IFRC meets in Africa to consider humanitarian strategies
18 November 2009
The world's
largest humanitarian network is to hold a meeting of its leaders in
Africa for the first time.
The 17th session of the General Assembly of the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will
convene today (18 November) to consider the next decade's
humanitarian challenges.
Gathering in the Kenyan city of Nairobi, the assembly will focus
on its 2020 strategy, using research of G20 priorities to consider
how it will concentrate its efforts.
According to a survey by the IFRC, world leaders consider
climate change, humanitarian access, poverty, armed conflicts and
disregard of international humanitarian law as vital issues that
must be tackled.
IFRC secretary general Bekele Geleta commented: "The findings of
this survey fully resonate with the essence of our mission which is
about saving lives, but is also about changing minds and
systematically bridging emergency response, recovery and
community-based development.
"Ultimately, our role is to help people help themselves."
Following the assembly meeting, the IFRC council of delegates
will meet to cement new policies on issues such as internal
displacement.
The IFRC's Our World Your Move campaign highlights major
humanitarian issues such as freedom, climate change and natural
disasters with a view to engaging supporters and donors.
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