www.redcross.org.nz
26 September 2001
Thursday 27 September
Political Instability A Challenge For The Pacific
Coping with increased political instability is shaping up as one of the major challenges for humanitarian agencies in
the Pacific, the Red Cross said today at the launch of an international seminar on ‘Tensions and Conflicts in the
Pacific’.
Accordingly, it is becoming increasingly important that there is an understanding and respect for the principles of
international humanitarian law, such as the Geneva Conventions, in the Pacific.
“While we would hope that conflicts and disturbances do not occur, the sad reality is that they are likely to continue,”
New Zealand Red Cross National President, Patricia O’Brien, said.
“In such circumstances, it is vital that humanitarian agencies work to prevent or alleviate human suffering whenever
possible.”
“The Red Cross Movement is aiming to achieve this by fostering respect for international humanitarian law (IHL)
principles throughout the region, such as on how civilians, women and children, and the sick and wounded should be
treated during conflicts or disturbances.”
The seminar has been organised by the New Zealand Red Cross, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and unites law enforcement officers from throughout the Pacific
and South-East Asia.
It will explore the humanitarian issues that arise in law enforcement operations during internal disturbances that fall
short of armed conflict, yet are beyond ‘normal’ policing activities. It will also look at practical means of ensuring
respect and application of the universal principles of IHL and human rights law (HR).
With few standing armies in the Pacific, the police play an especially important role in dealing with internal
disturbances, as occurred in the Solomon Islands in 1999 and 2000.
Dr Thomas Gurtner, Head of the ICRC’s Regional Delegation for the Pacific, said recent instability in the Pacific has
resulted in the organisation being called upon to expand its activities, especially in relation to Fiji, the Solomon
Islands and East Timor.
Under the mandate accorded to it by the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has visited people detained as a result of the
disturbances in the Solomon Islands; is continuing its visits to those held in relation to events in May and November
last year in Fiji; provided assistance to those in need in the Solomon Islands, including access to medical care;
disseminated IHL to combatants in the Solomons; conducted training workshops and seminars on IHL and HR for police
forces in the Pacific; and held seminars on IHL for the military.
“It is extremely important that we work on a preventive basis. All people need to know that there are minimum standards
enshrined in international law to lessen the impact of conflicts or disturbances.”
“These are standards that are accepted by most governments, through ratification of international humanitarian law
treaties such as the Geneva Conventions, and that are compatible with the private moralities of most people.”
“Respect for these standards provides some of the best safeguards for people caught up in disturbances, and will help
protect victims such as women and children.”
Dr Gurtner said the seminar provided an opportunity to highlight with law enforcement officers the areas of mutual
concern to both armed forces and humanitarian agencies.
The three-day seminar begins on Thursday 27 September, in Auckland, and will be open to the public on Saturday 29
September. Speakers will discuss issues of global and regional relevance, including the changing face of conflicts, the
challenges faced by the military and police in dealing with complex conflicts or internal tensions, and the role of IHL
in these situations.
For more information, please contact Andrew Macalister at 025-6228135.