ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross: Corporate Support Group
Respect for humanitarian values is indispensable to society’s sustainable development. The ICRC, a leading independent, neutral organization is ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence throughout the world.
In 2005 Swiss Re became a founding member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Corporate Support Group with several other companies. As well as providing immediate support for people affected by disaster, Swiss Re believes that long-term instiutional expertise is essential for managing and preventing catastrophes.
As part of this long-term collaboration initiative, Swiss Re will make substantial contributions to support the ICRC’s daily operations and train staff. This is the first time that the ICRC has established a long-term partnership with the private sector. Its objectives are to diversify the organisation’s sources of funding and to promote the exchange of dialogue between the ICRC and its partner companies. The ICRC and the corporate partners will exchange on issues of mutual interest such as risk management, human resources development and training, logistics, information technology and communication.
Dr Jakob Kellenberger,
President of the ICRC
“The ICRC’s mandate is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal strife and to provide them with assistance. The committee also seeks to prevent suffering by promoting, strengthening and developing humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Today, the role of unofficial armed groups in intra-state conflicts and civil wars is becoming more and more important for the humanitarian work of organisations like the ICRC. We are increasingly having to deal with the humanitarian fallout of collapsed or collapsing governments that are either unwilling or unable to meet their obligations.
The ICRC is primarily financed by governments which makes Swiss Re’s decision to participate in the Corporate Support Group all the more pleasing. Their initiative will reinforce our efforts to promote peace and security for a sustainable future.“
Media releases:
19 March 2008
Swiss Re donates CHF 1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for a water supply project in Ethiopia
22 March 2007
Swiss Re donates CHF 1 million to support the International Committee of the Red Cross' (ICRC) Nepal Project
07 October 2005
Swiss Re goes into partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Related links:
Report on the First Plenary Meeting of ICRC Corporate Support Group on 22 November 2006.
