Head of Operations for East Asia, Southeast Asia Humanitarian Ambition for the 21st Century – Challenge for South East Asia 10 th Annual South-East Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Leaders Meeting March 25-27, 2013 Alain Aeschlimann Head of Operations for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, ICRC

Global environment and trends 1 1. Geo-Political shift New world order, new challenges for “universal” norms, new strategic landscape increased discussion/disagreement Rapidity of changes; dealing with the unexpected 2. Socio-economic dimensions: increased pressure on people Socio-economic disparity, inequalities Financial & food price crisis, volatility Access to resources, competition more humanitarian needs, unrest & armed conflict 2

Global environment and trends 2 3. Mega trends/non traditional security issues Migration Deterioration of the environment, climate change Scale & impact of natural & tech disasters Impact of new information technologies Power of THE individual: new ways to inform and mobilize ->communities of interest People affected + beneficiaries Entire societies concerned (Tunisia, Syria, Europe, Asia); law & order, ‘chain of command’ ‘New’ actors and networks 3

Global environment and trends 3 4. Increasing complexity of conflicts Diversity of nature Post 9/11 stream; "Arab spring", interconnection Duration; immediate & long lasting consequences War/illegal economies, growing interconnections between conflict and organized crime Fragmentation of non-state armed groups; proliferation of political entities; predatory actions Violence between communities, urban settings Widespread insecurity; lawlessness; failed states 4

Global environment and trends 4 5. Evolving means and methods of warfare Technological developments new weapons and weapons systems (remotely contolled, UMV (e.g.drones) (IHL issues) Cyber warfare potentially significant humanitarian effects, attacher's identify? no geographical boundaries? Distinction between civilians and combatants civilians involved in combat-related activities combattants fail to distinguish themselves 5

Southeast Asia environment + trends 1 Economic growth, regional integration, stability Strong states Major natural disasters, climate change Increase of population, disparity, food security Limited numbers of localised conflicts and violence, remnants of extremist islamism Weapons race, South China Sea, border disputes 6

Southeast Asia environment + trends 2 Intercommunity, ethnic underlying tensions Migration Mines and UXO contamination Closure when tense situations, not acknowledgment of sensitive issues, reluctance with protection activ. Out of ASEAN/Asia, limited interest/involvement in international humanitarian issues/debate: link economic power  international responsibility 7

Global humanitarian trends/challenges 1 More assertive states: controlling humanitarian aid; but failed states Declining capabilities in emergency phases (conflict) Development narrative versus emergency/humanitarian narrative Lack of distinctiveness: political, military and humanitarian action comprehensive/ integrated approach-missions instrumentation/integration: military projection, stabilization involvment of military in disaster relief/humanitarian assistance 8

Global Humanitarian trends/challenges 2 Multiplication of actors to humanitarian crisis (military, UN, NGOs, NS, private sector, faith based organisations, new NGOs, etc.) humanitarian competition challenge of coordination and cooperation more outsourcing by UN and internat. NGOs new families of actors Privatisation of aid / use private contractors Increased security risks 9

Global Humanitarian trends/challenges 3 Debate on (&shrinking of) humanitarian principles Conditionality of aid: humanitarian agenda versus donors agenda Less funding appetite and declining ambition from traditional donors 10

Global Humanitarian trends/challenges 4 Towards a more sustainable and systemic aid ? prevention and preparedness, early warning coordination and holistic approach improvement of quality of data and sharing of it compliance with national development policies empowerment of local capacities resilience and participatory approach early recovery and rehabilitation cooperation and parnterships 11

Southeast Asia Humanitarian trends/challenges New actors notably from the private sector Involvement of armies in disaster relief and inter-armies cooperation Will of states to coordinate Misinterpretation of the auxiliary role of NS by states (“NS as humanitarian arm of the government”) New regional bodies related to humanitarian activities (ASEAN: AHA, IOC:ICHAD Limited funding for internat. operations/organisations 12

Way ahead and ambitions 1 1. Demonstrate our principled approach Neutral, independent & impartial approach ‘prove it’, credibility & predictability action not intention, stick to our identity Look for more effective and predictable “red response”: Movement coordin., shared vision, one voice/narrative, complementary action, local-global link, red CAP Credibility, transparency, professionalism Making the difference in emergencies as first responders 13

Way ahead and ambitions 2 Ability & legitimacy to operate acceptance -> access -> security ->direct delivery Security management Better integration of people in need in our action variety of needs & strengthen resilience -> to adapt our responses independant evaluation of needs, honesty no concession on impartiality Dialogue with all stakeholder/actors: innovative 14

Way ahead and ambitions 3 2. To capitalize on our diversity:same same but different Diversity of situations & needs adapt response to each situation, impact emergency AND early recovery Advocate for more support of Asian States for international operations +more interaction Strengthen ICRC protection activ. and neutral +independent intermediary role 15

Way ahead and ambitions 4 Partnerships Increased partnerships/consortium while remaining principled: coordination with not by Primary partnerships with Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Competences & services: Capacity building/ reinforcing, rapid deployment, preparedness, health, watsan, RFL,information technologies, etc Thematic: migration, health care in danger, IHL and humanitarian issues Keeping skilled staff within the Movement: more training as a network, rotation and integration in international operations 16

Way ahead and ambitions 5 Changing world -> changing practices needs assessment, assistance, protection fund-raising communication, social media 17