U.S. Statement by John B. Bellinger Head of Delegation to the
30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Geneva,
November 27, 2007

Good morning.  I would like to thank the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Standing Commission for their considerable efforts preparing for this conference.  I wish to thank Dr. Mohamed Al-Hadid and the rest of the Standing Commission for their hard work organizing the Conference.  I would also like to thank ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger, Federation President Juan Manuel Suarez Del Toro Riviero, Federation Secretary-General Markku Niskala, and the ICRC and Federation staff that have coordinated preparations for this ambitious conference.

I would like to begin by remembering the leadership of Dr. al Hadid, and the rest of the Standing Commission at the 29th International Conference last year, leading to the admission of the Magen David Adom and Palestine Red Crescent Society to the Movement.  We understand the importance the international community places on full implementation of the MDA-PRCS MOU, and we will continue to encourage all sides to implement fully the commitments made at the 29th International Conference.  For its part, the United States ratified the Third Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions earlier this year, and calls upon those states who have yet to become parties to this treaty to consider doing so.
           
As for this year’s conference, the theme, “Together for Humanity,” is one that the United States is pleased to support.  We take great pride in the American Red Cross, and its more than 125 years of experience serving those who are most in need of assistance.  The U.S. Government’s cooperation with the American Red Cross is based upon our respect for this organization and its obligation to operate according to the fundamental principles of the Movement.  I am pleased to report that in 2007, the United States enacted legislation that increased the independence of the American Red Cross – a move fully supported by the United States government.

We continue to be impressed by the work of tireless Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers as they respond to the crisis of the day.  Most recently in the United States, wildfires in Southern California demonstrated the dedication and compassion of American Red Cross volunteers while they provided shelter, food, and water to those who had nowhere else to turn.  And on behalf of my government and the American people, I again want to thank the numerous national societies and governments who contributed generously to help the people of New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.  Katrina – just like the cyclone that recently hit Bangladesh – reminded us that natural disasters can afflict all countries, developed as well as less developed.  The United States will never forget the help provided by the international community in our own time of need. 

We applaud the Movement as it seeks to ensure that it is able to continue this important work in the 21st century.  We particularly support the work of the Federation in preparing National Societies to respond to a possible influenza pandemic.  National Societies are the organizations best-placed to respond to this kind of health crisis – with their one million volunteers, working virtually in every region and every village of the globe, to meet the public health needs of the vulnerable.  I am proud to report that the United States Agency for International Development recently announced a $30 million dollar pledge to the Federation over three years to help prepare more than 20 countries to provide humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the event of pandemic influenza.
           
We are also pleased that today presents another opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to international law.  As we all know, the years since the tragic attacks of September 11th, 2001 have highlighted the challenges the international legal system faces in combating international terrorism.  The U.S. Government has been engaged in an active dialogue with the international community regarding these challenges.  The ICRC has been an important voice in defending the integrity of international humanitarian law while combating terrorism, and we look forward to continuing our work together in this area.  
           
In this regard, the United States appreciates the tremendous effort of the ICRC in assembling and analyzing a substantial amount of material to produce their IHL Customary International Law study.   However, my government and a number of other governments remain concerned by the methodology used to arrive at the conclusion that a rule is custom.  We have set forth our concerns in a letter dated November 3, 2006, which is printed in the June 2007 issue of the International Review of the Red Cross.

Similarly, while the U.S. shares with the ICRC concern with the humanitarian impact of explosive remnants of war (ERW), including cluster munitions, we are concerned that in addressing the threat posed by clusters, States do not lose sight of the broader threat from all ERW.  At the same time, the U.S. has worked to reduce the humanitarian impact of any clusters we may use.  This has included retrofitting older munitions with guidance systems, establishing a new munitions reliability policy to guide future systems procurements, and improving information sharing and humanitarian response capabilities.  We are also at the forefront of efforts to deal with the humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions within the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and hope that other States and the ICRC will support these efforts.

In closing, the United States Government is pleased to participate in the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, because of our strong commitment to humanitarian values and international law.  The American people provide substantial support to humanitarian needs around the world.  In particular, the United States Government’s contributions to the International Committee of the Red Cross are aimed at assisting those who lack access to basic necessities.  We will remain a strong supporter and partner of the life-sustaining work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Thank you.