icrc-annual-report-2013

Jessica BARRY / ICRCMIDDLE EASTIn 2013, ICRC operations in the Middle East focused on addressingthe humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, othersituations of violence and occupation in the region, notably inIraq, Israel and the occupied territories, the Syrian Arab Republic(hereafter Syria) and Yemen – four of the organization’s largestoperations worldwide – and in neighbouring countries affectedby the encroaching consequences of the Syrian armed conflict.To more effectively address people’s needs, the ICRC adapted itshumanitarian response, in nature and scale, to the opportunitiesand limitations afforded by the evolving situation in the countriesaffected and the region at large. It expanded its field presence, fullyredeploying its delegation in Iraq, and establishing a new logisticscentre and additional presence in Aleppo, Syria. It scaled up itsresponse to the consequences of the Syrian armed conflict in Syria,Jordan and Lebanon and therefore appealed for additional donorfunding in May.The ICRC’s main partners were the National Societies. It providedthem with material, technical and financial support to help themstrengthen their operational capacities, particularly in emergencypreparedness/response and family-links services, and contributedto events with similar objectives, for example a regional workshopon disaster preparedness co-organized with the Qatar RedCrescent Society. Regular interaction with a large network ofcontacts helped facilitate acceptance of and support for NationalSociety/ICRC activities. In Syria and Yemen, however, restrictionsimposed by parties to the conflict prevented the ICRC fromreaching all those in need, and security incidents – such as theabduction of National Society/ICRC staff in the two countries andthe killing of National Society volunteers in Syria – necessitatedadjustments in activities and staff movements.The organization developed its relations with State and de factoauthorities, weapon bearers, traditional and religious leaders andother influential players to enlist their support for IHL and otherapplicable legal norms protecting the rights of people at all times,including during armed conflicts and other situations of violence.Whenever possible, the ICRC shared its humanitarian concernswith the parties, emphasizing their obligations under IHL andother applicable norms. In Syria, for example, discussions withthe authorities and armed groups, although very limited, coveredthe need for all parties to respect IHL rules protecting all woundedand sick people, be they civilians or combatants, in detention ornot. The ICRC pursued its confidential bilateral dialogue withthe Israeli authorities and with the Palestinian authorities andarmed groups regarding the protection of people not/no longerparticipating in hostilities and their property, as well as medicalpersonnel/infrastructure. On Israeli occupation policies which ithad had no dialogue with the Israeli authorities, the ICRC adaptedits approach and started engaging the Israeli public in debate onthe legality and humanitarian consequences thereof.462 | ICRC ANNUAL REPORT 2013