STRATEGY 2010

Home > International Services > Overview

STRATEGY 2010

FOREWORD

The International Federation disseminated information on Strategy 2010 to its member National Societies. These plans will serve as a guide in regards to the direction the Movement should move towards as a whole.

It's mission statement, "To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity", summarises the intent of the Movement as we move forward in the next decade, faced with challenges in rapidly changing geo-political settings.

Strategy 2010 takes into account the expected increase in demands for humanitarian aid in the world and suggests methods to develop our capabilities to cope with the new requirements, enhancing the impact of, as well as providing more focus to service provision on the part of the Movement. Most importantly, it aims to make the Federation part of a more cohesive Movement which is responsive to the needs of the vulnerable.

What is Strategy 2010?

Strategy 2010 outlines the direction for the Movement in the coming decade. In preparing this report, the Federation looked at the past Strategic Work Plan for the Nineties and examined areas which can be improved in the future. They have also taken into consideration the transitions that are likely to arise in the new millennium and the expected increase in humanitarian demands on aid-giving organisations.

Unlike its predecessor which only dealt with change objectives, Strategy 2010 provides guidance for the totality of the Federation's actions and its implementation is the responsibility of all components of the Movement.

II.

Mission Statement

The attainment and fulfilment of the mission statement, as quoted above, is broken into 2 parts. The first deals with how the Movement can improve the lives of the vulnerable and the second examines the tools we can use to mobilise the power of humanity.

III.

Strategic Plans

Part I -- Improving the Lives of Vulnerable People

Helping the vulnerable as defined by the Movement is better understood if it's viewed in three areas:

Preventing suffering by preparing for and avoiding situations that can increase vulnerability.

Assisting people who become vulnerable through a sudden disaster or crisis.

Alleviating suffering by increasing the capacity of people subject to "structural vulnerability" -- living constantly in situations which threatens their dignity and security.

Ways to improve the vulnerability of people include:

Being responsive to local vulnerability

With an intimate knowledge and understanding of the local reality, sensitive responsive programmes can be developed. National Societies should work with the capacities of vulnerable people, identify local capacities, and analyse the potential impact and comparative advantage of local programmes.

The Movement's capacity should not be spread too thinly and it should be recognised that there's a possibility that other organisations can contribute more effectively in specific areas. As such, the Movement's various parts should focus on their core areas which form the backbone of their programming efforts.

Focusing on and within Core Areas

Not disregarding the diversity of National Societies and their variety of programmes in relation to specific vulnerabilities, core areas are "common denominators" where individual National Societies can work with and learn from each other. National Societies are expected to develop and contribute to these areas and can count on advice and support from the Federation.

Although core areas should be the priority of the Movement, this will not prevent National Societies from carrying out activities in other areas considered necessary. The four core areas are:

i)	promotion of the Movement's Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values

Not all of the Fundamental principles are of equal relevance in external promotion. Of particular importance in this respect are:

•	The protection of life, health and human dignity

•	Respect for the human being

•	Non-discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class or political opinions

•	Mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all people

•	Service by volunteers

ii)

disaster response

The Movement should be able to able to aid on the spot before, during, and after a disaster. This should be done by mobilising the net work to respond, improving the speed and effectiveness of co-ordination mechanisms and building capacity through relief, rehabilitating and reconstructing, and setting and working towards improved standards. Disaster survivors should be empowered through projects to retake charge of their lives and strengthen local institutions.

iii)

disaster preparedness

Greater impact in disaster preparedness can be achieved by strengthening disaster preparedness training, building effective disaster response mechanisms, raising community awareness and public education, as well as disaster mitigation and reduction.

iv)

health and care in the community

National Societies should continue to bridge the gap between formal and service delivery and households. First Aid activities should also be recognised and exploited as service entry points to reduce vulnerability to disease, accident, trauma and violence. Health education and community-based programmes would also be important contributions.

Part II -- Mobilising the Power of Humanity

In mobilising the power of humanity, 2 key moves have to be carried out. They are establishing well-functioning National Societies, and working together effectively. Capacity building is an important element in the new approaches to development co-operation. It requires a long-term perspective and commitment which is still lacking in the culture of the Movement, which is still ruled by its emergency-response dimension.

It is also emphasised that it is the responsibility of the individual to assist others. Volunteering is a manifestation of that responsibility and the Movement provides a meeting place for people eager to perform their duty to society. As an organisation's strength is in its members, expanding development schemes for governance and employees will be a priority.

In developing and implementing a common strategy for the Movement, the ICRC and the Federation will ensure better co-ordination at all levels and rethink the roles and responsibilities of both organisations, leading to a better-integrated Movement.

IV.

Conclusion

In summary, the three Strategic Directions for the Movement are:

RESPONSIVE AND FOCUSED

National Society programmes are responsive to local vulnerability and focused on the areas where they can add greatest value. The collective focus will be on promoting the Movement's Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and health and care in the community.

ii)

WELL-FUNCTIONING NATIONAL SOCIETIES

Well-functioning National Societies which can mobilise support and carry out their humanitarian mission, contributing to the building of civil society.

iii)

WORKING TOGETHER EFFECTIVELY

The Red Cross/Red Crescent and its supporters work together effectively, through programme co-operation, long-term partnerships and funding, as well as more active advocacy.

For more information on IHL, please visit the ICRC website on IHL at:
http://www.icrc.org/eng/ihl