Friend or foe?

It was with caution today that I met a representative from the Red Cross. I have always been skeptical of the Red Cross. I was taught that they turned a blind eye to the concentration camps and gas chambers across Europe, and did nothing while the Nazis killed six million Jews. To a large extent this was true, and the Red Cross has since apologised for its failure to act during the Holocaust. But I also learnt today that the story is more complex, that the Red Cross tried to intervene, in most cases unsuccessfully, and in other cases were forced to remain as bystanders while Jews were transported to death camps.

A big failure of internatonal humanitarian law at the time, was the absence of a convention to protect civilians during war. A direct consequence of the Holocaust was the creation of the Fourth Geneva Convention 1949 designed to protect civilians during times of war, armed conflict or under occupation. Since then, the Red Cross has become more effective, for example during the genocide in Rwanda and now in Darfur, Sudan.

The Red Cross also has a strong presence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. They provide humanitarian assistance, visit Palestinian prisoners in Israeli and Palestinian prisons, and monitor the situation of Palestinians affected by mobility restrictions, Israeli settlements and the routing of the security barrier.

The Red Cross operates in a discreet and confidential manner. They enjoy good relations with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and other Israeli authorities. But many Israelis despise them: the Red Cross was nowhere to be seen when the Jews needed help, but for the Palestinians, they are everywhere.

This short-sightedness frustrates me. While the Red Cross has its limits, it remains the most important organisation protecting and providing assistance to victims of war, armed conflict or occupation. They are often the only ones who remain after all other organisations have been expelled or evacuated from conflict zones. They are able to play this role because of their perceived independence and neutrality.

I am thrilled that the Red Cross is here. I think it shows that we have learnt some of the lessons of history.

54 days to go...