INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS

Abstract

This article explains the rationale of study on International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as an organization in the form of an internal research. The methodology followed a standard descriptive or analytical research format unfolding the objective and structure of the organization and analyzing some major findings on its operations and performance evaluation. It does not, however, purport to provide a critical analysis of these findings.

Introduction

An organizational research is a systematic process for obtaining valid information about the overview and performance of the organization and the factors that affect its role and performance. It differs from other types of researches because the process focuses on the organization as the primary unit of analysis.

Organizations are constantly trying to adapt, survive, perform and influence. However, they are not always in a position of self assessment. To better understand and self reflect their ability to perform, an internal research can help organizations obtain useful data on their performance, identify important factors that aid or impede their achievement of results, and situate themselves with respect to the need of the donors and position of the competitors. Such research are imperative not only to determine the contributions of these organizations to development results, but also to better grasp the capacities these organizations have in place to support the achievement of results.

Purpose

Methodology

Scope and Limitations

The research sought to measure, from quantitative data and qualitative information, the organizational framework, activities, performance, and effectiveness of ICRC in both attaining its mission and objectives, and addressing the needs of its target audiences. The self experience of the researcher in the same institution for last 8 years and her close interactions with probable potential respondents at all tiers of the organization, helped acquiring primary data for the research. For quantitative assessment, the formal assessments of different partners of the organization helped providing secondary yet credible information. As this evaluation demonstrates, the ICRC has increased and expanded both the reach of its activities throughout the world and the scope of its various programs and services. Given that, the time allotted for the evaluation mandate deemed still limited. It should also be noted that although this research touches on almost all of the ICRC’s structure wings and Activities (Mission mandate; organizational structure, Activities, Finance and Operations), each of these in itself could constitute the subject of an in-depth evaluation.

The Organization

Preview

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian institution based in Geneva, Switzerland and a three-time Nobel Prize Laureate. State parties (signatories) to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 (Protocol I, Protocol II) and 2005 have given the ICRC a mandate to protect victims of international and internal armed conflicts. Such victims include war wounded, prisoners, refugees, civilians, and other non-combatants. The ICRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and 189 National Societies. It is the oldest and most honored organization within the Movement and one of the most widely recognized organizations in the world, having won three Nobel Peace Prizes in 1917, 1944, and 1963.

The ICRC is based in Geneva, Switzerland and was founded on 24 th June, 1863. Originally it was a committee of five, which consisted of influential Geneva families called the Geneva society of Public welfare. They came together for a conference and made several proposals including; the foundation of national relief societies for wounded soldiers, Neutrality and protection for wounded soldiers, the utilization of volunteer forces for relief assistance on the battlefield and the organization.

Mandate and Mission

The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes – and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law.

The ICRC's Mandate

The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes – and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law.

The ICRC's Mission Statement

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 armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coordinates the international activities conducted by the Movement in armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

The core tasks of the Committee, which are derived from the Geneva Conventions and its own statutes, are:

to monitor compliance of warring parties with the Geneva Conventions to organize nursing and care for those who are wounded on the battlefield to supervise the treatment of prisoners of war and make confidential

interventions with detaining authorities to help with the search for missing persons in an armed conflict (tracing

service) to organize protection and care for civil populations to act as a neutral intermediary between warring parties

The ICRC’s Organizational Principles

The ICRC drew up seven fundamental principles in 1965 that were adopted by the entire Red Cross Movement. They are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, volunteerism, unity, and universality.

History of the ICRC

What was to become the International Committee of the Red Cross met for the first time in February 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland. Among its five members was a local man named Henry Dunant who, the year before, had published a crusading book (A Souvenir of Solferino) calling for improved care for wounded soldiers in wartime. Since its creation, the ICRC's sole objective has been to ensure protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and strife. It does so through its direct action around the world, as well as by encouraging the development of international humanitarian law (IHL) and promoting respect for it by governments and all weapon bearers. Its story is about the development of humanitarian action, the Geneva Conventions and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Organizational Structure

The ICRC is governed by an Assembly, an Assembly Council (a subsidiary body with certain delegated powers) and a Directorate (the executive body). Both the Assembly, with up to 25 co-opted members of Swiss nationality, and the Assembly Council are chaired by Peter Maurer, who has been President of the ICRC since 1 July 2012. He is assisted by a Vice-President, Christine Beerli. The Directorate, with five members, is chaired by the Director-General, Mr. Yves Daccord.

The following is a graphic overview of how the ICRC is structured at headquarters and relates to its delegations and missions in over 80 countries around the world.

Legal Basis and Status

ICRC operations are generally based on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, their two Additional Protocols of 1977 and Additional Protocol III of 2005, the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Treaties and Customary Law International Humanitarian Law is a set of rules that come into effect in armed conflicts. It aims to minimize the harms of an armed conflict by imposing obligations and duties to those who participate in armed conflicts. IHL mainly deals with two parts, the protection of persons who are not, or no longer taking part in fighting and restrictions on the means and methods of warfare such as weapons and tactics.

ICRC is the only institution explicitly named under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as a controlling authority. This is a private association that has enjoyed various degrees of special privileges and legal immunities within the territory of Switzerland for many years. A formal agreement between the Swiss government and the ICRC protects the full sanctity of all ICRC property in Switzerland including its headquarters and archive, grants members and staff legal immunity, exempts the ICRC from all taxes and fees, guarantees the protected and duty-free transfer of goods, services, and money, provides the ICRC with secure communication privileges at the same level as foreign embassies, and simplifies Committee travel in and out of Switzerland.

Contrary to popular belief, the ICRC is not a sovereign entity and also it is not an international organization, neither of non-governmental nor of governmental type. The ICRC limits its membership to Swiss nationals only, and also unlike most NGOs, it does not have a policy of open and unrestricted membership for individuals as its new members are selected by the Committee itself (a process called cooptation). However, since the early 1990s, the ICRC employs persons from all over the world to serve in its field mission and at Headquarters. In 2007, almost half of ICRC staff was non-Swiss. The ICRC has special privileges and legal immunities in many countries, based on national law in these countries, based on

agreements between the ICRC and the respective governments, or, in some cases, based on international jurisprudence (such as the right of ICRC delegates not to bear witness in front of international tribunals).

Finances and Funds

The ICRC is funded by voluntary contributions from the States party to the Geneva Conventions (governments); national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies; supranational organizations (such as the European Commission); and public and private sources. Each year the ICRC launches appeals to cover its projected costs in the field and at headquarters. It will launch additional appeals if needs in the field increase. The ICRC accounts for its work and expenditure in its Annual Report.

The ICRC administers a number of funds established over the past century by special donations from individuals or organizations. These have various aims: to help promote and develop the activities of the Red Cross/Red Crescent and international humanitarian law; to recognize the merits of individuals who have made particular contributions to its work; or to provide support to staff in difficulties because of their work in crises.

Operations and Activities

ICRC’s Operations and Activities

The ICRC responds quickly and efficiently to help people affected by armed conflict. We also respond to disasters in conflict zones, because the effects of a disaster are compounded if a country is already at war. Emergencies are unpredictable, so our rapid deployment capability is hugely important.

Addressing Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is prevalent in many modern conflicts. The ICRC is stepping up its efforts to prevent this crime and help the victims.

Building Respect for the Law

As part of our mission to protect and assist the victims of war and other violence, the ICRC seeks to ensure respect for their rights. This includes reminding authorities and others of their legal obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Cooperating With National Societies

The ICRC works closely with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Federation to ensure a concerted, efficient and rapid response to conflict or violence. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world.

Economic Security

The ICRC defines economic security as the ability of individuals, households or communities to cover their essential needs sustainably and with dignity. This can vary according to an individual's physical needs, the environment and prevailing cultural standards. Food, basic shelter, clothing and hygiene qualify as essential needs, as does the related expenditure; the essential assets needed to earn a living, and the costs associated with health care and education also qualify.

Forensic Science and Humanitarian Action

When people die during war, disaster or migration, their bodies must be handled respectfully and with dignity. The remains of individuals must be found, recovered and identified. Humanitarian work has come to include these tasks, and forensic science offers the necessary tools and expertise.

Health

The ICRC ensures that people affected by conflict can get basic health care that meets universally recognized standards. This may involve assisting existing health services or temporarily replacing them.

Health Care in Danger

Violence against patients and health-care workers is one of the most crucial yet overlooked humanitarian issues today. The Health Care in Danger project is a Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement initiative aiming to improve security and delivery of impartial and efficient health care in armed conflict and other emergencies.

Humanitarian Diplomacy

The ICRC uses contacts to promote IHL, explain its position on humanitarian issues, facilitate operations and raise awareness of the needs of people affected by conflict and violence. We fight for impartial, neutral and independent humanitarian action and against misuse of humanitarian activities.

Migrants

The ICRC, alongside National Societies, seeks to address the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable migrants and their families. Due to our global presence in countries of origin, transit and destination, we are in a position to help bridge existing protection and assistance gaps arising throughout the journey.

Mine Action

When a conflict ends, mines and ‘explosive remnants of war’ like unexploded bombs, shells and cluster-munitions bomblets continue to kill and maim. The curse has a name: weapon contamination. It deprives people of water, firewood, farmland, health care and education and it impedes relief work.

Protecting Civilians

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols prohibit all attacks on civilians and others not taking part in combat, and require that they be protected. Despite these provisions, it is civilians who suffer most when armed violence breaks out.

Restoring Family Links

Conflict and disaster separate families, leading to years of uncertainty about the fate of a relative. The ICRC and the National Societies locate people, exchange messages, reunite families and clarify the fate of missing persons.

Visiting Detainees

The Geneva Conventions mandate the ICRC to visit both prisoners of war and civilians interned during conflict. We also visit people detained in other situations of violence. Our visits aim to ensure humane treatment for detainees, and we work with authorities to prevent abuse and improve conditions.

Water and Habitat

Each year, armed conflict disrupts millions of lives. The ICRC provides water in conflict zones and creates or maintains a sustainable living environment. Ultimately, this work reduces death and suffering due to habitat damage or disruption to water supplies.

Working With the Corporate Sector

The private sector is playing an increasing role in international relations. Working with the private sector enables us to promote humanitarian principles with companies operating in war-prone areas and to help the victims of war through mutually beneficial partnerships based on ethical criteria.

Organization’s Assessment, Evaluation and findings

Assessment and Evaluation of ICRC

The ideal organization would be self-evaluating. It would continuously monitor its own activities so as to determine whether it was meeting its goals and objectives, keeping complying with its mission and mandate, or even whether the operations it conducts should continue to prevail, or need any adjustment. Keeping that core concern, this paper focused on a thorough assessment of ICRC’s performance basing on multilateral aid review and assessment of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)” conducted by UK and Australian government. The salient points have been keenly consulted in the process of research and projected which were found credible.

Overview of the Organization

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world, and is composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and 186 individual National Societies. ICRC has an exclusively humanitarian mission to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and others forms of violence and directs and coordinates the Movement’s international relief activities during armed conflicts.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent not-for-profit organization with an exclusively humanitarian mission. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Red Cross Movement in situations of conflict. ICRC is therefore different in nature from other multilaterals that DFID works with.

ICRC works in 4 main areas:

Protection: e.g. support to political prisoners, restoring family links interrupted by conflict;

Assistance: e.g. economic security, health services, water and habitat, physical rehabilitation of mine victims;

Prevention: Promotion of International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian principles, mine action

Cooperation with national societies: including capacity building, technical and financial assistance to support sustainable outcomes for vulnerable people.

Overview of the Organization Rating

Strategic Management and Performance

ICRC’s strategy is clear and aligned closely with its mandate. ICRC’s governing bodies function effectively in their role of informing and directing the organization on institutional strategy, policy, general objectives and decisions. ICRC has improved its approach to monitoring and performance reporting and its current reporting framework provides comprehensive, detailed information on inputs, outputs and outcomes over time. It is introducing measures to strengthen its results-based management and collect higher level indicators, which should enhance its ability to use performance information more systematically when making decisions.

Leadership is strong and management practices sound, meeting international standards for good human resource management principles. Staffs are supported through training and career development, have access to their personnel information and are supported with health and security services.

Delivering Results on Poverty and Sustainable Development In Line With Mandate

ICRC uses its unique position and mandate to effectively operate in situations of conflict. It is often the only humanitarian organization able to access vulnerable populations. ICRC contributes to the Millennium Development Goals indirectly through its programs of assistance to individuals and communities. It also manages health programs, which target vulnerable communities and individuals, particularly women and girls. ICRC implements results-based management through all its programs, although not in a standard way across all programs. Standard reporting already provides worldwide outcome indicators by program, but ICRC is strengthening its results-based monitoring and reporting by moving from a narrative reporting approach to one based more specifically on documented evidence of results. ICRC is introducing measures to collect higher level indicators, which should improve its capacity to report on organization-wide results. ICRC works effectively in many low income countries and among communities most affected by poverty and the consequences of conflict. It has developed a strong track record of effectively targeting people in need and delivering efficient operations in these contexts.

Alignment with Host Nation’s aid priorities and national interests

As an impartial, neutral and independent organization, ICRC’s humanitarian mission is of fundamental importance to any host nation. Its role in protecting lives and the dignity of people in conflict and crisis is closely aligned to nation’s concerns and priorities. ICRC’s work aligns strongly with the Nation’s aid program’s strategic goals of saving lives and humanitarian and disaster response.

ICRC has strong and effective policies and practice for crosscutting issues, most notably gender and disability. ICRC has used its neutrality, impartiality and independence to build a long, impressive track record of working effectively in conflict-affected and fragile states. It maintains a strong presence in many areas where government has effectively disappeared and where other humanitarian actors are unable to work. ICRC’s unparalleled access in some of the most fragile countries, together with its ability to deliver under difficult circumstances; makes it a trusted partner of many governments.

Contribution to the Wider Multilateral Development System

ICRC has the specific mandate of guardian of the Geneva Conventions. Through its analysis, research and advocacy work, ICRC plays a leading role in global dialogue and discussion on international humanitarian law. The ICRC-managed international humanitarian law database is easily available online and provides states and other stakeholders with a comprehensive source of information on international humanitarian law and principles. This is a significant contribution to the humanitarian agenda and the international legal framework. Regionally based legal advisors provide support to the development of relevant law through National international humanitarian law committees. At country-level, ICRC is effective in supporting the work of host national societies and movement members, strengthening the capacity of national societies and convening international assistance to address emergencies and conflicts and to understand emerging challenges. While independent of the United Nations (UN) system it collaborates well with UN agencies working in the cluster system.

Cost and Value Consciousness

ICRC’s governing bodies regularly scrutinize its operations and budget and provide feedback on efficiencies and cost savings. It has undertaken reviews of procurement and logistic procedures and introduced measures to reduce transaction costs and streamline operational management for field officers. Cost effectiveness factors do not feature explicitly in ICRC’s planning documentation and is not a prime factor in operational decision making. However, the ratio of operational costs to support costs in closely monitored by the Directorate and the need for appropriate levels of administrative costs is consistently included in dialogue between the Directorate and operations. ICRC works with national Red Cross/Red Crescent societies on project quality management and also has a good set of procurement principles that take into account cost and value considerations.

Partnership Behavior

ICRC has strong and effective relations with the International Federation of the Red Cross and national societies. Generally, it depends on its national societies to implement programs and provide assistance. ICRC therefore relies on the structure of its national societies to coordinate with the national government. Alignment with government systems and structures is not always possible or appropriate given ICRC’s mandate. Nevertheless, its approach to program

planning is consultative and carefully related to priorities and needs across ICRC partner countries. ICRC often works with communities or groups outside the ambit of formal government systems or those suffering because of national events. It has in place effective ways to gather feedback from partners and beneficiaries. In the arena of international humanitarian law, ICRC is very effective in collaborating with a diverse range of organizations and stakeholders.

Transparency and Accountability

ICRC publishes an extensive amount of information on its programs and analyses and reports on country situations on a range of issues relating to its mandate and concerns. Where legal arrangements allow, it provides donors with additional access to confidential or sensitive material, with suitable protections in place. ICRC’s budget allocation process is constrained by unpredictability and earmarking of funding, which inhibits its ability to plan its resources allocation closely in line with its outlined priorities and needs. As a Swiss-registered organization, ICRC must comply with high standards of financial and legal accountability. It maintains effective review and budget management systems to meet these standards. ICRC has a strong policy position against fraud, setting a zero tolerance. It routinely undertakes risk and compliance audits of its operations. ICRC has agreements in place with their national societies that provide appropriate assurance over use of funds.

Conclusion