Resolution 5 : The safety and security of humanitarian volunteers | Power of humanity: Red Cross Red Crescent

State

Name, position and email of the focal person3

Caroline Hancock-Ebner
Programme Officer
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
Domain Humanitarian Aid and SHA / Multilateral Humanitarian Affairs Division
caroline.hancock-ebner@eda.admin.ch

1. Did your Government take any action to improve the safety and security of humanitarian volunteers and minimize inherent risks?
Yes

measures to promote public understanding and acceptance of the role of humanitarian volunteers, regularly share challenges and good practices, Offering/Sharing expertise and resources

2. What measures have your public authorities undertaken to provide direct or indirect support for the insurance or equivalent “safety net” assistance for volunteers of National Societies and other actors deploying humanitarian volunteers within their territories?

•Switzerland has been supporting the Center of Competence in humanitarian negotiations (ICRC, UNHCR; WFP, MSF, HD) in Geneva since its founding in 2015. Negotiation capacities are an important factor regarding the security and safety of humanitarian workers, including volunteers. http://frontline-negotiations.org/about-the-centre-of-competence/
•Switzerland supports endeavours to disseminate IHL, especially to armed groups. This can contribute to the security of humanitarians / volunteers.
•Switzerland stresses the importance of full implementation of SC Res 2286. Often, volunteers are involved in medical activities. Therefore, engagements for the protection of the medical mission also protect volunteers.

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