ICRC in the Pacific

Pacific Island states have long demonstrated leadership in promoting peace, disarmament, and humanitarian values. In this new blog post, Legal Advisers Hannah Crothers and Catherine Thornton explore the importance of amplifying Pacific voices in the conversation on international humanitarian law (IHL), including through the Global IHL Initiative, which gives states a platform to share their experiences and shape the global discussion. Read: blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy… Listen: soundcloud.com/icrc-lawandpol…

Principled humanitarian action happens because of the people who turn up for their communities in every crisis. The ICRC’s Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific, Jordi Raich, attended the Fiji Red Cross Society National Council Meeting in Suva recently, alongside IFRC Head of Pacific Country Cluster Delegation Finau Leveni, Solomon Islands Red Cross President Roy Oeta and Secretary General Sheebah Mirisa, Tuvalu Red Cross Secretary General Tagifoe Taomia, and Fiji Red Cross leadership and branch representatives from across the country.

The Pacific region bears the weight of historical nuclear testing, with more than 315 nuclear tests carried out across the region between 1946 and 1996. Out of these experiences, the Pacific has emerged as a global leader in advocating for nuclear disarmament. The @ICRC welcomes the Kingdom of Tonga as the 100th State Party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and the 12th Pacific nation to join. Learn more about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: icrc.org/en/document/20…

We're pleased to welcome Jordi Raich as our new Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific. Jordi brings with more than 35 years of humanitarian experience with the ICRC and other organizations. Since joining the @ICRC in 1998, he has served in some of the world's most complex humanitarian contexts, including Head of Delegation roles in Lebanon, Sudan, Colombia, Somalia, Mexico, Japan, and Brazil, among others. He holds degrees in Biology and Biophysics, and a Master's in International Relations and Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Under his leadership, the ICRC looks forward to continuing its work in the region, alongside our Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners.

An arms race is underway in the development and deployment of new technologies in warfare, including artificial intelligence (AI). Rather than making battlefields safer for civilians, these technologies often increase risks and cause significant harm. 👉Does international humanitarian law (IHL) apply to AI in warfare? 👉What applications of AI in the military domain raise particular concern? 👉Can technology companies become military targets if they support military operations? The ICRC answers these questions and more in its new FAQ on AI in the military domain: icrc.org/en/article/faq…

A fond moce mada to our outgoing Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific. We bid farewell to Megan Rock, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific, as she concludes her mission. Megan’s leadership has been pivotal in promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law and strengthening humanitarian collaboration across the Pacific. Thank you, @MRockICRC , for your dedication and impact. We wish you all the best in your next chapter! Sota tale! (until we meet again).

When AI is used in warfare, incomplete, biased, or inaccurate data can turn into life-and-death decisions. International humanitarian law sets strict limits on the use of force. Any use of AI in armed conflict must comply with its key principles and rules, including distinction, proportionality, and precaution. @CDroegeICRC, ICRC's chief legal officer, shares more 👇🏽

Together with our partners from the @FijiRedCross and IFRC's Country Cluster Delegation in the Pacific, we took a moment to reflect on the evolving humanitarian environment and to look ahead, together. ICRC's outgoing Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific, @MRockICRC, expressed her appreciation for the strength of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement partnerships across the Pacific. She reaffirmed ICRC's commitment to Movement coordination, partnership, and impact in delivering principled humanitarian action in the region. The meeting also provided a valuable opportunity to discuss international humanitarian law (IHL), a cornerstone of ICRC's work in the Pacific and a shared priority for the RCRC Movement in protecting people affected by conflict and crisis.

The ICRC’s Regional Legal Adviser for the Pacific, Hannah Crothers, and Regional Cooperation Officer, Niumai Kavoa, met with Neumi Vakadewabuka, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Policy Adviser for Regional Security in Suva this week. The meeting brought together important discussions on regional peace and security, the Global IHL Initiative, and opportunities for future collaboration. The ICRC is committed to strengthening the understanding of International Humanitarian Law across the Pacific, and ensuring Pacific voices are always part of the conversation.

The Regional Delegation in the Pacific welcomes Nara Gonzalez as our new Head of Mission for the ICRC in Papua New Guinea. Nara joins us with an incredibly broad and global background, bringing a wealth of international experience to our team. Her diverse expertise will be instrumental as we continue our work focusing on Protecting Family Links in Papua New Guinea. We look forward to the energy and perspective Nara brings to the ICRC’s Mission.

Respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) reduces suffering, saves lives and paves the way for peace. Our Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific, Megan Rock, and Regional Legal Advisor, Hannah Crothers, along with members of our team in Suva, recently met with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the Marshall Islands, Samoa and the Solomon Islands to share updates on the Global IHL Initiative and to hear valuable perspectives on strengthening respect for international humanitarian law in the Pacific and beyond. The Global IHL Initiative is an effort to secure a future where the fundamental rules of war are upheld. Read more: humanityinwar.org

Strengthening partnerships in the Pacific.   Our Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific, @MRockICRC, and Regional Legal Advisor, Hannah Crothers, met with the Rt. Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, at Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (@Fiji_MFAET) in Suva this week.   The discussions focused on the Global IHL Initiative, including opportunities for collaboration. The ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific appreciates Fiji’s continued efforts to strengthen international humanitarian law and foster meaningful dialogue.

"When humanitarian personnel are protected, so is our shared humanity. The lives of our teams, and those they serve, depend on it." Annie McCabe, ICRC’s Head of Mission in Australia, called for greater protections of civilians and humanitarian workers, and a renewed commitment to international humanitarian law during the #RedCrossRedCrescentDay event at the @SwissEmbassyAUS. Neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian action is crucial to ensuring assistance reaches those most in need. Read more: icrc.org/en/article/mes… #OnTheSideofHumanity #May8

“It is important to recognize that despite their long history, the rules of international humanitarian law are not old-fashioned or naive. Quite to the contrary. They are clear-eyed and unromantic in acknowledging the horrors that attend wars.” - H.E. Mr. Nikolas Stürchler, Swiss Ambassador to Australia. These powerful reflections, shared during the #RedCrossRedCrescentDay event at the @SwissEmbassyAUS remind us of the enduring relevance of international humanitarian law in protecting civilians during conflict. #OnTheSideofHumanity #May8

On #RedCrossRedCrescentDay, the @ICRC and @SwissEmbassyAUS hosted an event on the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in armed conflict in Canberra, Australia. Humanitarians, policy makers and IHL experts shared insights from the field and explored ways to restore respect for international humanitarian law, such as the Global IHL Initiative, the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and UNSC Resolution 2730. Thank you to all speakers and attendees for advancing efforts to safeguard humanity in times of war. #OnTheSideofHumanity #May8

Today is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, and it comes at a moment of profound alarm. "Too many of our colleagues have been killed - some while driving ambulances, working in hospitals and responding to emergencies; others while helping people in their own communities. We honour them and mourn alongside their families, loved ones and colleagues. On this 8 May, we call on all those with influence and responsibility to uphold the protections that civilians, medical personnel, humanitarian workers and communities depend on. Respect for the emblems, for humanitarian rules and principles, is therefore essential." Read more in the joint statement from ICRC's president, Mirjana Spoljaric, and @ifrc president, @KateForbes_IFRC 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6013v3Vfh

Health care must never be a casualty of war. Ten years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, the international community must move from commitments to concrete action to protect health care in armed conflict. Today, health facilities are still being destroyed. Medical workers and patients are still being killed. That is not a failure of the law. It is a failure of political will. We urge world leaders to show the leadership needed to end this violence. Our statement: icrc.org/en/statement/i…

We were delighted to meet with High Commissioner Robert Sisilo of the Solomon Islands, Ambassador Jane Chigiyal of the Federal States of Micronesia, High Commissioner Curtis Leonard Tuihalangingie of Tonga and High Commissioner Samuelu Laloniu of Tuvalu at our Mission in Australia, to share updates around the Global Initiative on IHL. It was a great opportunity to hear Pacific perspectives on protection of the natural environment and the importance of international humanitarian law. Read more about the Global Initiative on IHL: upholdhumanityinwar.org/en

The rules of war are clear. In times of conflict, civilians should not become a target of military operations. 👉 They cannot be attacked. 👉 They must be protected. 👉 They are not a target.