International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Humanitarian Diplomacy
 Humanitarian Diplomacy
in Action !
Surein Peiris
Humanitarian Diplomacy Delegate-Pakistan
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
How HD relates to Working in the field
OPERATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
COORDINATION
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
HD in action- voice for the vulnerable!
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
People who deserve…..but
Pressure from various angles deprive the Needy
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Try to address social injustice issues
Stand up against social Injustice!
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Issues of Gender & Social exclusion
Gender discrimination , Deprivation of Rights based on Gender
in a Male dominated society
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Gender based Domestic Violence
This Picture tells
it ALL !
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Stigma and Discrimination
PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AIDS –
SOCIAL EXCLUSION
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Disaster Relief - Fundamental Principles
Upholding the Principle of Neutrality ,Independence Impartiality
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
People most vulnerable
Disabled, blind, crippled, children, Pregnant
Women , Elders…..People special based on their condition
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Right to Shelter … but No legal title !
 People affected by Floods but No legal land Title …
THEN WHAT ?
Humanitarian Diplomacy comes in to play ….
 Lobbying for Laws to address these issues – long term
Short term , speedy action…….as an alternative
 Possibility to lobby the Government to provide state land ?
 OR … Talk to the Landlords , Convince them to sign an
Agreement which will elevate their status – provide minimum
Tenure security – FROM NOBODY TO SOMEBODY !

Be a Stronger voice for the vulnerable !
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
HD promotes partnerships/coordination
Partnerships and Collaboration with other Humanitarian Actors!
Meetings with Other actors on the field is Important !
Information Sharing is Vital!
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Networking for a stronger voice !
Many Humanitarian Actors –You are
Not the only One! UNITED WE
STAND ; DIVIDED WE FALL !
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Communications is vital for
HUMANITARIAN DIPLOMACY
 It is about Building the
IMAGE of the PRCS .
 YOU are the face of the
PRCS on the Field .
 Actions speak louder than
Words
 First “WALK THE TALK “
 Then” TALK THE WALK “
 At all times be mindful to
Show case the PRCS !
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Communication on the field- Be careful !

Consistency in the Messages we give to Media.. , Beware of the camera and Mike!
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Beyond Beneficiary Communications …
 Mechanism to address the Needs of the Beneficiaries is
important – HD element comes into play !
 PRCS Branches to take the Lead ……with IFRC support
 It is not an overnight process ….Takes time ….But Results
last long ! Act and Not be Passive..It is your Responsibility!
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
No “One size Fits All approach”
Play it by Ear ...Feel it….Smell it…..Use your head …..Not your Heart …
YOU BE THE JUDGE!
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
SOME Tools for HD
 Sphere Charter
 RC/RC and NGO Code of Conduct for Disaster Relief
 P&V based checklist for Disaster Managers and Health
Professionals
 Code of Good Practice for NGOs responding to HIV/AIDs
 Principles and Rules for RCRC Disaster Relief
 The Hyogo Framework offers guiding principles, priorities for action,
and practical means for achieving disaster resilience for vulnerable
communities.
 Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s (IASC) Guidelines for
Protecting Persons Affected by Natural Disasters:
 Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Humanitarian diplomacy is about a change of
mind set.
It needs to be a part of daily work within all
National Societies.
RC&RC is to act, and not to remain passive.
HD urges action on the part of National
Societies and IFRC to measure up to that
responsibility.
International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Be a stronger voice for the vulnerable !