GENEVA, DECEMBER 11TH- “We are strongly committed to the protection of children as they are the future. More effort must come from the international community, in synergy with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and all relevant actors in the protection of the life of the innocent civil society and the most vulnerable in conflict zones”, the Italian Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Geneva, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, said to the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
“On the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, modern challenges impose us to strengthen our support and engagement to respect and promote International Humanitarian Law fundamental principles, in order to protect the innocent human beings in armed conflicts”, said Cornado calling upon a collective action with adequate instruments to confront prolonged crises, conflicts in urban contexts, new technological instruments of war and climate emergencies.
Ambassador Cornado expressed Italy’s support for the six resolutions on the table at the Conference, attended by over 2000 delegates from across the globe. The Italian delegation was composed of members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, including the Vice Director of the Agency for Cooperation (AICS) Leonardo Carmenati.
On the occasion of the conference, Italy presented a pledge, open to the adhesion of other Countries, on the protection of children in armed conflicts. “Every single adhesion represents, we feel, a concrete step in the right direction, which is to take into account their existence, to protect them from the ill effects and traumas caused by conflicts”, said Cornado.
The pledge focuses on preventing violence against children, through initiatives aimed at ensuring continuity in education and humanitarian access in conflict zones, alongside the establishment of campaigns against child recruitment.
Italy also contributed to the organization of an event dedicated to the protection of people with disabilities in conflict. Cornado met the Italian delegation at the Conference and its president President Francesco Rocca, who is also president of the International Federation of the Red Cross. The cordial and constructive meeting was the opportunity to express Italy;s support to the IFRC in facing complex emergencies worldwide, and in upholding respect for international humanitarian law.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference, with meets every four years, is the most prominent forum for global discussion on International Humanitarian Law which meets every four years. This year’s event is offering the opportunity to reflect on the new and complex challenges emerging from armed conflicts, like the proliferation of state unrelated military groups and the difficulty of guaranteeing safety for humanitarian workers. (SB@OnuItalia)
