December 3, 2003

Statement by
Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker
Head of the U.S. Delegation

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 for their considerable efforts preparing for this conference.

I am particularly proud to head the United States Government delegation today because I have long been an admirer of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. But the work of the Movement extends in many directions: from ICRC's negotiations across battle lines to provide humanitarian assistance to civilian populations, to the Federation's efforts in partnership with national societies to prevent the spread of measles.

Like my fellow delegates, I have been an alarmed observer of recent incidents of blatant disrespect for the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including the intentional targeting of humanitarian workers and civilian populations. At this unique time in history, we all face the same serious challenge of devising strategies to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians in the fight against terrorism, while remaining true to our other core values. This year's Conference theme, "Protecting Human Dignity," is a succinct way to sum up those values. That is not as easy as it sounds, but if we remain truly focused on the goal of protecting human dignity, in all its facets, we will surely find ways to balance the diverging challenges of today's world.

The recent attacks in Baghdad on the offices of the ICRC and the UN were especially painful and tragic reminders of the threats humanitarian workers face on a regular basis. As President Bush has said, "Those who target relief workers for death have set themselves against all humanity." It will take a united effort of governments, international, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that those providing humanitarian assistance are not themselves placed at undue risk.

The United States Government shares the concerns of the other delegations for the plight of those living with HIV/AIDS. In January of this year, President Bush announced the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a five-year, $15 billion initiative to turn the tide in combating the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Specifically, the initiative is intended to prevent 7 million new infections, to treat 2 million HIV-infected people, and to care for 10 million HIV-infected individuals and AIDS orphans.

Only by working together on prevention, treatment and securing safe blood supplies can we make progress on addressing this severe and urgent health crisis. The Conference's focus on the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV/AIDS is key to protecting human dignity, at the same time that we treat the disease.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement offers us perhaps the best statement of the common values that underpin all humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. We call on Conference participants to ensure that the Movement remains true to its principles and continues its vigorous work towards making the Emblem an absolutely universal symbol of protection by adopting a third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions. Only then will the Movement be truly universal.

One of the greatest strengths of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement is its universality. The Movement is working everywhere that people are needy - not just in the countries currently grabbing the world's attention. The United States is proud to support the International Committee of the Red Cross consistently in every country where it operates. We rely on the Movement to help those who are still suffering as a result of "forgotten conflicts," long after they are gone from the headlines.

We applaud the Movement's focus on the needs of families whose members are missing as a result of international or internal conflict. Many years after the fighting has ended, many families still do not know the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones. The plight of these families too has been forgotten. The United States acknowledges the compelling need of family members to learn the fate of their missing loved ones. Therefore, we vigorously support the registration of vulnerable populations and family reunification efforts.

The United States Government strongly supports the Conference goal of minimizing the impact of natural disasters by improving disaster preparedness, prevention and response. We have demonstrated our dedication to improving disaster prevention and response worldwide not only by committing significant financial resources, but also by committing our people on the ground. In particular, we are working to enhance early warning systems and to build local and global response capabilities. We look forward to continued partnership with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to achieve these common goals.

Finally, I would like to pay personal tribute to the people who make up the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the staff as well as the some 100 million volunteers working in more than 180 countries around the world. Their dedication to serving others, often at great personal risk, deserves our highest praise and deepest respect.

Since 1863, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement has offered hope, care, and trust to those caught in the tragedies wrought by man and nature. It is a legacy to be held high for those generations that will follow us.

Thank you very much.