warned that it would not tolerate any mass rity forces and armed militants in the
General influx of refugees triggered by a further southern city of Maan.
deterioration in the occupied Palestinian
44,877 To bolster national unity and prepare for
territories or an outbreak of war in Iraq.
parliamentary elections in the spring of
Concern over the potential fallout from 2003, King Abdullah II made sweeping
1,501,117 increased hostilities in the occupied changes in Jordan's political, military and
309
security hierarchies. Despite growing tur-
moil in the region, Jordan maintained a
ICRC ACTION Tracing work was greatly stepped up fol-
lowing the arrest of thousands of Pales-
measure of political, economic and social Key points in 2002 tinians in Israel and the West Bank and a
stability. The economic reform plan based surge in requests from families in Jordan
on increased privatization progressed. • the ICRC logistical support unit in for information about what had happened
Nevertheless, widespread poverty and Amman was significantly enlarged to to them. The Red Cross message service
unemployment persisted. cope with increased needs in the West provided a reliable channel for people on
Bank and to enhance emergency- both sides of the Jordan River to restore or
At the international level, King Abdullah II preparedness for any worsening of the maintain contact with loved ones.
continued to counsel moderation in talks situation in Iraq
with several Western and Arab leaders At the height of violence in the West Bank
relating to the Israeli-Palestinian con- • 44 visits were carried out to 5,882 in April, when public communications
frontation and the growing international detainees in 11 places of detention; cer- systems were frequently disrupted, ICRC
crisis over Iraq. tificates of detention were issued for Amman launched an "Anxious for News"
93 former detainees and travel docu- service which enabled hundreds of dis-
In response to the worsening situation in ments were provided for 74 refugees in tressed people in Jordan to restore contact
the West Bank, Jordan also announced order to facilitate their resettlement, with family members on the west side of
the creation of a Crisis Management Cen- immigration or reunification with their the Jordan River.
tre to be run by the Hashemite Charity families in third countries; collected 603
Organization in conjunction with the Jor- and distributed 1,024 RCMs, mainly for Other population groups in Jordan, such
danian armed forces. The Centre was set families in Jordan and relatives de- as the estimated 350,000 resident Iraqis,
up to collect and transfer local and third- tained in the occupied Palestinian terri- were also helped to restore or maintain
party donations for the occupied Palestin- tories and in Israel contact with their families through the
ian territories. The ICRC welcomed the RCM service.
move and responded favourably to an offi- • the Jordanian Ministry of Education offi-
cial request to assist the Centre in carrying cially informed the ICRC that it had
Fostering repatriation and resettlement
out its humanitarian role. approved the inclusion of EHL in its
teaching programmes The ICRC remained an effective and reli-
able channel for the procurement and for-
• medical evacuation was facilitated for warding of official documents to facilitate
significant numbers of wounded and sick resettlement, repatriation or family reunifi-
people from the West Bank to Jordan cation for foreign civilians in Jordan who
would otherwise not have been able to
CIVILIANS obtain valid travel papers.
The ICRC expanded the scale and scope of Refugees wishing to travel continued to
its operations in Jordan to meet the grow- benefit from ICRC travel documents
ing need for humanitarian aid created by requested by UNHCR and the consulates
spiralling Israeli-Palestinian violence that of destination countries. Regular consulta-
reached unprecedented levels in terms of tions continued to be held with local
casualties and the destruction of both authorities, embassies and humanitarian
public and private property. It also bol- organizations such as UNHCR to optimize
stered its emergency preparedness in the the processing of persons unable to
region to be ready to respond to any major secure official documents on their own
crisis in Iraq. and to ensure ongoing acceptance of ICRC
travel documents at national borders. Jor-
Restoring family contact dan’s Directorate for Foreigners and Fron-
tiers continued to convey clear orders to its
The Israeli-Palestinian crisis continued to
staff to respect this document.
isolate growing numbers of people living
in Jordan from relatives either detained in Wherever required, the ICRC also issued
Israel or the occupied Palestinian territo- certificates of detention to persons for-
ries or cut off from them by damage to merly detained in Israel, the occupied and
communications systems following Israeli autonomous territories, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq
military operations. and Saudi Arabia.
310
Facilitating medical evacuations the Jordanian authorities renewing their and mandatory subject at Jordanian uni-
Owing to tighter Israeli security measures, commitment to fully comply with estab- versities was adopted at a seminar for uni-
including highly restrictive curfews and lished notification and access procedures. versity law-faculty deans organized by the
closures, the Jordanian and Palestinian national committee.
The ICRC continued to encourage the
Red Crescent ambulance services contin- authorities to allow family visits to all The ICRC legal consultant in Jordan and
ued to require help transferring wounded detainees and maintained a service to three members of the Jordanian national
and sick people and human remains transmit salamats (short messages) by committee participated in a seminar spon-
across the border between the east and telephone or via the RCM network at the sored by the Arab League in Cairo to
west banks of the Jordan River. The higher request of detainees. assess progress on measures to imple-
number of casualties resulting from the ment IHL in the region.
escalating violence highlighted the vital In special hardship cases involving for-
importance of this life-saving service. eign detainees held in Jordan, the ICRC ICRC Amman became a focal point for
also forwarded money, clothes and letters enquiries on this body of law from govern-
Acting as a neutral intermediary, the from their families elsewhere, in particular ment officials, foreign diplomats and
ICRC facilitated ambulance movement in the occupied Palestinian territories. NGOs. These concerned major ICRC oper-
through close coordination with the Israel ations in the occupied Palestinian territo-
authorities and the Jordanian and Pales- During the year under review the ICRC
ries, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and
tine Red Crescent Societies to ensure a conducted 44 visits to 5,882 detainees in
elsewhere.
minimum of administrative delays and 11 places of detention.
security constraints. In April, Jordan became the 60th country
to ratify the Rome Statute of the Interna-
AUTHORITIES tional Criminal Court.
PEOPLE DEPRIVED The national committee on the implemen-
OF THEIR FREEDOM tation of IHL gained official status after a
royal decree endorsed its statutes. In ARMED FORCES
A large number of arrests were made in cooperation with the ICRC, the committee AND OTHER BEARERS
connection with unauthorized demonstra- drew up a clear agenda and constituted a
tions and activities regarded as a threat to OF WEAPONS
core group familiar with the ICRC’s man-
State sovereignty and security. date in order to accelerate the incorpora- Training teachers of IHL
The ICRC continued to monitor the treat- tion of IHL into national legislation. ICRC work to spread knowledge of IHL
ment of detainees and their conditions of A specific plan of action was reviewed by focused on speeding up the incorporation
detention, focusing particularly on places committee members at a three-day meet- of IHL into the theoretical and practical
of detention administered by the General ing in Amman chaired by the ICRC’s Cairo- instruction programmes of the Jordanian
Intelligence Directorate (GID). Correctional based regional adviser on IHL. In line with armed forces.
Rehabilitation Centres under the jurisdic-

an approved general plan of action, the Train-the-trainer courses sought to bolster
tion of the Public Security Directorate were ICRC helped organize a workshop on IHL
also visited for general monitoring. the ability of training officers to independ-
for a group of 30 judges aimed at incor- ently conduct IHL courses for the military
Information sessions were organized for porating IHL into the training programmes rank and file.
prison authorities to enhance knowledge of the Judicial Institute of Jordan. A mem-
of ICRC working procedures and the orga- ber of the Jordanian national committee In conjunction with the ICRC, the armed
nization’s mandate under the Geneva attended another IHL workshop, organized forces’ Peacekeeping Institute completed
Conventions and the Movement’s Statutes. by the ICRC in Khartoum, to promote the IHL train-the-trainer courses for hundreds
The main purpose was to ensure compli- setting up of a similar committee in of military officers who will now give such
ance with notification and detainee-access Sudan. courses independently.
procedures. At the inauguration of the national com- Presentations on IHL were given to 63 spe-
On several occasions in the first half of mittee offices (located in the Amman cial operations-command officers. They
2002, incomplete notification and access headquarters of the Jordanian Red Cres- emphasized the responsibility of military
problems led to a suspension of visits at cent), the ICRC donated computer equip- commanders with respect to IHL aware-
GID places of detention. Visits resumed ment and a library containing 140 publi- ness and compliance by subordinates.
following discussions with the GID and the cations on IHL. A recommendation that More than 250 military students at Mutah
military prosecutor's office that resulted in IHL should be introduced as a separate University received IHL instruction, while
311
high-ranking officers from the armed December, the Jordanian Ministry of Edu- NATIONAL SOCIETY
forces of Algeria, Jordan, Mauritania, cation officially informed the ICRC that it
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, had approved the inclusion of EHL in its In the spirit of the Seville Agreement, the
Taiwan and Tunisia attended the annual teaching on the basis of a plan of action ICRC and the International Federation
IHL day at the Royal War College which prepared by its experts. A steering com- continued to provide coordinated support
focused on the rules of war. mittee was asked to coordinate the plan of to the Jordanian Red Crescent and its
action and initiate its implementation in activities.
Further IHL presentations were made to a
the first half of the 2003 academic year, in As in previous years, the ICRC provided
group of 27 officers from Jordan, Kuwait,
conjunction with the National Society and financial and technical support for
Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the United Arab
the ICRC. National Society tracing and IHL-promo-
Emirates, the United Kingdom and Yemen
at the Royal Military College, as well as to A national committee member was tion work and organized capacity-building
100 officers and men from the Royal appointed professor of IHL at masters- workshops in conjunction with the Interna-
Guard and another 60 senior Southern degree level at Amman Arab University tional Federation. National Society volun-
Military Command officers. An advanced and the ICRC provided the university teers and tracing officers attended a three-
training course was also given to 76 offi- library and students with comprehensive day ICRC seminar on restoring family
cers at the Martyr King Abdullah School. reference documents on the subject. links.
The Jordanian Royal Navy Command The Arabic version of the Women facing The ICRC provided aid for the newly-
firmly pledged to incorporate IHL into its War study was officially published in established and centralized IHL-promotion
planning and training programmes after Amman under the patronage and the department in Amman. In conjunction with
13 of its senior officers attended an ICRC participation of Queen Rania Al-Abdullah. the Ministry of Education, the Society’s
workshop. More than 20 high-ranking The launch ceremony included the show- Students Branch continued regular ses-
officers attended a separate special working of an ICRC video documentary and an sions to give thousands of school stu-
shop for the Royal Air Force. ICRC photo exhibition, both depicting the dents information on the Movement and
experiences of women affected by armed IHL. The ICRC provided publications,
An eight-day workshop on law enforce- transparencies and videotapes for this
conflict.
ment and crowd control took place at the purpose.
Royal Police Academy of the Public Secu- The organization continued to respond to
rity Directorate. inquiries from the media, academic cir- In response to the growing number of
cles, various NGOs and Palestinian casualties resulting from escalating
Two high-ranking armed forces com- Israeli-Palestinian violence, the ICRC
groups in Jordan about the ICRC mandate
manders attended an Arabic-language IHL worked closely with the Jordanian Red
and the organization’s operations in many
course at the International Institute of Crescent to maintain a reliable medical
parts of the world.
Humanitarian Law in San Remo. evacuation service for the wounded and
The ICRC Regional Training Unit also sick from the West Bank to Jordan.
hosted a five-day mine-awareness work-

CIVIL SOCIETY shop attended by representatives from 35
The ICRC organized a meeting on the edu- National Societies.
cation programme "Exploring Humanitar-
ian Law" (EHL) to discuss its possible In addition, an IHL session was organized
incorporation into Jordan’s national edu- for students at the Institute of Diplomacy in
cation system. The event brought together Amman.
nine representatives of the Ministry of Edu- Contacts with various Arab and other
cation and three members of the Jordan- embassies and international organiza-
ian Red Crescent. tions were further cultivated to ensure a
In October, Ministry of Education officials better understanding of the ICRC's work in
took part in a two-week regional workshop Jordan and other countries in the region.
on EHL jointly organized by Morocco’s The large influx of donations from Arab
Ministry of Education, the Moroccan Red National Societies resulted in greater dia-
Crescent and the ICRC. Its aim was to logue with those Societies about relief
exchange experiences and design a operations in the West Bank.
framework for EHL’s incorporation into the
region’s various educational settings. In
312
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA LEBANON
LEBANON
Personnel:
1 expatriate
13 national staff
The ICRC has been present in Lebanon

since 1967. Today it focuses on gaining
access to and visiting, in accordance with
its standard procedures, persons
detained by the Lebanese authorities.
Gaining access to the four Israeli
nationals captured by Hezbollah is
another ICRC concern, as is the plight of
numerous persons still missing years
after Lebanon's civil war and Israel's
22-year occupation of southern Lebanon,
which ended in May 2000. Since the
Israeli withdrawal, the ICRC has
continued to monitor the situation of
civilians living in the former occupied
zone, particularly former refugees who
have returned from Israel, to which they
had fled when the occupation ended.
Restoring and maintaining links between
members of families still separated is
also an ICRC priority. Spreading
knowledge of international humanitarian
law and cooperation with the Lebanese
Red Cross Society in the area of first aid
and mine-awareness are other important
aspects of the ICRC’s work.
CONTEXT

Issues of humanitarian concern arising support of Lebanese claims to sovereignty
Expenditure (in Sfr) from the devastating 1975-1990 civil war over the disputed Shebaa Farms enclave.
and Israel's 22-year occupation of south-
Protection Sporadic border incidents involving
ern Lebanon continued to have a lingering
Hezbollah and Israeli forces continued to
586,901 impact on Lebanon's war-scarred and
undermine security in southern Lebanon
Assistance deeply fractured society.
and northern Israel, although the border
229,561 Thousands of persons remained unac- remained relatively calm compared with
Preventive action counted for since the civil war and the end previous years.
594,742 of Israel's occupation of the south.
Israel threatened military force to block
Cooperation with National Societies National debate focused largely on Syria's Lebanon's plans to divert water from a
395,396 military presence and political influence in river flowing from Lebanon into Israel. The
General the country since the end of the civil war, crisis was defused after United States and
25,950 and the absence of the Lebanese armed European Union mediation, and Lebanon
forces in southern Lebanon, where armed inaugurated the project to supply water to
Hezbollah militants remained active in a cluster of remote villages.
1,832,551
313
Several high-profile political assassina-
tions allegedly related to the settling of old
ICRC ACTION Israel’s 22-year-old occupation, the civil
war and skirmishes on the border between
scores from the civil war and Israel's Key points in 2002 Israeli forces and the Hezbollah fighters.
occupation of the south recalled the tar-
• the Lebanese government enacted a Its continued presence enabled the ICRC to
geted killings of past years between rival
decree granting the ICRC authorization monitor the gradual resettlement and rein-
militias. Violence also erupted repeatedly
to visit all places of detention in tegration of Lebanese civilians who had
at several Palestinian refugee camps in
Lebanon for the first time although no fled to Israel after the Israeli pullout, many
the form of assassinations and bomb
visits could be carried out in 2002 fearing reprisals for their alleged associa-
explosions. In further violence, an Ameri-
tion with the former, Israeli-backed South
can missionary was murdered in Sidon • IHL instruction, based on ICRC teaching Lebanon Army. It remained a priority for
and two American restaurants in Beirut principles and materials, was formally the ICRC to ensure that these returnees
were attacked by unidentified assailants in incorporated into the training pro- were not subjected to arbitrary discrimina-
isolated incidents. grammes of the Lebanese armed forces tion or harassment, and enjoyed accept-
World attention focused on a summit of at all levels able living conditions. Aid was distributed
the League of Arab States held in Beirut in • the ICRC provided aid to and monitored in cases of special hardship.
March. It adopted a new Saudi proposal the reintegration of civilians who had By late 2002, the ICRC had monitored the
for Middle East peace following an fled to Israel after its withdrawal from return of 3,126 civilians to southern
upsurge of Israeli-Palestinian violence that southern Lebanon in May 2000 Lebanon, where the vacuum created by
triggered regional concern about possible
the Israeli pullout and the lack of any
spillage of hostilities into neighbouring
countries. CIVILIANS major redevelopment schemes to address
the area’s needs was reflected by growing
Large numbers of illegal immigrants and Search for the missing economic difficulties. More than 2,000
asylum seekers fleeing from conflict, civil The fact that most cases of missing per- Lebanese nationals who left the region in
strife and poverty in their home countries sons had gone unresolved for many years 2000 still remained in Israel as the year
continued to flow into Lebanon, which is in no way diminished the anguish of their ended.
host to more than 350,000 Palestinian families or the determination of the ICRC to The ICRC also continued to facilitate the
refugees, most of whom have limited legal go on seeking clarification regarding this repatriation from Israel of terminally ill
status. sensitive issue. The organization contin- Lebanese nationals wishing to die at
After many years of sustained effort, the ued to focus on heightening awareness home as well as the remains of Lebanese
ICRC finally gained Lebanese government within the government, the military, inter- who had died in Israel. Selected families
approval to visit detainees under the terms national and national organizations and of Lebanese detainees in Israel received
of a government decree issued in October the general public of this lingering tragedy. rudimentary aid.
which grants the ICRC access to all places The fate and whereabouts of an Israeli Another ICRC concern was the precarious
of detention in the country without excep- pilot captured by a militia group in 1986 situation at the Israeli-Lebanese border,
tion. However, despite the new decree, no remained a source of ICRC concern. where delegates assessed the impact on
visits could be carried out in 2002. Despite numerous approaches to all the civilians in both countries of sporadic
parties concerned, the ICRC has so far clashes between Israeli forces and
been unable to resolve this case. The Hezbollah militants. Several families from
same holds true for three Israeli soldiers the disputed Shebaa-Kfarchouba zone left
who disappeared in 1982 after a battle in their villages in late March after an intensi-
the Bekaa Valley. fication of cross-border violence. In April,
the body of a Syrian killed in one such
Resettling returnees from Israel clash was evacuated in cooperation with
Despite a scaling down of its operations in the Lebanese Red Cross and the United
southern Lebanon, the ICRC remained the Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
only international humanitarian organiza-
tion with an ongoing presence in that part
of the country to monitor problems persist-
ing for resident civilians as a result of
314
Maintaining family links were continuing and no firm date for the AUTHORITIES
Lebanese families were able to maintain commencement of visits had been set.
The ICRC pursued its objective of persuad-
contact with relatives in Israel through the Visits would enable the ICRC to assess the ing the Lebanese government to form a
Red Cross message network. The RCM treatment and detention conditions of a national committee on the implementation
service was also the only available and wide range of detainees in Lebanon, of IHL and to incorporate IHL into national
reliable channel for Lebanese nationals including an unidentified number of per- legislation. It also encouraged the
detained in Israel to stay in touch with their sons accused of collaborating with Israel Lebanese authorities to become party to
families in Lebanon and to send and who were arrested after the Israeli with- the 1998 Rome Statute of the International
receive official documents such as birth drawal, persons suspected of having links Criminal Court and the 1997 Ottawa
and death certificates and papers granting with Islamic militant groups and illegal Convention.
power of attorney. A total of 973 RCMs immigrants from countries with no diplo-
and 108 documents were sent between matic representation in Lebanon. A Ministry of Defence body formed to study
Israel and Lebanon in 2002. the issue of setting up such a committee
The ICRC also continued an active dia- made a positive recommendation to the
logue with the Lebanese authorities and cabinet.
Assisting Palestinian refugees Hezbollah with a view to gaining access
The ICRC continued to monitor the living to four Israeli nationals – three soldiers In conjunction with the ICRC advisory
conditions of the more than 350,000 and one civilian – captured by Hezbollah service in Cairo, the Beirut Bar Association
Palestinians in refugee camps throughout in October 2000. Despite persistent repre- and the UN Information Centre, and with
the country. Several serious security in- sentations to the concerned parties, the support from the Netherlands and Cana-
cidents resulting in a number of deaths ICRC was unable to make any progress on dian embassies in Beirut, the ICRC held
were reported in the camps in 2002. The this issue. seminars on the ICC and IHL for relevant
Palestinian refugee population remained government officials. Following the semi-
almost totally reliant on external aid for Lebanese detainees released in Israel nar organized for it, the Beirut Bar Associ-
social and medical care and access to were returned to Lebanon under ICRC ation called on the Lebanese president to
vocational training. The ICRC contributed auspices. authorize the creation of a national com-
financially to the purchase of equipment mittee on IHL.
and tools in several camps, for courses WOUNDED AND SICK
such as nursery education and computer ARMED FORCES
programming. Fitting amputees
AND OTHER BEARERS
Palestinian amputees were still unable to
OF WEAPONS
PEOPLE DEPRIVED receive prostheses through the Lebanese
IHL instruction, based on ICRC teaching
health-care system and remained depend-
OF THEIR FREEDOM ent on the ICRC for help. The organization principles and materials, was formally

continued to finance the fitting of pros- incorporated into the training programmes
Gaining access to detainees
thetic appliances for Palestinian amputees of the Lebanese armed forces at all levels.
After years of sustained effort, the ICRC in 2002. In 1996, the organization with- ICRC follow-up training continued to pro-
secured the agreement of the Lebanese drew its full-time expatriate assistants mote more widespread knowledge of and
authorities for visits to all places of deten- from two prosthetic/orthotic centres sup- respect for IHL among the rank and file.
tion in Lebanon. The resulting government ported by it in Sidon and Beit Shebab
decree was published in the official ICRC courses on the law of armed conflict
but has continued over the years to pro- were conducted at the Military Staff and
gazette. However, despite the new decree, vide material support and short technical
no visits could be carried out in 2002. Command College and at the Ministry of
follow-up visits to the Sidon centre in order Defence. The Lebanese Army training
Following the announcement, the ICRC to enable rehabilitation for mainly destitute director and a colonel in charge of the
pursued its dialogue with high-ranking Palestinian patients to continue. Ministry of Defence legal department
officials at the Interior and Defence Min- attended a regional ICRC seminar on IHL
istries to discuss the practical arrange- in Tunis, and a colonel took part in a
ments required to enable delegates to con- course at the International Institute of
duct visits in accordance with the Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy.
organization’s standard procedures. As
2002 drew to a close, these discussions
315
The ICRC also continued to develop links NATIONAL SOCIETY
with the internal security forces, under the
jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, In collaboration with the International Fed-
with a view to incorporating IHL into train- eration which has the lead role in institu-
ing for police and other security forces. tional development of the Lebanese Red
Cross, the ICRC continued to assist the
Regular contact was maintained with the National Society in the maintenance of a
UN Interim Force to discuss matters of network of first-aid centres throughout the
mainly humanitarian concern and to proj- country in order to meet needs arising
ect a clear image of the ICRC’s mandate from past conflict, such as mine contami-
and activities in Lebanon. Meetings were nation. With ICRC support, first-aid
also held with representatives of armed courses were organized for some 4,000
groups (e.g. Hezbollah) to promote National Society volunteers throughout
knowledge of and respect for the organi- the year.
zation’s mandate and IHL in armed con-
flict, particularly with regard to the security A cooperation agreement was signed
of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff while between the National Society and the ICRC
engaged in their traditional humanitarian that provides for continued training of
work. National Society staff and assistance in
acquiring basic equipment.
The ICRC also drew up plans to help the
CIVIL SOCIETY Society spread knowledge of IHL by train-
Progress was achieved in introducing IHL ing five instructors, organizing IHL work-
and "Exploring Humanitarian Law" mod- shops at the local National Society com-
ules into university and secondary-school mittee level and providing equipment and
curricula. EHL modules were presented to training materials. The courses focused on
representatives of 12 schools who communications skills, leadership, the
attended an ICRC workshop at the Interna- Movement and its various components,
tional College. Meanwhile, an EHL train- spreading respect for the Movement’s
the-trainer workshop for Lebanese Red emblems and IHL itself.
Cross volunteers was organized in coop-
eration with the National Society. In addition, the ICRC continued to offer
training and technical support at the com-
The Ministry of Education sent four ICRC- munity level in order to help the Society
sponsored participants to two EHL work- strengthen its mine-awareness pro-
shops held by the organization in gramme aimed at adults and children in

Morocco. Follow-up meetings were held southern Lebanon.
with the four participants to discuss future
cooperation in incorporating EHL into the
curriculum of Lebanese schools.
Courses on IHL were held for university
professors and students during the sum-
mer academic break. IHL presentations
were also given to university students
engaged in research on related subjects.
Relations were fostered with the media to
ensure accurate representations of the
ICRC mandate, role and activities in
Lebanon and elsewhere.
316
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA SYRIA
SYRIA
Personnel:
1 expatriate
6 national staff
Present in Syria since 1967, the ICRC

acts as a neutral intermediary in matters
of humanitarian concern for the Syrian
inhabitants of the part of the Golan
occupied by Israel; they are protected
by the Fourth Geneva Convention. In
particular, the ICRC facilitates the
passage of Syrian nationals, mainly
students and pilgrims, who have to
cross the area of separation to complete
their studies at Syrian universities or
perform their religious duties, and it
restores and maintains links between
family members separated as a result of
the conflict with Israel. The delegation
also works to spread knowledge of IHL
and the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement, in close
cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red
Crescent.
CONTEXT

The threat of war in Iraq and the deteriorat- Damascus hosted a conference of Arab
Expenditure (in Sfr) ing situation in the occupied Palestinian intellectuals in October attended by the
territories remained central to political and Iraqi deputy prime minister and the secre-
Protection public debate in Syria during 2002. tary-general of Syria’s ruling Baath party,
205,182 who reasserted Syria's opposition to any
Syria played an active role in efforts to
Assistance attack against Iraq.
defuse international tension over Iraq in
9,116 high-level talks with other States of the As elsewhere in the Arab world, popular
Preventive action region aimed at persuading Iraq to comply anger boiled over in almost daily street
670,914 with United Nations resolutions relating to demonstrations in Syrian cities after Israel
Cooperation with National Societies its weapons programmes. redeployed its forces in the West Bank in
112,966 early spring.
Syria voted in favour of UN resolution
General 1441, which demanded that Iraq comply Talks between Syria and the European
26,045 with its UN-imposed obligations on the Union (EU) continued with a view to
weapons issue or face "serious conse- reaching an agreement on agricultural
quences". However, Syria opposed any and industrial cooperation. Syria
1,024,222 military action against Iraq. remained the only country in the Mediter-
317
ranean basin not to have concluded such
an agreement with the EU.
ICRC ACTION As in past years, the ICRC supervised
operations that enabled 516 Golanese
Key points in 2002 students to travel to Syria to study there.
Meanwhile, direct contact between the
Golanese students in Syria were also able
more than 19,000 Syrian residents of the • agreement was secured for the inclu- to rejoin their families in the occupied
Golan area occupied by Israel since 1967 sion of the "Exploring Humanitarian Golan, under ICRC auspices, after com-
and the estimated half a million Golanese Law" module into the Syrian school pletion of their studies in Syria and during
living in Syria proper remained difficult teaching curricula university breaks, or for humanitarian rea-
except in certain specific cases facilitated
• emergency preparedness strategies sons. Similarly, 114 pilgrims from the
under ICRC auspices.
were developed to meet the potential occupied Golan were able to visit holy
In view of the uncertain outcome of the humanitarian needs resulting from any sites and perform their religious duties in
international crisis over Iraq, the ICRC also deterioration of the situation in neigh- Syria.
engaged in dialogue with the Syrian bouring Iraq The ICRC, in cooperation with the UN Dis-
authorities and the National Society in
• the ICRC arranged for Syrian nationals engagement Observer Force (UNDOF), fur-
order to enhance preparedness for the
to cross the separation zone between thermore enabled three engaged couples
potential consequences in Syria – such as
the occupied Golan and other parts of separated by the UN-controlled demarca-
a large-scale influx of refugees – of any
Syria to restore family contacts, conduct tion line to meet and be married in the
major deterioration of the situation in Iraq.
wedding ceremonies, or for religious separation zone.
and academic purposes Syrian nationals in the occupied Golan
• travel documents were issued to facili- and in Syria continued to rely on ICRC
tate the resettlement of refugees in third services to exchange official papers such
countries as power-of-attorney documents and mar-
riage, death and birth certificates.
• a "Women and War" week was held in
Damascus to promote knowledge of the Refugees of various nationalities in Syria
impact of war and conflict on women were also able to restore contact with
loved ones living elsewhere through the
ICRC Red Cross message network. Those
CIVILIANS seeking resettlement in third countries,
mainly Iraqis and Somalis, were provided
Restoring family contacts
with ICRC travel documents and close
The ICRC pursued efforts to bring about the contact was maintained with the con-
resumption of meetings between the more sulates of destination countries and with
than 19,000 Syrian nationals living in the
the United Nations High Commissioner for

Golan occupied by Israel and their fami- Refugees and the International Office for
lies who fled the region when it was over- Migration, to facilitate the resettlement
run by Israeli forces in 1967 and who process. A total of 266 travel documents
were now among the approximately half were issued to 358 refugees seeking
million Golanese living in other parts of resettlement in third countries.
Syria.
In May, after years of intensive ICRC Mine-awareness campaign
efforts, both sides agreed to a mutually The three divided areas of the Golan,
acceptable location in which to hold fam- respectively controlled by Israel, Syria and
ily meetings. However, by the end of 2002 UNDOF, continued to be affected by mines
no meetings had taken place as discus- and UXO, although no precise casualty
sions continued on details such as their data was available.
frequency and duration. Family meetings
were discontinued after Israel annexed Mine-risk education in the affected areas,
part of the Golan in 1981 and had still particularly in the Kuneitra region,
not resumed. remained a matter of ICRC concern and
was the subject of discussions with the
318
Syrian authorities and the Syrian Arab Red AUTHORITIES CIVIL SOCIETY
Crescent aimed at formulating a pro-
gramme to raise awareness of the extent IHL was promoted by organizing a
Implementation of EHL in Syria
of the problem. "Women and War" week (see Civil so-
ciety) attended by government officials, The education programme "Exploring
UNDOF, in cooperation with the Syrian media representatives, academics and Humanitarian Law" (EHL) was launched
authorities, began a programme in 2000 others. This prompted frequent requests in Syria at a workshop organized by the
to identify and mark all minefields within from government officials for information ICRC in July at the request of the Ministry
its area of operations. According to and materials on ICRC activities and IHL- of Education. The workshop brought
UNDOF, the programme has led to the related matters. together some 30 teachers and ministry
identification and marking of numerous representatives and concluded with the
known as well as previously unidentified The ICRC followed the deliberations on adoption of a plan of action that was to
minefields in the area of separation. Syria's ratification of the Statute of the include a training programme for Syrian
International Criminal Court and com- EHL teachers early in 2003 and a pilot
pleted distribution to local authorities of a project to introduce EHL into secondary
PEOPLE DEPRIVED book entitled The International Criminal school curricula.
OF THEIR FREEDOM Court: a challenge to impunity, which
Four experts from the Ministry of Education
summarized an ICRC-sponsored sympo-
The ICRC facilitated the transfer of money took part in a regional seminar on EHL
sium organized at Damascus University in
and Red Cross messages from Golanese organized in Rabat in October by the
November 2001.
families in Syria to relatives detained in Moroccan government in cooperation with
Israel. ICRC Damascus also provided Syr- the ICRC and the League of Arab States.
ian, Iraqi and Palestinian ex-detainees ARMED FORCES
with detention certificates. AND OTHER BEARERS Women and war
The ICRC remained committed to elucidat- OF WEAPONS The ICRC organized a "Women and War"
ing the fate of several missing Israelis Dialogue was reinforced with the Syrian week in February to highlight problems
and discussions on this issue continued armed forces after the official appointment faced by women in wartime. During four
with the Syrian authorities. No concrete of a Syrian army brigadier to act as the evenings at Damascus University and one
progress on this question was achieved ICRC's main channel of communication at the Goethe Institute, ICRC delegates pre-
in 2002. with the Ministry of Defence. In coopera- sented the Women facing war report and
tion with the armed forces, the ICRC pro- described ICRC detention work on behalf
WOUNDED AND SICK duced an Arabic version of the ICRC man- of women detainees. Four writers from
ual on the law of war for armed forces. Syria, Kuwait and Egypt spoke about the
In 2002, the ICRC maintained its technical
special problems faced by women, while
and financial support to the prosthetic/ Syrian Armed forces members took part in a Syrian professor made a presentation on

orthotic centre run for disabled Palestini- various ICRC events, organized both in war crimes as defined by the Geneva Con-
ans by the Syrian branch of the Palestine Syria and elsewhere in the region, such as ventions. A prosecutor from the Interna-
Red Crescent Society in Damascus. Spe- the ICRC regional seminar on IHL in Tunis tional Criminal Tribunal for the former
cialists from the ICRC prosthetic/orthotic in April 2002. Yugoslavia gave a talk on that body’s
centre in Addis Ababa travelled to the
Discussions were pursued with the Interior work. All but one of the eight speakers
Damascus centre to upgrade the skills of
Ministry on the possibility of incorporating were women. The event was attended by
its staff.
IHL into training for police officers. As part representatives of the Foreign Ministry,
of this process, two policemen attended professors, students, writers and the
an ICRC regional course on IHL in Cairo. general public, who learned more about
the mission and mandate of the ICRC.
Close cooperation was maintained with Ms Asma Assad, wife of the Syrian presi-
the UN Disengagement Observer Force dent, visited the "Women and War" exhibi-
and the UN Truce Supervision Orga- tion. A "Golan weddings" photo exhibit
nization which provided logistical sup- was also presented illustrating brides
port for ICRC operations to transfer civil- leaving their families in Damascus to
ians across the separation zone (see marry into families living in the Israeli-
Civilians). occupied Golan.
319
In May the ICRC presented the "Women In October a symposium on IHL and inter- to potential needs in Iraq and assistance
and War" theme at the Fourth International national relations was organized in Dam- for the occupied Palestinian territories.
Women's Art Festival in Aleppo in the form ascus in conjunction with the law faculty
The National Society president was
of a short play ("Iphigenia") to Govern- at Damascus University. Attended by vari-
received by the ICRC president during a
ment representatives, Syrian Arab Red ous ministerial officials, as well as
visit to Geneva in September. Talks
Crescent members, and the general pub- lawyers, journalists, diplomats, professors
focused on assistance to the Palestinian
lic. Arabic-language "Women facing War" and students, its aim was to demonstrate
population in the occupied territories, fam-
folders were distributed to explain the that difficulties encountered in the imple-
ily meetings for the Syrian population of
ICRC's mandate and the campaign. mentation of IHL were more a matter of
the occupied Golan with relatives in Syria,
political will than of the actual law.
The "Women and War" week made it pos- spreading knowledge of IHL, disaster-
sible to further develop contacts with a The ICRC also provided the National Insti- preparedness and institutional develop-
growing number of professors of interna- tute for Information operating under the ment.
tional law who have also studied and/or authority of the ruling Baath party with a
In an encouraging sign of increased par-
teach IHL, as did the ICRC’s advanced IHL basic library of IHL reference books.
ticipation in international Movement oper-
course for law professors. This course,
ations, the National Society contributed to
which focused on new developments in
the law, brought together 20 professors
NATIONAL SOCIETY the ICRC relief programme in the occupied
Cooperation was strengthened between Palestinian territories by donating thou-
from Damascus and Aleppo Universities,
the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society and sands of hygiene and food parcels that
two curriculum experts from the Ministry of
the ICRC in several areas of mutual inter- were distributed by the ICRC to the most
Education, five officers from the Syrian
est, including tracing and the promotion of vulnerable Palestinian families in the
armed forces, and the State Minister for
IHL and the principles of the Red West Bank.
Red Crescent Affairs.
Cross/Red Crescent Movement. Towards the end of the year, the ICRC
During both events, participants ap-
Volunteers from all 14 National Society worked together with the National Society
proached the ICRC for the latest reference
branches attended ICRC seminars and on response mechanisms designed to
materials in Arabic on the International
workshops on tracing and restoring family cope with needs arising from a potential
Criminal Court and other specialized
links. war in Iraq, in particular in the fields of
topics.
tracing and emergency preparedness.
The ICRC continued to provide technical
IHL dissemination and financial support to the prosthetic/
The ICRC worked on enlarging the basic orthotic centre for disabled Palestinians
IHL section within the National Public run by the Syrian branch of the Palestine
Library. Discussions were also held with Red Crescent Society in Damascus.
the dean of the law faculty at Aleppo Uni- Logistical support was given to the Red
versity about the setting up of an ICRC/IHL Crescent following the collapse of the
section on the faculty premises. In addi- Zaizoun dam, in June, which killed 20
tion, the ICRC provided law students from people, destroyed six villages and left
Damascus and Aleppo Universities with hundreds homeless. In the aftermath, the
information on IHL to prepare examina- National Society distributed food and
tions and theses. erected tents to shelter the survivors.
The ICRC sponsored the participation of an In conjunction with the International Feder-
Aleppo University law professor in an IHL ation, the ICRC organized a workshop on
course at the Arab Institute of Human IHL and the Red Cross/Red Crescent
Rights in Tunisia in order to gain a wider Movement for the 28 directors represent-
perspective of IHL issues and to exchange ing the Society’s 14 branches. Talks were
experiences with other law professors also held with the Syrian Arab Red Cres-
from the region. cent and other Arab National Societies,
together with the International Federation,
aimed at fostering cooperation among the
region's Societies, particularly with regard
320
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA YEMEN
YEMEN
Personnel:
5 expatriates
15 national staff
In Yemen, the ICRC visits detainees,

focusing on their treatment under
interrogation and their conditions of
detention, with special emphasis on
vulnerable groups such as women and the
mentally ill. Another priority is to spread
knowledge of IHL and the Fundamental
Principles of the International Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement, in
cooperation with the Yemen Red Crescent
Society, and to support the national
committee on IHL in promoting national
measures to implement IHL and its
introduction into school and university
curricula and armed forces and police
training. Assistance is provided to physically
disabled persons (prosthetic/orthotic
programme) and in the field of tracing, in
particular the forwarding of Red Cross
messages to and from Somali refugees and
Yemeni families who have a relative
interned by the US authorities in
Guantanamo Bay or Afghanistan. The ICRC
has been working in Yemen since the
outbreak of the civil war in 1962.
CONTEXT

Refugees fleeing countries in the Horn of Yemen vowed to eradicate violent Islamic
Expenditure (in Sfr) Africa and elsewhere plagued by war and militancy amid an upsurge of armed acts
internal violence continued to flow into carried out mainly against government
Protection Yemen as it struggled to contain a wave of and Western targets which unsettled the
578,221 attacks by militant groups and persistent security environment in many areas.
Assistance tribal clashes in remote regions still under Under the terms of a military cooperation
703,400 only limited central government control. agreement with the United States linked to
Preventive action economic assistance and the strengthen-
An influx of significant numbers of re-
ing of central government authority nation-
435,511 fugees from countries such as Somalia,
wide, Yemen allowed more US special
Cooperation with National Societies Ethiopia and Eritrea continued, exacting
forces into the country to train its military
96,321 an ever greater economic burden on this
and security personnel.
General already impoverished nation of 18 million
inhabitants.
21,680
1,835,133
321
A spate of bombings and assassinations
led to stepped up security measures and
At the regional level, Yemen made a sig-
nificant step toward becoming a full mem-
ICRC ACTION
an undisclosed number of arrests while ber of the Gulf Co-operation Council after Key points in 2002
scores of foreign Islamic militant suspects its admission to four of the Council’s main
were expelled. A self-styled "sympathizers institutions, dealing with health, educa- • access gained for the first time to people
with Al-Qaeda" group claimed responsibil- tion, labour and social affairs. held in Yemen by the Political Security
ity for bomb explosions in Sana’a near Department
Unlike previous years, no kidnappings of
the US embassy and on the premises of • Red Cross messages (RCMs) forwarded
foreigners were reported in 2002.
the Political Security Department, where between internees in Afghanistan and
alleged Islamic militants are detained. In an encouraging development, the ICRC Guantanamo Bay and their families in
gained access for the first time to Yemen, and between refugees from the
Further violence occurred during voter reg-
detainees held in Yemen by the Political Horn of Africa and their families
istration in October for parliamentary elec-
Security Department.
tions set for April 2003 when seven peo- • vocational and literacy courses pro-
ple were killed and 42 injured in 407 vided for women detainees and work
security incidents across the country, completed to upgrade sanitation facili-
according to official sources quoted by the ties in central prisons
press.
• IHL courses held for Yemeni armed
A French oil tanker was rammed and set forces instructors and for instructors
ablaze in October near the southern port of from the Ministry of Education in the
Mukalla in an attack reminiscent of the framework of the EHL programme
2000 bombing of the USS Cole, which
killed 17 US sailors in the port of Aden.
The incident left one dead and several CIVILIANS
injured and was a severe blow to Yemen's
Restoring family ties
economy, greatly affecting export earnings
and trade in the country’s ports. Tens of thousands of refugees had poured
into Yemen in recent years from countries
A helicopter from an American company in the Horn of Africa beset by war and
was fired upon in November just after internal violence.
take-off from Sana’a airport. A month later
the deputy secretary-general of the Yemeni Ascertaining the whereabouts of the fami-
Socialist party was assassinated and lies these refugees left behind and restor-
three American missionaries were shot ing and maintaining contact between
them remained priority concerns. For
and killed in an attack on a missionary

hospital in the town of Jibba, near Ibb. many refugees the RCM network provided
The assassinations caused outrage the only means available to stay in touch
among the population and all political with their families.
parties. To handle the growing demand for this
In Marib governorate, a group of alleged service, the ICRC expanded its tracing and
Al-Qaeda members in Yemen were killed RCM work in March when a new tracing
by a missile fired from an unmanned US officer was assigned to Mukalla, where
drone in an operation endorsed by the some 20,000 Somali refugees are
Yemeni authorities. located. A new ICRC tracing office was
also opened at the UNHCR refugee camp
Groups of high-ranking military personnel in Kharaz, north of Aden.
and politicians who went into exile in the
wake of the 1994 civil war returned to Red Cross travel documents continued to
Yemen under a presidential amnesty. be issued regularly, with the support of the
emigration authorities, to assist refugees
seeking resettlement in third countries.
322
Several Yemeni families asked for help Visits continued to places of detention proposals made at the round table as
to trace relatives reported missing in under the responsibility of the Ministry of a basis for future mental health policy
Afghanistan. Files for 20 such cases were the Interior and the attorney-general's and re-established a mental health-care
opened; of these, 11 were resolved. office. The ICRC carried out several series department.
of visits in the governorates of Sana'a,
Tracing seminars were organized for The Charitable Society for Social Welfare
Amran, Aden, Ibb, Taiz and Mukalla,
Yemeni Red Crescent volunteers to admitted non-convicted inmates of the
including central prisons, police stations,
enhance their ability to collect and deliver Sana'a central prison into their psychiatric
criminal investigation departments and
RCMs and to open new tracing requests. hospital in Sana'a. In Taiz, a new psychi-
provisional detention centres. The purpose
The volunteers who attended the seminar atric hospital was planned to open early in
of the visits was to obtain a comprehen-
helped the ICRC to deliver and collect 2003.
sive picture of detention conditions and, in
RCMs for the families of Yemeni internees
particular, the treatment of persons under Overall, ICRC support in 2002 contributed
held by the US authorities in Afghanistan
interrogation. Regular reports containing to greater involvement on the part of
and Guantanamo Bay.
recommendations were submitted to the national and regional health-care authori-
In August, the ICRC helped reunite 10 peo- authorities concerned. However, at the end ties in the development of a sound mental
ple with their loved ones when cross-bor- of the year the ICRC was notified by the health policy.
der travel between Eritrea and Ethiopia Ministry of the Interior that visits would be
was suspended. Instead, they transited restricted to central prisons as of 2003.
via Sana'a on their way from Asmara to
WOUNDED AND SICK
The ICRC’s aid programme for women
Addis Ababa. Logistical support was pro- Fitting amputees
detainees, initiated in 2001 in conjunction
vided for three medical cases travelling the
with the National Society as a pilot project Aid was increased to speed up the intro-
same route in December.
in Al-Mahwit, was extended to two more duction of ICRC polypropylene-based
places of detention in Al Hodeida and technology and to step up the production
PEOPLE DEPRIVED Dhamar. The aim was to break the isola- of good-quality, lower-limb prosthetic
OF THEIR FREEDOM tion of women detainees, who often have appliances for amputees in Yemen.
no contact with their families, by promot-
ing improved medical care for female An ICRC prosthetic/orthotic specialist gave
Detainee welfare
inmates and their children, and organizing a presentation illustrating ICRC polypropy-
Delegates continued to visit particularly lene technology at the Ministry of Health’s
vulnerable detainees, i.e. women, the literacy and sewing courses to enhance
their reintegration prospects upon release. Artificial Limbs and Physiotherapy Centre
mentally ill, those not receiving family vis- in Sana’a. In addition, on-the-job training
its, and foreign nationals, in order to mon- The ICRC provided sewing machines and
other materials needed to implement the was given to staff at the prosthetic/orthotic
itor their treatment and conditions of centres in Sana’a. The ICRC also provided
detention. project as well as financial incentives for
raw materials, components and equip-

the teachers involved.
The ICRC repaired and maintained sani- ment to fit 250 amputees.
tary facilities and bread ovens, and dis- In conjunction with the Yemeni Red Cres-
cent, the ICRC continued to support a pro- The Mukalla workshop, opened in Sep-
tributed hygiene items to detainees. When tember in the remote Hadramout gover-
combined with work undertaken by the gramme for mentally ill detainees in the
central prisons in Ibb, Sana'a and Taiz. norate, enabled amputees from the area
authorities themselves, this led to an over- who could not afford to travel to the
all improvement in detention conditions. This project was delegated to the Nether-
lands Red Cross. Psychiatric care for Sana'a centre to be fitted and receive
Work was completed to upgrade the physical rehabilitation, and also reduced
sewage networks of the main prisons in some 300 patients in the psychiatric sec-
tions of those prisons was monitored and pressure on the Sana'a centre.
Hajja and Saada.
National Society volunteers received train- The ICRC carried out assessments to
In August, the ICRC gained access for the ing at two ICRC workshops. determine the training and equipment
first time to detainees held by the Political needs of the Sana’a and Mukalla work-
Security Department in Sana’a in connec- As planned, the process of handing over
this project to the Ministry of Public Health shops and to discuss possible future
tion with what had become known as the cooperation with the health-care authori-
"war on terror". In October, the ICRC also and Demography was initiated. To this
end, a round-table discussion was held ties in this field, since there were as yet no
for the first time visited detainees held by professional prosthetic/orthotic training
the Political Security Department in Al with Yemeni organizations involved in
mental health care. The Ministry accepted facilities in Yemen despite the substantial
Hodeida, Ibb, Taiz, Zinjibar and Aden. demand for artificial limbs and physical
323
rehabilitation. An agreement was reached held in October for instructors from all and IHL. This had a significant impact on
on measures to significantly step up ICRC Yemeni armed forces units as well as for the acceptance of IHL. The workshop
prosthetic/orthotic assistance in Yemen in the Central Security Forces and Coast received widespread media coverage in
2003, focusing on the training of Yemeni Guards of the Interior Ministry. Yemen.
technicians at the Sana'a and Mukalla
Sections of the ICRC’s Law of War teach- In October, four experts from the Ministry
centres.
ing file for instructors were published in of Education participated in two EHL
In 2002, a total of 392 prostheses were the monthly army magazine Al-Jaish, in teacher-training seminars held in Morocco
produced, using ICRC technology. accordance with an agreement between for Arab educators to discuss the EHL pro-
the ICRC and the Moral Guidance Depart- gramme. In December, ICRC delegates
ment of the Ministry of Defence. met with senior officials of the Ministry to
AUTHORITIES determine the date, standards and outline
In March, the ICRC and the national com- The ICRC also supported a training work-
of the second training workshop to be
mittee for the implementation of IHL held a shop on human rights and IHL for police
held, in March 2003, for teachers selected
round-table discussion, under the aus- officers, organized by the Yemeni Human
from each of the eight governorates.
pices of the president’s office, on the Rome Rights Information Training Centre in
Statute of the International Criminal Court. Sana’a. It focused on the basic tenets of A children's painting booklet was issued
The talks ended with a strong recommen- IHL, the responsibilities of the police and under the title War and violence in the
dation urging Yemen to ratify the Statute. armed forces in the event of international eyes of Yemeni children. Intended to sup-
and non-international armed conflict or port the EHL programme as an evocative
Two Yemeni IHL experts attended an inter- internal disturbances, and during law- expression of how children have experi-
national meeting of national committees enforcement operations. enced conflict and violence during their
on IHL held in Geneva in March and pre- lives and through the media, it contained
sented a working paper on the activities of 27 paintings, each of which was accom-
the Yemeni committee. Yemen also partic- CIVIL SOCIETY panied by an appropriate quotation from
ipated in a second meeting of Arab experts A technical committee was set up by the the Geneva Conventions.
on the implementation of IHL, held in Educational Research and Development
Cairo in October under the auspices of the Centre and other representatives of the These activities were backed up by
League of Arab States. Ministry of Education to deal exclusively increased support for Yemeni human
with the "Exploring Humanitarian Law" rights NGOs working to raise awareness in
Finally, three members of the Yemeni civil society of women’s rights and the
programme.
national committee on IHL took part in a specific needs of women detainees.
symposium held in Khartoum on the IHL’s In accordance with a plan of action agreed
incorporation into national legislation. upon with the technical committee, the Talks were held in October with the Minis-
ICRC and the Educational Research and ter of higher education and scientific
Development Centre organized the first research to provide information on the
ARMED FORCES training workshop on the EHL programme ICRC plan of action regarding universities,
AND OTHER BEARERS in September. which aims to establish a comprehensive
IHL-teaching programme at the three main
OF WEAPONS The training workshop, held in Sana'a State universities, in Sana'a, Taiz and
In August, in an important step forward, under the auspices of the Ministry of Edu- Aden. Several follow-up meetings were
the armed forces chief of staff issued a cation, brought together 36 experts from held with the deans of law faculties at
general order instructing all military insti- the Yemeni Ministry of Education involved these universities in order to develop rela-
tutions to incorporate IHL into their train- in teacher training, curriculum develop- tions with academic circles and to pro-
ing. This followed an ICRC seminar on IHL ment and school inspection. EHL docu- mote the formal incorporation of IHL
held in March at the Defence Ministry, mentation was distributed to the partici- teaching in their curricula as a compul-
organized in close conjunction with the pants, who explored the content and sory subject or at least an optional one.
Ministry’s Moral Guidance Department, objectives of EHL as well as teaching
and attended by 43 senior officials, methods and mechanisms for encourag- In order to promote IHL through national
including the defence minister, the chief of ing respect for IHL and the principles of the television, the five-part ICRC series "Cen-
staff, the vice chief of staff for training and International Red Cross and Red Crescent tury on trial" was broadcast by the Yemeni
educational institutions, and the head of Movement. At the end of the workshop a satellite channel. Moreover, the ICRC kept
the Moral Guidance Department. consensus prevailed that there was no the media informed of its activities in
contradiction between Islamic sharia law Yemen and worldwide. Publication agree-
Basic and advanced courses on IHL were
324
ments were signed with three high-profile
magazines in which several articles on
IHL and the International Criminal Court
were published.
NATIONAL SOCIETY
In 2002, the Yemen Red Crescent Society
and the ICRC renewed their IHL-promotion
agreement for another year. The pro-
gramme included training sessions for
Society volunteers, publication of the bi-
monthly information magazine Al-Ithar
and publication of the 2003 calendar. In
addition, a cooperation agreement was
signed with the Society on the "Women in
prisons project" (see People deprived of
their freedom).
The first in a series of three-day EHL train-
ing workshops was held in September for
IHL-promotion volunteers from all 10
National Society branches. The Society
and the ICRC co-sponsored a tracing sem-
inar attended by one representative from
each branch. The seminar aimed to pro-
vide participants with the basic tools
needed to support the ICRC in restoring
contact between dispersed families and
collecting and delivering RCMs.
Two workshops were held in Aden for vol-
unteers from National Society branches in
Ibb, Sana'a and Taiz involved in the psy-
chiatric care programme. Topics were the

role of the volunteers in the programme
and the role of psychology in mental
health care. Representatives of the Yemeni
Mental Health Association, a group of psy-
chologists from Aden University, also
addressed the workshops.
An International Federation official was in
Yemen from April to September. Regular
meetings were held to harmonize Move-
ment efforts to strengthen the National
Society’s operational capacity.
325
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA KUWAIT
KUWAIT
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Personnel:
5 expatriates
12 national staff
The ICRC’s long-standing presence in

the region is linked to the issues of
humanitarian concern still outstanding
from the 1990-1991 Gulf war and to
issues arising from detention in Kuwait
and Qatar. In addition, the organization
focuses on communication with a view
to promoting knowledge of international
humanitarian law and of its own role as
a neutral intermediary in wartime and
other situations of violence.
Strengthening cooperation with the
region’s National Red Crescent Societies
is another priority.
CONTEXT
The accelerated build-up of United States Gulf nations joined in a concerted effort by
Expenditure (in Sfr) and other military forces in the Arabian the Arab world to persuade Iraq to comply
peninsula heightened concern among fully with UN Security Council resolution
Protection Arab nations about the potential domestic 1441 concerning the resumption of UN
1,114,752 and regional consequences of any full- arms inspections to verify the country’s
Assistance scale attack against Iraq. compliance with a ban on possession of
0 weapons of mass destruction.
Most Gulf States cautioned that renewed
Preventive action military action against Iraq could jeopard- However, the return to Iraq of UN arms
588,203 ize peace and stability in the entire region, inspectors in November failed to allay
Cooperation with National Societies inflame Arab public opinion and provoke regional concerns about renewed conflict
212,310 an influx of refugees from Iraq on a scale as the US-led military build-up gathered
General reminiscent of the displacement caused momentum and the US and Britain repeat-
105,171 by the 1990-1991 war. edly threatened to disarm Iraq by force
unless it could prove compliance with the
arms ban.
2,020,436
326
As part of the military build-up, the US
and Qatar signed an agreement to
ICRC ACTION about what had happened to their loved
ones, unsure whether they were alive or
upgrade Qatar military bases which the US Key points in 2002 dead.
used in 2002 under the terms of a 1992
• the ICRC acted as a neutral intermediary The first round of direct talks between Iraq,
defence pact.
in pursuit of efforts to determine what Kuwait and Saudi Arabia was due to take
A series of attacks against US military per- had happened to persons unaccounted place under ICRC auspices early in 2003
sonnel in Kuwait led to a tightening of for since the 1990-1991 Gulf war within the framework of a sub-committee
security throughout the country and a set up in 1994 by the Tripartite Committee
number of arrests. • contact was restored between families to discuss specific and well-documented
and their relatives detained in foreign cases of persons unaccounted for since
Meanwhile, unresolved issues from the countries, including persons interned in the 1990-91 conflict ended.
Gulf war continued to undermine a nor- Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay
malization of relations between Iraq and Since Tripartite Commission and sub-
neighbouring countries, including Kuwait • the ICRC monitored treatment and con- committee meetings were suspended in
and Saudi Arabia, despite some signs that ditions of detainees deprived of diplo- 1998 when Iraq announced it would no
Iraq was seeking reconciliation. In particu- matic representation by the 1990-1991 longer participate, the ICRC continued to
lar Iraq announced that it would renew its war hold regular, confidential, bilateral discus-
direct participation in talks on these issues • resettlement or reunification with their sions with the parties concerned and to
with other parties concerned. It also families of released POWs and other relay information between them concern-
returned to Kuwait some of the national detainees was facilitated ing requests for information about persons
archives stolen during its 1990 invasion unaccounted for. As in previous years,
of the country. • national and regional programmes were Kuwait and the former coalition States –
developed to incorporate the law of the United States, Britain, France and
armed conflict into armed training Saudi Arabia – attended three consultation
forces in the region meetings organized under ICRC auspices
to discuss what had happened to persons
CIVILIANS unaccounted for since the 1990-91 war.
However, this process had failed to yield
1990-1991 war: resolving outstanding
any significant progress in recent years.
issues
A breakthrough was achieved towards the
Afghan conflict:
end of 2002 when, after years of relent-
restoring family contacts
less ICRC effort to restore dialogue
between the parties concerned, Iraq Throughout 2002 the ICRC regional dele-

agreed within the framework of the first gation in Kuwait received a substantial
meeting of the Tripartite Commission held number of requests from families of per-
since 1998 to resume direct talks with sons missing in Afghanistan following the
Kuwait and other parties about persons fall of the Taliban regime. A total of 23
still unaccounted for since the 1990- cases were successfully resolved after the
1991 war. missing persons concerned were located
during ICRC visits to places of detention in
Gulf States welcomed the Iraqi decision as Afghanistan. Another 14 requests for infor-
a potentially significant step towards mation from Saudi families remained
finally resolving the issues that have for so unresolved at the end of the year.
long prevented relations between the for-
mer adversaries from being normalized. It
raised hopes that restoring direct dialogue
between the parties, under ICRC auspices,
would finally provide answers for thou-
sands of families who remained for more
than 12 years in agonizing uncertainty
327
Restoration of contact between these fami- Regular visits were made to ordinary An ICRC request to the authorities of Saudi
lies in the Gulf and relatives detained in detainees at the central prison and to Arabia to permit the return of two Saudi cit-
either Afghanistan or Guantanamo Bay security detainees held in National Secu- izens released from prison in Baghdad in
grew rapidly through the Red Cross mes- rity Office detention centres in Kuwait. Vis- October 2002 was still without a reply as
sage service. RCMs were exchanged each its were also made to persons in Qatar 2002 ended.
month between families and detainees in detained in connection with the 1998
In a promising development, the ICRC
a process greatly facilitated by close failed coup d'état. These 38 detainees, 19
obtained approval from the Kuwaiti
cooperation between the authorities and of whom had been sentenced to death in
authorities to allow families in Iraq to visit
the National Societies of all States con- 2001, were being held at the Qatar central
relatives detained in Kuwait and was
cerned. RCM exchanges between Guan- prison and at a military camp.
awaiting Iraqi approval before the visits
tanamo Bay and Gulf States fell off sharply
A number of security incidents involving could begin.
after US authorities allowed internees there
attacks against US military personnel in
to send mail via the public postal services. Following all visits to places of detention,
Kuwait led to the arrest of an undisclosed
the ICRC documented its findings and,
In 2002, some 90% of RCMs forwarded number of Kuwaiti nationals. The Kuwaiti
where needed, made representations to
by the regional delegation continued to authorities also stated that they had
the relevant authorities.
involve separated family members in Iraq arrested an unspecified number of per-
and Kuwait. A total of 2,588 were col- sons allegedly linked to terrorist groups,
lected and 2,058 delivered. including Al-Qaeda. The ICRC initiated a AUTHORITIES
dialogue with the authorities aimed at Regular dialogue was maintained with
Assisting former POWs gaining access to these detainees. the governments of all States covered by
The ICRC continued to ensure that former Following ICRC-initiated consultations the Kuwait delegation to heighten aware-
POWs and other detainees were able to between prison authorities and the Kuwait ness of IHL, with the ultimate goal of
obtain certificates of detention and to pro- psychiatric hospital, the Kuwait prison incorporating its basic rules into their
vide asylum seekers and other persons department proposed the establishment of national legislation.
with ICRC travel documents in order to a separate section for mentally ill In particular, the ICRC focused on spread-
facilitate resettlement in third countries detainees on condition that additional ing knowledge of the Geneva Conventions
and/or reunification with their families. In medical personnel were provided. The and their Additional Protocols, adopting
2002, the ICRC issued a total of 323 such section had not yet been set up as the year legislation penalizing war crimes as
certificates to former POWs and other ended. defined in the Conventions and Protocols,
detainees, and 56 travel documents to and adopting measures to prevent misuse
The four remaining Palestinians held in a
persons seeking resettlement in third of the red cross and red crescent
Kuwait deportation camp, who had been
countries. emblems. Progress was also sought on
monitored since their internment several
accession to or ratification of major inter-
years previously, were released, as were

PEOPLE DEPRIVED four Iraqi nationals detained by Kuwait national treaties to which some Gulf States
since the 1990-91 war. The ICRC initiated were not yet party, including the 1997
OF THEIR FREEDOM procedures for the repatriation of these Ottawa Convention.
In accordance with its traditional man- released persons or their resettlement in
date, the ICRC continued to assess the Contacts were consolidated with the min-
third countries. istries of justice and the government legal
treatment and living conditions of
detainees without diplomatic representa- Over the summer an increasing number of departments in several States, including
tion in Kuwait as a result of the 1990-91 Iraqi vessels were intercepted at sea by the Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates
Gulf war. It also sought to ensure that con- Kuwaiti coast guard. Six Iraqis from two (UAE) and Qatar, and with the Gulf Co-
tacts were restored or maintained between seized boats were arrested and detained. operation Council and its new secretary-
detainees and their families. At year’s end the ICRC was seeking to general.
facilitate repatriation of the six persons, in The ICRC also promoted efforts to estab-
accordance with their wishes. lish national committees on the imple-
mentation of IHL in States where they did
not yet exist and stepped up efforts to
organize seminars on IHL-related themes,
often in cooperation with the National
Societies.
328
A presentation on the ICRC’s mandate and CIVIL SOCIETY The ICRC lent its support to enable
activities was given to diplomats at the National Societies in the region to enhance
Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Although relatively little was known in the their ability to spread knowledge of IHL
introductory courses on IHL were given to Gulf States about IHL and the mandate and the Movement, especially among
officials in the UAE and Qatar, in coopera- and work of the ICRC, the keen interest in young people, in the framework of their
tion with their National Societies. The six the media and academic circles regarding overall development in accordance with
members of the Gulf Co-operation Council the role of the ICRC in regions such as the Fundamental Principles of the Move-
were represented at a round-table of Arab Afghanistan and the occupied Palestinian ment and their role as organizations auxil-
legal experts on IHL held in October 2002 territories provided an opportunity to high- iary to the State in spreading knowledge of
in Cairo. It was organized jointly by the light the organization’s work and IHL in IHL.
Egyptian Ministry of Justice, the League of general.
The ICRC also sought to increase the
Arab States and the ICRC Cairo delegation. A presentation was held at the Kuwait Uni- support of National Societies in the Gulf
versity law faculty in November for some region for major ICRC relief operations,
40 students about the Movement and
ARMED FORCES ICRC activities. A presentation on the gen-
in partnership with other components
AND OTHER BEARERS of the Movement. In keeping with the
eral theme of the ICRC and protecting Seville Agreement, the ICRC continued to
OF WEAPONS those affected by war and internal violence arrange for the distribution – particularly
For the first time, IHL training was included was given in July at a conference organ- in Afghanistan and the occupied Pa-
in the 2002 directives issued yearly by the ized by the Zayed Centre for Coordination lestinian territories – of both food and
Operations and Training Authority of the and Follow-up in Abu Dhabi, attended by non-food aid provided by various National
Kuwaiti army. some 50 diplomats, government officials Societies.
and media representatives.
Incorporating IHL principles into theoreti- The Kuwaiti Red Crescent in particular pro-
cal and practical instruction in the armed Representatives from the Ministries of Edu- vided large quantities of food for ICRC pro-
forces and security services of States in cation of Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and the grammes in the West Bank as well as
the region remained an ICRC priority. Gov- UAE attended two training sessions on covering logistics costs. The Bahraini,
ernments were reminded that this is an "Exploring Humanitarian Law" (a school- Saudi and UAE Red Crescent Societies
obligation for all States party to the based programme for adolescents) also gave unprecedented support, provid-
Geneva Conventions. organized by the Ministry of Education of ing mainly food and medical supplies.
Morocco and the ICRC under the auspices
Nine high-ranking officers from the armed of the League of Arab States, and held in
forces of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE Rabat in October and November.
and Qatar attended an ICRC regional sem-
inar in Tunis on the laws of armed conflict.
In addition, 11 military officers from NATIONAL SOCIETIES

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and The National Societies of Kuwait, Saudi
the UAE participated in an IHL course at Arabia and the UAE attended meetings in
the San Remo International Institute of Geneva at the ICRC’s invitation to discuss
Humanitarian Law. their emergency-response capacity in the
event of any serious deterioration of the
The ICRC was able to initiate dialogue with
situation in Iraq.
the training directors of the armed forces in
Bahrain and Qatar aimed at bringing Particular emphasis was placed on
about basic IHL instruction for military per- strengthening the National Societies’ trac-
sonnel there. IHL courses for army training ing capacity. The ICRC regional delegation
officers were conducted at the Command prepared an Arabic-language module out-
and Staff College in Kuwait. lining the main guidelines for operating an
effective tracing service, focusing on
restoring links between families in the
contexts of war and internal violence. Pre-
sentations on tracing were also given to
various National Societies.
329
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA TUNIS
TUNIS
Regional delegation
Countries covered:
Algeria, Libya, Mauritania,
Morocco/Western Sahara, Tunisia
Personnel:
5 expatriates
9 national staff
The Tunis regional delegation, which has

been in operation since 1987, focuses
on issues of humanitarian concern
arising from the aftermath of the
Western Sahara conflict. At the same
time, it promotes knowledge of IHL, its
implementation at the national level and
its incorporation into school and
university curricula and armed forces
training in North Africa. The region's
National Societies are essential partners
in this process.
CONTEXT
By the end of 2002, more than 11 years a result of the conflict continued to live
Expenditure (in Sfr) after the Western Sahara armed conflict in precarious conditions in makeshift
ceased, negotiations on the future status camps situated in the desert of southwest
Protection of the disputed territory still remained Algeria.
1,156,748 deadlocked.
In Algeria, violence declined overall but
Assistance
The UN Security Council again called upon still continued to claim many civilian lives.
141,104 the Polisario Front to release without fur- Security forces remained on high alert and
Preventive action ther delay the remaining Moroccan prison- the state of emergency imposed more than
647,901 ers it still holds from the conflict, in accor- 10 years before was still in effect as 2002
Cooperation with National Societies dance with IHL, and urged the parties drew to a close.
845,683 concerned to continue to cooperate with
Unrest continued in Berber communities.
General the ICRC in efforts to resolve the issue of
The government announced that the
38,181 persons still unaccounted for following the
Berber language would henceforth be offi-
conflict, which broke out in 1975.
cially recognized, thus meeting one of the
Some 150,000 Sahrawi refugees who fled major Berber demands.
2,829,617 their homeland in the Western Sahara as
330
The ruling Algerian National Liberation
Front (NLF) in May won general elections
ICRC ACTION lies. The Front was reportedly in the
process of examining these cases.
marked by a boycott declared by some Key points in 2002
political parties, including two represent- Restoring familiy ties
ing the Berber population. In local elec- • visits were carried out to prisons run by
the Algerian Ministry of Justice and for In conjunction with the National Societies
tions held in October, the NLF won control
the first time to police stations under the concerned, the ICRC worked throughout
of most town councils and provincial
authority of the Ministry of the Interior the year to collect and deliver Red Cross
assemblies in a ballot also boycotted by a
and to persons held in remand custody messages between families in North
number of Berber communities.
at Ministry of Defence gendarmeries African countries and relatives interned in
Algeria and the European Union initialled Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan.
an association agreement in December • two repatriation operations were con-
ducted under ICRC auspices for 216 Family links were also restored and main-
designed to strengthen bilateral relations
Moroccan prisoners released by the tained between prisoners still held by the
in the field of trade and other areas such
Polisario Front Polisario Front and their families in
as security and illegal immigration.
Morocco by means of the RCM service. In
In neighbouring Morocco, the outgoing • family links were restored and main-
2002, the ICRC delivered 1,150 family
coalition won the first parliamentary elec- tained between prisoners still held by
RCMs to Moroccan prisoners and col-
tions held since King Mohammed VI the Polisario Front and their families in
lected 652 RCMs from prisoners for their
acceded to the throne in 1999. Morocco by means of the Red Cross
families.
message service
Tunisia’s parliament passed a bill on con-
• the ICRC assisted Algerian Red Crescent
stitutional reform in May that bolstered
programmes providing psycho-social
PEOPLE DEPRIVED
legislation regarding human rights, lifted OF THEIR FREEDOM
the three-term limit for incumbent presi- support for women and child victims of
dents, and raised the authorized age limit violence
Visits to prisoners
for presidents from 70 to 75. • a new prosthetic/orthotic production unit Since 1994, the ICRC had carried out two
In April, Tunisia suffered its first major act using ICRC technology was inaugurated visits a year to Polisario Front prisons and
of political violence in years when a young in Algiers had sought to see each prisoner at least
Tunisian drove a gas-laden truck into • an agreement was signed paving the once a year. ICRC dental and medical care
North Africa's oldest synagogue killing way for the establishment of a perma- has continued to be provided during these
21 people, including 14 German tourists. nent ICRC presence in Algeria visits.
Libya played an increasingly active role An ICRC team, including a doctor, an eye
as a mediator in conflicts affecting the CIVILIANS surgeon and a dentist, visited 768 of the
1,361 prisoners still held by the Polisario

African continent and made some
progress reintegrating itself into the inter- Tracing the missing Front at the time (May). Nine eye opera-
national community. The ICRC continued to consult with the tions were carried out (including two on
parties concerned with a view to shedding Sahrawis) and glasses were distributed as
Living conditions in Mauritania remained
light on the fate of combatants from both required. Another 17 prisoners were fitted
precarious for the majority of the popula-
sides who had gone missing during the wth dental appliances. In December, an
tion following years of persistent drought.
Western Sahara conflict, which ended with ICRC team including a doctor visited
a cease-fire agreement in 1991. Moroccan prisoners held by the Polisario
Front. Individual and collective interviews
In a new development the ICRC for the first were conducted with 400 prisoners. Par-
time received from the Moroccan authori- ticular attention was paid to the prisoners'
ties a list of 258 cases of persons unac- health as well as to prison labour condi-
counted for since the conflict and pursued tions and the level of contact maintained
the issue during contacts with the Polis- with their families.
ario Front. In the past the ICRC had
informed the Polisario Front orally of indi-
vidual Moroccan cases on the basis of
tracing requests received from their fami-
331
The ICRC carried out a sixth round of visits Although the overall objective remained cluded in June 2001 to set up the unit,
from 16 March to 24 April to prisons the immediate and unconditional release which is designed to produce prostheses
administered by the Algerian Ministry of and repatriation of all prisoners, in accor- for Sahrawi ex-combatants and victims of
Justice. It was also able for the first time to dance with IHL the main criteria in seeking violence in Algeria.
visit police stations run by the Ministry of the release of individual cases as a matter
The ICRC drew up a list of 182 amputees
the Interior and persons held in remand of urgency was the duration of captivity
urgently requiring fitting. The majority were
custody at Ministry of Defence gen- and health status.
Polisario Front mine victims. In 2002, a
darmeries.The visits covered 14 prisons
total of 58 Sahrawi and 16 Algerian
and 20 remand centres under the jurisdic- Parcel distribution to prisoners amputees were fitted with 78 prosthetic
tion of courts in Algiers, Blida, Chief,
In August over 1,300 family parcels were appliances produced with ICRC technology.
Ghardala, Laghouat and Tiemcen. Private
distributed by the ICRC to Moroccan pris-
interviews were held with more than 450 From mid-January, an ICRC technician
oners held by the Polisario Front.
detainees of the delegates’ choice, includ- provided six weeks of training in the use of
ing women and minors. Interviews were ICRC prosthetic/orthotic technology for
also conducted with people who had Meeting families of prisoners Algerian and Sahrawi staff at the Ben
recently been remanded in custody. In February delegates talked with some Aknoun centre. In June, an ICRC specialist
400 families of Moroccan prisoners in conducted a follow-up assessment of the
A seventh series of visits was carried out
Khemisset, Meknes, Sefrou, Fes, Taounate centre and its staff.
between 19 October and 11 November to
persons detained in Ministry of Justice and Taza, in meetings organized in con- Finally, an ICRC limb-fitting specialist vis-
prisons or remanded in custody in Interior junction with the Moroccan Red Crescent, ited the Sahrawi refugee camps in July to
Ministry police stations and Ministry of the Gendarmerie Royale and the Moroc- monitor the progress of Sahrawi amputees
Defence gendarmeries located in the Con- can armed forces. This contact enabled previously fitted with prosthetic appliances
stantine and Sidi Bel-Abbés regions. The the ICRC to respond to the families’ con- produced with ICRC technology at the Ben
ICRC assessed detention conditions and cerns, reassure them about their loved Aknoun centre.
treatment in seven prisons and 12 places ones, and take photographs of them to
where people were held on remand. The forward to the prisoners.
prisons visited housed 2,826 inmates From 19 to 26 September, delegates
AUTHORITIES
in all. worked in conjunction with the Moroccan Algeria
Red Crescent, the Gendarmerie Royale
To ensure closer follow-up of its activities
Repatriating prisoners and the armed forces to meet with the
there, the ICRC held talks with the authori-
families of 203 Moroccan prisoners in the
In January and July the ICRC organized ties regarding the establishment of a per-
towns of Khenifra, Midelt, Errachidia,
the repatriation, in two operations, of 216 manent presence in Algeria. An agreement
Boudnib, Bouarfa, Missour and Ifrane.
Moroccan prisoners released by the Polis- to this end was signed in August between
During these meetings, 98 RCMs from

ario Front. The ICRC remained deeply con- the head of the ICRC regional delegation
prisoners were delivered to their families
cerned about the plight of the remaining and the secretary-general of the Algerian
and some 400 were collected from fami-
1,260 Moroccan nationals held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paving the way
lies and forwarded to prisoners.
Front, most of whom have been in captiv- for the opening of an ICRC delegation in
ity for more than 20 years. the capital.
The first repatriation took place on 17 Jan- WOUNDED AND SICK The head of the new ICRC delegation in
uary when 115 Moroccan prisoners were Physical rehabilitation Algeria was received by the Algerian prime
flown home under ICRC auspices. Their minister in October during which the ICRC
release had been announced by the Polis- In January, a new prosthetic/orthotic pro- outlined its future objectives in the country.
ario Front on 2 January following repre- duction unit using ICRC technology was
sentations by the Spanish government. inaugurated at the Ben Aknoun centre in
Four Moroccan military officers were for Algiers. The opening ceremony was ARMED FORCES
the first time among those released. attended by the secretary-general of the AND OTHER BEARERS
Algerian Ministry of Health, the president
Another 101 Moroccan prisoners released of the Algerian Red Crescent, the ambas-
OF WEAPONS
following representations by the German sador of the Polisario Front in Algeria and The ICRC continued striving to make IHL
government were repatriated under ICRC the ICRC. These four partners signed a an integral part of training in the armed
auspices on 7 July. protocol to implement an agreement con- forces of North African countries.
332
Morocco had embarked fully on this Libya The first regional sessions for the teaching
process. With royal backing, a study was At the invitation of the African Union, the and promotion of EHL for representatives
launched with a view to starting a national ICRC made a presentation on EHL at the of Arab Ministries of Education were held
IHL-training programme and the armed second ministerial session of the Steering in Rabat in the last two weeks of October.
forces drafted manuals on IHL for all levels Committee of the Decade of Education that Eighteen Arab States were represented at
of military personnel. took place in Tripoli in April. the sessions organized by the ICRC in
conjunction with the Moroccan ministry of
The ICRC sponsored the participation of In conjunction with the Libyan Red Cres- education and the Moroccan Red Crescent
two Moroccan officers responsible for IHL cent, the ICRC pursued its study of possi- under the auspices of the Arab League.
training in a course on the law of armed bilities for integrating EHL into the national Discussion was led by the Moroccan min-
conflict at the International Institute of secondary-school system. A plan of ister of education on the basis of EHL pilot
Humanitarian Law in San Remo. The offi- action was drawn up with the Red Cres- projects already tested in Morocco.
cers were also provided with ICRC teach- cent to heighten awareness of IHL in
ing files on IHL for distribution in the Libyan academic circles. Mauritania
Moroccan armed forces.
In March, the Ministry of Education began
In Tunisia, delegates held a seminar on Morocco introducing EHL in schools, in conjunction
IHL in March for some 30 high-ranking Following pilot projects undertaken in with the ICRC and the National Society. In
armed forces officers. In April, the ICRC 2000 in the Khourigba and Hoceima re- May, 20 instructors at the National
organized a regional seminar on IHL in gions, the Moroccan authorities agreed to Teacher Training College were trained
Tunis for armed forces representatives incorporate EHL modules into secondary- along with 25 inspectors and other offi-
from other Middle East and North African school programmes. To this end, the Min- cials in EHL content and method at two
countries. The event, held in conjunction istry of Education worked in conjunction workshops organized under the auspices
with the Tunisian Ministry of Defence, was with the ICRC to develop EHL teacher pro- of the Ministry of Education. Participants
the first of its size and kind in the region grammes in order to speed up the imple- strongly recommended that EHL be incor-
and was intended in particular for the mentation process throughout Morocco. porated into Mauritania's secondary-
heads of training and the legal services of school curriculum and proposed various
the armed forces of members of the A course for 26 IHL instructors was organ-
implementation strategies to the Ministry.
League of Arab States. It was attended by ized in May by Ministry officials responsi-
some 40 senior officers from 14 Arab ble for school programmes with a view to Following participation by two ministerial
countries. extending the introduction of EHL teaching representatives in round-table sessions
to secondary schools in six other regions organized under the auspices of the
Progress was achieved in Algeria where of Morocco. League of Arab States in Rabat in October-
the armed forces chief of staff for the first November, debriefing meetings were held
time authorized the ICRC to hold a semi- The Ministry of Education and the ICRC
from 3 to 13 December for senior educa-
organized another seminar for IHL teach-

nar for military instructors of IHL. This tion authorities and a group of teachers
seminar was scheduled for early 2003. ers in December. It was attended by
from the Akout and Zoueratt regions. This
12 national secondary-school inspectors
was followed by a planning meeting for
and 18 educators from the 13 regional
CIVIL SOCIETY training centres in charge of teacher edu-
the implementation of EHL in 2003 with
the Ministry of Education, the ICRC and the
cation. An EHL teacher's guide was pre-
Algeria Mauritanian Red Crescent, at which it was
pared and texts were produced for the sec-
The ICRC engaged in an initial dialogue decided to schedule two EHL training
ondary level. A simplified version of EHL
with Algerian education authorities in workshops early in 2003 for teacher train-
was also adapted for the training of pri-
2002 with a view to introducing IHL into ers from Akoun and Kaedi, where pilot
mary school teachers.
the national education system. Follow-up projects were scheduled to take place.
action was planned in conjunction with Consequently, all teachers in Morocco
the national commission for educational were scheduled to have received instruc- Tunisia
reform. tion in the EHL programme by the start of In May, an EHL presentation was made to
the new academic year in October 2003. the deputy minister of education and a
cooperation agreement was signed with
the ICRC and the Tunisian Red Crescent for
the introduction of EHL into the country's
education system.
333
A working group was set up in June com- Algeria Mauritania
prising the director of the Tunisian Financial and technical assistance was The ICRC developed a constructive dia-
National Training Institute and officials maintained for Algerian Red Crescent pro- logue with the Mauritanian Red Crescent
responsible for curriculum development to grammes to provide psychological sup- which focused on capacity building and a
coordinate the technical aspects of EHL port for women and child victims of vio- plan to introduce IHL in Mauritanian
implementation and to prepare a plan for lence. Support also continued for the schools (see Civil society).
teacher training and pilot-project testing in National Society's work to spread knowl-
a number of schools as of 2003. edge of IHL, teach first aid and restore Morocco
Tunisian delegates to the Rabat round- contact between families dispersed by
The Moroccan Red Crescent continued to
table sessions in November briefed the conflict. The ICRC also helped the Society
play a central role in promoting and
Tunisian Pedagocical Directorate and enhance its emergency preparedness.
implementing IHL. In March, it organized
other education authorities on their out- A basic first-aid manual was produced by a colloquium on humanitarian law and
come. This led to a decision to hold a first the ICRC for the Red Crescent in conjunc- practice in Marrakech, together with the
national seminar early in 2003 for EHL tion with the Ministries of Health and Inte- inter-university IHL network, which it
teacher-trainers from the test areas rior Security. Red Crescent refresher leads.
selected in the south and north of the courses in first aid were organized in April
country in order to speed up the start of In February, the Red Crescent again
and May in conjunction with the ICRC.
EHL pilot projects. joined the ICRC in visiting the families
Together with the ICRC and the French Red of the Moroccan prisoners held by the
In conjunction with Tunisia's Association Cross, the Algerian National Society Polisario Front (see People deprived of
for International Studies, the ICRC and the organized a course in September for its their freedom).
Tunisian Red Crescent organized a semi- staff on psychological support techniques
nar in November on challenges facing victims of disaster. The course was part of
IHL. It was attended by 30 students, pro- Tunisia
a larger programme of psychological sup-
fessors and diplomats. port for women and child victims of vio- Strategies were discussed by the Tunisian
lence, launched by the Society with ICRC Red Crescent and the ICRC to enhance
Media support in 1999. It supplemented ICRC solidarity within the Movement and coor-
training given in Geneva early in 2002 to dination in various fields.
The Moroccan and Tunisian press devoted
several articles to the fifth issue of the two Algerian Red Crescent psychologists
Humanitaire-Maghreb, a publication that working in the programme.
continued to promote awareness of IHL as
well as ICRC’s mandate and activities in Libya
the region. An active dialogue was pursued with the
Libyan Red Crescent, which expressed

NATIONAL SOCIETIES interest in greater cooperation with the
ICRC, particularly in the areas of tracing
The ICRC and the International Federation
and restoring family links.
jointly organized a second meeting for
the heads of National Societies in North In March, the ICRC took part in a round-
Africa to discuss the strengthening of their table discussion on IHL organized by the
emergency-response capacity and coop- Libyan Red Crescent at its headquarters in
eration within the Movement. The heads of Benghazi. The event was attended by
the Algerian, Libyan, Mauritanian, Moroc- some 30 participants, including the deans
can and Tunisian Societies attended the of the country's main law faculties, Min-
July meeting in Tunis. istry of Foreign Affairs officials, senior
National Society staff, Tripoli-based repre-
sentatives of UNHCR and UNICEF and a
law professor from Tunis university.
334
PROTECTION
STATISTICS
ASSISTANCE
STATISTICS
335
PROTECTION STATISTICS
ASIA & LATIN AMERICA & EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST &
WORLD AFRICA THE PACIFIC THE CARIBBEAN NORTH AMERICA NORTH AFRICA
PERSONS DEPRIVED OF FREEDOM
Persons deprived of freedom (all categories/all statuses)

Detainees visited 448,063 250,247 121,635 9,797 32,222 34,162
Detainees visited and registered individually 149,154 115,891 15,501 5,218 2,464 10,080
of whom women 4,852 3,406 841 423 58 124
of whom minors 3,388 857 1,852 97 38 544
Detainees newly registered in 2002 26,727 7,781 8,360 2,040 1,061 7,485
of whom women 1,163 205 668 153 46 91
of whom minors 2,732 708 1,514 90 26 394
Detainees released 29,009 8,750 8,364 1,099 696 10,100
of whom women 337 290 0 42 0 5
of whom minors 1,113 253 689 22 4 145
Number of places of detention visited 2,007 829 506 240 209 223
Number of visits carried out 5,693 2,409 1,162 716 491 912
Family members visiting a detainee via an ICRC-organized family visit (FV) 52,268 1,246 12,611 8,270 402 29,739
International armed conflict (Third Geneva Convention)

Prisoners of war (POWs) visited 4,761 1,932 843 0 632 1,354
POWs newly registered in 2002 1,309 47 724 0 13 525
POWs released during 2002 2,728 1,760 232 0 11 725
POWs repatriated by/via the ICRC 2,245 1,533 2 0 5 705
Number of places visited 26 10 2 0 12 2
Number of visits carried out 192 41 59 0 88 4
International armed conflict (Fourth Geneva Convention)

Civilian internees (CIs) and others visited 7,503 1,107 0 0 1 6,395
CIs and others newly registered during 2002 6,012 582 0 0 1 5,429
CIs and others released 8,785 749 0 0 1 8,035
Number of places visited 122 73 0 0 1 48
Number of visits carried out 596 174 0 0 1 421
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF FAMILY LINKS
Red Cross messages (RCMs)

RCMs collected 520,982 430,179 38,675 1,228 17,640 33,260
of which from civilians 446,082 394,847 17,447 649 14,261 18,878
of which from detainees 74,900 35,332 21,228 579 3,379 14,382
RCMs distributed 457,742 371,241 39,459 1,064 19,101 28,877
of which to civilians 401,672 343,095 24,552 803 16,732 16,490
of which to detainees 56,070 28,146 14,907 261 2,369 10,387
RCMs not distributed (back to sender) 27,009 21,666 3,072 33 513 1,725
336
PROTECTION STATISTICS
ASIA & LATIN AMERICA & EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST &
WORLD AFRICA THE PACIFIC THE CARIBBEAN NORTH AMERICA NORTH AFRICA
Persons reunited, transferred, repatriated
Persons reunited with their families 2,320 2,237 59 0 16 8
Civilians transferred 28,123 162 26,618 0 6 1,337
Civilians repatriated 1,997 1,980 0 1 0 16
Tracing requests (all categories)

Persons for whom a tracing request has been newly registered 7,420 5,137 1,109 219 311 464
Tracing requests closed positively 1,635 837 493 40 32 233
Tracing requests closed negatively 2,151 1,292 497 106 26 230
Tracing requests still being handled at 31 December 7,024 4,858 882 389 604 291
Unaccompanied children (UAMs)/Separated children (SC)

UAMs/SC newly registered 5,871 5,871 0 0 0 0
of whom by ICRC 5,068 5,068 0 0 0 0
UAMs/SC reunited with family 2,272 2,268 4 0 0 0
of whom by ICRC 1,600 1,600 0 0 0 0
UAM/SC cases still being handled at 31 December 6,463 6,429 34 0 0 0
Missing persons
Cases of missing persons newly opened 2,329 0 1,347 623 326 33
of whom women 376 0 235 67 74 0
of whom minors 332 0 274 39 19 0
Cases of missing persons closed positively 2,291 23 787 196 1,237 48
Cases of missing persons closed negatively 1,215 0 35 345 51 784
Cases of missing persons still being handled at 31 December 34,466 25 4,870 1,701 25,731 2,139
of whom women 2,866 0 77 31 3,034 8
of whom minors 1,810 0 440 137 1,233 0
DOCUMENTS ISSUED
Persons to whom travel documents were issued 5,704 483 998 1 240 3,982
Persons to whom a detention certificate was issued 47,205 4,917 899 57 485 40,847

Other certificates issued 3,701 1 34 4 2,781 881
Documents transmitted/ transferred 3,381 256 49 0 89 2,987
PERSONS SOLICITING ICRC OFFICES IN THE FIELD

Number of persons who visited/telephoned ICRC offices 400,460 94,059 33,938 16,003 51,848 204,848
337
PROTECTION STATISTICS - CLARIFICATIONS & DEFINITIONS
PERSONS DEPRIVED OF FREEDOM
Persons deprived of freedom (all categories/all statuses)

Detainees visited During the period under consideration, the number of detainees visited, whether monitored individually or otherwise ; includes
detainees seen and registered for the first time, and those registered previously and visited again, and groups having received
aid collectively without being registered individually.
Detainees visited and registered individually Number of detainees visited and monitored individually, i.e. those seen for the first time and registered, and those registered
previously and visited again, during the period under consideration.
of whom women
of whom minors
Detainees newly registered in 2002 Number of detainees visited for the first time since their arrest and registered during the period under consideration.
of whom women
of whom minors
Detainees released Number of detainees released as per information received from various sources, including those transferred or repatriated by
the ICRC upon release, during the period under consideration.
of whom women
of whom minors
Number of places of detention visited Number of places of detention visited, including places that were found empty when visited, during the period under
consideration.
Number of visits carried out Number of visits made, including those to places found empty when visited, during the period under consideration.
Family members visiting a detainee Number of family members who visited a detained relative via an ICRC-organized or -financed family visit during
via an ICRC-organized family visit (FV) the period under consideration.
International armed conflict (Third Geneva Convention)

Prisoners of war (POWs) visited Number of POWs visited and monitored individually during the period under consideration.
POWs newly registered in 2002 Number of POWs visited for the first time since capture, and monitored individually during the period under consideration.
POWs released during 2002 Number of POWs released during the period under consideration.
POWs repatriated by/via the ICRC Number of POWs released and repatriated by the ICRC during the period under consideration.
Number of places visited Number of places, holding or having held POWs, visited during the period under consideration.
Number of visits carried out Number of visits to POWs carried out during the period under consideration.
International armed conflict (Fourth Geneva Convention)

Civilian internees (CIs) and others visited Number of CIs and other persons protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention who were visited and monitored individually
during the period under consideration.
CIs and others newly registered during 2002 Number of CIs and other persons protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention who were visited for the first time since the start
of their internment and monitored individually during the period under consideration.
CIs and others released Number of CIs and other persons protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention who were released, as per information received
from various sources, including those transferred or repatriated by the ICRC upon release, during the period under
consideration.
Number of places visited Number of places, holding or having held CIs and other persons protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention, visited during
the period under consideration.
Number of visits carried out Number of visits carried out to places holding or having held CIs and other persons protected by the Fourth Geneva
Convention during the period under consideration.
338
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF FAMILY LINKS
Red Cross messages (RCMs)

RCMs collected Number of RCMs collected regardless of the destination of the RCM during the period under consideration.
of which from civilians
of which from detainees
RCMs distributed Number of RCMs distributed, regardless of the origin of the RCM during the period under consideration.
of which to civilians
of which to detainees
RCMs not distributed and sent back to sender Number of RCMs which were impossible to distribute – either because the addressee could not be located or because the
addressee refused to accept the RCM (for whatever reason) – and sent back to sender during the period under consideration.
Persons reunited, transferred, repatriated

Persons reunited with their families Number of persons reunited with their families under the auspices of the ICRC during the period under consideration.
Civilians transferred Number of civilians, not counting those in a context of detention, transferrred by the ICRC during the period under
consideration.
Civilians repatriated Number of civilians, not counting those in a context of detention, repatriated by the ICRC during the period under
consideration.
Tracing requests1 (all categories)

Persons for whom a tracing request Number of persons for whom a tracing request was initiated during the period under consideration – e.g. because there has
has been newly registered been no news of them, were not located by RCM, were sought by their families, were presumed to have been arrested and/or
detained – and for whom the ICRC is going to take steps to locate them or clarify their fate.
Tracing requests closed positively Number of persons for whom a tracing request had been initiated and, during the period under consideration, was located
or whose fate was established (closed positively).
Tracing request closed negatively Number of persons for whom a tracing request had been initiated and, during the period under consideration, was not
located or whose fate was not established and for whom the ICRC has exhausted its tracing posibilities (closed negatively).
Tracing requests still being handled Number of tracing requests still open and pending at the end of the period under consideration.
at 31 December
Unaccompanied minors (UAMs)2/Separated children (SC)3

UAMs/SC newly registered Number of UAMs/SC registered by the ICRC or by another organization and the data of which are centralized by the ICRC,
of whom by ICRC during the period under consideration.
UAMs/SC reunited with their family Number of UAMs/SC reunited with their families by the ICRC or by another organization during the period under
of whom by ICRC consideration.

UAM/SC cases still being Number of UAMs/SC whose cases were opened but who have not yet been reunited by the ICRC or by another organization
handled at 31 December during the period under consideration ; these include cases concerning either children whose parents are being sought, or
children whose parents have been found but with whom they have not yet been reunited.
1 All cases regarding persons being sought on the basis of information received by the ICRC as to persons whose fate is not known either to their families or the ICRC and for whom the ICRC is going to undertake some
kind of action to clarify their fate or to confirm their alleged fate; these can include allegations of arrest and co-detention, and tracing requests collected following unsuccessful attempts to restore family links by other
means.
2 Child under 18 or under legal age of majority separated from both parents and from all other relatives and not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so.
3 Child under 18 or under legal age of majority who is separated from both parents or from his/her previous legal caregiver but is accompanied by another adult relative.
339
Missing persons
Cases of missing persons newly opened Number of persons for whom a missing person file was opened during the period under consideration.
of whom women
of whom minors
Cases of missing persons closed positively Number of persons whose case has been resolved (closed positively), i.e. persons who have been located or confirmed
deceased, during the period under consideration.
Cases of missing persons closed negatively Number of persons whose cases have not been resolved, and for whom the ICRC has decided not to pursue enquiries
(closed negatively), during the period under consideration.
Cases of missing persons still being handled Number of persons whose cases are still open (pending) at the end of the period under consideration.
at 31 December
of whom women
of whom minors
DOCUMENTS ISSUED
Persons to whom travel documents were issued Number of beneficiaries of travel documents issued by the ICRC during the period under consideration.
Persons to whom a detention certificate Number of persons who received a certificate testifying to their detention according to ICRC records of visits, during the
was issued period under consideration.
Other certificates issued Number of certificates – not related to detention – issued during the period under consideration.
Documents transmitted/transferred Number of documents – e.g. passport, power of attorney, death certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and ICRC
certificates such as house destruction certificates, tracing requests (other than detention certificates) – forwarded or
transmitted during the period under consideration.
PERSONS SOLICITING ICRC OFFICES IN THE FIELD
Number of persons who visited/telephoned Number of persons who contacted an ICRC office in the field, either in person or by telephone, during the period under
ICRC offices consideration.
340
ASSISTANCE STATISTICS - WORLD
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
1 STATISTICS FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY
IDPs No. of beneficiaries

FOOD 219,027 217,676 248,842 233,300 305,092 169,046 112,354 165,401 229,009 184,237 182,252 157,142
NON-FOOD 225,035 297,112 232,472 326,638 324,445 192,397 230,485 170,750 137,214 236,318 229,738 36,764
AGRO/REHAB. 19,507 4,660 929 6,662 10,847 21,067 4,885 0 22,690 100,485 148,258 24,288
RESIDENTS No. of beneficiaries
FOOD 315,006 259,979 198,032 86,611 195,072 649,788 639,085 300,334 392,475 498,112 369,323 213,963
NON-FOOD 316,173 174,180 187,819 142,956 112,945 134,295 155,633 156,684 154,884 296,418 228,094 144,879
AGRO/REHAB. 45,686 135,305 1,021,877 104,150 14,651 19,305 126,709 279,211 346,082 284,884 126,615 367,035
DETAINEES No. of beneficiaries
FOOD 100,626 100,678 95,649 94,328 96,217 94,701 89,021 97,558 97,328 98,023 97,436 97,640
NON-FOOD 107,899 101,847 101,591 101,357 100,496 103,663 94,646 118,415 105,764 106,509 105,241 104,649
AGRO/REHAB. 951 215 883 1,351 526 2,521 4,411 215 17,801 722 736 0
2 STATISTICS FOR WATER AND HABITAT

IDPs No. of beneficiaries 34,145 128,885 124,263 167,542
Residents No. of beneficiaries 1,181,220 3,596,601 4,961,192 8,961,197
Detainees No. of beneficiaries 4,154 2,902 4,434 10,291
3 STATISTICS FOR MEDICINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

Health centres supported 233 201 260 233 206 260 267 260 228 229 230 207
Estimated population covered by these health centres 2,709,019 2,249,740 2,406,049 2,394,182 2,475,731 2,702,752 2,652,765 2,549,080 2,371,167 2,193,021 2,188,716 2,102,218
Total number of health centre consultations 148,769 184,383 174,661 163,161 180,456 185,663 192,109 211,731 188,439 174,722 145,156 174,745
4 STATISTICS FOR SURGERY AND HOSPITAL ASSISTANCE

Total number of hospitals supported 62 53 65 63 64 74 67 63 67 61 53 58
Number of operations performed 6,926 5,706 7,629 8,957 8,972 8,026 8,338 7,666 8,701 7,688 5,686 6,066
Number of OPD cases treated 22,385 29,678 24,461 33,362 39,932 44,531 46,405 44,533 40,332 38,648 38,546 38,859
Total number of first-aid posts supported 3 4 3 5 11 6 6 7 6 6 6 2

5 STATISTICS FOR PHYSICAL REHABILITATION
Number of prostheses delivered 1,199 1,222 1,412 1,503 1,591 1,478 1,478 1,336 1,473 1,517 1,275 1,048
Number of orthoses delivered 935 807 967 1,117 1,054 1,132 1,143 1,098 1,094 1,285 1,041 853
341
ASSISTANCE STATISTICS - EXPLANATIONS
1 STATISTICS FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY
IDPs No. of beneficiaries

FOOD Number of IDPs receiving various food items in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
NON-FOOD Number of IDPs receiving various non-food items in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
AGRO/REHAB. Number of IDPs receiving agro/rehabilitation assistance in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
RESIDENTS No. of beneficiaries
FOOD Number of residents receiving various food items in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
NON-FOOD Number of residents receiving various non-food items in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
AGRO/REHAB. Number of residents receiving agro/rehabilitation assistance in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
DETAINEES No. of beneficiaries
FOOD Number of detainees receiving various food items in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
NON-FOOD Number of detainees receiving various non-food items in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
AGRO/REHAB. Number of detainees receiving agro/rehabilitation assistance in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
2 STATISTICS FOR WATER AND HABITAT

IDPs No. of beneficiaries Given the nature of water and habitat activities, figures are reported on a quarterly basis only. The December figure represents the annual total.
Residents No. of beneficiaries
Detainees No. of beneficiaries
3 STATISTICS FOR MEDICINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH

Health centres supported Number of health centres assisted in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
Estimated population covered by these health centres Estimated population covered by the health centres assisted in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
Total health centre consultations Number of consultations carried out by the health centres assisted per month; monthly figures can be cumulated.
4 STATISTICS FOR SURGERY AND HOSPITAL ASSISTANCE

Total number of hospitals supported Number of hospitals assisted per month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
Number of operations performed Number of operations performed in the hospitals assisted in a given month; monthly figures can be cumulated.
Number of OPD cases treated Number of outpatients treated in the hospitals assisted in a given month; monthly figures can be cumulated.
Total number of first-aid posts supported Number of first-aid posts assisted in a given month; monthly figures cannot be cumulated.1
Number of wounded treated in the first-aid posts Number of wounded treated in the first-aid posts assisted in a given month; monthly figures can be cumulated.
5 STATISTICS FOR PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

Number of prostheses delivered Number of prostheses delivered in a given month; monthly figures can be cumulated.
Number of orthoses delivered Number of orthoses delivered in a given month; monthly figures can be cumulated.
N.B. Some figures are not available ; the abbreviation used in the tables is N/A.
1 Monthly figures cannot be cumulated where significant overlapping of individual beneficiaries occurs.
342
343
PART3

THE FINANCIAL In 2002, the financial status of the ICRC
was stable when viewed purely on the
basis of balance sheet levels at the start of
Foreign exchange market volatility also
required close monitoring. The net
exchange loss reported in the 2002
YEAR 2002 the year and at year-end. However, bal-
ance sheet stability contrasted with the
accounts was mainly attributable to the
convergence of two factors related to the
1. Balance sheet fluctuating humanitarian challenges faced continued depreciation of the US dollar
2. Statement of income and expenditure by the ICRC during 2002, and the volatile against the Swiss franc. Firstly, on the
economic environment that prevailed dur- income side, pledged contributions were
3. Cash flow statement
ing the year. entered at the internal monthly rate set
4. Statement of changes in reserves according to the market rate at the end of
Afghanistan was the ICRC's biggest opera-
5. Notes to the financial statements tion in 2002 (Sfr 116.l million – 17.2% the previous month. Furthermore, the
of total field expenditure) and one which actual payment of these contributions in
6. Income and expenditure the course of the month, or later in the
demanded maximum flexibility to adapt to
7. Contributions the complexities of a rapidly changing year, was made at a time when the US
context. dollar exchange rate against the Swiss
8. Contributions in kind, in services
franc was at a lower level. Secondly, the
and to delegated projects Lower profile contexts nevertheless consti- Swiss franc counter-value of the minimum
9. Relief and medical assistance tuted the major part of ICRC activities and US dollar cash positions held by the dele-
budget expenditure and overall received gations also decreased during the year.
10. Special funds
appropriate financial support from the
11. Comparative balance sheet donor community. This enabled the insti- The asset replacement reserve fund was
and statement of income and tution to report a balanced funding situa- increased (+ Sfr1.9 million) in order to
expenditures for the last five years tion as the year drew to a close. maintain the ICRC's self-financing capac-
ity and offset the need to request further
Headquarter expenditure was marginally funds from donors.
lower in 2002 than in the previous year
owing to a lower initial budget, and also Finally, it should be mentioned that, for the
to effective cost-reduction measures intro- second consecutive year, ICRC accounts
duced by management at the beginning of are presented in accordance with Interna-
the year. tional Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) – formerly IAS.
The 2002 balance showed an increase in
the cash position level (+ Sfr 38.5 mil-
lion), principally owing to a reduction
(– Sfr 30.6 million) of pledged but still
outstanding accounts receivable.

Cash reserves registered a modest gain
(+ Sfr 2.6 million), notwithstanding cer-
tain fluctuating financial risks generated
by economic and political developments
that necessitated close monitoring
throughout the year.
Insurance concerns following the attacks
of 11 September 2001 prompted the ICRC
to conduct an overall review of its insur-
ance coverage policy and the extent to
which the institution was prepared to
assume material risk liability independ-
ently. After careful examination the ICRC
decided to temporarily increase its capac-
ity to underwrite such risk autonomously.
344
FINANCIAL 1. Balance sheet
2. Statement of income and expenditure
6. Borrowings and loans
7. Accounts payable
STATEMENTS 2002 3. Cash flow statement

4. Statement of changes in reserves
8. Provisions
9. Accrued expenses and
OF THE ICRC 5. Notes to the financial statements prepaid contributions
5.1 Activities 10. Funding of field operations
5.2 Significant accounting policies 11. Reserves designated by the

Assembly
1. Statement of compliance
12. Contributions
2. Basis of presentation
13. Operating expenditure by
3. Basis of consolidation cash, kind and services and
4. Foreign currency transactions administrative cost
5. Derivative financial 14. Staff-related costs and figures
instruments 15. Employee benefits
6. Hedging 16. Operating leases
7. Cash and cash equivalents 17. Financial income and
8. Securities expense
9. Accounts receivable 18. Other income and other
expenditure
10. Inventories
5.4 Additional notes
11. Property, equipment
and software 1. Taxes
12. Impairment 2. Financial instruments
13. Provisions 3. Overhead income and
expenditure
14. Interest-bearing borrowings
and loans 4. Capital and contractual
commitments
15. Reserves
5. Related parties

16. Income
6. Special funds and
17. Financial income foundations
and expenditure
7. Remuneration
18. Employee benefits
8. Subsequent events
19. Expenditure
5.3 Details relating to the financial
statements
1. Cash and cash equivalents
2. Securities
3. Accounts receivable and
prepayments
4. Inventories
5. Property, equipment and
software
345
1. BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002
(in Swiss francs '000)
Notes 2002 2001
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and bank balances 5.3.1 170,278 131,760
Securities 5.3.2 49,176 47,975
Accounts receivable and prepayments 5.3.3 68,360 98,932
Inventories 5.3.4 17,470 22,265
Total Current Assets 305,284 300,932
Non-current Assets
Property and equipment 5.3.5 69,152 65,188
Intangible assets: software 5.3.5 7,744 11,326
Total Non-current Assets 76,896 76,514
Total ASSETS 382,180 377,446
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES

Current Liabilities
Bank borrowings 5.3.6 521 107
Accounts payable 5.3.7 45,364 43,029
Provisions 5.3.8 21,688 19,107
Accrued expenses and prepaid contributions 5.3.9 41,503 44,256
Total Current Liabilities 109,076 106,499
Non-Current Liabilities
Interest-bearing loan 5.3.6 7,700 7,900
Other non-current liabilities 5.3.6 9,592 9,800
Total Non-Current Liabilities 17,292 17,700
Total LIABILITIES 126,368 124,199
Restricted Reserves
Total Funds & Foundations 5.4.6 9,293 9,320
Funding of Field Operations 5.3.10

Field operations with temporary deficit financing –19,660 –31,463
Donor-restricted contributions 19,708 34,797
Total Funding of Field Operations 48 3,334
Total Restricted Reserves 9,341 12,654

Unrestricted Reserves
Reserves designated by the Assembly 5.3.11
Future operations 110,104 105,668
Operational risks 12,805 10,770
Assets replacement 87,017 85,142
Financial risks 8,779 11,480
Human resources 9,102 9,978
Specific projects 4,264 3,155
Total Designated Reserves 232,071 226,193
Other Unrestricted Reserves
General reserve 12,500 12,500
Retained surplus at beginning of the year 1,900 1,900
Total Other Unrestricted Reserves 14,400 14,400
Total Unrestricted Reserves 246,471 240,593
Total RESERVES 255,812 253,247
Total LIABILITIES and RESERVES 382,180 377,446
346
2. STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002
Notes 2002 2001
Total CONTRIBUTIONS 5.3.12 788,325 829,745
OPERATING EXPENDITURE 5.3.13

Staff-related costs 5.3.14/15 –340,218 –333,064
Mission costs –27,022 –29,070
Premises and equipment –55,948 –57,977
Transport –67,343 –69,007
Assistance to victims –160,147 –169,187
Financial assistance to National Societies –31,617 –28,639
Financial assistance to third parties –17,058 –16,185
General supplies and services –65,903 –69,504
Depreciation and amortisation –16,447 –17,047
Total OPERATING EXPENDITURE –781,703 –789,680
NET RESULT OF OPERATING ACTIVITIES 6,622 40,065
OTHER INCOME
Contributed assets 355 999
Other 5.3.18 14,590 17,513
Total OTHER INCOME 14,945 18,512
OTHER EXPENDITURE
Foreign exchange loss, net 5.3.17 –10,251 –4,772
Impairment of assets –160 –91
Financial expense, net 5.3.17 –829 –372
Other 5.3.18 –7,762 –6,759
Total OTHER EXPENDITURE –19,002 –11,994
NET RESULT OF NON-OPERATING ACTIVITIES –4,057 6,518
SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR before Transfers 2,565 46,583
TRANSFERS TO RESERVES NET Table 4 –2,592 –46,587

Change in Funds and Foundations Table 4 27 4
RESULT FOR THE YEAR after Transfers 0 0
347
3. CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002
Notes 2002 2001
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Surplus for the year before transfers 2,565 46,583
Adjustments for:
Reclassification of other income and expenditure –2,028 –2,483
Depreciation of and impairment on assets 5.3.5 16,607 17,138
Increase in provisions 5.3.8 2,581 3,860
Transfers on assets 5.3.5 423 313
Loss on securities, net 5.3.17 3,207 3,231
(Decrease) in provision for accounts receivable 5.3.3 –3,730 –2,620

Gain from disposals of fixed assets, net 5.3.5 –1,515 –1,789
Contributed assets –355 –999
Operating surplus before changes in working capital 17,755 63,234
Changes in working capital:

Decrease in accounts receivable and prepayments 5.3.3 34,109 40,297
(Decrease)/increase in inventories 5.3.4 4,747 –1,801
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 5.3.7/9 –418 1,795
Net Cash from Operating Activities 56,193 103,525
Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Acquisition of fixed assets 5.3.5 –17,839 –13,112
Purchase of securities available-for-sale –12,550 –5,982
Proceeds from disposals of fixed assets 5.3.5 2,538 2,853
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale 8,142 4,733
Interest received 5.3.17 1,294 1,619
Securities’ income, net 5.3.17 1,084 1,240
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities –17,331 –8,649
Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Interest paid 5.3.6/17 –350 –376
Repayment of loan 5.3.6 –408 0
Proceeds from long-term loan for new training center 5.3.6 0 1,681
Net Cash from Financing Activities –758 1,305
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 5.3.1 38,104 96,181
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 131,653 35,472

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 169,757 131,653
348
4. STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN RESERVES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002
Restricted Unrestricted 2002
Funds Funding of Designated Other
and field by the unrestricted
foundations operations Assembly reserves Total
Notes 5.4.6 5.3.10 5.3.11
Balance at 31 December 2000 9,324 –29,085 212,025 14,400 206,664
Net result of funds and foundations –4 –4
Decrease/ (increase) of field operations

with temporary deficit financing 2,756 2,756
Increase/ (decrease) in donor-restricted contributions
for specific operations 29,663 29,663
Use of reserves designated by the Assembly –7,861 –7,861

Allocation to reserves designated by the Assembly 22,029 22,029
Result for the year after transfers 0 0
Balance at 31 December 2001 9,320 3,334 226,193 14,400 253,247
Net result of funds and foundations –27 –27

Decrease/ (increase) of field operations
with temporary deficit financing 11,803 11,803
Increase/ (decrease) in donor-restricted contributions
for specific operations –15,089 –15,089
Use of reserves designated by the Assembly –10,522 –10,522

Allocation to reserves designated by the Assembly 16,400 16,400
Result for the year after transfers 0 0
Balance at 31 December 2002 9,293 48 232,071 14,400 255,812
349
5. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002
5.1 Activities
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), founded in Geneva in 1863 and formally recognized in the Geneva Conventions and
by the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, is an independent humanitarian nonprofit organization (NPO) having a
status of its own and being domiciled in Switzerland.
The ICRC's principal tasks consist of:
• in connection with internal strife, international and non-international armed conflict, and their aftermath:
• activities for persons deprived of their freedom;
• protection and relief (in the form of medical supplies, drinking water, food and shelter) for the civilian population;
• restoration of family links;
• at all times:
• development of and respect for international humanitarian law;
• promotion and dissemination of humanitarian law and of the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
• humanitarian diplomacy.
These financial statements of the ICRC for the year ended 31 December 2002 include activities of the Geneva headquarters all ICRC
delegations, three funds and one foundation.
The financial statements were approved by the Assembly on 8 May 2003.
5.2 Significant accounting policies

5.2.1 Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with and comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and interpretations issued by the Standing
Interpretations Committee (SIC) of the IASB, and are presented in accordance with the statutes of the ICRC and Swiss law.
Currently, IFRS do not contain specific guidelines for nonprofit organizations (NPO) and nongovernmental organizations (NGO)
concerning the accounting treatment and the presentation of the financial statements.
The ICRC adopted IFRS as of the beginning of 2001.
5.2.2 Basis of presentation

The financial statements are presented in Swiss francs, rounded to the nearest thousand.
They are prepared on the historical cost convention except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value:
available-for-sale securities and derivative financial instruments. Recognized assets and liabilities that are hedged are stated at
fair value in respect of the risk that is hedged.
Fair value is the amount for which a financial asset, liability or instrument could be exchanged between knowledgeable and willing
parties in an arm's length transaction.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based
on management's best judgment at the date of the financial statements, deviate from the actual circumstances, the original
estimates and assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the year in which the circumstances change.
350
5.2.3 Basis of consolidation
Special funds and foundations

Regarding special funds and foundations control exists when the ICRC has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial
and operating policies of a fund or foundation so as to obtain benefits from its activities. These special funds and foundations are
consolidated from the date on which effective control is transferred.
They are only excluded from consolidation, when in aggregate they are not controlled, will not be controlled any more in the near
future or because they are not material.
Details on all funds and foundations are disclosed in note 5.4.6.
5.2.4 Foreign currency transactions

Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Swiss francs at the rate applicable at the year-end. Items of the statement of
income and expenditure are converted at monthly exchange rates and any differences are included under other income and
expenditure.
The principal rates of exchange are shown below:
Closing rate of exchange Average rate of exchange

2002 2001 2002 2001
USD 1.3880 1.6605 1.5720 1.6880
EUR 1.4555 1.4785 1.4671 1.5092
GBP 2.2353 2.4180 2.3453 2.4298
5.2.5 Derivative financial instruments

The ICRC uses derivative financial instruments – forward foreign exchange contracts – to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange
risks arising from financing and operational activities (for significant pledged contributions and expenditures). In accordance with
its treasury policy, the ICRC does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value. Recognition of any resultant unrealized gain or loss depends on the nature
of the item being hedged (see Note 5.2.6).
The fair value of forward exchange contracts is their market price at the balance sheet date.

5.2.6 Hedging
Hedge of currency risk on balance sheet assets and liabilities

Where a derivative financial instrument hedges the variability in fair value of a recognized receivable or payable, any resultant gain
or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in the statement of income and expenditure.
The hedged item also is stated at fair value in respect of the risk being hedged, with any gain or loss being recognized in the
statement of income and expenditure.
The fair value of the hedged items, in respect of the risk being hedged, is their carrying amount at the balance sheet date translated
to Swiss francs at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date.
5.2.7 Cash and cash equivalents

The ICRC considers cash on hand, amounts due from banks and short-term time deposits with banks to be cash and cash
equivalents.
Bank borrowings that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the ICRC's cash management are included as a
component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.
351
5.2.8 Securities
Securities which are available for sale are classified as current assets and are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss
recognized in the statement of income and expenditure.
The fair value of available-for-sale securities is their quoted bid price at the balance sheet date.
5.2.9 Accounts receivable

Receivables are stated at their cost net of a provision on the outstanding amounts to cover the risk on nonpayment (see Note 5.3.3).
The main positions of the receivables are recognized for:
• Pledges: at the moment of a written confirmation;
• Re-invoiced costs: at the moment when (i) the service or basic expenditure is fulfilled or (ii) the ownership of the asset is transferred.
5.2.10 Inventories
Inventories held at the headquarters and at the principal regional distribution center in Nairobi are considered as uncommitted
stocks and are recorded at cost. The cost of inventories includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing
them to their existing location and condition.
Expenditure is recognized at the moment of the delivery or consumption of these stocks except for obsolete inventories which are
written off.
Inventories held at other locations are considered as committed and are included in expenditure.
The cost of inventories of perishable goods is based on the first-expired first-out principle.
The cost of other inventories is based on the first-in first-out principle except where goods have been specifically earmarked, in
which case they are used first and therefore the costs of these items are specifically identified.
5.2.11 Property, equipment and software

Assets are measured at their historical costs and are capitalized when (i) they are used exclusively for the ICRC and when (ii) the
following limits are reached for individual asset amounts:
• Real estate all
• Equipment and vehicles Sfr 10,000
• Software Sfr 500,000 *
Contributed assets are accounted for using the same principles as for purchased assets (see Note 5.2.16).
Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the item of property and
equipment.
All other expenditure is recognized in the statement of income and expenditure as an expense as incurred.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on the straight line method so as to depreciate the initial cost over the estimated useful lives, which are
as follows:
in Switzerland other countries
Real estate 50 years 10 years
Fixed installations 10 years 10 years
Equipment and vehicles 5 years 5 years
Hardware 3 years 3 years
Software 5 years 5 years
* Licences for commercial software are considered as fully expensed during the year.
352
5.2.12 Impairment
The carrying amounts of the ICRC’s assets, other than securities (see Note 5.2.8) and inventories (see Note 5.2.10), are reviewed
at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.
If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount, which is – due to the nature of the ICRC's activities – the value in
use, is estimated.
An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses
are recognized in the statement of income and expenditure. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the
estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is only reversed to the extent that the asset’s carrying
amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no
impairment loss had been recognized.
5.2.13 Provisions
A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when the ICRC has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event,
and it is probable that an outflow of assets will be required to settle the obligation.
If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flow that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
5.2.14 Interest-bearing borrowings and loans

Interest-bearing borrowings and loans are recognized initially at cost, less attributable transaction costs.
Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing loans are stated at amortized cost with any difference between cost and
redemption value being recognized in the statement of income and expenditure over the period of the loan on an effective interest
basis.
5.2.15 Reserves
Funding of field operations

Field operations with temporary deficit financing
This position relates to expenditures in the field which have not been financed by contributions received or pledged at 31 December
2002.

Donor-restricted contributions
Some contributions received by the ICRC are earmarked for specific usage. At the end of the financial year, any such funds which
have not yet been spent are recorded under this heading. In case that the funds cannot be used, the ICRC either obtains agreement
for a reallocation of those funds for a different usage or reimburses them to the donor.
Reserves designated by the Assembly

Future operations reserve
This position contains the reserve for operational funding. The ideal amount of this reserve is estimated at two and a half months
of operational cash expenditure over the last five years.
Operational risks reserve

This concerns reserves relating to insurance of equipment and to commercial disputes.
Assets reserve
The ICRC sets aside funds for capital expenditure on real estate and equipment, in order to be able to make investments, which
are essential for its operations regardless of short-term financial fluctuations.
353
Financial risks reserve

This covers the risks of exchange rate and price fluctuations in securities.
Human resources reserves

This reserve is set aside to cover the exposure to future payments to management and staff under agreements for early retirements.
Specific projects reserves

Allocations for specific projects to be undertaken are made in anticipation of the events taking place; such as the International
Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and studies concerning the Red Cross emblem.
5.2.16 Income
Contributions
Pledges in cash are recognized on receipt of a written document from the donors.
Contributions that are based on contracts for specific projects (e.g. European Union, USAID, projects delegated to National Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies) are recognized as the expenditure is incurred.
The following contributions are recognized upon receipt of the cash collection:
• Private sources, associations and companies
• Legacies
• Gifts
Contributions in kind (goods or interests) and in services (in the form of staff, means of transport or rent) are recognized on the
date of receipt of the goods or service and are reported as equal contributions and expenses in the income and expenditure
statement.
Contributions in kind for fixed assets are recorded at fair value under other income. Depreciation of such assets is included in
operational expenditure in the same manner as for purchased fixed assets.
The value of contributions in kind is determined by the donor’s indication of the value of the goods, including the cost of transport
to the final destination. The fair value may not be exceeded.
The value of service contributions in form of staff is estimated by determining the real cost that would have been incurred had the
contribution not been made. In the case of staff seconded to the ICRC, the estimated value consists of the salary plus the social
security and insurance contributions paid by the ICRC for the position concerned. From this value, all personnel costs paid by the
ICRC directly to the concerned persons or its employer have been deducted to give the value of service recorded.
Earmarking
Cash contributions restricted by donors not other than for general ICRC field operations are considered as non-earmarked.
Cash contributions to a given region, country or programme (worldwide) are seen as loosely earmarked,
Contributions (in cash or in kind) to the programme or sub-programme of a country, project or goods are tightly earmarked.
The table below shows the overall framework for the earmarking level of cash contributions for the field budgets:
Level of earmarking Range/restrictions Example
none overall ICRC field budget ICRC operations worldwide
region one of the five regions ICRC operations in Africa
programme one of the four programmes ICRC preventive action activities worldwide
programme/ region one of the four programmes for one of the five regions ICRC protection activities in Asia and the Pacific
operation one of the worldwide delegations ICRC activities in Colombia
354
Donor-restricted contributions that exceed specific expenditure within the accounting year are carried forward to the following year
(see Note 5.2.15).
In case that the ICRC meets an overfinancing due to earmarked contributions for a specific operation, the donor is asked if the
contribution can be allocated to another operation or be carried forward to the following year. In case of overfinancing, the donor
may also ask for a reimbursement of the donation.
5.2.17 Financial income and expenditure

The net financial result is comprised of interest payable on borrowings, interest receivable on funds invested, securities' income,
foreign exchange gains and losses, and gains and losses on hedging instruments (see Note 5.2.6 Hedging).
Interest income is recognized in the statement of income and expenditure as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on
the asset.
Securities' income is recognized on collection.
5.2.18 Employee benefits

For headquarters and expatriated employees pension obligations are covered by an independent foundation with a defined
contribution plan. One third of the contributions are paid by the employees and two thirds by the ICRC.
Defined contribution plan

Contributions to the defined contribution pension plan are recognized as an expense in the statement of income and expenditure
as incurred.
Early retirement benefits

The ICRC has a plan which allows its staff working at headquarters or in the field and hired in Geneva to have a pre-retirement at
57 instead of 62. This plan is revocable at any time.
The obligation from employees who presently benefit from this plan is shown under accrued expenses and prepaid contributions
(see note 5.3.9), discounted to its present value. The discount rate is the yield at balance sheet date on a 5 year Swiss
Government bond.
Allocations made towards the cost of future early retirements are included in the human resources reserve.
Avenir Foundation

The Avenir Foundation is an entity, established at the ICRC's initiative, for the benefit of staff working at the headquarters or in the
field and hired in Geneva under an open-ended contract.
Its purpose is to facilitate training of professional skills, to facilitate career moves and to improve retirement benefits.
The ICRC pays fixed contributions to staff's individual accounts of the foundation depending on the length of their employment.
Local employees
Personnel employed locally by the delegations receive social benefits in accordance with the legislation of the countries concerned
and the Local Collective Staff Agreements.
5.2.19 Expenditure
Operating lease payments

Payments made under operating leases are recognized in the statement of income and expenditure on a straight-line basis over
the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized in the statement of income and expenditure as an integral part of
the total lease payments made.
355
5.3 Details relating to the financial statements

This section provides a breakdown of the main items on the balance sheet, the statement of income and expenditure, the cash
flow statement and the statement of changes in reserves. All figures are in thousands of Swiss francs (Sfr '000) and represent a
consolidation of the headquarters and field financial data.
5.3.1 Cash and cash equivalents

2002 2001
Cash and bank accounts 33,630 90,385
Time deposits 136,648 41,375
Cash and bank balances 170,278 131,760
Bank borrowings –521 –107
Cash and cash equivalents 169,757 131,653
Cash and bank accounts include balances with funds and foundations of Sfr 889 (2001: Sfr 1,157).
5.3.2 Securities
2002 2001
Securities 44,387 40,248
Other financial assets 4,789 7,727
Total 49,176 47,975
The securities include securities with funds and foundations of Sfr 8,497 (2001: Sfr 8,537).
5.3.3 Accounts receivable and prepayments

2002 2001
Pledges 56,824 91,125
Re-invoiced costs commercial 894 913
Re-invoiced costs governments 0 1,066
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, organizations, foundations and funds 4,403 4,189
Withholding taxes 773 346
Provision for accounts receivable –3,860 –7,590
Total accounts receivable 59,034 90,049
Prepaid expenses 4,960 4,292

Guarantee deposits 887 995
Social security and insurance contributions 73 26
Advance payments to suppliers 510 610
Advance payments to employees 2,896 2,960
Total prepayments 9,326 8,883
Total accounts receivable and prepayments 68,360 98,932

The accounts receivable include withholding taxes with funds and the foundations of Sfr 22 (2001: Sfr 24).
356
5.3.4 Inventories
2002 2001
Breakdown by category of goods:
Relief 3,989 7,651
Medical and orthopedic 7,261 7,207
Water and sanitation 2,188 2,818
Other 4,032 4,589
Total 17,470 22,265
Obsolete goods of a total value of Sfr 95 (2001: Sfr 271) have been amortized in 2002.
5.3.5 Property, equipment and software

Land Equipment Work
and buildings and vehicles Software in progress Total
Historical acquisition costs
Balance at 1 January 2002 54,826 105,106 20,080 1,287 181,299
Additions 15,819 2,375 18,194
Disposals –10,948 –10,948
Transfers –610 171 –439
Completion of work in progress 616 1.667 –2,283 0
Balance at 31 December 2002 54,832 111,815 20,080 1,379 188,106
Accumulated depreciation and value adjustments

Balance at 1 January 2002 –15,054 –80,896 –8,835 0 –104,785
Impairment losses –82 –78 –160
Depreciation charge for the year –1,691 –10,498 –4,016 –16,205
Disposals 9,924 9,924
Transfers 16 16
Balance at 31 December 2002 –16,745 –81,536 –12,851 –78 –111,210
Net book value as at 31 December 2002 38,087 30,279 7,229 1,301 76,896

Net book value as at 31 December 2001 39,772 24,210 11,245 1,287 76,514
Work in progress
Work in progress comprises software in development acquired externally or generated internally for Sfr 515 as well as construction
and renovation works for buildings for Sfr 786 .
Transfers and impairment loss

In 2002, a transfer of assets is recognized in compliance with the current ICRC accounting policy, Sfr 423 (2001: Sfr 313).
An assessment of the value attributed to work in progress and donated assets caused the ICRC to write down the carrying amount
by Sfr 160.
Security: mortgage loan on property

At 31 December 2002 the headquarters building No.3 is subject to two mortgage notes of Sfr 7,050 each to secure the interest-
bearing mortgage loan (see Note 5.3.6).
Insurance value
The buildings owned by ICRC have an unchanged total insurance cover of Sfr 108 million.
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5.3.6 Borrowings and Loans

2002 2001
Loans
Interest-bearing loan 7,700 7,900
Other loan 9,592 9,800
17,292 17,700
Borrowings
Bank borrowings 521 107
Total 17,813 17,807
Terms and debt repayment schedule

Total within 1 year 1-5 years more than 5 years
Secured loan (effective rate)
Sfr – fixed at 4,43% 7,700 200 800 6,700
Unsecured loan
Sfr – granted at 0% 9,592 208 834 8,550
Total 17,292 408 1,634 15,250
The secured loan of Sfr 7,700 (2001: Sfr 7,900) relates to one building at the headquarters in Geneva. Interest amounted to
Sfr 350 in 2002 (2001: Sfr 376).
The unsecured loan of initially Sfr 9,800 is interest free, reimbursable during 47 years and has been granted for the training centre
in Ecogia-Geneva, Switzerland. Notional interests for a contributed service of Sfr 425 has been recorded as expenditure and as
income.
In order to record the donation on an accrued basis, the loan has not been discounted.
5.3.7 Accounts payable

2002 2001
Governments 9,647 11,983
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, organizations, foundations and funds 2,911 719
Suppliers 17,412 14,979
Salaries due to employees 2,933 2,072
Social security and insurance contributions 12,274 12,889
Sundry items 187 387

Total 45,364 43,029
5.3.8 Provisions
for social security for local employees 2002 2001
Balance at 1 January 19,107 15,247
Allocations during the year 2,208 6,783
Use of provisions during the year –2,889 –2,923
Balance at 31 December 18,426 19,107
for specific risks on contributions previously received
Allocations during the year 3,262 0
Balance at 31 December 3,262 0
Total 21,688 19,107
The provision for social security for local employees covers a plan of severance pay (see note 5.3.15, c). The provision for specific
risks on contributions previously received covers unsettled files of received contributions with a potential of reimbursement.
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5.3.9 Accrued expenses and prepaid contributions

2002 2001
Accrued expenses 11,937 11,936
Staff vacation accrual 20,906 21,160
Early retirement 5,235 4,431
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, organizations, foundations and funds 3,301 6,093
Prepaid contributions 124 636
Total 41,503 44,256
5.3.10 Funding of field operations

a. Field operations with temporary deficit financing 2002 2001
Loosely earmarked balances –19,660 –31,463
Tightly earmarked balances 0 0
Total –19,660 –31,463
Field operations are considered as a deficit financing as soon as the contributions do not cover the expenditure.
b. Donor-restricted contributions 2002 2001
Loosely earmarked balances 19,156 31,785
Tightly earmarked balances 552 3,012
Total 19,708 34,797
In 2002, no contributions were reimbursed (in 2001 none).
5.3.11 Reserves designated by the Assembly

Future Operational Assets Financial Human Specific
operations risks replacement risks resources projects Total
Balance as at 31 December 2000 94,000 10,323 84,645 12,942 9,075 1,040 212,025
Use/ release during 2001 – – –699 –4,962 –1,833 –367 –7,861
Allocations 2001 11,668 447 1,196 3,500 2,736 2,482 22,029
Use/ release during 2002 –360 0 –6,310 –2,346 –1,506 –10,522
Allocations 2002 4,436 2,395 1,875 3,609 1,470 2,615 16,400

The future operations reserve is for insufficient operational funding, estimated at a level of the average of 2.5 months of cash, kind
and services expenditure over the last five years including the overhead for the field structure only. The theoretical level should be
Sfr 139,542 (in 2001: Sfr 134,386).
5.3.12 Contributions
2002 2001
Governments 664,644 684,399
European Commission 40,455 44,464
International organizations 3,521 743
Supranational organizations 202 250
National Societies 55,605 71,456
Public sources 4,925 5,191
Private sources 18,973 23,242
Total 788,325 829,745
The position private sources includes a contribution of Sfr 500 (2001: Sfr 0) for contributions to funds and foundations.
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5.3.13 Operating expenditure by cash/kind/services and administrative cost

Field
Operating expenditure Cash Kind Services Total 2002 Total 2001
Staff-related costs –221,522 –15,096 –236,618 –233,319
Mission costs –23,022 –239 –23,261 –25,148
Premises and equipment –46,035 –299 –278 –46,612 –48,358
Transport –67,192 –4 –67,196 –68,742
Assistance to victims –143,071 –17,076 –160,147 –169,183
Financial assistance to National Societies –31,453 –164 –31,617 –28,626
Financial assistance to third parties –14,122 –14,122 –13,920
General supplies and services –44,955 –44,955 –45,672
Depreciation –10,387 –10,387 –11,405
Total –601,759 –17,539 –15,617 –634,915 –644,373
Headquarters
Operating expenditure Cash Kind Services Total 2002 Total 2001
Staff-related costs –102,893 –707 –103,600 –99,745
Mission costs –3,761 –3,761 –3,922
Premises and equipment –6,790 –1,333 –1,213 –9,336 –9,619
Transport –147 –147 –265
Assistance to victims 0 0 –4
Financial assistance to National Societies 0 0 –13
Financial assistance to third parties –2,936 –2,936 –2,265
General supplies and services –20,523 –425 –20,948 –23,832
Depreciation –6,060 –6,060 –5,642
Total –143,110 –1,758 –1,920 146,788 –145,307
Administrative cost
The following cost centres at headquarters are classified as administrative not direct programme-oriented operating expenditures:
• Presidency, Directorate and Management Control
• Finance and administration
• Human resources
• Fundraising
• Information systems and archives
Their total cost amounts to Sfr 86,440 (2001: Sfr 85,686) which represents 11,1% (2001: 10,9%) of the overall operational
expenditures.
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5.3.14 Staff-related costs and figures

2002 2001
Wages and salaries 250,044 245,009
Social insurance and social benefits 74,371 69,625
Contributed services 15,803 18,430
Total 340,218 333,064
The number of positions at the end of 2002 (2001) was:
in the field:
• 1,226 (1,161) expatriate staff (including 205 [176] seconded by National Societies);
• 8,046 (7,502) local recruited employees under ICRC contract;
• 1,775 (1,394) local daily workers.
at headquarters:
• 826 (800) staff (including 9 [3] seconded by National Societies), which represents 691 (658) positions.
5.3.15 Employee benefits

a. Personnel pension plan
Under the defined contribution pension plan the ICRC paid Sfr 26,765 (2001: Sfr 25,477) to the pension fund.
The Pension Fund Board has by a signed agreement with the ICRC accepted the following:
1. The ICRC's level of contributions is fixed at 17% of the pensionable salary.
2. The ICRC will not be liable for any additional contributions if the fund does not have sufficient assets to pay all employee benefits
as defined in the pension fund regulations relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
3. The ICRC will not be liable for any additional contributions if the fund does not maintain a 4% return on investment.
4. Any surplus will not be used to reduce employer contributions.
b. Early retirement benefits

The future financial commitments due to early retirement benefits are borne by the ICRC and are included under accrued expenses
in the amount of Sfr 5,235 (2001: Sfr 4,431) for accepted early retirements. The human resources reserve includes an
accumulated allocation of Sfr 4,402 (2001: Sfr 4,843) towards the cost of future early retirements.

c. Social security for local employees
The ICRC works in a field of activities where delegations are sometimes closed at very short notice. For this reason, a plan of
severance pay has been established that consists, under certain given circumstances, in paying a final sum to the employees
before they leave.
This plan amounted to Sfr 18,426 at 31 December 2002 (2001: Sfr 19,107) and is included under provisions (see Note 5.3.8).
d. Expenditure for training – Avenir Foundation

In 2002, the contribution to this foundation was Sfr 8,311 (2001: Sfr 7,578) and an amount of Sfr 4,974 (2001: Sfr 5,524) for
training purposes and professional integration outside the ICRC and early retirement was paid out.
In addition, the ICRC recorded direct expenditure for professional training of its staff of Sfr 2,087 (2001: Sfr 2,079).
361
5.3.16 Operating leases

Leases as lessee
The ICRC leases warehouses, delegation buildings and means of transport under operating leases. The leases may typically run
for a period up to ten years, with an option to renew the lease after that date. Lease payments are increased annually to reflect
market rentals.
During the current year Sfr 77 millions were recognized as rental expense in the statement of income and expenditure in respect
of operating leases (2001: Sfr 80 millions)as follows:
2002 2001
Premises and equipment 27,036 29,367
Transport 50,123 50,159
Total 77,159 79,526
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:
– within 12 months 4,461 5,593
– within 1 to 5 years 3,441 5,092
– over 5 years 599 1,454
Total 8,501 12,139
Leases as lessor
In 2002, Sfr 391 (2001: Sfr 655) was recognized as income in the statement of income and expenditure in respect of subleases.
There were no operating lease rentals receivable (2001: Sfr 39).
5.3.17 Financial income and expense

Available-for-sale securities: 2002 2001
(Loss) on securities –3,207 –3,231
Securities' income, net 1,084 1,240
Total net (expense) on securities –2,123 –1,991
Interest income 1,294 1,619

Total financial (expense), net –829 –372
Interest expense –350 –376

Total financial (expense)/ income, net –1,179 –748
Foreign exchange loss, net –10,251 –4,772

The interest expense is already included in the operating expenditure due to the appeals to donors.
362
5.3.18 Other income and other expenditure

2002 2001
Decrease in provision for accounts receivable 3,730 2,620
Re-invoiced costs 4,860 4,591
Income arising from prior period 1,450 1,731
Other 3,090 4,828
Adjustments of operations 1,460 3,743
Total other income 14,590 17,513
Increase in provision for specific risks on contributions previously received –3,262 0

Expenditure arising from prior period –687 –2,316
Other –3,813 –4,443
Total other expenditure –7,762 –6,759
Adjustments of operations concern changes in the funding of field operations recorded in previous years. These comprise mainly
transfer of goods between operations, and new estimates of accruals of previous years.
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5.4 Additional notes

5.4.1 Taxes
The ICRC is exempt from taxes in Switzerland and most countries in which its delegations are based.
5.4.2 Financial instruments

Foreign currency risk
The ICRC incurs foreign currency risk on pledged contributions that are denominated in a currency other than Swiss francs. The
currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily US Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling, and Swedish Kroner.
Hedging policy
The ICRC hedges significant pledged contributions denominated in a foreign currency on the balance sheet.
The ICRC uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge its foreign currency risk. The forward exchange contracts have
maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. Where necessary, the forward exchange contracts are swapped at
maturity.
In respect of other monetary assets and liabilities held in currencies other than Swiss francs, the ICRC ensures that the net exposure
is kept to an acceptable level, by buying or selling foreign currencies at spot rates where necessary to address short term needs.
At the year-end, the following positions are open:
Forward foreign exchange contracts 2002 2001
– purchase of foreign currencies 40,094 16,780
– sale of foreign currencies –11,359 –10,657
Fair value
Changes in the fair value of forward exchange contracts that hedge pledged contributions or significant expenditures are
recognized in the statement of income and expenditure. They are generally offset by foreign exchange gains and losses arising on
translation of the hedged item to Swiss francs at the balance sheet date.
Both the changes in fair value of the hedging instruments and the foreign exchange gains and losses relating to the hedged items
are recognized as part of "net financial result" (see Note 5.3.16).
The net fair value of forward exchange contracts at the balance sheet date was an income of Sfr 285 (2001: charge of Sfr 175).
Interest rate risk

As the ICRC has a fixed mortgage rate up to 30 June 2006, there is no exposure to changes in interest rates.
Credit risk
The receivables are mostly with governments with high credit ratings, where credit risk is low.
Investments are allowed only in liquid securities and only with counterparties that have a high credit rating.
Other positions are not material, or are covered by provisions.
364
5.4.3 Overhead income and expenditure

As a contribution to the costs of headquarters' support for operations in the field, an additional 6.5 % is added to the budget of
each operation for cash and service movements. This support includes services essential for an operation's success such as
human resources, finance, logistics, information technology and other support.
The reconciliation of overhead expenditure results as follows:
Headquarters Field
2002
Operational expenditure –146,788 –634,915
Internal allocation to headquarters budget – –40,007
Total expenditure –146,788 –674,922
2001
Operational expenditure –145,307 –644,373
Internal allocation to headquarters budget – –39,813
Total expenditure –145,307 –684,186
The reconciliation of overhead income results in the following breakdown for the last two years:
Headquarters Field
2002
Contributions 121,054 667,025
Internal allocation from field budget 40,007 –
Total income 161,061 667,025
2001
Contributions 119,966 709,779
Internal allocation from field budget 39,813 –
Total income 159,779 709,779
5.4.4 Capital and contractual commitments

Capital commitments
Capital expenditures of Sfr 5,638 (2001: Sfr 3,200) have been approved but not provided for in these financial statements.

Significant contract
The ICRC concluded a general partnership agreement with an IT company on 27 March 1997. This agreement has a duration of
10 years but may be terminated by each of the two partners under certain given circumstances. The agreement rules the
IT partnership between the two entities for system deployment services, systems technics services, support services for all
IT infrastructure and IT users at the ICRC's headquarters, software and systems engineering as well as software deployment
and maintenance services for the ICRC headquarters and field locations as well as assistance services for IT governance.
In 2002 the IT company was put under a provisional debt restructuring moratorium and in March 2003 its business was taken
over by a third party.
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5.4.5 Related parties

Identity of related parties
The ICRC has a controlling related party relationship with four of its special funds and foundations (see Note 5.4.6).
Key Management Personnel are persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of
the ICRC. This includes the directors and senior management as well as close members of their families or households.
The Assembly is the supreme governing body of the ICRC.
The ICRC has a conflict-of-interest policy whereby the Assembly, the Directors, and the Senior Management must advise the
Assembly or the responsible Human Resources Management of any direct or indirect interest in any transaction or relationship
with the ICRC and are disqualified from participation in discussions and decisions regarding any action affecting their individual,
professional, or business interests.
Transactions with related parties

During the year the ICRC received income of Sfr 88 (2001: 638 Sfr ) from two of its funds and foundations (see Note 5.4.6).There
were no transactions with key management personnel.
With the exception of the President and the permanent Vice-president the other members of the Assembly, or any person related
or connected by business to them, have not received any remuneration from the ICRC during the year.
5.4.6 Special funds and foundations

Total 2002 Transaction
Fund/Foundation Board Beneficiary Capital Net Assets Result to the ICRC
Foundation for the International ICRC &
Committee of the Red Cross external ICRC 5,704 6,612 28 0
Clare R. Benedict Fund ICRC ICRC 1,633 1,836 –37 60
Omar El Muktar Fund ICRC ICRC 761 820 –18 28
Max Huber Fund – ICRC 25 25 0 0
Total 8,123 9,293 –27 88
Total 2001 7,623 9,320 –4 638
The assets of the consolidated funds and foundations consist of the following positions:
Securities Special Funds Banks Withholding taxes

Foundation for the International Committee of the Red Cross 5,747 – 864 22
Clare R. Benedict Fund – 1,900 – –
Omar El Muktar Fund – 851 – –
Max Huber Fund – – 25 –
5.4.7 Remuneration
The salaries and benefits of the president, the permanent vice-president, the six directors and the management controller of the
ICRC are set by the Assembly. Their total compensation amounted to Sfr 2,672. This includes employer expenses of Sfr 513 for
social insurance and social benefits. No other salaries and benefits (e.g. fringe benefits, loans) were granted to them.
The non-permanent members of the Assembly, or persons related or connected by business to them, have not received any
remuneration from the ICRC during the year.
5.4.8 Subsequent events

Subsequent to the balance sheet date no significant events with a financial effect on the financial statements occurred.
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AUDITOR’S LETTER

6.1. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE RELATED TO THE
BUDGET EXPENDITURE BY PROGRAMME
(Cash, kind and services)
2002 2002 Cooperation

Initial Final Preventive with National 2002 Total
budget Amendments budget Protection Assistance action Societies General expenditure
1. EMERGENCY APPEALS (FIELD)

Africa 304,146 13,029 317,174 43,513 168,870 20,454 18,817 3,917 255,570
Asia and the Pacific 133,416 94,725 228,141 29,632 115,210 17,765 13,865 1,589 178,061
Latin America and the Caribbean 47,835 4,812 52,647 7,239 21,942 11,955 3,663 1,274 46,073
Europe and North America 147,160 726 147,886 17,160 56,704 21,908 8,394 2,668 106,834
Middle East and North Africa 71,137 44,040 115,178 18,762 52,969 8,257 7,642 754 88,384
Contingency 62,079 –2,952 59,127
Field general – – – – – – – –
TOTAL EMERGENCY APPEALS FIELD 765,774 154,380 920,154 116,305 415,693 80,339 52,382 10,202 674,922
2. HEADQUARTERS APPEAL
2.1. HEADQUARTERS FIELD SUPPORT
Africa 28,077 – 28,077 3,809 10,621 1,806 1,078 6,435 23,749
Asia and the Pacific 13,069 – 13,069 2,505 4,696 1,427 1,086 3,286 13,000
Latin America and the Caribbean 5,254 – 5,254 751 1,670 1,147 341 1,326 5,235
Europe and North America 19,300 – 19,300 1,969 4,084 3,186 645 4,897 14,781
Middle East and North Africa 7,172 – 7,172 1,836 2,685 1,099 529 1,670 7,821
SUBTOTAL HEADQUARTERS FIELD SUPPORT 72,872 – 72,872 10,870 23,757 8,666 3,679 17,615 64,587
2.2. HEADQUARTERS OTHER ACTIVITIES
Assembly, Presidency & Management Control 4,556 – 4,556 – – 395 – 4,002 4,397
Directorate 19,347 – 19,347 788 – 5,929 187 12,288 19,192
Operations 20,351 – 20,351 6,238 8,015 11 515 11,843 26,600
Law, Policy and Cooperation with the Movement 17,022 – 17,022 – 56 9,439 3,676 2,331 15,502
Communication 15,683 – 15,683 – 2 13,536 – – 13,538
Kind and services for buildings – 2,972 2,972
SUBTOTAL HEADQUARTERS OTHER ACTIVITIES 76,960 – 76,960 7,027 8,073 29,288 4,378 33,436 82,201
TOTAL HEADQUARTERS 149,832 – 149,832 17,897 31,830 37,953 8,057 51,051 146,788
3. OPERATING ACTIVITIES RELATED

CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURE
(according to table 2 – Statement of income and expenditure)
Total field and headquarters income and expenditure 134,202 447,524 118,293 60,439 61,253 821,710
Deduction of field non-operating income
Deduction of headquarters non-operating income
Deduction of overheads –40,007
TOTAL FIELD AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATING
ACTIVITIES RELATED CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURE 134,202 447,524 118,293 60,439 61,253 781,704
NB Figures in these tables are rounded, may vary slightly from the amounts presented in other documents and may result in rounding addition differences.
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2002 EMERGENCY AND HEADQUARTERS APPEALS
INCOME FUNDING OF FIELD OPERATIONS
(Cash, kind and services) (Balances brought forward)
2001 Field
operations
Overheads with 2002 Field
(already 2001 Donor- temporary operations
included restricted deficit with
in the Cash contributions financing Adjustments 2002 Donor- temporary
figures Cash non-operating Kind Services 2002 brought brought and restricted deficit
opposite) contributions income Overheads contributions contributions Total income forward forward transfers contributions financing
15,124 250,577 1,633 7,764 5,051 265,025 –16,468 251 1,055 2,240 –7,947
10,706 158,634 555 2,653 6,077 167,919 –4,410 29,560 240 16,444 –1,196
2,812 41,342 249 – 1,200 42,791 –1,013 2,277 202 – –1,815
6,357 106,891 714 2,679 1,853 112,137 –8,886 1,136 367 1,024 –3,103
5,008 74,368 165 6,334 1,436 82,303 –686 569 598 – –5,600
–
– – – – – 1,003 –1,003 – –
40,007 631,812 3,316 19,430 15,617 670,176 –31,463 34,797 1,460 19,708 –19,660
117,307 2,780 40,007 – 160,094
– – – – –
– – – – –
– – – – –
– – – – –
– – – – –
– – – – – –
– – – – –
– 20 – 288 308
– 3 – – 208 210

68 0 – 212 280
– 22 – – 22
1,334 1,638 2,972
– 68 45 – 1,334 2,345 3,792
– 117,375 2,825 40,007 1,334 2,345 163,885
40,007 749,187 6,141 40,007 20,763 17,963 834,061

–3,316 –3,316
–2,825 –2,825
–40,007 –40,007 –40,007
– 749,187 – – 20,763 17,963 787,913
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6.2. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE BY DELEGATION

Initial Final Preventive with National
budget Amendments budget Protection Assistance action Societies General
Africa
Angola 25,148 6,191 31,340 6,637 15,505 1,301 289 510
Burundi 9,802 – 9,802 1,395 4,980 661 80 167
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 42,347 – 42,347 6,227 24,094 1,743 1,941 371
Congo, Republic of the 3,983 – 3,983 857 2,106 853 276 48
Eritrea 13,694 – 13,694 2,050 5,083 394 798 316
Ethiopia 23,080 – 23,080 5,177 11,834 1,927 1,535 806
Guinea 13,013 – 13,013 2,322 3,991 1,221 926 263
Liberia 6,213 6,837 13,050 1,219 8,652 505 698 88
Rwanda 31,409 – 31,409 6,785 18,062 1,174 714 196
Sierra Leone 24,655 – 24,655 1,906 15,126 725 1,396 106
Somalia 25,766 – 25,766 197 17,994 346 1,583 105
Sudan 46,093 – 46,093 2,723 32,588 1,405 1,826 192
Uganda 4,004 – 4,004 410 1,672 354 812 254
Abidjan regional delegation 4,131 – 4,131 1,020 1,451 1,706 863 49
Dakar regional delegation 3,266 – 3,266 470 402 834 546 58
Harare regional delegation 5,364 – 5,364 1,408 721 524 643 142
Lagos regional delegation 5,986 – 5,986 5 943 745 1,201 57
Nairobi regional delegation 9,253 – 9,253 1,065 3,390 1,297 1,178 125
Pretoria regional delegation 3,202 – 3,202 538 12 1,706 943 45
Yaoundé regional delegation 3,735 – 3,735 1,102 266 1,033 568 18
Total Africa 304,146 13,029 317,174 43,513 168,870 20,454 18,817 3,917
Asia and the Pacific

Afghan conflict
Afghanistan 56,062 92,113 148,175 7,158 97,578 6,165 5,129 101
Indonesia 10,874 – 10,874 1,192 2,432 1,581 1,150 64
Myanmar 9,732 992 10,724 4,627 4,413 375 481 150
Nepal 3,858 1,234 5,091 2,638 1,213 483 410 225
Pakistan 3,065 386 3,451 1,019 167 774 817 142
Philippines 3,114 – 3,114 1,139 291 505 237 70
Sri Lanka 18,555 – 18,555 6,605 4,822 1,328 577 336
Timor Leste 2,437 – 2,437 840 155 104 313 –1
Bangkok regional delegation 7,136 –67 7,069 490 2,965 1,070 1,629 159
Kuala Lumpur regional delegation 741 67 808 7 – 306 126 190
New Delhi regional delegation 6,785 – 6,785 2,501 307 1,331 873 12
Suva regional delegation 2,931 – 2,931 91 63 1,126 1,085 9
Tashkent regional delegation 8,128 – 8,128 1,325 804 2,618 1,039 132
Total Asia and the Pacific 133,416 94,725 228,141 29,632 115,210 17,765 13,865 1,589
370
RELATED TO THE 2002 EMERGENCY APPEALS
2001 Field
operations
2002 Total figures Cash non-operating Kind Services 2002 brought brought and restricted deficit
expenditure opposite) contributions income contributions contributions Total income forward forward transfers contributions financing
24,241 1,304 22,192 12 2,875 293 25,372 –1,334 204

7,283 445 8,045 28 – 58 8,131 –1,327 56 –423
34,376 2,093 31,208 1,073 90 242 32,613 –699 74 –2,388
4,140 253 4,084 1 – 43 4,128 12
8,641 527 8,418 4 – 174 8,596 45
21,280 1,148 19,542 10 2,463 421 22,436 477 1,634
8,723 513 8,661 53 314 85 9,113 –438 47
11,162 641 10,629 7 663 264 11,563 –401
26,931 1,580 28,071 64 1,046 294 29,476 –3,112 147 –421
19,259 1,156 19,854 4 313 375 20,546 –1,287
20,224 1,234 20,737 56 – 125 20,918 –2,265 –27 –1,599
38,734 2,364 37,045 29 – 1,837 38,911 –2,377 49 517 –2,668
3,502 214 5,921 21 – – 5,942 –2,485 45
5,090 311 4,584 7 – 51 4,642 –448
2,311 141 2,313 3 – – 2,316 –5
3,438 210 3,012 19 – 199 3,230 251 45 89
2,951 180 2,860 2 – 89 2,951
7,055 431 7,390 193 – 446 8,029 –743 –231
3,243 198 3,077 41 – 53 3,170 73
2,987 182 2,934 8 – – 2,942 45
255,570 15,124 250,577 1,633 7,764 5,051 265,025 251 –16,468 1,055 2,240 –7,947

25,081
116,131 6,928 99,743 384 2,623 3,880 106,630 554 –40 16,093
6,419 390 2,686 5 30 149 2,869 3,822 45 318
10,046 613 10,008 8 – 331 10,347 –1,046 9 –736
4,968 303 4,649 – – 20 4,669 –299
2,919 178 2,545 5 – 369 2,919
2,242 137 2,820 13 – 35 2,868 –672 45
13,668 834 13,861 85 – 565 14,511 –868 25
1,409 86 2,242 11 – 31 2,284 –871 –4
6,314 385 5,957 6 – 280 6,243 103 32
630 38 625 5 – – 630
5,024 307 4,755 7 – 32 4,794 70 –161
2,375 145 2,254 8 – 68 2,330 45
5,919 361 6,490 18 – 319 6,827 –953 45
178,061 10,706 158,634 555 2,653 6,077 167,919 29,560 –4,410 240 16,444 –1,196
371
6.2. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE BY DELEGATION

Initial Final Preventive with National
budget Amendments budget Protection Assistance action Societies General
Latin America and the Caribbean
Brazil 1,556 – 1,556 13 – 1,133 55 62
Colombia 26,981 4,812 31,793 4,315 18,367 4,063 1,146 889
Peru 5,454 – 5,454 1,964 1,004 1,418 99 39
Buenos Aires regional delegation 1,962 – 1,962 176 17 866 352 51
Caracas regional delegation 2,203 – 2,203 110 – 945 823 45
Mexico regional delegation 9,678 – 9,678 662 2,554 3,529 1,188 188
Total Latin America and the Caribbean 47,835 4,812 52,647 7,239 21,942 11,955 3,663 1,274
Europe and North America

Albania 1,370 – 1,370 287 48 506 198 148
Bosnia and Herzegovina 8,027 – 8,027 2,394 505 1,572 1,724 31
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 10,750 – 10,750 1,131 1,547 877 309 74
Armenia 4,490 – 4,490 745 1,403 1,020 129 136
Azerbaijan 5,475 – 5,475 1,343 1,020 1,151 65 95
Georgia 20,849 – 20,849 1,141 13,101 1,469 168 270
Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of 28,748 – 28,748 6,169 14,735 2,331 1,370 148
Budapest regional delegation 5,365 – 5,365 759 – 1,921 1,198 152
Kyiv regional delegation 1,794 – 1,794 16 – 922 349 –
Moscow regional delegation 53,068 – 53,068 1,425 24,344 5,867 2,615 281
Washington regional delegation 1,655 726 2,381 1,307 – 1,343 127 29
Brussels 1,312 – 1,312 – – 759 69 97
New York 2,817 – 2,817 – – 1,198 25 1,206
Paris 943 – 943 – – 972 49 –
International Tracing Service 497 – 497 442 – – – –
Total Europe and North America 147,160 726 147,886 17,160 56,704 21,908 8,394 2,668
Middle East and North Africa

Egypt 1,998 – 1,998 115 33 1,125 90 96
Iran 531 – 531 87 – 4 73 –
Iraq 20,167 – 20,167 2,521 17,876 1,374 556 68
Israel, the occupied & autonomous territories 35,311 44,040 79,351 11,733 33,905 2,183 5,174 327
Jordan 1,755 – 1,755 664 71 634 87 45
Lebanon 2,665 – 2,665 587 230 595 395 26
Syria 1,073 – 1,073 205 9 671 113 26
Yemen 2,094 – 2,094 578 703 436 96 22
Kuwait regional delegation 2,202 – 2,202 1,115 – 588 212 105
Tunis regional delegation 3,344 – 3,344 1,157 141 648 846 38
Total Middle East and North Africa 71,137 44,040 115,178 18,762 52,969 8,257 7,642 754
Contingency 62,079 –2,952 59,127
Field general – – – – – – –
TOTAL FIELD 765,774 154,380 920,154 116,305 415,693 80,339 52,382 10,202
372
RELATED TO THE 2002 EMERGENCY APPEALS
2001 Field
operations
2002 Total figures Cash non-operating Kind Services 2002 brought brought and restricted deficit
expenditure opposite) contributions income contributions contributions Total income forward forward transfers contributions financing
1,264 77 1,229 1 – – 1,230 34

28,780 1,757 23,806 188 – 991 24,986 2,277 67 –1,449
4,524 276 4,104 22 – 182 4,308 34 –183
1,462 89 1,410 18 – – 1,428 34
1,922 117 1,700 6 – – 1,706 34 –182
8,121 496 9,094 14 – 26 9,134 –1,013
46,073 2,812 41,342 249 – 1,200 42,791 2,277 –1,013 202 – –1,815
1,188 72 1,172 15 – – 1,188

6,227 380 6,599 24 – 39 6,661 –436 2
3,938 227 3,492 2 213 144 3,851 36 51
3,432 209 3,690 1 – 251 3,942 –510
3,675 224 4,306 0 – 88 4,395 –720
16,149 972 15,828 27 230 244 16,328 –1,670 1 –1,489
24,754 1,448 25,745 316 1,025 348 27,435 –2,774 94
4,031 246 3,575 35 – 249 3,860 1,069 123 1,021
1,286 78 1,218 23 – – 1,241 45
34,533 2,034 33,882 24 1,211 340 35,457 31 –2,617 50 3 –1,614
2,806 171 2,794 12 – – 2,806
925 56 920 5 – – 925
2,429 148 2,424 5 – – 2,429
1,020 62 997 0 – 150 1,147 –127
442 27 248 225 – – 473 –31

106,834 6,357 106,891 714 2,679 1,853 112,137 1,136 –8,886 367 1,024 –3,103
1,459 89 1,457 2 – – 1,459

164 10 97 0 – 50 147 17
22,395 1,367 18,236 17 – 436 18,689 569 –3,137
53,323 2,868 43,985 123 6,334 769 51,211 –686 535 –2,263
1,501 92 1,400 14 – 41 1,455 46
1,833 112 1,827 5 – – 1,833
1,024 63 1,019 1 – 5 1,024
1,835 112 1,700 0 – 135 1,835
2,020 123 1,817 3 – – 1,820 –200
2,830 173 2,830 – – – 2,830
88,384 5,008 74,368 165 6,334 1,436 82,303 569 –686 598 – –5,600
– – – – – – – 1,003 –1,003
674,922 40,007 631,812 3,316 19,430 15,617 670,176 34,797 –31,463 1,460 19,708 –19,660
373
7. CONTRIBUTIONS IN 2002
(in Swiss francs)
7.0 Summary of all contributions

Adjustments
Headquarters Emergency on previous Total Total Total Total
appeal appeals year cash kind services Sub-total assets Grand total
Governments 109,922,233 545,934,783 –640,255 655,216,761 7,190,039 2,237,278 664,644,078 141,601 664,785,679
European Commission 0 41,785,008 –1,329,917 40,455,091 0 0 40,455,091 0 40,455,091
International organizations 0 1,142,233 0 1,142,233 2,378,544 0 3,520,777 176 3,520,953
Supranational organizations 0 166,920 0 166,920 35,040 0 201,960 0 201,960
National Societies 6,189,538 25,609,729 –21,730 31,777,537 9,325,293 14,507,972 55,610,802 201,759 55,812,561
Public sources 5,000 3,650,236 57,094 3,712,331 0 1,213,128 4,925,459 0 4,925,459
Private sources 716,925 16,038,213 –38,733 16,716,405 1,834,211 4,488 18,555,104 11,508 18,566,612
GRAND TOTAL 116,833,697 634,327,121 –1,973,541 749,187,277 20,763,127 17,962,865 787,913,269 355,044 788,268,314
Reconciliation between the consolidated contributions of the ICRC (chapter 5.3.12)

and the summary of the contributions to the ICRC (chapter 7.0)
Total cash contributions of the ICRC (chapter 7.0) 787,913,269
Contributions from funds and foundations of the ICRC 500'000
Contributions of the consolidated funds and foundations of the ICRC to the ICRC actions (chapter 7.7)
Clare R. Benedict Fund –59,948
Omar El Muktar Fund –27,992
Total contributions of the consolidated accounts of the ICRC (chapter 5.3.12) 788,325,329
374
(in Swiss francs)
7.1 Governments
Adjustments
Algeria 58,118 0 0 58,118 0 0 58,118 58,118
Andorra 30,000 0 30,000 60,000 0 0 60,000 60,000
Australia 1,939,080 8,036,980 0 9,976,060 0 0 9,976,060 9,976,060
Austria 520,595 1,326,200 0 1,846,795 0 0 1,846,795 1,846,795
Bahamas 17,050 0 0 17,050 0 0 17,050 17,050
Barbados 1,685 0 0 1,685 0 0 1,685 1,685
Belgium 1,034,880 3,363,446 0 4,398,326 0 0 4,398,326 4,398,326
Benin 0 0 8,003 8,003 0 0 8,003 8,003
Bhutan 26,568 0 0 26,568 0 0 26,568 26,568
Brunei Darussalam 0 465,977 0 465,977 0 0 465,977 465,977
Bulgaria 30,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 30,000 30,000
Cameroon 44,843 0 0 44,843 0 0 44,843 44,843
Canada 3,187,200 18,950,580 –20,624 22,117,156 0 0 22,117,156 22,117,156
China 510,000 0 0 510,000 0 0 510,000 510,000
Cuba 1,479 0 0 1,479 0 0 1,479 1,479
Cyprus 80,000 0 0 80,000 0 0 80,000 80,000
Czech Republic 70,000 68,480 0 138,480 0 0 138,480 138,480
Denmark 2,380,428 7,800,816 0 10,181,244 0 989,618 11,170,862 11,170,862
Egypt 0 0 110,825 110,825 0 0 110,825 110,825
El Salvador 1,705 0 0 1,705 0 0 1,705 1,705
Estonia 28,422 0 0 28,422 0 0 28,422 28,422
Fiji 6,460 0 0 6,460 0 0 6,460 6,460
Finland 739,250 8,900,499 –742,213 8,897,535 229,542 718,066 9,845,143 9,845,143
France 1,362,458 8,786,590 –46,101 10,102,948 208,140 0 10,311,088 10,311,088
Germany 1,886,269 22,942,728 –238,924 24,590,073 1,817,474 0 26,407,547 26,407,547
Greece 350,000 0 0 350,000 0 0 350,000 350,000
Guyana 4,693 0 0 4,693 0 0 4,693 4,693

Haiti 16,215 0 0 16,215 0 0 16,215 16,215
Holy See 8,303 8,303 0 16,605 0 0 16,605 16,605
Hungary 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 50,000 50,000
Iceland 80,000 86,400 0 166,400 0 0 166,400 166,400
India 18,336 0 0 18,336 0 0 18,336 18,336
Ireland 189,969 2,338,250 0 2,528,219 0 0 2,528,219 2,528,219
Israel 163,460 0 0 163,460 0 0 163,460 163,460
Italy 1,142,350 11,212,600 0 12,354,950 0 0 12,354,950 12,354,950
Japan 772,958 21,861,684 0 22,634,642 0 0 22,634,642 22,634,642
Jordan 36,840 0 0 36,840 0 0 36,840 36,840
Lebanon 0 0 124,201 124,201 0 0 124,201 124,201
Liechtenstein 200,000 300,000 0 500,000 0 0 500,000 500,000
Additionally, in response to the Mine Appeal the ICRC received both contributions earmarked for the Special Fund for the Disabled (SFD) and non-earmarked Mine Appeal contributions
which it allocated to the SFD. These contributions total: Australia, Sfr 165,870; Norway, Sfr 1,844,655; United States, Sfr 253,235.
375
(in Swiss francs)
Adjustments
Lithuania 3,006 0 0 3,006 0 0 3,006 3,006
Luxembourg 618,061 3,075,180 0 3,693,241 0 0 3,693,241 3,693,241
Malta 15,000 0 0 15,000 0 0 15,000 15,000
Mauritius 17,050 0 0 17,050 0 0 17,050 17,050
Mexico 143,614 0 0 143,614 0 0 143,614 143,614
Monaco 90,000 0 0 90,000 0 0 90,000 90,000
Myanmar 25,680 0 0 25,680 0 0 25,680 25,680
Netherlands 1,153,214 45,375,953 0 46,529,167 0 0 46,529,167 46,529,167
New Zealand 0 150,360 0 150,360 0 0 150,360 150,360
Norway 917,486 24,989,138 0 25,906,624 0 0 25,906,624 25,906,624
Oman 6,940 0 0 6,940 0 0 6,940 6,940
Pakistan 14,190 0 0 14,190 0 0 14,190 14,190
Panama 27,515 0 0 27,515 0 0 27,515 27,515
Philippines 103,252 0 0 103,252 0 0 103,252 103,252
Poland 155,000 29,720 150,000 334,720 0 0 334,720 334,720
Portugal 200,000 100,000 600,000 900,000 0 0 900,000 900,000
Qatar 156,800 0 0 156,800 0 0 156,800 156,800
Samoa 7,840 0 0 7,840 0 0 7,840 7,840
San Marino 50,000 0 0 50,000 0 0 50,000 50,000
Saudi Arabia 313,600 0 0 313,600 0 0 313,600 313,600
Singapore 40,538 0 0 40,538 0 0 40,538 40,538
Slovakia 35,000 0 0 35,000 0 0 35,000 35,000
South Africa 70,600 30,800 0 101,400 0 0 101,400 101,400
South Korea 445,800 0 0 445,800 0 0 445,800 445,800
Spain 509,775 803,286 0 1,313,061 0 0 1,313,061 1,313,061
Sri Lanka 25,680 0 0 25,680 0 0 25,680 25,680
Sudan 1,479 0 0 1,479 0 0 1,479 1,479
Sweden 2,250,668 35,658,350 0 37,909,018 0 0 37,909,018 37,909,018
Switzerland 68,800,000 19,941,572 –7,409 88,734,163 0 424,996 89,159,159 141,601 89,300,760
Thailand 119,374 0 0 119,374 0 0 119,374 119,374

Trinidad 1,079 0 0 1,079 0 0 1,079 1,079
Tunisia 12,200 0 0 12,200 0 0 12,200 12,200
Turkey 75,000 0 0 75,000 0 0 75,000 75,000
United Arab Emirates 74,300 0 81,075 155,375 0 0 155,375 155,375
United Kingdom 1,438,200 117,247,167 0 118,685,367 0 0 118,685,367 118,685,367
United States of America 14,983,200 182,083,724 –689,087 196,377,837 4,934,883 56,746 201,369,466 201,369,466
Uzbekistan 0 0 0 0 0 47,852 47,852 47,852
Viet Nam 1,479 0 0 1,479 0 0 1,479 1,479
Yugoslavia 30,000 0 0 30,000 0 0 30,000 30,000
Total from Governments 109,922,233 545,934,783 –640,255 655,216,761 7,190,039 2,237,278 664,644,078 141,601 664,785,679
376
(in Swiss francs)
7.2 European Commission

Adjustments
DG Development 0 0 –189,270 –189,270 0 0 –189,270 0 –189,270

ECHO 0 41,785,008 –1,140,647 40,644,361 0 0 40,644,361 0 40,644,361
Total from European Commission 0 41,785,008 –1,329,917 40,455,091 0 0 40,455,091 0 40,455,091
7.3 International organizations

Adjustments
WFP 0 1,142,233 0 1,142,233 2,378,544 0 3,520,777 0 3,520,777

Various UN 0 0 0 0 0 0 176 176
Total from International organizations 0 1,142,233 0 1,142,233 2,378,544 0 3,520,777 176 3,520,953
7.4 Supranational organizations

Adjustments
World Bank 0 166,920 0 166,920 0 166,920 0 166,'920

Various 0 0 0 0 35,040 0 35,040 0 35,040

Total from Supranational organizations 0 166,920 0 166,920 35,040 0 201,960 0 201,960
377
(in Swiss francs)
7.5 National Societies

Adjustments
Albania 1,259 0 0 1,259 0 0 1,259 1,259

Andorra 1,267 0 0 1,267 0 0 1,267 1,267
Antigua 147 0 0 147 0 0 147 147
Australia 185,099 155,114 0 340,213 0 1,483,691 1,823,904 1,823,904
Austria 67,964 1,058,717 0 1,126,681 523,073 344,517 1,994,271 1,994,271
Bahamas 2,944 0 0 2,944 0 0 2,944 2,944
Bahrain 0 0 0 0 331,004 0 331,004 331,004
Barbados 694 0 0 694 0 0 694 694
Belgium 123,237 48,400 0 171,637 26,734 151,294 349,664 349,664
Bolivia 925 0 0 925 0 0 925 925
Bulgaria 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 1,000 1,000
Cambodia 1,783 0 0 1,783 0 0 1,783 1,783
Cameroon 675 0 0 675 0 0 675 675
Canada 0 477,219 0 477,219 0 2,128,375 2,605,594 2,605,594
Cape Verde 1,568 0 0 1,568 0 0 1,568 1,568
Central Africa 432 0 0 432 0 0 432 432
Chile 9,125 0 0 9,125 0 0 9,125 9,125
China 67,544 0 67,544 0 0 67,544 67,544
China / Hong Kong 0 273,422 0 273,422 0 25,125 298,547 298,547
Côte d’Ivoire 553 0 0 553 0 0 553 553
Croatia 4,615 0 4,627 9,242 0 0 9,242 9,242
Cyprus 0 25,617 0 25,617 0 0 25,617 25,617
Czech Republic 15,523 0 0 15,523 0 0 15,523 15,523
Denmark 106,000 116,098 0 222,098 513,648 363,953 1,099,699 1,099,699
Dominica 210 0 210 420 0 0 420 420
Dominican Republic 0 0 –210 –210 0 0 –210 –210
Ecuador 3,200 0 0 3,200 0 0 3,200 3,200
Egypt 9,569 2,126,810 0 2,136,379 0 0 2,136,379 2,136,379
Estonia 3,251 0 0 3,251 0 0 3,251 3,251

Ethiopia 5,978 0 0 5,978 0 0 5,978 5,978
Finland 106,052 657,691 –2,045 761,698 1,208,188 160,553 2,130,439 2,130,439
France 562,798 138,368 0 701,166 0 702,786 1,403,952 1,403,952
Germany 1,207,853 2,325,001 –75,815 3,457,039 92,949 928,242 4,478,230 4,478,230
Greece 50,000 11,179 0 61,179 0 117,540 178,719 178,719
Honduras 2,936 0 0 2,936 0 0 2,936 2,936
Hungary 5,000 0 0 5,000 0 0 5,000 5,000
Iceland 36,289 190,080 0 226,369 0 168,113 394,482 394,482
Indonesia 0 196,639 0 196,639 0 0 196,639 196,639
Iran 37,023 252,250 0 289,273 3,303 14,400 306,976 306,976
Ireland 17,830 114,498 16,824 149,152 0 257,402 406,554 406,554
Italy 264,741 194,272 –139,061 319,952 6,993 11,731 338,676 338,676
Jamaica 589 0 0 589 0 0 589 589
Japan 1,452,696 1,418,980 0 2,871,676 0 862,615 3,734,291 3,734,291
Jordan 810 0 0 810 0 0 810 810
Kenya 1,154 0 0 1,154 0 0 1,154 1,154
378
(in Swiss francs)
Adjustments
Kuwait 0 805,507 0 805,507 3,599,327 23,036 4,427,870 4,427,870

Latvia 2,307 0 0 2,307 0 0 2,307 2,307
Libya 14,000 0 0 14,000 0 0 14,000 14,000
Liechtenstein 17,620 437,480 0 455,100 0 0 455,100 455,100
Luxembourg 29,052 0 0 29,052 0 0 29,052 29,052
Malaysia 21,533 289,704 0 311,238 0 0 311,238 311,238
Monaco 19,403 33,809 0 53,212 0 0 53,212 53,212
Mongolia 892 0 0 892 0 0 892 892
Morocco 1,500 0 0 1,500 0 0 1,500 1,500
Nepal 1,049 0 0 1,049 0 0 1,049 1,049
Netherlands 246,893 1,057,215 318,704 1,622,812 697,901 679,994 3,000,707 3,000,707
New Zealand 44,680 89,289 0 133,969 0 521,771 655,740 655,740
Nigeria 2,331 0 0 2,331 0 0 2,331 2,331
Norway 257,171 5,544,2091 0 5,801,380 837,744 1,996,690 8,635,814 201,759 8,837,573
Pakistan 4,865 0 0 4,865 0 0 4,865 4,865
Philippines 9,964 0 0 9,964 0 0 9,964 9,964
Portugal 0 140,000 0 140,000 0 0 140,000 140,000
Romania 10,593 0 0 10,593 0 0 10,593 10,593
Saudi Arabia 0 14,860 0 14,860 228,461 0 243,321 243,321
Senegal 1,456 0 0 1,456 0 0 1,456 1,456
Singapore 0 253,500 0 253,500 0 0 253,500 253,500
Slovakia 6,188 0 0 6,188 0 0 6,188 6,188
Slovenia 8,494 0 0 8,494 0 0 8,494 8,494
South Korea 207,667 238,500 0 446,167 0 0 446,167 446,167
Spain 365,619 215,746 0 581,365 0 487,172 1,068,537 1,068,537
Sudan 1,491 0 0 1,491 0 0 1,491 1,491
Sweden 115,749 2,342,3412 0 2,458,090 481,104 837,914 3,777,108 3,777,108
Switzerland 130,683 602,576 –3,888 729,371 38,008 359,019 1,126,398 1,126,398
Syria 4,737 0 0 4,737 324,513 0 329,250 329,250
Thailand 43,002 0 0 43,002 0 0 43,002 43,002

Tonga 420 0 0 420 0 0 420 420
Trinidad 1,800 0 0 1,800 0 0 1,800 1,800
Tunisia 1,414 0 0 1,414 0 0 1,414 1,414
United Arab Emirates 23,404 176,448 16,025 215,876 0 0 215,876 215,876
United Kingdom 231,730 1,429,825 0 1,661,555 395,284 1,605,339 3,662,178 3,662,178
United States of America 0 2,158,365 –157,101 2,001,264 10,006 276,700 2,287,970 2,287,970
Uruguay 147 0 0 147 0 0 147 147
Viet Nam 1,350 0 0 1,350 0 0 1,350 1,350
Various Red Cross / Red Crescent 0 0 0 0 4,220 0 4,220 4,220
International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies 0 0 0 0 2,833 0 2,833 2,833
Total from National Societies 6,189,538 25,609,729 –21,730 31,777,537 9,325,293 14,507,972 55,610,802 201,759 55,812,561
Additionally, in response to the Mine Appeal the ICRC received both contributions earmarked for the Special Fund for the Disabled (SFD) and non-earmarked Mine Appeal contributions
which it allocated to the SFD. These contributions total: Germany, Sfr 14,576; Liechtenstein, Sfr 10,000; Monaco, Sfr 22,050; New Zealand, Sfr 3,283 and Norway, 204,962.
1 The Kuwaiti Red Crescent contributed with 156,989.87 Swiss francs for the purchase of five ambulances for the "Kabul Ambulance Service" project in Afghanistan.
2 The Swiss Red Cross contributed to the "Environmental Health and Sanitation" project in Afghanistan with 263,539 Swiss francs.
379
(in Swiss francs)
7.6 Public sources

Adjustments
Basel-Landschaft, Canton of 100,000 0 100,000 0 0 100,000 100,000

Bellinzona 5,000 0 5,000 0 0 5,000 5,000
Cervia 25,602 0 25,602 0 0 25,602 25,602
Dardagny 100 0 100 0 0 100 100
Forlimpopoli 7,323 0 7,323 0 0 7,323 7,323
Fribourg, Canton of 30,000 0 30,000 0 0 30,000 30,000
Geneva, Canton of 3,000,000 0 3,000,000 0 755,400 3,755,400 3,755,400
Geneva, City of 200,000 0 200,000 0 0 200,000 200,000
Jussy 100 0 100 0 0 100 100
Lausanne 10,000 0 10,000 0 0 10,000 10,000
Meinier 200 0 200 0 0 200 200
Milano 0 57,094 57,094 0 0 57,094 57,094
Orvieto 16,474 0 16,474 0 0 16,474 16,474
Taipei/Taiwan, RC Society 60,594 0 60,594 0 0 60,594 60,594
Tavannes 800 0 800 0 0 800 800
Val de Marne, Departement 29,044 0 29,044 0 0 29,044 29,044
Versoix 0 0 0 0 457,728 457,728 457,728
Zurich, Canton of 170,000 0 170,000 0 0 170,000 170,000
Total from Public sources 5,000 3,650,236 57,094 3,712,331 0 1,213,128 4,925,459 0 4,925,459
380
(in Swiss francs)
7.7 Private sources

Adjustments
Direct mail fundraising campaigns 3,845 2,176,720 -100 2,180,465 0 0 2,180,465 2,180,465
Spontaneous donations from private individuals 0 3,830,871 0 3,830,871 0 0 3,830,871 3,830,871
Donations from foundations/funds
Ansbacher Trust 17,120 0 17,120 0 0 17,120 17,120
Better World International Foundation 73,940 0 73,940 0 0 73,940 73,940
Clare R. Benedict Fund 59,948 0 59,948 0 0 59,948 59,948
Gaddafi International Foundation 69,907 0 69,907 500,000 0 569,907 569,907
Good Family Foundation 14,788 0 14,788 0 0 14,788 14,788
Karl Popper Stiftung 40,000 0 0 40,000 0 0 40,000 40,000
Lamprecht-Stiftung 25,000 0 25,000 0 0 25,000 25,000
Link Foundation 44,580 0 44,580 0 0 44,580 44,580
Mosaic Foundation 78,400 0 78,400 0 0 78,400 78,400
Noric Foundation 199,677 0 199,677 0 0 199,677 199,677
Odeon Foundation 21,350 0 21,350 0 0 21,350 21,350
Omar El Muktar Fund 27,992 0 27,992 0 0 27,992 27,992
Ousseimi Foundation 75,825 0 75,825 0 0 75,825 75,825
Rimau Trust 42,800 0 42,800 0 0 42,800 42,800
RPH-Promotor Stiftung 14,000 0 14,000 0 0 14,000 14,000
Stiftung Accentus (Redyw-Totta Fonds) 500,000 0 500,000 0 0 500,000 500,000
Triangle Valley Trust 11,563 0 11,563 0 0 11,563 11,563
Weyerhauser Foundation 14,788 0 14,788 0 0 14,788 14,788
Others and less than Sfr 10,000 58,836 0 58,836 0 0 58,836 58,836
Legacies 578,080 3,273,330 0 3,851,410 0 0 3,851,410 3,851,410
Donations from private companies
Firmenich 30,000 50,000 0 80,000 0 0 80,000 80,000
Microsoft 0 0 1,333,500 0 1,333,500 1,333,500

Others 25,000 268,118 0 293,118 711 4,488 298,317 11,508 309,825
Donations from partnerships
PRO CICR 280,000 0 280,000 0 0 280,000 280,000
Project "People and places with no name" 718,136 0 718,136 0 0 718,136 718,136
Rotary International (Germany) 38,633 -38,633 0 0 0 0 0
Rotary International (MINE-EX, Switzerland) 500,000 0 500,000 0 0 500,000 500,000
Soroptimist International 406,892 0 406,892 0 0 406,892 406,892
UEFA 40,000 1,300,000 0 1,340,000 0 0 1,340,000 1,340,000
Various donors 1,845,000 0 1,845,000 0 0 1,845,000 1,845,000
Total from Public sources 716,925 16,038,213 -38,733 16,716,405 1,834,211 4,488 18,555,104 11,508 18,566,612
Additionally, in response to the Mine Appeal the ICRC received the following contributions earmarked for the Special Fund for the Disabled from private sources: Sfr 14,365.
381
8. CONTRIBUTIONS IN KIND, IN SERVICES
(in Swiss francs)
Donations in kind (excluding DP) Donations in services (excluding DP)
Headquarters Field Headquarters Field Kind

NATIONAL SOCIETIES
Australia 0 42,743 1,343,487 0
Austria 523,073 0 344,517 0
Bahrain 331,004 0 0 0
Belgium 5,500 0 103,477 21,234
Canada 0 85,453 1,341,807 0
Denmark 513,648 0 342,953 0
Finland 1,208,188 0 160,553 0
France 0 0 662,177 0
Germany 92,949 90,268 406,720 0
China / Hong Kong 0 0 25,125 0
Greece 0 0 117,540 0
Iceland 0 0 168,113 0
Iran 3,303 0 14,400 0
Ireland 0 0 222,838 0
Italy 6,993 0 11,731 0
Japan 0 0 559,474 0
Kuwait 3,599,327 0 23,036 0
Netherlands 697,901 30,837 380,380 0
New Zealand 0 0 521,771 0
Norway 804,284 57,411 1,299,831 33,460
Saudi Arabia 228,461 0 0 0
Spain 0 0 416,724 0
Sweden 481,104 0 586,181 0
Switzerland 38,008 0 169,013 0
Syria 324,513 0 0 0
United Kingdom 0 233,685 1,218,001 395,284
United States of America 10,006 0 133,290 0
Various 4,220 0 0 0
International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies 2,833 0 0 0

Sub-total 0 8,875,315 540,397 10,573,139 449,978
GOVERNMENTS
Canada 0 0 0 0
Denmark 0 166,862 822,756 0
Finland 29,015 0 312,215 200,527
France 208,140 0 0 0
Germany 1,817,474 0 0 0
Switzerland 0 424,996 0 0
United States of America 4,934,883 0 56,746 0
Uzbekistan 0 0 47,852 0
Sub-total 0 6,989,512 591,858 1,239,569 200,527
NB Figures in these tables are rounded and may vary slightly from the amounts presented in other documents and may result in rounding addition differences.
1. The Kuwaiti Red Crescent contributed with 156,989.87 Swiss francs for the purchase of five ambulances for the "Kabul Ambulance Service" project in Afghanistan.
2. The Swiss Red Cross contributed to the "Environmental Health and Sanitation" project in Afghanistan with 263,539 Swiss francs.
3. The British Red Cross contributed with 79,580 Swiss francs to the German Red Cross project "Alternatives to Violence" in Nigeria.
382
AND TO DELEGATED PROJECTS IN 2002
Donations for delegated projects (DP) Grand total
Cash Number of days
Services (incl.adjustment) Total DP Total kind Total services of employees’ services
97,461 79,239 176,700 0 1,483,691 8,075

0 0 523,073 344,517 1,444
0 0 331,004 0
47,817 48,400 117,450 26,734 151,294 1,188
701,115 311,208 1,012,323 0 2,128,375 12,400
21,000 22,836 43,836 513,648 363,953 1,871
0 -2,045 -2,045 1,208,188 160,553 705
40,609 40,609 0 702,786 5,929
431,254 1,183,173 1,614,427 92,949 928,242 5,465
0 0 0 25,125 91
0 11,179 11,179 0 117,540 1,034
0 0 0 168,113 773
0 0 3,303 14,400 36
34,564 34,564 0 257,402 1,416
0 -82,836 -82,836 6,993 11,731 75
303,141 1,296,977 1,600,118 0 862,615 2,535
0 0 3,599,327 23,036
268,777 421,481 690,258 697,901 679,994 3,128
0 0 0 521,771 2,353
639,448 2,301,0751 2,973,983 837,744 1,996,690 6,012
0 0 228,461 0
70,448 142,746 213,194 0 487,172 1,851
251,733 1,816,7762 2,068,509 481,104 837,914 3,519
190,006 393,568 583,574 38,008 359,019 1,738
0 0 324,513 0
153,653 31,1023 580,040 395,284 1,605,339 11,853
143,410 1,146,223 1,289,633 10,006 276,700 826
0 0 4,220 0

0 0 2,833 0
3,394,436 9,121,102 12,965,516 9,325,293 14,507,972 74,317
775,412 775,412 0 0
0 0 0 989,618 3,130
405,851 808,603 1,414,980 229,542 718,066 2,603
0 0 208,140 0
0 0 1,817,474 0
0 0 0 424,996
0 0 4,934,883 56,746
0 0 0 47,852
405,851 1,584,015 2,190,392 7,190,039 2,237,278 5,733
383
8. CONTRIBUTIONS IN KIND, IN SERVICES
(in Swiss francs)
(Table continued from previous page)
Donations in kind (excluding DP) Donations in services (excluding DP)
Headquarters Field Headquarters Field Kind

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
WFP 2,378,544 0 0 0
Sub-total 0 2,378,544 0 0 0
SUPRANATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Various 35,040 0 0
Sub-total 0 35,040 0 0 0
PUBLIC SOURCES
Geneva, Canton of 0 755,400 0 0
Versoix 0 457,728 0 0
Sub-total 0 0 1,213,128 0 0
PRIVATE DONORS
Microsoft 1,333,500 0 0 0 0
Gaddafi Foundation 500,000 0 0 0
Other private companies 711 0 4,488 0
Sub-total 1,333,500 500,711 0 4,488 0
Total 1,333,500 18,779,122 2,345,383 11,817,196 650,505
GRAND TOTAL 20,112,622 14,162,579

384
AND TO DELEGATED PROJECTS IN 2002
Donations for delegated projects (DP) Grand total

Cash Number of days
Services (incl.adjustment) Total DP Total kind Total services of employees’ services
0 0 2,378,544 0
0 0 0 2,378,544 0 0
0 0 35,040 0
0 0 0 35,040 0 0
0 0 0 755,400
0 0 0 457,728
0 0 0 0 1,213,128 0
0 0 1,333,500 0
0 0 500,000 0
0 0 711 4,488
0 0 0 1,834,211 4,488 0
3,800,286 10,705,117 15,155,908 20,763,127 17,962,865 80,050
385
9. RELIEF AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TABLES
The statistical data in the following tables 9.2 Relief and medical 9.3 Relief and medical
can be summarized as follows :
supplies dispatched supplies distributed
9.1 Contributions in kind by the ICRC in 2002 by the ICRC in 2002
All relief and medical goods received as All relief and medical goods distributed by
received and purchases contributions in kind or purchased by the the ICRC in the field between 1 January
made by the ICRC in 2002 ICRC and inventorized in the country of and 31 December, 2002. These goods
All relief and medical goods received as final destination between 1 January and were either purchased or received in kind
contributions in kind or purchased by the 31 December 2002. during 2002 or taken from stock already
ICRC and inventoried in the country of constituted at the end of 2001.
final destination between 1 January and
31 December 2002. The figures for contri-
butions in kind cover all material support
received as a gift but do not include any
services received, such as the provision of
human resources and/or logistical means.
The figures for medical and relief purchase
comprise all procurements carried out
both with unearmarked and with ear-
marked financial contributions ("cash for
kind"). The grand total of 158,628,199
therefore corresponds to the grand total
given in the table "Relief and medical sup-
plies dispatched in 2002".
386
9.1 CONTRIBUTIONS IN KIND RECEIVED AND PURCHASES MADE BY THE ICRC IN 2002
(donors and purchases according to stock entry date)
DONORS FOOD SEEDS BLANKETS TENTS KITCHEN CLOTHES OTHER RELIEF TOTAL MEDICAL * GRAND
SETS GOODS RELIEF TOTAL
(Tonnes) (Tonnes) (Units) (Units) (Units) (Tonnes) (Tonnes) (Sfr) (Sfr) (Sfr)
NATIONAL SOCIETIES 8,529.5 75,962 173 384.0 646.0 8,672,109 438,425 9,110,534
Austria 216.8 214.1 523,073 523,073
Belgium 2.2 5,500 5,500
Bahrain 273.1 331,004 331,004
Denmark 21,240 94.8 16.2 513,648 513,648
Finland 851.0 106.5 296.5 1,208,188 1,208,188
Germany 240.4 92,949 92,949
Iran 3,303 3,303
Italy 1.0 6,993 6,993
Kuwait 5,231.2 50,042 3,599,327 3,599,327
Netherlands 1,211.0 27.3 697,901 697,901
Norway 4,680 32.3 614,387 425,116 1,039,503
Saudi Arabia 326.0 228,461 228,461
Sweden 179.2 17.8 481,104 481,104
Switzerland 14.4 38,008 38,008
Syria 180.0 27.0 324,513 324,513
United States 10,006 10,006
Federation 0.4 2,833 2,833
Various Red Cross 173 0.3 4,220 4,220
GOVERNMENTS 12,129.5 47,520 231 200 68.6 7,196,373 135,267 7,331,640

Finland 380.0 15.7 229,542 229,542
France 2,520 146 200 3.6 76,953 131,187 208,140
Germany (BMZ) 3,758.5 1,441,581 1,441,581
Germany (Ministry Foreign Affairs) 45,000 44.0 375,893 375,893
Switzerland 5.3 137,521 4,080 141,601
United States (USAID, Food For Peace) 7,991.0 4,902,801 4,902,801
United States (USAID, OFDA) 85 32,082 32,082
VARIOUS DONORS 8,072.3 708 4.9 2,920,323 5,656 2,925,979

United Nations (WFP,HCR,UNICEF) 6,273.7 2,378,544 176 2,378,720
Other donors 1,798.6 708 4.9 541,779 5,480 547,259
TOTAL GIFTS IN KIND 28,731.3 123,482 231 1,081 384.0 719.5 18,788,805 579,348 19,368,153
ICRC PURCHASES (non-earmarked) 87,461.4 6,818.7 570,239 4,617 110,754 287.8 7,330.4 76,985,518 27,852,015 104,837,533
ICRC PURCHASES (cash for kind) 34,033.1 369.4 168,711 400 31,747 20.6 1,915.2 27,441,301 4,237,372 31,678,673
ICRC PURCHASES (deleg. projects) 283.9 853 2.0 278.0 838,503 1,905,337 2,743,840
TOTAL ICRC PURCHASES 121,778.4 7,188.1 739,803 5,017 142,501 310.4 9,523.6 105,265,322 33,994,724 139,260,046
GRAND TOTAL 150,509.7 7,188.1 863,285 5,248 143,582 694.4 10,243.1 124,054,127 34,574,072 158,628,199
* MEDICAL includes medical, prosthetic/orthotic and water sanitation items.
387
9.2 RELIEF SUPPLIES DISPATCHED BY THE ICRC IN 2002
(by receiving countries, according to stock entry date)
COUNTRIES GIFTS IN KIND PURCHASES BY THE ICRC TOTAL DISPATCHED

MEDICAL * RELIEF MEDICAL * RELIEF MEDICAL * RELIEF TOTAL
(Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr)
AFRICA 391,656 7,395,925 11,447.9 17,734,726 27,638,772 25,259.1 18,126,382 35,034,697 36,707.0 53,161,079
Angola 2,880,124 3,269.6 1,056,062 1,662,753 2,189.3 1,056,062 4,542,877 5,458.9 5,598,939
Botswana 3,028 0.5 3,028 0.5 3,028
Burundi 1,130,913 148,671 45.4 1,130,913 148,671 45.4 1,279,584
Cameroon 6,544 6,544 6,544
Central African Republic 3,771 3,720 1.3 3,771 3,720 1.3 7,491
Chad 59,743 18,641 7.7 59,743 18,641 7.7 78,384
Comoros 1,034 0.6 1,034 0.6 1,034
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 108,153 19.8 2,783,485 3,582,815 1,707.5 2,783,485 3,690,968 1,727.3 6,474,453
Congo, Republic of the 286,942 104,176 68.5 286,942 104,176 68.5 391,118
Côte d’Ivoire 360,141 297,055 106.4 360,141 297,055 106.4 657,196
Djibouti 8,883 2,440 1.5 8,883 2,440 1.5 11,323
Eritrea 305,213 562,669 197.8 305,213 562,669 197.8 867,882
Ethiopia 2,463,016 4,835.8 929,030 2,956,321 4,047.2 929,030 5,419,337 8,883.0 6,348,367
Gambia 98 4,034 1.1 98 4,034 1.1 4,132
Guinea 313,889 639.6 189,667 326,984 239.3 189,667 640,873 878.9 830,540
Guinea-Bissau 1,840 5,192 2.6 1,840 5,192 2.6 7,032
Kenya 567,037 238,595 396.7 567,037 238,595 396.7 805,632
Liberia 391,656 271,266 65.9 1,053,206 1,471,325 569.4 1,444,862 1,742,591 635.3 3,187,453
Madagascar 5,976 1,284 0.6 5,976 1,284 0.6 7,260
Namibia 59,505 9,558 0.9 59,505 9,558 0.9 69,063
Nigeria 42,752 102,273 23.9 42,752 102,273 23.9 145,025
Rwanda 1,046,288 2,491.9 1,501,746 3,990,066 9,779.0 1,501,746 5,036,354 12,270.9 6,538,100
Senegal 6,862 173,717 274.1 6,862 173,717 274.1 180,579
Sierra Leone 313,189 125.3 719,948 7,238,441 3,126.4 719,948 7,551,630 3,251.7 8,271,578
Somalia 3,613,266 3,080,836 1,466.7 3,613,266 3,080,836 1,466.7 6,694,102
Sudan 2,816,064 1,308,321 833.8 2,816,064 1,308,321 833.8 4,124,385
Tanzania 173,212 3,727 1.2 173,212 3,727 1.2 176,939

Uganda 44,540 227,072 70.3 44,540 227,072 70.3 271,612
Zambia 1,990 8,660 4.0 1,990 8,660 4.0 10,650
Zimbabwe 6,290 105,364 95.4 6,290 105,364 95.4 111,654
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 557,302 10,557,609 7,447.0 557,302 10,557,609 7,447.0 11,114,911
Colombia 274,813 9,921,871 6,726.7 274,813 9,921,871 6,726.7 10,196,684
Haiti 3,895 4,117 1.6 3,895 4,117 1.6 8,012
Mexico 213,447 523,904 681.0 213,447 523,904 681.0 737,351
Panama 14,014 3.0 14,014 3.0 14,014
Peru 65,147 93,703 34.7 65,147 93,703 34.7 158,850
* MEDICAL includes medical, orthopaedic and water sanitation items.
388
9.2 RELIEF SUPPLIES DISPATCHED BY THE ICRC IN 2002
(by receiving countries, according to stock entry date)
COUNTRIES GIFTS IN KIND PURCHASES BY THE ICRC TOTAL DISPATCHED

MEDICAL * RELIEF MEDICAL * RELIEF MEDICAL * RELIEF TOTAL
(Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr)
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 43,466 2,394,791 2,916.6 7,656,761 33,680,634 74,249.3 7,700,227 36,075,425 77,165.9 43,775,652
Afghanistan 43,466 2,364,880 2,916.2 6,062,700 32,716,864 73,397.4 6,106,166 35,081,744 76,313.6 41,187,910
Cambodia 267,716 15,662 15.7 267,716 15,662 15.7 283,378
Fiji 4,961 2.0 4,961 2.0 4,961
India 36,257 18.3 36,257 18.3 36,257
Indonesia 29,911 0.4 35,538 423,775 202.0 35,538 453,686 202.4 489,224
Korea (DPRK) 342,922 342,922 342,922
Kyrgyzstan 7,065 31,633 9.5 7,065 31,633 9.5 38,698
Myanmar 522,659 118,564 98.6 522,659 118,564 98.6 641,223
Nepal 52,125 109,440 35.4 52,125 109,440 35.4 161,565
Pakistan 33,023 13.0 33,023 13.0 33,023
Philippines 72,930 16,154 8.4 72,930 16,154 8.4 89,084
Solomon Islands 4,157 1.1 4,157 1.1 4,157
Sri Lanka 169,405 142,138 419.8 169,405 142,138 419.8 311,543
Tajikistan 87,153 9,898 12.1 87,153 9,898 12.1 97,051
Timor Leste 22,579 22,579 22,579
Thailand 13,969 13,969 13,969
Uzbekistan 18,108 16.0 18,108 16.0 18,108
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA 2,678,671 3,436.7 4,670,533 18,006,240 26,303.5 4,670,533 20,684,911 29,740.2 25,355,444
Albania 1,264 0.6 1,264 0.6 1,264
Armenia 140,408 16,362 13.7 140,408 16,362 13.7 156,770
Azerbaijan 214,014 531 214,014 531 214,545
Croatia 540 540 540
Georgia 229,542 395.7 1,510,476 2,792,972 4,138.8 1,510,476 3,022,514 4,534.5 4,532,990
Macedonia 212,710 168.8 26,483 165,063 394.0 26,483 377,773 562.8 404,256
Russian Federation 1,211,210 1,015.4 2,072,985 9,880,472 11,490.7 2,072,985 11,091,682 12,506.1 13,164,667
United States of America ** 23,997 2.6 23,997 2.6 23,997

F.R. Yugoslavia 1,025,209 1,856.8 706,167 5,125,039 10,263.1 706,167 6,150,248 12,119.9 6,856,415
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA 134,490 6,199,369 12,236.7 3,375,402 15,382,067 7,617.0 3,509,892 21,581,436 19,853.7 25,091,328
Iraq 2,238,957 1,691,955 735.9 2,238,957 1,691,955 735.9 3,930,912
Israel (including occupied/
autonomous territories) 134,490 6,199,369 12,236.7 997,007 13,595,064 6,867.8 1,131,497 19,794,433 19,104.5 20,925,930
Jordan 309 309 309
Lebanon 16,715 4,696 2.5 16,715 4,696 2.5 21,411
Syria 7,808 7,808 7,808
Western Sahara 35,784 62,058 4.2 35,784 62,058 4.2 97,842
Yemen 79,131 27,985 6.6 79,131 27,985 6.6 107,116
REGIONAL STOCKS 9,736 120,049 1.5 9,736 120,049 1.5 129,785

Geneva and Nairobi (only gifts in kind) 9,736 120,049 1.5 9,736 120,049 1.5 129,785
GRAND TOTAL 579,348 18,788,805 30,039.4 33,994,724 105,265,322 140,875.9 34,574,072 124,054,127 170,915.3 158,628,199

** Detainees in Guantanamo Bay.
389
9.3 RELIEF SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTED BY THE ICRC IN 2002
COUNTRIES MEDICAL* RELIEF TOTAL
(Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr)
AFRICA 18,017,737 33,350,578 30,364.6 51,368,315
Angola 1,074,832 4,606,992 4,918.5 5,681,824
Burundi 1,123,271 224,823 60.4 1,348,094
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad 72,664 26,375 10.1 99,039
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2,803,057 3,534,661 1,701.3 6,337,718
Congo, Republic of the 263,307 161,679 78.6 424,986
Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana 283,931 172,584 181.8 456,515
Djibouti 8,883 2,440 1.5 11,323
Eritrea 316,476 1,391,828 619.6 1,708,304
Ethiopia 841,648 3,124,682 4,183.3 3,966,330
Guinea 239,816 1,013,463 921.6 1,253,279
Kenya 539,521 228,970 378.3 768,491
Liberia 1,253,906 1,782,128 538.9 3,036,034
Madagascar, Comoros 5,976 2,318 1.2 8,294
Nigeria 33,332 91,127 23.4 124,459
Rwanda 1,510,514 4,568,557 10,864.3 6,079,071
Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau 8,800 182,943 277.7 191,743
Sierra Leone 787,154 7,207,820 3,155.0 7,994,974
Somalia 3,583,548 3,098,452 1,470.4 6,682,000
Sudan 2,955,772 1,698,257 900.6 4,654,029
Tanzania 173,212 3,727 1.2 176,939
Uganda 72,385 167,331 51.5 239,716
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana 65,732 59,421 25.4 125,153
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 598,073 10,479,115 7,363.8 11,077,188

Colombia 274,513 9,834,516 6,641.9 10,109,029
Haiti 3,895 4,117 1.7 8,012
Mexico 213,447 524,049 681.1 737,496
Panama 14,014 3.0 14,014
Peru 106,218 102,419 36.1 208,637
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 9,337,472 34,306,947 71,371.9 43,644,419

Afghanistan 7,740,638 32,762,084 70,402.7 40,502,722
Cambodia 267,716 15,662 15.7 283,378
Fiji, Solomon Islands 9,118 3.1 9,118
India 36,257 18.3 36,257
Indonesia 45,534 675,314 223.7 720,848
Korea (DPRK) 342,922 342,922
Myanmar 520,940 118,564 98.6 639,504
Nepal 35,743 109,208 35.3 144,951
Pakistan 37,110 14.2 37,110
Philippines 79,776 47,964 23.4 127,740
Sri Lanka 169,405 388,499 486.9 557,904
Timor Leste 22,579 22,579
Tajikistan 91,185 56,366 23.2 147,551
Thailand 13,969 13,969
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan 7,065 50,801 26.8 57,866
390
9.3 RELIEF SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTED BY THE ICRC IN 2002
COUNTRIES MEDICAL* RELIEF TOTAL
(Sfr) (Sfr) (Tonnes) (Sfr)
EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA 4,456,471 24,191,713 31,310.6 28,648,184
Albania 1,264 0.6 1,264
Armenia 182,739 17,822 15.8 200,561
Azerbaijan 187,995 920 0.1 188,915
Croatia 540 540
Georgia 1,468,406 3,037,426 4,376.2 4,505,832
Macedonia 55,076 699,200 816.1 754,276
Russian Federation 1,586,535 12,585,401 13,278.7 14,171,936
United States of America ** 23,997 2.6 23,997
Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of 975,720 7,825,143 12,820.5 8,800,863
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA 2,823,183 17,263,716 11,973.4 20,086,899

Iraq 1,604,414 450,272 124.4 2,054,686
Israel (including occupied/autonomous territories) 989,516 16,658,895 11,825.8 17,648,411
Jordan 309 309
Lebanon 106,530 64,197 12.4 170,727
Syria 7,808 7,808
Western Sahara 35,784 62,058 4.2 97,842
Yemen 79,131 27,985 6.6 107,116
GRAND TOTAL 35,232,936 119,592,069 152,384.3 154,825,005

** Detainees in Guantanamo Bay.
391
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.1 FOUNDATION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002 (in Swiss francs ‘000)
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 864 1,132
Swiss withholding tax refund 22 24
Total assets 6,633 6,589

Current liabilities
International Committee of the Red Cross, current account 21 5
Total current liabilities 21 5
Reserves
Restricted reserve
Inalienable capital 886 886
Unrestricted reserves
Inalienable capital designated by the Board
Balance brought forward 4,318 3,693
Allocation for the year 500 4,818 625 4,318
Financial risk reserve 908 0
Available funds
Allocation for the year/(use) during the year –1,695 0 375 1,695
Retained result at the end of the year 0 –315

Total unrestricted reserves 5,726 5,698
Total reserves 6,612 6,584
Total liabilities and reserves 6,633 6,589
392
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR 2002 (in Swiss francs ‘000)
Income 2002 2001

Contribution 500 1,251
Income from securities 156 146
Realized gain on securities 11 8
Bank interest 13 254
Total 680 1,659
Expenditure
Bank charges –28 –42
Realized loss on securities –70 –146
Unrealized loss on securities –531 –464
Fundraising charges –11 –64
Audit fees –6 –4
Foreign exchange loss, net –6 –4
Total –652 –724
Result for the year before transfers from/(to) reserves 28 935
Use of unrestricted reserves

Available funds 1,695 0
Total 1,695 0
Allocation to unrestricted reserves

Inalienable capital designated by the Board –500 –625
Available funds 0 –375
Allocation to the International Committee of the Red Cross 0 –250
Financial risk reserve –908 0
Total –1,408 –1,250

Retained result at the beginning of the year –315 0
Retained result at the end of the year 0 –315
Establishment Administration
Created on 1 May 1931; statutes and objectives revised in 1997. The Foundation Board is made up of representatives of business and political
Purpose circles and the ICRC:
The Foundation strives to secure long-term support for the ICRC by establish- • one representative of the Swiss Confederation;
ing a substantial endowment fund, income from which will be freely available • between five and eleven members appointed by the ICRC.
to the organization. In 2002 :
The Foundation strengthened its contacts with the private sector, in order to
develop its resources; developed new communication tools, including a web
site.
393
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.2 AUGUSTA FUND
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets
Share of the overall capital of the special funds 127 129

Total assets 128 131

Current liabilities
Florence Nightingale Medal Fund, current account 1 4
Reserves
Restricted reserve
Inalienable capital 100 100
General reserve 18 18
Share of the overall provision for portfolio variation

Balance brought forward 9 10
Use during the year 0 9 –1 9
Total unrestricted reserves 27 27
Total reserves 127 127
Total liabilities and reserves 128 131

394
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002 (in Swiss francs ‘000)
Income 2002 2001

Share of net revenue from the overall capital of the special funds 2 4
Total 2 4
Expenditure
Total –1 –1
Result for the year before attribution to the Florence Nightingale Medal Fund and transfers from/(to) reserves 1 3

Share of the reduction of the overall provision for portfolio variation 0 1
Attribution to Florence Nightingale Medal Fund –1 –4
Result for the year after attribution to the Florence Nightingale Medal Fund and transfers from/(to) reserves 0 0

In 1890, at the initiative of the ICRC, to commemorate the services rendered In view of the above decision, the same as for the Florence Nightingale Medal
to the Red Cross by the German Empress Augusta, wife of Wilhelm I. Fund.
Purpose
Modified on several occasions. At the Twenty-first International Conference of
the Red Cross, held in Istanbul in 1969, it was decided that, pending further
modification, receipts from the Augusta Fund would be allocated to the Flo-
rence Nightingale Medal Fund. This decision was confirmed at the Twenty-
second Conference, held in Teheran in 1973.
395
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.3 FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MEDAL FUND
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets
Augusta Fund, current account 1 4
Stock of medals 29 29

Current liabilities
Capital 75 75
General reserve
Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves 5 348 7 343


396
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
Income 2002 2001

Attribution from the Augusta Fund 1 4
Total 6 16
Expenditure
Presentation of medals, printing and dispatching circulars 0 –9
Total –1 –10

Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves 5 7

Establishment Purpose
In accordance with the recommendations of the Eighth International Confer- The Fund's income is used to distribute a medal, called the "Florence Nightin-
ence of the Red Cross, held in London, in 1907, and with the decision of the gale Medal", to honour the life and work of Florence Nightingale. The medal
Ninth Conference held in Washington in 1912, a Fund was established by may be awarded to Red Cross and Red Crescent nurses and voluntary aides
contributions from National Red Cross Societies. The regulations were revised for having distinguished themselves by their service to sick and wounded
by the Eighteenth International Conference of the Red Cross, held in Toronto in people in time of peace or war. The medal is awarded every two years by the
1952, and by the Council of Delegates, held in Budapest in 1991. ICRC on the basis of proposals made to it by the National Societies. Only 50
medals may be distributed at any one time.
Administration
A commission composed of five ICRC representatives, including four Com-
mittee members.
397
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.4 CLARE R. BENEDICT FUND
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets
Share of the overall capital of the special funds 1,900 2,141

Current liabilities
Reserves
Restricted reserve
Capital 1,633 1,633
General reserve
Result for the year after attribution to the ICRC and transfers from/(to) reserves –37 23 –204 60

398
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
Income 2002 2001

Total 24 61
Expenditure
Total –1 –4
Result for the year before attribution to the ICRC and transfers from/(to) reserves 23 57

Attribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross –60 –264
Result for the year after attribution to the ICRC and transfers from/(to) reserves –37 –204

1 February 1968. A commission composed of three persons appointed by the ICRC.
Purpose
The Fund's income is attributed to assistance activities for the victims of
armed conflicts, in accordance with Miss Benedict's wishes.
399
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.5 MAURICE DE MADRE FRENCH FUND
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets
Share of the overall capital of the special funds 4,693 4,630

Current liabilities
Reserves
Restricted reserve
Donors restricted contributions 37 0
Capital
Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves –70 4,234 –15 4,304


400
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
Income 2002 2001

Contributions 47 0
Total 110 139
Expenditure
Allocations –139 –152
Other expenses –1 –1
Total –143 –160
Result for the year before transfers from/(to) reserves –33 –21

Allocation to restricted reserve

Donors’ restricted contributions –37 0
Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves –70 –15

The Fund was set up in accordance with the Count's will and the ICRC A Board composed of five persons appointed by the ICRC, currently:
Assembly's decision of 19 December 1974. • two ICRC members or staff;
Purpose • one representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
To assist temporary or permanent staff, such as first-aid workers, delegates Crescent Societies;
and nurses, of international or national Red Cross or Red Crescent institutions • one representative of the de Madre family;
who, in the course of their work or during war operations or natural disasters, • one Swiss lawyer.
have suffered injury and thereby find themselves in straitened circumstances In 2002:
or in reduced health. The Fund's Board held an official meeting on 25 March; its Secretariat han-
In the event that the persons specified above should lose their lives in the dled 48 files (consisting of 101 personal cases) on Movement staff.
course of the said humanitarian activities, payments may be made to their
families.
401
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.6 OMAR EL MUKTAR FUND
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets

Current liabilities
Reserves
Restricted reserve
Capital 761 761
General reserve
Result for the year after attribution to the ICRC and transfers from/(to) reserves –18 10 –96 28
Total reserves 820 838

402
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
Income 2002 2001

Total 11 28
Expenditure
Total –1 –2
Result for the year before attribution to the ICRC and transfers from/(to) reserves 10 26

Attribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross –28 –123
Result for the year after attribution to the ICRC and transfers from/(to) reserves –18 –96

Pursuant to decision No 5 of the Executive Board of 20 November 1980, A Board composed of three ICRC representatives.
adopted by the Committee in December 1980.
Purpose
A fund in dollars, made up of one or several donations by the authorities of
the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the income of which is to be
used to finance the ICRC's general assistance and protection activities.
403
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.7 PAUL REUTER FUND
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets

Current liabilities
Unrestricted reserve designated by the Assembly of the ICRC
Initial capital 200 200

General reserve
Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves 6 304 15 298

404
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
Income 2002 2001

Total 7 15
Expenditure
Total –1 –1

Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves 6 15

Pursuant to decision No 1 of the Executive Board of 6 January 1983. • A committee composed of one member of the ICRC, who is its chairman,
Purpose and two members of ICRC staff, appointed by the Directorate ;
The Fund's initial capital of Sfr 200,000 donated by Prof. Paul Reuter • two persons from outside the ICRC who, with the Committee members,
(his Balzan prize) may be augmented by gifts or bequests. The Fund's pur- shall compose the Paul Reuter prize jury.
pose is to :
• use the income to encourage and promote knowledge and dissemination
of international humanitarian law ;
• and to that effect award a prize every two years to reward work, assist in
the implementation of a project or make a publication possible.
405
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.8 ICRC SPECIAL FUND FOR THE DISABLED
ASSETS 2002 2001

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 1,465 1,078
Accounts receivable 1,620 1,513
Current liabilities
International Committee of the Red Cross, current account 1,565 1,102
Total current liabilities 1,565 1,102
Reserves
Restricted reserves
Donors' restricted contributions
Cambodia 0 200
Mines appeal 0 9
Addis Ababa project 18 0
Ho Chi Minh project 137 0
Dhaka project 1 0
Total restricted reserves 156 209
Unrestricted reserves designated by the Board
Initial capital 1,000 1,000
Financial risk reserve 154 154
General reserve
Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves –50 2,702 156 2,752

406
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
10.8 ICRC SPECIAL FUND FOR THE DISABLED
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002
2002 2001
Addis Ho Chi Geneva
Ababa Minh Managua Dhaka coordina-
project project project project tion unit General Total Total
Operating activities
Contributions received in cash
Governments
Australia 166 166
Netherlands 31
Norway 448 402 715 280 1,845 1,811
United States of America 253 253 1,490
National Societies
Germany 15 15 0
Liechtenstein 10 10 0
Monaco 22 22 0
New Zealand 3 3 0
Norway 126 27 52 205 168
United Kingdom 7
Private sources
CR Equipement 10 10 0
IDF 98 98 0
Pro-Victimis 80 80 0
Various donors 4 4 5
Contributions received in services

National Societies
Norway 14 14 94
Total contributions 1,003 568 742 80 332 2,725 3,606

Operating expenditure
Cash expenditure –980 –631 –742 –79 –332 –2,764 –3,511
Services expenditure –14 –14 –101
Total operating expenditure –994 –631 –742 –79 –332 –2,778 –3,612
Net result of operating activities 9 –63 0 1 0 0 –53 –6
407
10. SPECIAL FUNDS
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002
2002 2001
Addis Ho Chi Geneva
Ababa Minh Managua Dhaka coordina-
project project project project tion unit General Total Total
Non-operating activities
Financial income
Securities income 121 121 142
Bank interest 13 13 7
Gain on securities 3 3 0
Foreign exchange gain, net 0 0 31
Total financial income 137 137 180
Financial expenditure
Bank charges –21 –21 –17
Audit fees –5 –5 –7
Foreign exchange loss, net –161 –161 0
Total financial expenditure –187 –187 –24
Net result of non-operating activities –50 –50 156
Result for the year before transfers from/(to) reserves 9 –63 0 1 0 –50 –103 150
Use of restricted reserves

Reallocation of a restricted contribution for Cambodia
with the donor’s agreement 200 200 0
Use of donor’s restricted contribution for Mines appeal 9 9 6
Total 9 200 209 6
Allocation to restricted reserves

Donors' restricted contributions –18 –137 –1 –156 0
Total –18 –137 –1 –156 0
Result for the year after transfers from/(to) reserves 0 0 0 0 0 –50 –50 156
Establishment and initial objectives

1981 was declared by the United Nations "International Year for Disabled for the Disabled" remained to a large extent unchanged , i.e. ensure the con-
Persons". The same year, when it met in Manila, the 24th International Con- tinuity of programmes of the ICRC on behalf of the war-disabled and support
ference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent adopted a resolution recommend- physical rehabilitation centres in developing countries.
ing that "a special fund be formed for the benefit of the disabled and to Although the SFD has thus become a more independent body, its pro-
promote the implementation of durable projects to aid disabled persons". grammes will continue to be drawn up in accordance with ICRC operational
Pursuant to the ICRC Assembly's decision No 2 of 19/20 October 1983 policies in the countries concerned. However, the statutes of the new Founda-
the "Special Fund for the Disabled" (SFD) was subsequently established. Its tion also allow the opening of its Board to members of other organizations
objectives were twofold: and it is planned that the SFD should develop its own independent fundrais-
• to help finance long-term projects for disabled persons, in particular the ing and financial management structure over the next few years.
creation of workshops for the production of artificial limbs and orthotic Funding
appliances, and centres for rehabilitation and occupational retraining; In 1983, the ICRC donated on initial one million Swiss francs to set up the
• to participate not only in ICRC and National Society projects, but also in "Special Fund for the Disabled". Further support was then given to the SFD by
those of other humanitarian bodies working in accordance with ICRC criteria. various governments, a number of National Societies and from private and
New legal status public sources. As from the mid-nineties most of the financial support was
In January 2001, the ICRC Assembly converted the SFD into an independent received through the ICRC Special Mine Action Appeals.
foundation under Swiss law. The primary objectives of the "ICRC Special Fund
408
11. COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS
2002 2001 2000 19991 19981
Balance sheet
Current assets 305,284 300,932 251,866 284,430 216,556
Financial assets 0 0 0 0 31,359
Fixed assets 76,896 76,514 80,894 87,407 75,609
Total assets 382,180 377,446 332,760 371,837 323,524
Liabilities –126,368 –124,199 –126,096 –145,414 –95,040
Total net assets 255,812 253,247 206,664 226,423 228,484
Funds and foundations 9,293 9,320 9,324 1 1
Funding of current operations 48 3,334 –29,085 7,606 26,541

Unrestricted reserves designated by the Assembly 232,071 226,193 212,025 204,417 187,646
Other unrestricted reserves 14,400 14,400 14,400 14,400 14,297
Total reserves (equity) 255,812 253,247 206,664 226,423 228,484
Statement of income and expenditure

Contributions 788,325 829,745 837,0942 836,7342 625,615
Operating expenditure –781,703 –789,680 –880,9242 –824,7332 –599,265
Net result of operating activities 6,622 40,065 –43,830 12,001 26,350
Net result of non-operating activities –4,057 5,619 11,304 14,484 8,909
Surplus (deficit) for the year before transfer to/from the reserves 2,565 45,684 –32,526 26,485 35,259
Administrative cost 86,440 85,686 88,016 79,086 3
Ratios
Equity in % of assets 66.9 % 67.1 % 62.1 % 60.9% 3
Administrative cost in % of operating expenditures 11.1 % 10.9 % 10.0 % 9.6 % 3
1 Figures without consolidation of funds and foundations.

2 Including a donation in service of Sfr 755 not recorded in 1999 and 2000.
3 No comparable figures available due to a change in the accounting policy.
409
410
411
ANNEX

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY RECRUITMENT

COUNCIL COMMISSION
ASSEMBLY AND COUNCIL PRESIDENCY MANAGEMENT CONTROL
SECRETARIAT COMMISSION
MANAGEMENT
This organizational chart reflects the state of affairs CONTROL
on which this Annual Report is based,
i.e., prior to the restructuring of 1 July 2002.
For an updated chart, see the 2003 Emergency Appeals.
DIRECTORATE PLANNING,
MONITORING AND
SECRETARIAT DIRECTORATE EVALUATION
CHIEF MEDICAL
OFFICER POLITICAL ANALYSIS
DIRECTOR-GENERAL
MEDIA SERVICES PRIVATE SECTOR
DIRECTOR FOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF

INTERNATIONAL OF HUMAN
HUMANITARIAN LAW AND RESOURCES
DIPLOMACY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
COMMUNICATION AND FINANCES
POLICY AND CENTRAL TRACING

COMMUNICATION COOPERATION AGENCY AND HEALTH AND HUMAN INFORMATION
WITH THE PROTECTION RELIEF RESOURCES SYSTEMS
MOVEMENT
LIBRARY
LEGAL I.T.S. AROLSEN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS FINANCE AND AND
ORGANIZATIONS ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH
SERVICE
EXTERNAL
RESOURCES LANGUAGE ARCHIVES
ASIA EUROPE,
AND MIDDLE EAST
AFRICA AND
LATIN AMERICA NORTH AFRICA
EAST AND
CENTRAL AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA LATIN AMERICA WEST CENTRAL AND HORN CENTRAL AND EASTERN MIDDLE EAST
SOUTH ASIA AND AND AFRICA SOUTHERN OF SOUTH-EAST EUROPE AND
THE PACIFIC THE CARIBBEAN AFRICA AFRICA EUROPE NORTH AFRICA
412
ICRC DECISION- Mr Eric Roethlisberger, Doctor of Political
Science of the Graduate Institute of Inter-
Mr Yves Sandoz, Doctor of Laws, Lecturer
at the University of Geneva, former Director
MAKING national Studies in Geneva, permanent
Vice-President of the ICRC from 1995 to
of International Humanitarian Law and
Principles at the ICRC (2002)
STRUCTURES1 1999 (1994)
HONORARY MEMBERS: Mr Jean Pictet †,
Mr Ernst A. Brugger, Doctor of Natural Sci- Honorary Vice-President, Mr Peter Arbenz,
Members of the ence, consultant for economic develop- Mr Jean-François Aubert, Mrs Denise
International Committee ment issues, professor at the University of Bindschedler-Robert, Mr Georges-André
Zurich (1995) Cuendet, Mr Max Daetwyler, Mr Josef
of the Red Cross (2002) Feldmann, Mr Athos Gallino, Mr Rodolphe
Mr Jakob Kellenberger, President, Ph.D. Mr Jean-Roger Bonvin, Doctor of Eco-
de Haller, Mr Henry Huguenin, Mr Pierre
of the University of Zurich, former Swiss nomics of the University of St Gallen, for-
Keller, Mr Robert Kohler, Mr Pierre
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs mer President of the Development Centre
Languetin, Mr Olivier Long, Mr Marcel A.
(member of the ICRC since 1999) (Presi- of the Organization for Economic Co-oper-
Naville, Mr Richard Pestalozzi, Ms
dent since 2000) ation and Development (OECD) in Paris
Francesca Pometta, Mr Alain Rossier, Mr
(1996)
Mrs Anne Petitpierre, Vice-President, Dietrich Schindler, Mr Cornelio Som-
Doctor of Laws, Barrister, Professor at the Mr Jakob Nüesch, diploma in agricultural maruga, Mr Hans Peter Tschudi †, Dr
University of Geneva (1987) engineering and doctorate in technical sci- Alfredo Vannotti †
ences from the Federal Institute of Technol-
Mr Jacques Forster, permanent Vice-Pres- ogy in Zurich, Professor of Microbiology at
ident, Doctor of Economics, Professor at the University of Basle, former President of
Assembly
the Graduate Institute of Development the Federal Institute of Technology in The Assembly is the supreme governing
Studies in Geneva (1988) Zurich (1997) body of the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC). It oversees all the
Mrs Renée Guisan, General Secretary of Mr André von Moos, Doctor of Laws of the ICRC's activities, formulates policy, de-
the Institut de la Vie international, head of University of Zurich, Bachelor of Econom- fines general objectives and institutional
medico-social institutions, member of the ics, SMP certificate of the Harvard Busi- strategy, and approves the budget and
International Association for Volunteer ness School, former Chairman of the von accounts. Composed of between 15 and
Effort (1986) Moos Group, industrialist (1998) 25 members, it is collegial in character. Its
Mr Paolo Bernasconi, Bachelor of Laws, Mr Olivier Vodoz, Bachelor of Laws of the President and two Vice-Presidents are the
Barrister, Professor at the Universities of St University of Geneva, Barrister, former President and Vice-Presidents of the ICRC.
Gallen, Zurich and Milan (Bocconi), for- President of the Conseil d'État of the
mer Public Prosecutor in Lugano (1987) Republic and Canton of Geneva (1998)

Mrs Liselotte Kraus-Gurny, Doctor of Laws Mrs Gabrielle Nanchen, Bachelor of
of Zurich University (1988) Social Science of the University of Lau-
Ms Susy Bruschweiler, nurse, former sanne and diploma from the Lausanne
Director of the Swiss Red Cross College of School of Social Studies, former member
Nursing in Aarau, CEO S-V Service (1988) of the Swiss National Council (1998)
Mr Jacques Moreillon, Bachelor of Laws, Mr Jean de Courten, Bachelor of Laws,

Doctor of Political Science, Secretary Gen- former delegate and former Director of
eral of the World Organization of the Scout Operations at the ICRC (1998)
Movement, former Director-General at the Mr Jean-Philippe Assal, Doctor of Medi-
ICRC (1988) cine, Professor of Medicine, head of the
Mr Daniel Thürer, Doctor of Laws, LL.M. Division for Instruction in the Treatment of
(Cambridge), Professor at the University Chronic Diseases at the Faculty of Medi-
of Zurich (1991) cine of the University of Geneva (1999)
Mr Jean Abt, diplomas in agriculture and
business, Lieutenant-General of the Swiss
Army (retd) (2001)
413
Assembly Council Directorate Up to 30 June 2002:
The Assembly Council is a subsidiary The Directorate is the executive body of the Mr Paul Grossrieder,
body of the Assembly, to which the latter ICRC, responsible for applying and ensur- Director-General
delegates certain of its powers. It prepares ing application of the general objectives Mr Jean-Daniel Tauxe,
the Assembly's activities and takes deci- and institutional strategy defined by the Director of Operations
sions on matters within its competence, in Assembly or the Assembly Council. The
particular strategic options relating to gen- Directorate is also responsible for the Mr François Bugnion,
eral policy on funding, personnel and smooth running of the ICRC and for the Director for International Law
communication. It serves as a link efficiency of its staff as a whole. and Communication
between the Directorate and the Assembly, Mr Jacques Stroun,
Since 1 July 2002, the Directorate has
to which it reports regularly. Composed of Director of Human Resources
been structured in a new way. It comprises
five members of the ICRC elected by the and Finance
a Director-General and five departments –
Assembly, it is chaired by the President of
Operations, International Law and Cooper- As from 1 July 2002:
the ICRC.
ation within the Movement, Human
Mr Jakob Kellenberger, Resources, Resources and Operational Mr Angelo Gnaedinger
President Support, and Communication – and the Director-General
divisions belonging to them. Mr Pierre Kraehenbuehl
Mr Jacques Forster,
permanent Vice-President The objective of this new structure is to Director of Operations
modernize the ICRC's senior management Mr François Bugnion
Mr Jakob Nüesch,
body so as to enable it to rise to the Director for International Law
member of the Committee
numerous challenges that it will face and and Cooperation within the Movement
Mr Jean Abt, to implement its future projects. This re-
member of the Committee organization is based on the following Mr Jacques Stroun
four priorities: Director of Human Resources
Mr Jean de Courten,
member of the Committee – the refocusing of the Directorate of Oper- Ms Doris Pfister
ations and the Directorate of Law and Director for Resources
Cooperation within the Movement on and Operational Support
Presidency their primary missions;
The President of the ICRC assumes pri- Mr Yves Daccord
mary responsibility for the organization's – recognition of the strategic nature of Communication Director
external relations. As President of the human resource management;
Assembly and of the Assembly Council, he – integration of operational support and
ensures that the areas of competence of the mobilization and management of

these two bodies are safeguarded. He is financial resources;
assisted by one permanent Vice-President
and one non-permanent Vice-President. – coherence in external communication.
The role of the Director-General in his new
post is to set the administration's general
priorities, direct the decision-making
process and supervise the implementation
of the decisions taken. Although some
units are directly attached to the office of
the Director-General, the latter does not
manage specific issues; this responsibility
is devolved upon the relevant depart-
ments. The Director-General is account-
able to the Presidency and the Assembly
as regards the Directorate's objectives and
activities and the results achieved.
1 As at 31 December 2002.
414
INTERNATIONAL Judge Richard J. Goldstone (South
Africa)
Major-General (retd) Felix Mujakperuo
(Nigeria)
ADVISERS Justice of the Constitutional Court of South ECOMOG Force Commander (1999).
Africa and Chairman of the Independent Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army
Advisers for the period International Commission on Kosovo. (1995-96). ECOMOG Chief of Staff
2000-2003 From August 1994 to September 1996, (1993). Director of the Nigerian Legal Ser-
served as the chief prosecutor of the vices (1997-91). Member of Nigerian
Major-General (retd) Dipankar Banerjee United Nations International Criminal Tri- Bar Association and of the International
(India) bunals for the former Yugoslavia and Society for Military Law and the Law of
Executive Director of the Regional Centre Rwanda. Heads the board of the Human War.
for Strategic Studies, a South Asian think Rights Institute of South Africa and is the
General (retd) Klaus Naumann
tank located in Colombo. Held various chancellor of the University of the Witwa-
(Germany)
operational and planning assignments as terstrand in Johannesburg.
a combat officer of the Indian Army fol- Chairman of NATO Military Committee
Ambassador Philippe Kirsch (Canada)
lowed by research on national and inter- (1996-99). Chief of Defence Staff (General-
national security issues as Deputy Director Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of inspekteur der Bundeswehr) Germany
of the Institute for Defence Studies and Sweden; concurrently Ambassador and (1991-96). Adviser in negotiations on
Analyses (New Delhi). Agent for Canada in the Legality of Use of German unification (1990).
Force Case before the International Court
Professor Yadh Ben Achour (Tunisia) Mr Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah (Mauritania)
of Justice.
Professor of Public Law, Faculty of Legal, Since 1976, Executive Secretary of the
Professor Pieter Kooijmans
Political and Social Sciences in Tunis. For- Global Coalition for Africa. UN Secretary-
(Netherlands)
mer Dean, member of the Institute of Inter- General Special Representative for Burundi
national Law. Adviser in the Saharan case Judge, International Court of Justice. Min- and UN high level official at Headquarters
(MINURSO, 1991-1992). Adviser to the ister for Foreign Affairs (1993-94). Spe- in New York (1984-96). Minister of For-
Tunisian Government in the Continental cial Rapporteur on questions relevant to eign Affairs, Minister of Trade and Ambas-
Shelf case (Tunisia - Libya , 1977-1987). torture (1985-92) sador (1971-79). Director of mining
companies (1969-71 and 1980).
Ms Thérèse Delpech (France) Mr Anthony Lake (USA)
Mr Anand Panyarachun (Thailand)
Director for Strategic Studies at the Atomic Distinguished Professor in the Practice of
Energy Commission. Senior Research Fel- Diplomacy at Georgetown University. Chairman of companies. Prime Minister
low at the Centre for International Rela- Served as Assistant to the President for (1991-92). UNICEF Ambassador for Thai-
tions, Fondation Nationale des Sciences National Security Affairs (1993-1997). land (1996). Member of Advisory Group

politiques. Former Adviser to the Prime of UN High Commissioner for Refugees,
Ms María Emma Mejía (Colombia)
Minister on Politico-military Matters Member of Advisory Council of Trans-
(1995-97). Chairman of the United In 1999 took part in the negotiating com- parency International.
Nations Advisory Board on Disarmament mission that initiated peace talks with the
Mr Vladimir Pozner (Russian Federation)
Matters (1999). FARC (Colombian Revolutionary Armed
Forces) and is now a Member of the Journalist and author. President of the
Facilitator Commission with the ELN Academy of Russian TV and Rector of the
(National Liberation Army). Minister for School of TV journalism. Headed the
Foreign Affairs (1996-98), Minister of Association against AIDS under the Soviet
Education (1995-96), Ambassador to Fund of Charity and Health.
Spain (1993-95). Presidential Security
Professor Doctor Wei Yu (China)
Advisor for Medellín during the drug cartel
years (1990-93). Teacher and researcher in the area of elec-
tronics, has contributed to the develop-
ment and reform of China's higher educa-
tion, setting up the first Ph.D. programme
of bioelectronics. Since 1993, has been
Vice-Minister of Education.
415
THE ICRC In accomplishing these tasks the ICRC
maintains close relations with the National
AND THE INTERNATIONAL Societies, cooperating with them in areas
RED CROSS of mutual interest such as preparedness
AND RED CRESCENT for situations of armed conflict, develop-
ment and ratification of and respect for
MOVEMENT the Geneva Conventions, and dissemina-
The International Red Cross and Red Cres- tion of humanitarian law and the Funda-
cent Movement is made up of the National mental Principles. It also acts as lead
Societies, the ICRC and the International agency for international relief operations
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent conducted by the Red Cross and Red
Societies. Although each of the Move- Crescent in situations of international and
ment’s components engages in different non-international armed conflict, internal
activities, they are all united by the same strife and their direct results, as well as in
Fundamental Principles : humanity, impar- situations of armed conflict concomitant
tiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary with natural or technological disasters.
service, unity and universality.
Finally, while fully respecting the Federa-
As its founding institution, the ICRC has tion’s competence in the matter, the ICRC
certain statutory responsibilities towards cooperates actively in the development of
the Movement. In particular, it is responsi- National Red Cross and Red Crescent
ble for ensuring respect for and promoting Societies, in particular through technical
knowledge of the Fundamental Principles, and legal assistance, by supporting the
recognizing new National Red Cross or National Societies’ dissemination pro-
Red Crescent Societies which meet the grammes and by contributing to the train-
current conditions for recognition, and dis- ing of their staff in areas that fall within its
charging the mandates entrusted to it by mandate.
the International Conference of the Red
Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC takes
an active part in the Movement’s statutory
meetings, which it often organizes jointly
with the Federation.
416
LEGAL BASES
The work of the ICRC is based upon the The legal bases of any action undertaken UNIVERSAL ACCEPTANCE
Geneva Conventions and their Additional by the ICRC may be summed up as fol-
Protocols, the Statutes of the International lows : OF THE GENEVA
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
• In the four Geneva Conventions of 1949
CONVENTIONS AND THEIR
and the resolutions of International Confer-
and Additional Protocol I, the international ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
ences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
community gave the ICRC a mandate in In 2002 a total of 190 States were party to
The ICRC’s mission is to provide protection
the event of international armed conflict. the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the Cook
and assistance to victims of armed con-
In particular, the ICRC has the right to visit Islands (11 June 2001) being the most
flicts. It takes direct and immediate action
prisoners of war and civilian internees. recent State to accede to the Conventions
in response to emergency situations, at
The Conventions also confer on the ICRC a since the publication of the last ICRC
the same time promoting preventive mea-
broad right of initiative. Annual Report. During the year, the Cook
sures by developing and spreading
Islands (7 May 2002) also acceded to
knowledge of international humanitarian • In situations of armed conflict which
the two 1977 Protocols additional to
law. are not international in character, the
the Geneva Conventions. Additionally,
ICRC also has a right of initiative recog-
It was at the prompting of the ICRC that Mozambique (12 November 2002) and
nized by the States and enshrined in the
governments adopted the initial Geneva the Democratic Republic of the Congo
four Geneva Conventions.
Convention in 1864. In the years since, (12 December 2002) acceded to
the ICRC, with the support of the entire • In the event of internal disturbances Protocol II. This brought the number of
Movement, has put constant pressure on and tension, and in any other situation States party to Additional Protocol I and
governments to adapt international which warrants humanitarian action, the Additional Protocol II to 160 and 155
humanitarian law to changing circum- ICRC has a right of humanitarian initiative respectively.
stances, especially developments in meth- which is recognized in the Statutes of the
Article 90 of Additional Protocol I provides
ods and means of warfare, in order to pro- International Red Cross and Red Crescent
for the establishment of an International
vide more effective protection and Movement and allows it to offer its ser-
Fact-Finding Commission to enquire into
assistance for the victims of armed con- vices to a government without that offer
allegations of serious violations of hu-
flicts. constituting interference in the internal
manitarian law. In 2002 the Cook Islands
affairs of the State concerned.
Today almost all States are bound by the (7 May 2002), Cyprus (14 October
four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 2002) and the Democratic Republic of the
1949, which, in times of armed conflict, Congo (12 December 2002) filed the dec-
protect wounded, sick and shipwrecked laration recognizing the competence of the
members of the armed forces, prisoners of Commission, thereby bringing the number
war and civilians. of States which had done so to 63.

Moreover, two Protocols additional to
these Conventions were adopted in June
1977. Protocol I protects the victims
of international armed conflicts, while
Protocol II protects the victims of non-
international armed conflicts ; in particular,
these Additional Protocols have codified
the rules which protect the civilian popu-
lation against the effects of hostilities.
More than three-quarters of all States are
now bound by the Protocols.
417
STATES PARTY TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS
This map shows which States
were party to the 1949 Geneva
Conventions and to their 1977
Additional Protocols,
as at 31 December 2002.
It also indicates which States
had made the optional declaration
under Article 90 of 1977
Additional Protocol I,
recognizing the competence of the
International Fact-Finding
Commission.
N.B.: The names of the countries

given on this map may differ from
their official names.
States party to the

1949 Geneva Conventions: 190
States party to the 1949 Geneva

Conventions and to 1977
Additional Protocol I: 160
States party to the 1949 Geneva

Conventions and to 1977
Additional Protocol II: 155
States party to the 1949

Geneva Conventions and to
both Additional Protocols: 154
States having made the declaration

under Article 90 of 1997
Additional Protocol I: 63
States not party

to the Geneva Conventions
and Protocols
418
AND THEIR ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
419
1. ABBREVIATIONS succeeding to the Conventions or Proto- Ratifications, accessions or successions
cols or accepting the competence of the to Additional Protocol I:
R/A/S = Ratification: a treaty is generally Commission provided for under Article 90 Monaco: 07.01.2000
open for signature for a certain time fol- of Protocol I. They thus represent neither Lithuania: 13.07.2000
lowing the conference which has adopted the date on which ratification, accession, France: 11.04.2001
it. However, a signature is not binding on succession or acceptance of the Commis- Trinidad and Tobago: 20.07.2001
a State unless it has been endorsed by rat- sion was decided upon by the State con- Yugoslavia: 16.10.2001
ification. The time limits having elapsed, cerned nor that on which the correspon- Cook Islands: 07.05.2002
the Conventions and the Protocols are no ding instrument was sent.
longer open for signature. The States Ratifications, accessions or successions
which have not signed them may at any N.B.: The dates given for succession to the to Additional Protocol II:
time accede or, in the appropriate circum- Geneva Conventions by CONGO, Monaco: 07.01.2000
stances, succeed to them. JAMAICA, MADAGASCAR, MAURITANIA, Lithuania: 13.07.2000
NIGER, NIGERIA, RWANDA, SENEGAL, Trinidad and Tobago: 20.07.2001
Accession: instead of signing and then SIERRA LEONE and ZAIRE used to be those Yugoslavia: 16.10.2001
ratifying a treaty, a State may become on which the corresponding instruments Saudi Arabia: 28.11.2001
party to it by the single act called acces- had been officially adopted. They have Cook Islands: 07.05.2002
sion. now been replaced by the dates on which Mozambique: 12.11.2002
Succession (declaration of): a newly inde- the depositary received those instruments. Dem. Rep. of the Congo: 12.12.2002
pendent State may declare that it will Declaration under Article 90:
abide by a treaty which was applicable to
it prior to its independence. A State may
3. ENTRY INTO FORCE Lithuania: 13.07.2000
Except as mentioned in footnotes at the Trinidad and Tobago: 20.07.2001
also declare that it will provisionally abide Yugoslavia: 16.10.2001
by such treaties during the time it deems end of the tables, for all States the entry
into force of the Conventions and of the Cook Islands: 07.05.2002
necessary to examine their texts carefully Cyprus: 14.10.2002
and to decide on accession or succession Protocols occurs six months after the date
given in the present document; for States Dem. Rep. of the Congo: 12.12.2002
to some or all of the said treaties (declara-
tion of provisional application of the which have made a declaration of succes-
treaties). At present no State is bound by sion, entry into force takes place retro- 6. TOTALS
such a declaration. actively, on the day of their accession to
Number of States party to the Geneva
independence.
R/D = Reservation/Declaration: unilateral Conventions of 1949: 190
statement, however phrased or named, The 1949 Geneva Conventions entered Number of States party to Additional
made by a State when ratifying, acceding into force on 21 October 1950. Protocol I: 160
or succeeding to a treaty, whereby it pur- The 1977 Protocols entered into force on Number of States party to Additional
ports to exclude or to modify the legal 7 December 1978. Protocol II: 155
effect of certain provisions of the treaty in
Number of States party to the Geneva Con-
their application to that State (provided
that such reservations are not incompati- 4. NAMES OF COUNTRIES ventions and Additional Protocols I and II:
154
ble with the object and purpose of the The names of countries given in the fol-
treaty). lowing list may differ from the official Number of States having made the decla-
names of States. ration under Article 90: 63
D90 = Declaration provided for under arti-
Number of States Members of the United
cle 90 of Protocol I (prior acceptance of
Nations: 191
the competence of the International Fact- 5. UPDATE SINCE 31.12.1999
Finding Commission). States Members of U.N. or parties to
Ratifications, accessions or successions the Statute of the International Court of
to the four Conventions: Justice, not being party to the 1949
2. DATES Eritrea: 14.08.2000 Geneva Conventions: MARSHALL, NAURU,
The dates indicated are those on which the Yugoslavia: 16.10.2001 TIMOR LESTE.
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Cook Islands: 11.06.2001
Affairs received the official instrument from
the State that was ratifying, acceding to or
420
GENEVA CONVENTIONS PROTOCOL I PROTOCOL II
COUNTRY R/A/S R/D R/A/S R/D D90 R/A/S R/D
Afghanistan 26.09.1956 R
Albania 27.05.1957 R X 16.07.1993 A 16.07.1993 A
20.06.1960
Algeria A 16.08.1989 A X 16.08.1989 16.08.1989 A
03.07.1962
Andorra 17.09.1993 A
Angola 20.09.1984 A X 20.09.1984 A X
Antigua and Barbuda 06.10.1986 S 06.10.1986 A 06.10.1986 A
Argentina 18.09.1956 R 26.11.1986 A X 11.10.1996 26.11.1986 A X
Armenia 07.06.1993 A 07.06.1993 A 07.06.1993 A
Australia 14.10.1958 R X 21.06.1991 R X 23.09.1992 21.06.1991 R
Austria 27.08.1953 R 13.08.1982 R X 13.08.1982 13.08.1982 R X
Azerbaijan 01.06.1993 A
Bahamas 11.07.1975 S 10.04.1980 A 10.04.1980 A
Bahrain 30.11.1971 A 30.10.1986 A 30.10.1986 A
Bangladesh 04.04.1972 S 08.09.1980 A 08.09.1980 A
Barbados 10.09.1968 S X 19.02.1990 A 19.02.1990 A
Belarus 03.08.1954 R 23.10.1989 R 23.10.1989 23.10.1989 R
Belgium 03.09.1952 R 20.05.1986 R X 27.03.1987 20.05.1986 R
Belize 29.06.1984 A 29.06.1984 A 29.06.1984 A
Benin 14.12.1961 S 28.05.1986 A 28.05.1986 A
Bhutan 10.01.1991 A
Bolivia 10.12.1976 R 08.12.1983 A 10.08.1992 08.12.1983 A
Bosnia-Herzegovina 31.12.1992 S 31.12.1992 S 31.12.1992 31.12.1992 S
Botswana 29.03.1968 A 23.05.1979 A 23.05.1979 A
Brazil 29.06.1957 R 05.05.1992 A 23.11.1993 05.05.1992 A

Brunei Darussalam 14.10.1991 A 14.10.1991 A 14.10.1991 A
Bulgaria 22.07.1954 R 26.09.1989 R 09.05.1994 26.09.1989 R
Burkina Faso 07.11.1961 S 20.10.1987 R 20.10.1987 R
Burundi 27.12.1971 S 10.06.1993 A 10.06.1993 A
Cambodia 08.12.1958 A 14.01.1998 A 14.01.1998 A
Cameroon 16.09.1963 S 16.03.1984 A 16.03.1984 A
Canada 14.05.1965 R 20.11.1990 R X 20.11.1990 20.11.1990 R X
Cape Verde 11.05.1984 A 16.03.1995 A 16.03.1995 16.03.1995 A
Central African Republic 01.08.1966 S 17.07.1984 A 17.07.1984 A
Chad 05.08.1970 A 17.01.1997 A 17.01.1997 A
Chile 12.10.1950 R 24.04.1991 R 24.04.1991 24.04.1991 R
China 28.12.1956 R X 14.09.1983 A X 14.09.1983 A
Colombia 08.11.1961 R 01.09.1993 A 17.04.1996 14.08.1995 A
Comoros 21.11.1985 A 21.11.1985 A 21.11.1985 A
421
GENEVA CONVENTIONS PROTOCOL IPROTOCOL II
Congo 04.02.1967 S 10.11.1983 A 10.11.1983 A
Congo (Dem. Rep.) 24.02.1961 S 03.06.1982 A 12.12.2002 12.12.2002 A
Cook Islands 11.06.2001 S 07.05.2002 A 07.05.2002 07.05.2002 A
Costa Rica 15.10.1969 A 15.12.1983 A 02.12.1999 15.12.1983 A
Côte d'Ivoire 28.12.1961 S 20.09.1989 R 20.09.1989 R
Croatia 11.05.1992 S 11.05.1992 S 11.05.1992 11.05.1992 S
Cuba 15.04.1954 R 25.11.1982 A 23.12.1999 A
Cyprus 23.05.1962 A 01.06.1979 R 14.10.2002 18.03.1996 A
Czech Republic 05.02.1993 S X 05.02.1993 S 02.05.1995 05.02.1993 S
Denmark 27.06.1951 R 17.06.1982 R X 17.06.1982 17.06.1982 R
Djibouti 06.03.1978 S 08.04.1991 A 08.04.1991 A
Dominica 28.09.1981 S 25.04.1996 A 25.04.1996 A
Dominican Republic 22.01.1958 A 26.05.1994 A 26.05.1994 A
Ecuador 11.08.1954 R 10.04.1979 R 10.04.1979 R
Egypt 10.11.1952 R 09.10.1992 R X 09.10.1992 R X
El Salvador 17.06.1953 R 23.11.1978 R 23.11.1978 R
Equatorial Guinea 24.07.1986 A 24.07.1986 A 24.07.1986 A
Eritrea 14.08.2000 A
Estonia 18.01.1993 A 18.01.1993 A 18.01.1993 A
Ethiopia 02.10.1969 R 08.04.1994 A 08.04.1994 A
Fiji 09.08.1971 S
Finland 22.02.1955 R 07.08.1980 R X 07.08.1980 07.08.1980 R
France 28.06.1951 R 11.04.2001 A X 24.02.1984 A X
Gabon 26.02.1965 S 08.04.1980 A 08.04.1980 A
Gambia 20.10.1966 S 12.01.1989 A 12.01.1989 A
Georgia 14.09.1993 A 14.09.1993 A 14.09.1993 A

Germany 03.09.1954 A X 14.02.1991 R X 14.02.1991 14.02.1991 R X
Ghana 02.08.1958 A 28.02.1978 R 28.02.1978 R
Greece 05.06.1956 R 31.03.1989 R 04.02.1998 15.02.1993 A
Grenada 13.04.1981 S 23.09.1998 A 23.09.1998 A
Guatemala 14.05.1952 R 19.10.1987 R 19.10.1987 R
Guinea 11.07.1984 A 11.07.1984 A 20.12.1993 11.07.1984 A
Guinea-Bissau 21.02.1974 A X 21.10.1986 A 21.10.1986 A
Guyana 22.07.1968 S 18.01.1988 A 18.01.1988 A
Haiti 11.04.1957 A
Holy See 22.02.1951 R 21.11.1985 R X 21.11.1985 R X
Honduras 31.12.1965 A 16.02.1995 R 16.02.1995 R
Hungary 03.08.1954 R X 12.04.1989 R 23.09.1991 12.04.1989 R
Iceland 10.08.1965 A 10.04.1987 R X 10.04.1987 10.04.1987 R
422
India 09.11.1950 R
Indonesia 30.09.1958 A
Iran (Islamic Rep.of) 20.02.1957 R X
Iraq 14.02.1956 A
Ireland 27.09.1962 R 19.05.1999 R X 19.05.1999 19.05.1999 R X
Israel 06.07.1951 R X
Italy 17.12.1951 R 27.02.1986 R X 27.02.1986 27.02.1986 R
Jamaica 20.07.1964 S 29.07.1986 A 29.07.1986 A
Japan 21.04.1953 A
Jordan 29.05.1951 A 01.05.1979 R 01.05.1979 R
Kazakhstan 05.05.1992 S 05.05.1992 S 05.05.1992 S
Kenya 20.09.1966 A 23.02.1999 A 23.02.1999 A
Kiribati 05.01.1989 S
Korea (Dem. People's Rep.) 27.08.1957 A X 09.03.1988 A
Korea (Republic of) 16.08.1966 A X 15.01.1982 R X 15.01.1982 R
Kuwait 02.09.1967 A X 17.01.1985 A 17.01.1985 A
Kyrgyzstan 18.09.1992 S 18.09.1992 S 18.09.1992 S
Lao People's Dem. Rep. 29.10.1956 A 18.11.1980 R 30.01.1998 18.11.1980 R
Latvia 24.12.1991 A 24.12.1991 A 24.12.1991 A
Lebanon 10.04.1951 R 23.07.1997 A 23.07.1997 A
Lesotho 20.05.1968 S 20.05.1994 A 20.05.1994 A
Liberia 29.03.1954 A 30.06.1988 A 30.06.1988 A
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 22.05.1956 A 07.06.1978 A 07.06.1978 A
Liechtenstein 21.09.1950 R 10.08.1989 R X 10.08.1989 10.08.1989 R X
Lithuania 03.10.1996 A 13.07.2000 A 13.07.2000 13.07.2000 A

Luxembourg 01.07.1953 R 29.08.1989 R 12.05.1993 29.08.1989 R
Macedonia 01.09.1993 S X 01.09.1993 S X 01.09.1993 01.09.1993 S
Madagascar 18.07.1963 S 08.05.1992 R 27.07.1993 08.05.1992 R
Malawi 05.01.1968 A 07.10.1991 A 07.10.1991 A
Malaysia 24.08.1962 A
Maldives 18.06.1991 A 03.09.1991 A 03.09.1991 A
Mali 24.05.1965 A 08.02.1989 A 08.02.1989 A
Malta 22.08.1968 S 17.04.1989 A X 17.04.1989 17.04.1989 A X
Mauritania 30.10.1962 S 14.03.1980 A 14.03.1980 A
Mauritius 18.08.1970 S 22.03.1982 A 22.03.1982 A
Mexico 29.10.1952 R 10.03.1983 A
Micronesia 19.09.1995 A 19.09.1995 A 19.09.1995 A
Moldova (Republic of) 24.05.1993 A 24.05.1993 A 24.05.1993 A
Monaco 05.07.1950 R 07.01.2000 A 07.01.2000 A
423
Mongolia 20.12.1958 A 06.12.1995 R X 06.12.1995 06.12.1995 R
Morocco 26.07.1956 A
Mozambique 14.03.1983 A 14.03.1983 A 12.11.2002 A
Myanmar 25.08.1992 A
Namibia 22.08.1991 S 17.06.1994 A 21.07.1994 17.06.1994 A
Nepal 07.02.1964 A
Netherlands 03.08.1954 R 26.06.1987 R X 26.06.1987 26.06.1987 R
New Zealand 02.05.1959 R X 08.02.1988 R X 08.02.1988 08.02.1988 R
Nicaragua 17.12.1953 R
Niger 21.04.1964 S 08.06.1979 R 08.06.1979 R
Nigeria 20.06.1961 S 10.10.1988 A 10.10.1988 A
Norway 03.08.1951 R 14.12.1981 R 14.12.1981 14.12.1981 R
Oman 31.01.1974 A 29.03.1984 A X 29.03.1984 A X
Pakistan 12.06.1951 R X
Palau 25.06.1996 A 25.06.1996 A 25.06.1996 A
Panama 10.02.1956 A 18.09.1995 R 26.10.1999 18.09.1995 R
Papua New Guinea 26.05.1976 S
Paraguay 23.10.1961 R 30.11.1990 A 30.01.1998 30.11.1990 A
Peru 15.02.1956 R 14.07.1989 R 14.07.1989 R
Philippines 06.10.1952 R 11.12.1986 A
Poland 26.11.1954 R X 23.10.1991 R 02.10.1992 23.10.1991 R
Portugal 14.03.1961 R X 27.05.1992 R 01.07.1994 27.05.1992 R
Qatar 15.10.1975 A 05.04.1988 A X 24.09.1991
Romania 01.06.1954 R 21.06.1990 R 31.05.1995 21.06.1990 R
Russian Federation 10.05.1954 R X 29.09.1989 R X 29.09.1989 29.09.1989 R X
Rwanda 05.05.1964 S 19.11.1984 A 08.07.1993 19.11.1984 A

Saint Kitts and Nevis 14.02.1986 S 14.02.1986 A 14.02.1986 A
Saint Lucia 18.09.1981 S 07.10.1982 A 07.10.1982 A
Saint Vincent Grenadines 01.04.1981 A 08.04.1983 A 08.04.1983 A
Samoa 23.08.1984 S 23.08.1984 A 23.08.1984 A
San Marino 29.08.1953 A 05.04.1994 R 05.04.1994 R
São Tomé and Principe 21.05.1976 A 05.07.1996 A 05.07.1996 A
Saudi Arabia 18.05.1963 A 21.08.1987 A X 28.11.2001 A
Senegal 18.05.1963 S 07.05.1985 R 07.05.1985 R
Seychelles 08.11.1984 A 08.11.1984 A 22.05.1992 08.11.1984 A
Sierra Leone 10.06.1965 S 21.10.1986 A 21.10.1986 A
Singapore 27.04.1973 A
Slovakia 02.04.1993 S X 02.04.1993 S 13.03.1995 02.04.1993 S
Slovenia 26.03.1992 S 26.03.1992 S 26.03.1992 26.03.1992 S
424
GENEVA CONVENTIONS PROTOCOL I PROTOCOL II
Solomon Islands 06.07.1981 S 19.09.1988 A 19.09.1988 A
Somalia 12.07.1962 A
South Africa 31.03.1952 A 21.11.1995 A 21.11.1995 A
Spain 04.08.1952 R 21.04.1989 R X 21.04.1989 21.04.1989 R
Sri Lanka 28.02.1959 R
Sudan 23.09.1957 A
Suriname 13.10.1976 S X 16.12.1985 A 16.12.1985 A
Swaziland 28.06.1973 A 02.11.1995 A 02.11.1995 A
Sweden 28.12.1953 R 31.08.1979 R X 31.08.1979 31.08.1979 R
Switzerland 31.03.1950 R 17.02.1982 R X 17.02.1982 17.02.1982 R
Syrian Arab Republic 02.11.1953 R 14.11.1983 A X
Tajikistan 13.01.1993 S 13.01.1993 S 10.09.1997 13.01.1993 S
Tanzania (United Rep.of) 12.12.1962 S 15.02.1983 A 15.02.1983 A
Thailand 29.12.1954 A
Togo 06.01.1962 S 21.06.1984 R 21.11.1991 21.06.1984 R
Tonga 13.04.1978 S
Trinidad and Tobago 24.09.1963 A 20.07.2001 A 20.07.2001 20.07.2001 A
Tunisia 04.05.1957 A 09.08.1979 R 09.08.1979 R
Turkey 10.02.1954 R
Turkmenistan 10.04.1992 S 10.04.1992 S 10.04.1992 S
Tuvalu 19.02.1981 S
Uganda 18.05.1964 A 13.03.1991 A 13.03.1991 A
Ukraine 03.08.1954 R X 25.01.1990 R 25.01.1990 25.01.1990 R
United Arab Emirates 10.05.1972 A 09.03.1983 A X 06.03.1992 09.03.1983 A X
United Kingdom 23.09.1957 R X 28.01.1998 R X 17.05.1999 28.01.1998 R

United States of America 02.08.1955 R X
Uruguay 05.03.1969 R X 13.12.1985 A 17.07.1990 13.12.1985 A
Uzbekistan 08.10.1993 A 08.10.1993 A 08.10.1993 A
Vanuatu 27.10.1982 A 28.02.1985 A 28.02.1985 A
Venezuela 13.02.1956 R 23.07.1998 A 23.07.1998 A
Viet Nam 28.06.1957 A X 19.10.1981 R
Yemen 16.07.1970 A X 17.04.1990 R 17.04.1990 R
Yugoslavia 16.10.2001 S 16.10.2001 S 16.10.2001 16.10.2001 S
Zambia 19.10.1966 A 04.05.1995 A 04.05.1995 A
Zimbabwe 07.03.1983 A 19.10.1992 A 19.10.1992 A
425
STATES PARTY TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS AND THEIR ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
Notes Philippines. The First Geneva Convention
Djibouti. Djibouti's declaration of succes- was ratified on 07.03.1951.
sion in respect of the First Convention was Republic of Korea. The Geneva Conven-
dated 26.01.78. tions entered into force on 23.09.66, the
France. On accession to Protocol II, Republic of Korea having invoked
France made a communication concern- Art.62/61/141/157 common respectively
ing Protocol I. to the First, Second, Third and Fourth Con-
ventions (immediate effect).
Ghana. Entry into force of Protocols I and
II on 07.12.78. Sri Lanka. Accession to the Fourth Geneva
Convention on 23.02.59 (Ceylon had
Namibia. An instrument of accession to signed only the First, Second and Third
the Geneva Conventions and their Addi- Conventions).
tional Protocols was deposited by the
United Nations Council for Namibia on Switzerland. Entry into force of the Geneva
18.10.83. In an instrument deposited on Conventions on 21.10.50.
22.08.91, Namibia declared its succes- Trinidad and Tobago. Accession to the
sion to the Geneva Conventions, which First Geneva Convention on 17.05.63.
were previously applicable pursuant to
South Africa's accession on 31.03.52.
Palestine. On 21 June 1989, the Swiss
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
received a letter from the Permanent
Observer of Palestine to the United Nations
Office at Geneva informing the Swiss Fed-
eral Council "that the Executive Committee
of the Palestine Liberation Organization,
entrusted with the functions of the Govern-
ment of the State of Palestine by decision
of the Palestine National Council, decided,
on 4 May 1989, to adhere to the Four
Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949
and the two Protocols additional thereto".
On 13 September 1989, the Swiss Federal
Council informed the States that it was not

in a position to decide whether the letter
constituted an instrument of accession,
"due to the uncertainty within the interna-
tional community as to the existence or
non-existence of a State of Palestine".
426
GLOSSARY
A H
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome HIV human immunodeficiency virus
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
AU African Union I
ICC International Criminal Court
C ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
CIS Commonwealth of Independent States IDPs internally displaced people
CCW United Nations Convention on Certain International Federation International Federation of Red Cross
Conventional Weapons and Red Crescent Societies
IHL international humanitarian law
D ILO International Labour Organization
DFID Department for International IMF International Monetary Fund
Development (UK)
IOM International Organization for Migration
DOTS Directly Observed Treatment, Short
IRC International Rescue Committee
Course
IRIN United Nations Integrated Regional
DPKO United Nations Department of
Information Network
Peacekeeping Operations
M
E
Movement International Red Cross and Red
ECHO European Commission Humanitarian Aid
Crescent Movement
Office
MSF Médecins Sans Frontières
EU European Union
EHL "Exploring Humanitarian Law" (ICRC

educational programme) N
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
F NCO non-commissioned officer
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization NGO non-governmental organization
Fundamental Principles Fundamental Principles of the
International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement
G
GCC Gulf Cooperation Council
GDP gross domestic product
427
GLOSSARY
O S
OAS Organization of American States San Remo The International Institute of
Humanitarian Law, in San Remo, Italy,
OAU Organization of African Unity, now
is an NGO set up in 1970 to spread
known as the African Union (AU)
knowledge and promote the
OCHA United Nations Office for the development of IHL. The institute
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs specializes in organizing courses on IHL
for military personnel from around the
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation
world.
and Development
Seville Agreement The Seville Agreement of 1997 provides
OIC Organization of the Islamic Conference
a framework for effective cooperation
OSCE Organization for Security and and partnership between the members of
Co-operation in Europe the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement.
OPEC Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries SCF Save the Children Fund
Ottawa Convention Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,
Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of
U
Anti-personnel Mines and on their
UEFA Union of European Football Associations
Destruction, 18 September 1997 (also
known as the 1997 Ottawa Convention UN United Nations
on the Prohibition of Anti-personnel
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
Mines)
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific
P
and Cultural Organization
POWs prisoners of war
UNFPA UN Fund for Population Activities
UNHCHR Office of the United Nations High
R Commissioner for Human Rights
RCMs Red Cross messages are brief, personal UNHCR Office of the United Nations High
messages exchanged between family Commissioner for Refugees
members separated by conflict. They are

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
forwarded via the International Red
Cross/Red Crescent network. UXO unexploded ordnance
W
WFP World Food Programme
WHO World Health Organization
428
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Annual

Moreover, the length of the text devoted to a given country

The maps in this report are for illustrative purposes only

All figures in this report are in Swiss francs (Sfr).

It directs and coordinates the international relief activities

It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting

Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

tims of armed conflict.

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

Resources Division; and

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

monitored continuously in the future and

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

International Red Cross and Red Crescent

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

A close link was maintained with the

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

representatives of 22 European States; the tims of violence. The ICRC's president

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

Missing", the ICRC organized a military

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

AND FINANCES development. A considerable demand

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

been arrested in various places through- recover their economic independence.

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

520,982 Red Cross messages were

457,742 Red Cross messages were

1,635 people whose families had filed

2,320 people were reunited with their

5,704 people were issued with travel

Note : Some figures have been rounded up or down.

1,598 wheelchairs and 17,052 pairs of 24 first-aid posts were supported in 6

The ICRC supported 267 primary health-

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

of which: Overheads 15,124,324

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

The ICRC has been present in Angola

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

Supporting Huambo hospital AUTHORITIES

den also participated. Following this meet-

The ICRC has been permanently present

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

The ICRC opened a delegation in the

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2002

Amputees and limb-fitting makers in particular did not have sufficient