Suchergebnisse

Because they have failed to address the fundamental economic imbalances within Europe obscured by the single currency, each effort by European leaders so far to resolve the euro crisis has only deepened it. Without a decisive move toward fiscal and political union, accompanied by policies that push productivity and competitiveness toward convergence while closing the democratic deficit, the Eurozone will disintegrate.To discuss the way forward, the Nicolas Berggruen Institute's Council on the Future of Europe met in Rome on May 28 with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. In this section we publish the contributions from that meeting by the former European leaders, scholars and Nobel laureates who are members of the Council.

AbstractThe often highly complex and fluid nature of displacement on the ground makes coverage of IDPs' needs a difficult task, and a flexible response is required to fit different contexts. The ICRC's humanitarian response is guided by the vulnerability and the needs of all people affected by armed conflict and violence – including, of course, IDPs, whose vulnerability is often (but not automatically) exacerbated by their particular situation. The protection and assistance of IDPs therefore naturally lies at the heart of the ICRC's mandate and activities. In identifying and responding to needs, the ICRC looks at the whole context in which internal displacement occurs, as well as all the people affected. The aim is to promote self-reliance among vulnerable communities so as to avoid displacement, or to strengthen their capacity to host IDPs. Nevertheless, where needed, the ICRC also fills gaps by providing emergency aid in IDP camps, coordinating with other international organizations in order to optimize response.

This keynote speech delivered at the Eighth Annual Humanitarian Conference of Webster U, Geneva, explores the economic & social consequences of armed conflicts from the perspective of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The causes & process of peace among European countries during the second half of the 20th century are contrasted with the causes & characteristics of many contemporary armed conflicts. The linkages between war & impoverished & vulnerable populations are explored, & the economic, political, & social consequences of war are itemized. Humanitarian activities are listed, including the ICRC's strategies for aiding vulnerable populations affected by war, & potential methods for reducing suffering in war-torn countries are posited. A second keynote speech & 14 conference papers are presented in this journal issue. L. Collins

It is rare in the field of humanitarian action for anniversaries to be
celebrated. Yet some achievements in history cannot fail to be remembered
and serve as inspiration. The adoption of the 1951 Convention relating to
the Status of Refugees, which remains the fundamental instrument for refugee
protection, is one such achievement. On the occasion of its 50th
anniversary, I would like to reiterate the ICRC's strong support for the
1951 Convention and the principles set out therein. I would also like to
take the opportunity to commend the vital role played by UNHCR in providing
help for refugees in so many places around the world.