№ 23 January — June 2009
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, BELARUS AND MOLDOVA
17 Instants Seminar ICRC Activities ICRC in the of the Martens for War Surgeons Worldwide northern Caucasus
RUSSIA: 10 YEARS AFTER
François Blancy, a graduate of Geneva University with a bachelor degree in poli tical science joined the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1994. The contexts he worked in were always challenging — Bosnia during the
conflict, Rwanda, Russia (northern © ICRC/Y.Shafarenko Caucasus) before and at the beginning of the second conflict in Chechnya. He worked as well in former Yugoslavia (Belgrade), Jordan, Kenya, Niger. Now his second mission in Russia — as the Deputy Head of Moscow Delegation is coming to an end. We are using this opportunity to ask him a couple of questions on the cur rent situation the ICRC is facing in Russia.
As we see this is not your first mission in the RF. What are the main changes you could observe in Russia during the last decade? Francs ois Blancy Despite the ongoing difficulties linked to the current financial crisis I note that One of the main priorities for the ICRC families through this painful path. I over the past ten years the country has is still the issue of persons missing in here think in particular of the local developed a lot, especially in terms of relation to the situation in the branches of Russian Red Cross, the the living standards of the population. Northern Caucasus. Many of those foundation «Peace Mission of General Another major change is the level of missing persons whose fate should be Lebed» — their input is vital since security that has definitely improved. clarified by the authorities disap these organizations will be here to When I worked in the northern peared when I worked in the northern accompany the families on the long Caucasus 10 years ago, there were a Caucasus in 1999 2000. At that time, run. lot of constraints: restricted move due to security constraints it was The ICRC has also been consolidating ments and access, heavy security unfortunately difficult to contribute to a more transversal approach in its pro rules, a constant risk of kidnapping. preventing the occurrence of disap grams, aiming at assisting various vul We even had to deal with one case in pearances. nerable groups of population. 1999, fortunately our colleague was The ICRC is pursuing a dialogue on this A good illustration of it are micro released unhurt. Today the situation is sensitive issue with the authorities at economic initiatives which are pro much better and as a result we are all levels. It is very important that the posed to families of the missing or much more in a position to reach local community starts feeling that of persons detained in relation with those whom we intend to assist. they have to care for the families of the the situation in the northern missing. Today, we welcome and sup Caucasus and vulnerable house It should be natural that while the gene port the increasing involvement of a holds living in mine affected areas ral situation improved certain changes in number of local or national organisa in Chechnya. the ICRC activities in the context took tions in the efforts to clarify the fate of place. What were the recent ones? missing persons and support their Continued on page 2 ICRC IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
consider this as a proof that the RUSSIA: 10 YEARS AFTER ICRC in very positively perceived in Russia? Continued from page 1 sent in South Ossetia bears a particular responsibility to help those affected The year of 2008 was a particular one I would also like to mention that the by the events of August 2008. Since for the ICRC in Russia with the ICRC quality of the dialogue with the the ICRC is accessing South Ossetia President visiting the country three© ICRC/Timur Ibakov Russian authorities both at the federal from the North, it implies that a certain times, where he had a meeting with and republican level and the way the support — logistical, administrative is Prime Minister Putin and met with a ICRC is perceived by the authorities provided from Russia. number of other Russian ministries. has improved a lot and we feel that Besides due to the restructuring of The dialogue held on such a level was some mutual trust and understanding our organization in the region, the indeed for the ICRC an acknowledge has been built over the years. ICRC activities in Belarus and ment of an increasing understanding Moldova which were before per and support of its role by the Russian Apart from the northern Caucasus what formed from the ICRC delegation in higher authorities. are the priorities for the ICRC Moscow the Ukraine are since 2009 covered delegation? by the ICRC regional delegation in What are your general impressions Moscow. In these two countries the of your mission and plans for the The ICRC in Russia is working to further ICRC is conducting some programs future? develop and reinforce its dialogue aimed at the promotion and the inte with the Russian higher authorities on gration of IHL treaties in national legis I slightly regret that my mission in global and regional issues of common lation as well as at teaching and pro Russia was rather short (1.5 year). interests, including with regards to the moting IHL amongst the armed and However, I am moving to Central Asia promotion of IHL. This is for our security forces, universities, secondary which is a historically and culturally organisation very significant taking schools and civil society. The ICRC extremely rich region, and I'm looking into consideration the role of the also supports some programs of the forward to discovering it and working Russian Federation in today's world National Red Cross Societies. with its people. Hopefully, remaining affairs. based in the broader region will give In November 2008 the conference me the opportunity to meet my Also the ICRC being the only interna organized by the ICRC was visited colleagues and friends from Russia tional humanitarian organization pre by the RF Prime Minister. Do you again.
HIGH-LEVEL MEETING
On May 7, 2009, the representatives Francsois Bellon, the Head of of the International Committee of the the ICRC Regional Delegation Red Cross (ICRC) met the President of in the Russian Federation, Ingushetia in Magas, the capital of the briefed President Yevkurov on Republic. the major ICRC activities in Welcoming the guests President Russia, the northern Caucasus Yevkurov expressed his gratitude to and in particular, in Ingushetia. the international organization for its «Ingushetia hosted multiple long lasting assistance extended to assistance programmes tar the residents of the republic and IDPs. geted at the displaced persons He emphasized that the ICRC, being from North Ossetia and one of more than thirty international Chechnya,» said Mr Bellon. He At the Residence of the President of organizations maintaining their made a particular accent on Ingushetia presence in Ingushetia, is viewed by the organization's activities the republican authorities as the major related to the missing persons. followed including involvement of the and prevailing humanitarian actor. «The Russian law enforcement authori local Russian Red Cross branch. «Your organization stands out because ties recognize that the ICRC is an expert This was the ICRC's first meeting with the you understand that there are victims on this issue and we, in our turn, inform new Ingush President since his appoint from both sides and you do not make them on our activities in this field. ment at the end of October 2008. Indeed, any distinction between them,» Regarding the proposal of the Head of the words of praise coming from the stressed the President. «It is necessary Delegation on more active coope President confirmed the solid reputation to advocate not only those against ration President Yevkurov recom the ICRC had established in the Republic of whom special measures are taken but, mended that, for more effective interac Ingushetia ever since it opened its Nazran as well, those affected by their acts». tion, a plan of action be prepared and office in December 1994.
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17 INSTANTS OF THE MARTENS
April snow has long since ceased to from various CIS states; later on only Moscow State Law Academy, State be a rare sight in Moscow. In recent teams from the universities of the RF Universities of Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, years real spring has not been forth participated in the competition. Kazan, Vladivostok. Under such coming until May. That is why I was so However, this year the organizers of the agreements, the universities under happy to get an invitation to a myste competition decided to resurrect the take to continue teaching IHL as a rious 'flower state' that temporarily international competition tradition and separate course as well as to promote sprang up in the Yakhonty holiday thus, 66 students from eight CIS states: research in IHL . resort located near Moscow — Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, although it must be said straight away Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, The final of the 12th Martens that the gem of the resort — a pictu Uzbekistan and Ukraine, took part in the Competition saw the team of the resque lake — was ice fettered. As for 12th Martens Moot Court Competition, Moscow State Institute of International Tulipland and Herberia, things were while the Russian Federation was repre Relations (University) of the Ministry of ever worse there — an armed conflict sented by 13 teams from the country's Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation broke out between the states. leading universities. «I am very happy (MGIMO), competing with the team of Fortunately, just an imaginary one… that this year the organizers decided to the Institute of International Relations of bring back international status to the T. Shevchenko Kiev National University. This is the shape the annual moot Martens Competition,» says Andrey The International Fact Finding court student competition in interna Kozik, a member of the jury, the first Commission (the role played by the tional humanitarian law (IHL) named vice rector of the International Institute jury) found the comments on IHL viola after F.F. Martens, a great Russian of Labour and Social Relations, the tions put forward by official representa lawyer, traditionally takes. It is orga Republic of Belarus. «In my opinion, this tives of Tulipland more convincing, and nized by the International Committee is exactly the case when returning to old so the team from Ukraine took the of the Red Cross (ICRC) with the traditions is a great success. The level of main prize. The MGIMO team came in support of the Russian Association the teams' preparation, and as a result, second, and Grigory Vaypan from the of International Law (RAIL). The format the level of the final round which is Moscow State University team won the of a role play involving both contes always very telling, is significantly higher best speaker award. tants and the jury consisting of leading this year. professionals from the RAIL, experts The competition helped the partici from various states, legal advisors from Such a format for testing knowledge pants, jury members and organizers to the ICRC, gives future lawyers an of IHL is undoubtedly of interest to gain priceless experience and new opportunity to test their knowledge of students, however it constitutes just knowledge. Moreover, it featured law, ability to apply it in practice as well one of the elements of fruitful coope evenings spent socializing, an outdoor as public speaking and even drama ration of the ICRC with law faculties of party with a campfire, the song skills. universities. The ICRC concludes 'Seventeen Instants of Martens' com cooperation agreements with Russia's posed especially for the jury and new Initially such competitions that have leading universities with a view to fos friends. This is a week that none of the been taking place in Russia since 1997 tering students' interest in studying participants of this competition will were of international nature bringing this branch of law. To date such agree ever forget. together students from law universities ments have been signed with the Eugenia Dolgikh
© ICRC © ICRC/Eugenia Dolgikh
Winners of the competition — the team of the Kyiv Participants of the competition International Relations Institute
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FRUITFUL COOPERATION IS MORE THAN WORDS
Cooperation with the security forces is one of the most important aspects of the activities carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Nalchik Affiliate of the Krasnodar Institute of the Ministry of the Interior has become a reliable partner of the ICRC in this field. The © ICRC/Timur Ibakov Affiliate headed by colonel Zaurbi Lyulevich Shkhagapsoyev is an impor tant structure in the system of educa tion of the staff of the Ministry of the Interior. The number of research to practice conferences hosted by the Affiliate may be the object of envy of any metropolitan university. The sheer number of guests attracted by the events held as well as their academic degrees would do credit to academic circles of large international confe Head of the Nalchik Affiliate holds the welcome speech rences. All the activities carried out in in front of the participants the walls of this educational establish ment are geared towards one purpose — extended far beyond regular hours and legal disciplines. It is inspiring that education. Both the teachers and the were indicative of the fact that the the undertaking was not abortive and students benefit from the comfortable topics were highly relevant. The view has developed into research to working conditions offered there. The points regarding certain issues may practice seminars and conferences. first visit to the Affiliate already leaves differ considerably and it is such no doubt that upon commissioning seminars that provide both partici Recently, the Nalchik Affiliate of the the graduates will wear their uniform pants and the hosts with an opportunity Krasnodar Institute of the Interior with dignity and responsibility. Special to share opinions and gain valuable turned 77. The Affiliate had decided emphasis is placed on cooperation experience. to celebrate this anniversary with a with organizations that may facilitate conference that was attended by the educational process and make It is noteworthy that the beginning of a over 200 delegates. The guests from their contribution to it. That is why the dialogue between the humanitarian all over the world — from the state of Affiliate accepted the ICRC's proposal organization promoting IHL as part of Colorado to the Republic of Buryatia regarding conduct of joint events with its activities and the institute providing were unanimous — at its age of 77 enthusiasm. training for law enforcement staff the Affiliate is firm in the saddle and dates back to September 2008 when, has the capacity to be an intellectual The seminar International Standards of with the assistance of the ICRC, a centre gathering professionals in Law Enforcement Activity was orga Northern Caucasus IHL and HRL various fields. Many guests freely nized in late March in cooperation with Centre for law enforcement officers showed their admiration looking at the ICRC. It was attended by the staff of was created at the Nalchik Affiliate of technical training aids and material various MININT services and units from the Krasnodar Institute. The Centre assets of the Affiliate and conveyed the republics of the Northern Caucasus aims at conducting joint academic their most favourable impressions to and law enforcement officers from research of the implementation of IHL the management of the institution. Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The agenda and HRL in law enforcement bodies, For my part, I would like to join all included such important and topical development of recommendations warm wishes addressed to the issues as 'The role of the ICRC in the and proposals for the central adminis Affiliate on that day. May every single dialogue with law enforcement struc tration of the Russian Ministry of the graduate of this higher education tures, scope of application of interna Interior regarding the enhancement of institution, wherever he or she is, tional humanitarian law (IHL) and law enforcement activities and inte take pride in being the alumni of this human rights law (HRL) in law enforce gration of the results of academic particular establishment and serve ment activity', 'Detention procedure: research into practice. Also, with the his or her duty with dignity and compliance with international stan assistance of the ICRC, the Affiliate honour. dards'. Discussions that left no one opened an IHL training and academic uninvolved and some debates that classroom at the department of state Timur Ibakov
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«A REALLY GOOD AND USEFUL THING TO DO…»
In late March 2009 Vladikavkaz The ICRC has acquired considerable of the seminar included operations hosted a seminar in war and emer experience and expertise in providing performed by leading NOSMA pro gency surgery organized by the medical assistance to war victims. fessors V.Z. Totikov and S.S. Sabayev. International Committee of the Red ICRC surgery assistance programmes Cross (ICRC) in cooperation with the have been developed over many I.P. Minnulin, PhD Medicine, Professor, St.Petersburg Military Medical years, being based on the principle of Colonel of Medical Service, said about Academy and the North Ossetia providing an appropriate response to the seminar: «This is a really good and State Medical Academy (NOSMA). a specific situation; in many contexts useful thing to do — to bring together The event brought together 27 pro it means doing everything possible surgeons of various levels of qualifica fessionals from the republics of the with limited resources under harsh tion so that professional surgeons, northern Caucasus and transcau conditions. especially those of them who have casian states. Seminars in war and experience in treating firearm wounds emergency surgery have been taking ICRC war surgery experts regularly and explosive wounds can share it place in Russia since 2001 — ten hold professional courses and semi with younger colleagues who unfortu such events have been organized nars all around the world, draw up nately also come across cases where over this period, with 190 surgeons and publish textbooks and partici treatment of such wounds is required. from the northern Caucasus and pate in academic discussions by This is the province of war surgery but their 50 colleagues from publishing articles in specialised unfortunately reality is such that most Transcaucasia participating. publications. These seminars also civilian surgeons working in small hos aim at the exchange of information pitals, inter alia, district ones, especially N.N. Pirogov, the founder of war and practical experience of working in this region, have to treat patients surgery in Russia who also worked in the field by professionals. with such wounds. The outcome of in Vladikavkaz treated war as "a treatment depends on quality of these traumatic epidemic". Active deve In the course of the seminar that took surgeons' training. This is why it is a lopment of war surgery as the science place in Vladikavkaz, papers and lec really good thing.» of helping the wounded was triggered tures on topical war surgery issues by wars and conflicts and had taken were delivered, alongside Marco The participants of the seminar place in Russia from the 19th Baldan and Valery Sasin, leading ICRC stressed the importance of such century up to the second decade surgeons who have extensive expe meetings not only for exchanging of the last century. Unfortunately, rience of working in armed conflict professional experience but also the issues of war medicine are still zones in various countries of the broadening and strengthening per topical nowadays. "Hot spots" and world, by professors of the sonal contacts between representa armed conflicts continually provide St.Petersburg Military Medical tives of various regions. doctors with new challenges and Academy and the North Ossetia areas of study. Medical Academy. The practical part Angelika Didarova
© ICRC © ICRC Participants of the seminar NOSMA professors are performing the surgery
CROSSROAD № 23 5 ICRC IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
see the first houses. Said Hamzat A LONG JOURNEY STARTS meets us near the school where he works as a teacher of history. An acci dent happened eight years ago when WITH THE FIRST STEP he went to the forest to get some fire wood — there was no gas in the village The husband of 28 year old Malika the ICRC turned out to be the best at that time. Said Hamzat tripped a Kasumova went missing four years solution — it provided an opportunity mine. He still suffers from pain and has ago. The young woman was left alone to work at home and get some means to take medicine on a regular basis. It with four children. The Kasumov family of supporting her family. Malika decided gets worse when the weather changes. resides in Shali — four families live in to start growing vegetables and was Said Hamzat, his wife and five children one household. During the earthquake given everything necessary to build a are crammed into two rooms. Four kids of October 2008 Malika's house greenhouse. After emplacing a 20 m are schoolchildren, the fifth one, the cracked and became unfit for habita frame and pulling plastic film over it, youngest is three years old. The living tion. Malika and her kids moved to her the woman got down to work. Now quarters are furnished with nothing husband's brother's place — they were tomatoes are already large and harvest more but a table in a small corridor, a given two rooms. There are two rooms well. Malika proudly demonstrates bed and a computer provided by the to accommodate five people — well cared seed beds. «It's always diffi ICRC as a part of the micro economic homemade two tier beds and a cult to start, you feel apprehensive. You projects programme. kitchen. don't know how it will go. But a long «I am sort of monopolist here, — says journey starts with the first step, — she Said Hamzat. — The village is a remote Following the evaluation of the living says. — And I think the business will go place, there are about 400 inhabitants conditions of the population in the smoothly, the most important thing for and it's only me who provides such Chechen Republic performed in the me is to be healthy enough to keep services.» second half of 2008, the ICRC made going. I have already made arrange Initially he had started with providing changes in categories of beneficiaries ments with the buyers, they will come telephone payment services. Slowly, of its assistance. Now an application to my house and pick up the crop». the business expanded. Orders rolled for equipment to start small family in for preparing documents and various business may be filled out by the fami In the recent six months, the ICRC has forms. When he managed to save lies of the missing or detained in rela provided equipment to 50 such families some money, Said Hamzat bought a tion to the conflict as well as the popu so that they could launch their micro colour printer and a photo camera. lation of the mine affected areas. economic projects. In many cases Now he takes photographs for IDs and Having learned this, Malika submitted those who went missing were the related documents. He has enough an application for a micro economic breadwinners for their families. The work to do. Holidays bring in even project. It's not easy to raise four young interviews conducted by an ICRC psy more orders as there are many villagers children all by yourself. The youngest chologist indicated that such families, who want to have their pictures taken one is only three, he has never seen his along with psychological problems, are as a memory and get colour prints. father, having been born shortly after facing serious economic ones. «It's a really good way to supplement his father had gone missing. After the our income,» — says the lady of the disappearance of her husband Malika A little highland village of Ulus Kert lies house. She is hospitable and easy to had two heart attacks. There was no in a very picturesque place. It feels as if crack a smile. It's very encouraging to way she could leave the kids all by we were absolutely alone on this road — see this because despite their difficult themselves and go out to work. The there is only the forest, the ICRC vehi situation people have not given in to micro economic project offered by cle and the road itself. But at last, we despair, have not lost hope and are trying
© ICRC/Leila Satueva © ICRC/Leila Satueva
Malika's future crop SaidHamzat and his children
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EVENTS FORTHCOMING
JuneDecember — Moscow Region: Senezh '58, Senezh '59 and Senezh '60 courses at the training and research centre of the Ground Forces (the Combined Arms Academy) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation;
August — The Northern Caucasus: Seminar on Safer Access for heads of regional national societies. The main objective of the seminar is to help the participants to develop a plan of action for situations of ten © ICRC/Leila Satueva sion or violence; Timur repairing the car August — Grozny: The Missing Exhibition; to look at the bright side. The father «I will get 800 rubles for the polishing. gets help from his eldest son. «He's It's not a lot but it's still something, 711 September — Kazan: already better than me at this,» Said especially considering my situation,» Hamzat laughs. As soon as the head of says Timur. He doesn't hope for help Intercollegiate conference on com the family sits down in front of the from anyone and doing nothing is pliance with IHL norms; computer, he gets immediately sur against his principles. First, he tried to rounded by the kids and everyone tries do woodwork, carve something but October — Seminar on IHL for offi to contribute. They have a thorough soon understood that this was not his cers of the Siberian Military knowledge of all documents on the cup of tea. He had always been inte District, Ulan Ude; desktop and are quick to find their way rested in cars. He filled out an ICRC around files and folders and locate application and has been successfully October — Moscow: Session of appropriate documents. So it's a real running his car repair project for the the working group on revision of family business. past six months. At first, Timur was learning, the shop foreman was inten the IHL manual for the Armed The activities conducted by beneficiaries tionally assigning him tasks he could Forces of the Russian Federation. of microprojects may vary but any cope with and gain some experience. The target audience of the seminar such activity should unfailingly bring «Sometimes the foreman would make is the staff of the Ministry of good sustainable income to the most a scratch on a car himself and tell me Defence; vulnerable families. The ICRC evaluates that the kids had done that so that I capacities, skills and interest of the could get a hang of it,» laughs Timur. «I 2327 November — Kazan: family in the implementation of the can't do any complicated tasks. My fel Research to practice conference project. Good results are yielded by the low worker does most of them. But I projects related to repairing and painting still make myself useful for my family. I on practical application of provi cars. enjoy it, I'm busy with my job and get sions of the IHL manual; distracted from unwanted thoughts. I … In 2001 as a result of a mine acci don't like it when people take pity on November — Moscow: IHL com dent Timur lost both legs. He spent me and as long as I'm able to work I will petition for Journalism students many months in hospitals after which be trying to do so.» Timur has three kids from universities of Russia, he returned home, saw nothing but and a wife, he is a nice good hearted Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine; four walls and a bed, catching sympa person, easy to talk to. Timur says you thetic glances of relatives and neigh should never give up, you should bours… He had to go through all this. make yourself believe that there are December — Moscow: roundtable Now Timur works in a car repair shop still things to hope for. And if to boot on issues related to the legal regu together with another person. Quickly you have a chance to get free equip lation of the use of various moving in his wheel chair, he demon ment and materials, by no means is this weapons. strates a completed piece of work. A opportunity to be wasted… painted wing of a car turned in for repair has been smoothly polished. Leila Satueva
CROSSROAD № 23 7 ICRC WORLDWIDE
OUR WORLD. YOUR MOVE.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement starts a new global campaign
On May 8, 2009, on the day of the Solferino, where they will commemo help others. The online gateway also International Red Cross and Red rate the history of the Red Cross and features images from award winning Crescent Movement a photographers, personal global campaign called accounts from conflict «Our world. Your move.» and disaster survivors, was launched. and a wealth of ideas © ICRC for anyone looking for «All can, in one way or ways to be involved. another, each in his own sphere and within his The www.ourworld own limitations, do yourmove.org web something to help the portal exists in English, good work forward.» French, Spanish, Arabic These words, written by and Russian and serves Henry Dunant following as an online gateway for the Battle of Solferino, individuals looking to embody the spirit of the make a difference. For International Red Cross the first time, the IFRC and Red Crescent and ICRC have placed Movement. special emphasis on «This campaign is about engaging social media more than raising aware sites in an effort to ness, this is a call to connect with a broader action. We have a col global audience. lective responsibility to make our world a better «We've made a real effort place and we each have to capitalize on the the individual power to tremendous scope of 'make a move' to help social networking and others, whether it's new media sites in order spending time with an to reach beyond our typi elderly neighbour or cal support base and offering food and shelter build a partnership with to a family displaced by the public,» said Pierre fighting,» said Jakob Kremer, the head of com Kellenberger, the munications for the IFRC. President of the «We hope to generate a International Committee lot of excitement around of the Red Cross (ICRC). what we do and why it matters, and encourage The campaign's launch people to join us in taking in 2009 coincides with action in their communi the 150th anniversary of the battle Red Crescent Movement, and define ties, and to make a difference in the lives of Solferino, Italy, which led to the their vision for tackling today's huma of people around them.» creation of the International Red nitarian challenges. Cross and Red Crescent Movement The new web portal, www.ourworld The campaign is symbolized by a as well as with the 60th Anniversary yourmove.org, created in the frame globe in disarray. Each time someone of the Geneva Conventions. work of the campaign, puts the spot takes action or takes an interest via the light on the human cost of wars, web portal www.ourworld your From 24 to 28 June 2009, thousands climate change, displacement, move.org, they are helping to restore of young people from more than 120 disease, food insecurity and forgot order to a world in a mess. The site nations are due to take part in a world ten crises. It also invites members of also allows users to share their experi youth meeting and humanitarian the public to post videos and photos, ences through blog contributions, village in the Italian village of and write about what they are doing to videos and photos.
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EUGENIO, WE ARE WITH YOU!
ICRC staff member Eugenio Vagni has been held captive in the Philippines since January 2009
ICRC engineer Eugenio Vagni was to such a longstanding policy might purely humanitarian intentions seized by armed gunmen in the endanger the ICRC's security and become the victims. We hope the southern Philippines on kidnappers will heed 15 January 2009 our repeated appeals together with two col © ICRC and release Eugenio at leagues, who are now once. back with their families. Eugenio is a specialist in At the time of publica water supply systems tion of this newsletter, and has worked for the Eugenio is still being ICRC in Guinea, held captive. Eugenio Ethiopia, Myanmar, the and his colleagues northern Caucasus, were inspecting a water Afghanistan and the and sanitation project Philippines. According for the inmates and to Elena Tesheva, an personnel in the Sulu ICRC field officer who provincial jail at the worked with him in the time they were abduc Caucasus, «he would ted. greet everyone here with a big smile and say June 15 2009 marks 'Come stai?'.1 « This had the fifth month of such an effect that Eugenio's abduction. even now, more than Over the past few two years after he had weeks, he has been left, «there are a lot of able to contact his family people in Nalchik and every now and then. Grozny who greet each Each contact like that other with 'Come stai?', brings immense relief just as Eugenio taught for Eugenio's family, but them.» at the same time heightens the distress In the Philippines, they feel over his con Eugenio has been tinuing captivity. At the instrumental in the ICRC, we also remain implementation of very worried about water and sanitation Eugenio's safety and projects, benefiting well being. Eugenio is internally displaced over 60, he has some persons and hosting medical problems and communities as well as he's been in the jungle detainees in Western for over four months, enduring its capacity to work in conflict Mindanao and other areas. Despite heavy rains and relentless stress and zones and other sensitive areas in the crisis, the ICRC continues its fatigue. His captivity is an agony for many countries, including the assistance and protection activities in him, for his family and friends, and Philippines. the conflict affected areas of the for the entire ICRC. We appeal to his Philippines. In Central Mindanao, abductors to release him safe and For the past 150 years, the ICRC's job where 160,000 people who were sound, unconditionally and without has been to assist the victims of war forced to flee their homes because of delay. across the globe. Eugenio went to the fighting, receive food and essen the Philippines to work in the spirit of tial household items on a regular The ICRC has made it clear since Henry Dunant, the founder of the basis. the beginning of the crisis that it International Red Cross and Red does not pay ransom to kidnappers Crescent Movement. It hurts to see of its workers. Making exceptions people who respond to crisis with 1 How are you? (it.)
CROSSROAD № 23 9 ICRC IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
These visits are very important for the PROTECTION families who would not otherwise be able to afford the journey as well as In accordance with its mandate and period January until May 2009, 100 for the detainees. During the period as a neutral, impartial and inde economically vulnerable families of from January until May 2009, 153 pendent humanitarian organiza missing have received approval for detainees were visited by their tion, the ICRC pursued its dialogue their applications for an ICRC micro families with the ICRC support. on the missing persons' issue. The economic project that can help them Vulnerable families of detainees can ICRC's objectives are to raise improve their economic situation. 20 also apply for a micro economic awareness of the humanitarian vulnerable relatives of missing project — 32 such requests were problem and to ensure the families' persons identified by the ICRC are approved during the period from right to know the fate of their loved now being supported by the Russian January until May 2009. ones — a fundamental provision of Red Cross home nurses visit pro international humanitarian law and gramme. The nurses visiting them The ICRC offers its Tracing and Red human rights law. received specific training from an Cross Message service to restore ICRC psychologist on accompanying family links. A summary report highlighting the families of missing. situation of families of missing per Those who are separated from their sons was handed over to the authori While the ICRC has not visited since families and are living outside of the ties in early 2009 following an September 2004 persons detained in northern Caucasus or abroad as well assessment of their economic, legal, relation to the situation in the nor as people detained in connection psychological and psycho social thern Caucasus, it continues to finan with the situation in the northern needs. The ICRC also continued to cially support families to visit their Caucasus can benefit from this pro implement its own programmes to detained relatives who are serving gramme. During the period from support these families as they await their sentences in penitentiary January until May 2009, 28 Red Cross news of their missing relative, living in colonies across the Russian messages were collected and 27 dis a state of «frozen life». During the Federation. tributed.
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
With the fragile stabilization prevai missing or detained in relation with the ling in the northern Caucasus, the conflict, vulnerable families living in mine ICRC has adjusted its assistance affected villages who need to develop program from relief distribution to alternative safer economic practices and recovery. Nowadays, the ICRC is patients of the Grozny orthopaedic centre supporting microeconomic initia and their families. From January to May tives (MEI) which give the opportunity 2009, 119 families (659 persons) in to start small family business in the Chechnya, 64 families (327 persons) in field of agriculture, crafts, livestock, Ingushetia and 10 families (43 persons) in trade or services, thus increasing Daghestan received the necessary equip the selfsufficiency of the house ment to start a small family business. Since © ICRC/Timur Ibakov hold. the beginning of 2009, a total of 341 new In 2009, the MEI program is open to eco requests for micro economic projects ICRC delegate is talking to nomically vulnerable families of people were approved. a beneficiary of a micro economic project
WATER AND HABITAT
The ICRC continues supporting the In January 2009, the repair works in the earthquake that occurred in rehabilitation of water supply and Grozny Prosthetic/Orthotic Centre were Chechnya in October 2008. sanitation facilities to improve the completed. The ICRC carried out reha living conditions of the population in bilitation works in nine houses of the Water supply rehabilitation project was Chechnya. Support is also provided elderly vulnerable beneficiaries of the completed in Bamut village in partner to the local water board in providing RRC Home Visit Nursing Programme ship with the rural water board such services to the population. (HVNP) which were damaged following ChechVodokanal.
10 CROSSROAD № 23 ICRC IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, BELARUS AND MOLDOVA
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ICRC IN BELARUS AND MOLDOVA In the medical field, the ICRC is A yearly War and Emergency Surgery During the period from January focusing on training support for Seminar (WESS) was organised in March till June 2009: medical personnel in the republics 2009 in Vladikavkaz for 27 specialists The ICRC supported the participa of the northern Caucasus. from the RF Republics of the northern tion of the representative of the Caucasus, and from southern Caucasus Tracing Service of the National Red In February April 2009, the ICRC suppor states. Cross Society of Belarus Republic in ted 18 doctors from Chechnya, Daghestan the seminar of International Tracing and KBR in attending two four week certifi In January 2009 the Ingush Republican Service in Bad Arolsen, Germany. cation courses on traumatology and sur hospital was provided with a kit of drugs gery. In February March 2009, three nurses and consumables. In April 2009 six hos The ICRC representatives partici from Chechnya attended a five week certi pitals in Chechnya received one off pated in the General Assembly of fication course «Nursing in Traumatology». supplies of drugs and consumables. the National Red Cross Society of Belarus.
With the ICRC participation/ support the following events WEAPON CONTAMINATION were held: Since 2009 the ICRC is carrying out By the end of May 2009, the ICRC has In the Republic of Belarus: the assessment of population in visited over 150 families, living in two — two lectures on IHL for teachers rural areas where traditional eco villages adjacent to an area suspected as and cadets of the National nomic activities present risk due to being contaminated by mines and unex Academy of the Ministry of weapon contamination. Vulnerable ploded ordnances. Out of the total Defence of Belarus Republic (470 families living in these areas are number of visited families, 124 were participants in total) and for 500 supported to develop safer activi identified as meeting the criteria and generals and officers of the ties through microeconomic initia eligible to apply for micro economic Ministry of Defence of Belarus; tives (MEI). projects. — the 4th International Legal Olympiad «Youth for Peace» for the students from 15 countries; — the seminar on IHL dissemina tion for 30 representatives of COOPERATION WITH regional branches of the National Red Cross Society of Belarus.
THE RUSSIAN RED CROSS In the Republic of Moldova — A round table on Missing Persons The ICRC supports various assis wheat flour, sugar, oil, salt, hygienic kits for 40 participants in cooperation tance programs carried out by local and towels. with the National Committee on the branches of the Russian Red Cross Implementation of IHL and the (RRC) in Chechnya, Daghestan, First Aid Programme Ministry of Justice of Moldova. Ingushetia, KabardinoBalkaria The ICRC supports the programme of and North Ossetia. first aid training for the population car ried out by the regional RRC branches in Humanitarian assistance HVNP Programme the Chechen Republic, Ingushetia, to displaced people from In three republics of the Southern Kabardino Balkaria and North Ossetia South Ossetia Federal District the ICRC supports the Alania. In the first quarter of 2009, 115 From January to May of 2009, the North Home Visiting Nurses Program (HVNP) persons were trained. Ossetian Branch of the RRC was of the RCC Branches. 86 supported involved in needs assessment and distri RRC nurses are regularly taking care of Playrooms for children bution of food and non food items to 1,002 elderly people. Additionally, From January till May 2009, over 1,200 displaced persons from South Ossetia 870 of these beneficiaries in children have regularly visited RRC play who are temporarily staying in the Chechnya and Ingushetia receive food rooms where, under the care of psy Republic of North Ossetia, as a result of parcels twice a year. In May 2009, all chologists and teachers, they can do which 1,463 persons received humani HVNP beneficiaries also received recreational and educational activities. tarian aid.
The budget of the ICRC in the Russian Federation for 2009 is over 17 million USD. Out of this, 11 million covers the operations in the northern Caucasus. Delegation staff in the Russian Federation: 21 expatriates and 249 national employees.
CROSSROAD № 23 11 ICRC IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
Promotion of international humani Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, civil personnel of RF MoD Federal tarian law (IHL) with the authorities, Ukraine and Uzbekistan was held in April Department for Safe Keeping and armed and security forces and civil in the Moscow region; Destruction of Chemical Ammunition; society, including secondary — a field exercise with UN military schools and universities, is a key Two IHL lectures were delivered for 150 observers in the buffer zone. component of ICRC programs. students of the Moscow State Law Academy and the French University Ministry of Interior National Authorities College; The seminar «International Standards in On May 14, 2009, the Standing Law Enforcement Activities» was held on Commission on Social Policy and A seminar for regional coordinators of the base of the North Caucasus Centre Human Rights of the Inter Parliamentary IHL dissemination in secondary schools of IHL and IHRL of the Nalchik Affiliate Assembly (IPA) of the CIS has approved took place in Moscow in April 2009. of the MinInt Krasnodar University with the model law on the Protection of the participation of 34 operational police Emblem of the Red Cross, Red Crescent Ministry of Defence officers from the NCA Region and and Red Crystal, which is expected to be From January till May 2009, the ICRC in Republics of Abkhazia and South adopted by the IPA in autumn 2009; conjunction with the Ministry of Ossetia; Defence of the RF participated in: A research to practice seminar for 25 The Second Regional Seminar on the police service representatives of the implementation of IHL was held in — three Senezh courses on interna northern Caucasus region was held in Saint Petersburg on May 27 29, 2009 tional humanitarian law in the Moscow the Pyatigorsk Affiliate of the Ministry of hosting about 70 representatives of region for 68 participants in total, Interior; national governments and parliaments including officers of the Ministry of Ten IHL presentations were organized from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Defence, Interior Troops, as well as the for 308 participants in MinInt Training Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, representatives of the Ministry of Centers in Volgodonsk and Persiyanovka Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Defence of Armenia and Tajikistan; (Rostov region), Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Ukraine. — Army Legal Service Workshop for 31 Nalchik and Stavropol. participants; Academic Circles and — two working groups of the Ministry of Interior Troops Secondary Schools Defence on revising RF MoD IHL Ten IHL presentations were held for 670 The International Moot Court IHL Regulations; soldiers, sergeants and officers of Competition for 66 students of law — a lecture on IHL for 94 officers of the Interior Troops in Kabardino Balkaria, faculties from the leading universities of RF Airborne Troops Command; North Ossetia, the Rostov oblast and the Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, — a lecture on IHL for 115 officers and Stavropol region.
Almost six years without Usman
We still have no news about the fate of Usman Saidaliev, one of the ICRC employees in Grozny who was abducted from his home in Chechnya by unidentified armed men during the night of August 2, 2003. Numerous representations made by the ICRC to clarify Usman's fate brought no results up to now. The ICRC stresses that the abduction of civilians consti tutes a violation of IHL and the abduction of humanitarian workers impedes humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of victims of conflict.
ICRC MISSION STATEMENT ICRC DELEGATION IN THE RF The authors’ opinion may not reflect the official position Moscow, 129090 Grokholsky per., 13, build.1 of the ICRC. tel.: (495) 626 54 26, fax: (495) 564 84 31 The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is E mail: [email protected] an impartial, neutral and independent organisation www.icrc.org/rus The materials for this issue are prepared by E.Dolgikh, whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect T.Ibakov, L.Satueva, A.Didarova, Z.Mestoev, as well as the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and NALCHIK taken from ICRC news releases. The photos by 360004, Mechieva str., 207 other situations of violence and to provide them with tel.: (8662) 442341, fax: (8662) 442307 T.Ibakov, L.Satueva, E.Dolgikh, Y.Shafarenko, press assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suf service of the President of Ingushetia and from the fering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian GROZNY ICRC archives. law and universal humanitarian principles. Established 364000, Yanvarskaya str., 83 © ICRC, 2009. All rights reserved. The reference to the tel.: (8712) 223128 in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red edition is obligatory in case of reprinting any material. Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coor KHASSAVYURT dinates the international relief activities conducted by 368000, Proletarskaya str., 86 CROSSROADS the Movement in armed conflicts and other situations of tel.: (8723) 109253, 8 928 2406384 ICRC INFORMATION BULLETIN violence. NAZRAN Format 60х84/8. Ofset printing. 366720, Nuradilova str., 49 1000 copies. tel.: (8732) 228498, 222415 Polygraphic services centre «Rainbow» VLADIKAVKAZ Moscow, 115280, Avtozavodskaya str., 25 362000, Vaso Abaeva str., 26 Tel.: 739 5680, www.raduga print.ru tel.: (8672) 530737, 534670