My Point of View: ICRC President Spoljaric concludes visit to Moscow: Progress on prisoners of war is urgent

 

ICRC Photo in conflict affected areas.

BY JUN ENRIQUEZ (President, Manggagawang Media ng Mindanaw - MMM)

This is in relation to the visit of the ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric to Russia and Ukraine which is considered to be in an urgent situation of the prisoners of war on both sides. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) shared this information for us to be guided of the events conducted by the ICRC Geneva, Switzerland.   

During a visit to Moscow in December 2022, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, raised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and additional critical humanitarian concerns related to the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She also discussed the situation in other conflict-affected areas, including Syria, the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa.

ICRC Pres. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger

President Spoljaric met with Foreign Minister Lavrov; Deputy Minister of Defense Colonel General Fomin; and High Commissioner for Human Rights Mrs Moskalkova. She also met with the President of the Russian Red Cross Mr Savchuk.

This was her first trip to Moscow as ICRC president and follows a trip to Ukraine last month where she met with officials and communities affected by the international armed conflict.

One of President Spoljaric’s priorities is that prisoners of war are treated humanely and receive regular ICRC visits. So far, the ICRC has only had some access to prisoners of war to monitor their conditions of detention and treatment, share much-awaited news with their families and provide essential assistance. “The thousands more we have not seen have the right to receive a visit from us,” said Spoljaric.

The visit will see meaningful progress because lives are at stake, and people on both sides of the international armed conflict were desperate for news of their loved ones. That is why it was urgently seeking full, unimpeded, and regular access to all prisoners of war, wherever they are held.

Constant confidential and bilateral engagement with parties to the international armed conflict is essential for the ICRC to advocate for states’ obligations to respect rules laid out in the Geneva Conventions.

Millions of people affected by the Russia-Ukraine international armed conflict are facing the coldest months of the year with limited heat and water after attacks on critical infrastructure. The most vulnerable people, including children, the elderly, injured, and people with disabilities are likely to suffer the most. Not only are they the most impacted by the elements, but also the ones with less means to find alternative sources of heat and water.

ICRC President Spoljaric (Center) meeting in Ukraine

Prior to the visit in Russia, the ICRC President visited Ukraine, and completed her four-day visit travelling to Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson region and Kyiv to meet the authorities, families of prisoners of war, and communities affected by the international armed conflict.

Mirjana Spoljaric Egger assumed the presidency of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, on 1st October last year, succeeding the outgoing president, Peter Maurer.

Upon taking up her new role, President Spoljaric said: "I am honoured and humbled to be stepping into the role of president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). At a time when new and protracted conflicts triggered immeasurable human tragedy, and as climate change assails the most vulnerable, the humanitarian work of the ICRC and our International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners is sorely needed.

This is to highly appreciate the humble works of the ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, for taking humanitarian initiatives for the safe engagement and respected by both parties, Russia and Ukraine, for the safekeeping of the prisoners of war. Thanks to the ICRC Philippines for sharing this information for public interests.