The 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent #RCRC24 closed yesterday evening. Among its central themes were “War in cities” and “#Localization” and the emphasis was put on the role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, as local #humanitarian actors who are well positioned to adequately and efficiently respond to people’s needs.
Little was said however about local and regional governments (LRGs), who are also frontline responders to the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, violence, natural and technological disasters, climate change, mass migration flows, pandemics, etc.
Whilst LRGs are primary interlocutors on the ground for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in humanitarian action, the Movement remains today largely faithful to a Westphalian conception of the international order, thus engaging primarily with the central authorities of States.
By consequence, LRGs have only sparsely been associated to the Movement’s institutional processes: LRGs have no standing in the International Conference, their roles, responsibilities and commitments have also rarely been referenced in the resolutions, pledges and other outcomes of the Conference.
Yet, the need for a whole-of-government approach, which is inherent in the localization agenda, is making its way into Movement approaches. This is illustrated, inter alia, by the emerging usage in Movement narratives of language defining the roles and responsibilities of States or public authorities «at all levels». Two of the resolutions adopted yesteday on “Protecting people from the humanitarian impacts of extreme climate and weather events” and “Enabling local leadership, capacity and delivery in principled humanitarian action and strengthening resilience” do refer to “local authorities” or the “local level”.
But more needs to be done. While the GCH plans to continue its advocacy efforts for the Movement to more fully consider the role of LRGs, it recognizes that the scope and quality of the Movement’s interactions with LRGs remain undocumented, requiring deeper analysis. Research on the dialogue and collaboration established by the Movement with LRGs could highlight practical illustrations and best practices of collaboration. This could result in the potential development of policy guidelines for the Movement, as well as recommendations on how to ensure that the voice and perspectives of LRGs are further heard, positioned, and taken into account in the Movement’s humanitarian diplomacy agenda.
Therefore, the GCH encourages the Movement and in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC, to take forward the idea of a research project. The GCH stands ready to play a facilitation role in that regard, including by establishing contacts with LRGs.
Photo credit : Maria Victoria Langman
