Peace, the best possible horizon

Transcription

1 N E W S L E T T E R nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 Peace, the best possible horizon Article by Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Page 14 ACTIVITIES Youth as agents of change: promoting a culture of non-violence and peace VOLUNTEERS CORNER How I met Nelson Mandela, Article by Marta Corachán, Vice-president, CCM page 4 page 7

2 Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean CONTENTS page EDITORIAL New challenges, increasing priorities: paving the way towards the 12 th Mediterranean Conference 3 ACTIVITIES Youth as agents of change: promoting a culture of non-violence and peace 4 Editorial Board CCM Comas Uriz, Santiago David, Isabelle Fraile Rodríguez, Eduardo García Roca, Àngels Grieco, Emanuela Llobet Méndez, Néstor Pardo Fernández, Laura With the collaboration of: Alonso Moro, Maria Teresa Spanish Red Cross Mayor Zaragoza, Federico Foundation Culture of Peace Red Cross EU Office Photos by: VOLUNTEERS CORNER PARTNERSHIP OPINION Volunteering as a vector for social cohesion 5 Atlantis X, shaping RC/RC Mediterranean Youth leaders 6 Youth training on Migration 6 How I met Nelson Mandela, Article by Marta Corachán, Vice-president CCM 7 19 th General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross Red and Crescent Societies 8 RC/RC Global Youth Conference 9 Think differently : IFRC Report on the humanitarian impact of the economic crisis in Europe 10 RC/RC Mediterranean Platform on Migration 11 Being a refugee with Youth on the Run in Italy 11 New RCEU publication : Shifting Borders- Externalising migrant vulnerabilities and rights? 12 Stay Safe Volunteer security course 13 Peace, the best possible horizon. Article by Federico Mayor Zaragoza 14 Castriotta, Luigi Angelo Italian Red Cross Corachán, Marta CCM IFRC Stamatakos, Panagiotis Hellenic Red Cross Cover Photo: Qi-Kung session during the Workshop Youth promoting a culture of non-violence and peace, Palma de Majorca, October 2013 Luigi Angelo Castriotta, Italian Red Cross 2

3 Newsletter nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 EDITORIAL New challenges, increasing priorities: paving the way towards the 12 th Mediterranean Conference As 2014 approaches, Mediterranean Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies leave behind a year marked by regrettable losses, and yet enormous endeavours. While the effects of the economic crisis are spreading and turning sustainable livelihoods into dire challenges across Europe - as the recent 'Think Differently' Report from the IFRC Europe Zone Office illustrates - the ongoing conflicts and unrest affecting the Middle East as well as Northern African countries are putting National Societies' responses to a test, as those adapt themselves to meet mounting needs in a constant process of innovation and reorientation of national, as well as regional priorities. In this context, and following the Red Cross/Red Crescent Statutory Meetings during which the Cyprus Red Cross Society was formally introduced as the 188 th member of the International Movement, the Mediterranean Conference welcomes its new partner into a phase that will stand as an opportunity for renewed and reinforced cooperation in facing common challenges, while providing continued response both to the priorities already stated in the Dubrovnik Declaration, as well as to the new needs to be identified by National Societies through a survey which will be re-launched at the beginning of The contributions of the 26 Mediterranean National Societies will be crucial to assist the Red Cross of the Republic of San Marino, and the CCM, in preparing the 12 th Mediterranean Conference in 2015, under the auspices of a region finally based on peace and equality. 3

4 ACTIVITIES Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Youth as agents of change: promoting a culture of non-violence and peace The 11 th Mediterranean Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent (Croatia, March 2010) highlighted the need to tackle the current and future humanitarian issues in our region, constantly promoting the respect for diversity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and cooperation, focusing -among others- on the important role of young people as promoters of a global culture of non-violence and peace. Considered to be the future -as well as the present- of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Youth become a dynamic resource in carrying out humanitarian initiatives at national level and key agents of positive change for their ability to quickly adapt to new contexts and to replicate lessons learnt. In this context, both the CCM and the Spanish Red Cross, through its delegation in the Balearic Islands, organized a Mediterranean Workshop on Youth with a special focus on the empowerment of youth volunteers as promoters of a global culture of non-violence and peace. The activity was CCM During the Workshop participants were involved in six thematic sessions, all facilitated in English, and worked according to a non-cognitive approach consisting in practical activities like role plays, exercises, real-life. IFRC P&V: through the dynamics developed participants could deepen their knowledge and understanding of the seven Fundamental Principles and the underpinning humanitarian values, learning new creative ways to disseminate them. Workshop on Peace Education: participants experienced the difficulties and limitations in having prejudices and stereotypes. They enjoyed the richness of differences and valued the opportunity that difference gives us. CCM carried out from the 30 th September to the 6 th of October in Palma de Majorca through practical sessions and dynamics which inspired dialogue, discussion and open debates to find solutions to problems and tensions, both at personal and as community level, and which built participants' skills as agents of change by transforming problems into creative and constructive solutions. The Youth Workshop was inaugurated by the representatives of the Spanish Red Cross in the Balearic Islands, the CCM, the City Council of Palma de Majorca and the Government of the Balearic Islands. Among the key speakers was Professor Federico Mayor Zaragoza, President of the Culture of Peace Foundation and former Director General of UNESCO. Through his inspiring speech towards the promotion o a culture of peace, Mr. Mayor motivated the public at large, made of 22 youth volunteers from 13 National Societies and 12 international facilitators and speakers from the National Societies of Egypt and Italy, the IFRC P&V Department, the IFRC Mena Zone, the CCM and the School of Non-violent Communication. Workshop on Non-Violent Communication: participants became aware of the importance of undertaking nonviolent communication with others and ourselves. They could strengthen their knowledge about non-violent communication and learn the methodology to apply it in their work and daily life. Workshop on Photography in Emergency: participants had the opportunity to understand not only the fundamental role that photography has in showing the effectiveness of the RC/RC work and communicating, in CCM 4

5 Newsletter nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 ACTIVITIES case of emergency, the impact of the disaster or of the armed conflict, but also the importance to respect the dignity of the people portrayed and to protect oneself while taking photos. Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change: Participants worked on their communication skills and learned how self-criticism, dropping bias and inner change can lead us towards a more inclusive and peace-based society understanding how critical thinking can prevent us from falling into social dynamics built on prejudice and stereotypes. Leadership Skills: Participants understood how leadership is based on relationships through communication, trust, and cooperation and learned to use creativity to solve problems, to listen to their own and to the others feelings, to work and think as a team, and to have trust within the group. Furthermore a special session on the Sharing of Best Practices was organized in which participants presented programmes or activities that their own RC/RC Youth Sections implemented, and are still implementing, in relation to the promotion of a culture of non-violence and peace to compare and enrich the perspective and visions on these themes, and possibly find new ideas and implement initiatives. In order to facilitate intercultural dialogue and the exchange of experiences, several side events were also displayed in the evening where the young volunteers were able to get to know each other, sharing and enjoying memorable moments. The evaluation of the Mediterranean Youth Workshop has been very positive: participants expectations were completely met evaluating the general content of the training as good or excellent, and the CCM objectives were widely satisfied showing all participants great interest and commitment to the programme and the single sessions, also thanks to the dynamic approach given by the facilitators in every session, that motivated and interested volunteers in acquiring new skills with regards to the topic at issues. For the complete Report: Youth promoting a culture of Non-violence and Peace Seminar on Volunteering as a vector for social cohesion Tackling the effects of the widespread economic crisis is currently one of the greatest priorities for many National Societies in the Mediterranean region. Amongst such effects are the deteriorating life conditions and the risk of exclusion of the most vulnerable groups, let alone the effects on family relationships due to patterns of dependence from the household which had previously experience the emancipation of most of the family members. Yet, the current crisis is taking place in the new 'digital era', a factor that can and ought to be used both as an important means and a valuable opportunity to counteract exclusion. But how can National Societies bridge the digital divide for more inclusive communities? How can new technologies serve as a means for dialogue between generations, hence combating exclusion? From a Red Cross/Red Crescent perspective, Volunteering is once again the best option, as it stands as the real vector to connect generations and communities through the new technologies, and improve the quality of life both for youth and for the elderly, in a mutual exchange of experiences and know-how. In order to present the programmes and initiatives carried out by the Spanish Red Cross in the implementation of new technologies, and promote the exchange best practices among Mediterranean National Societies, the CCM together with the Volunteering and Youth Department of the Spanish Red Cross are organizing an activity on Volunteering as a vector for social cohesion to be held in Madrid (Spain) in the first semester of Location: Spain Date: 1 st Semester

6 ACTIVITIES Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Atlantis X, shaping RC/RC Mediterranean Youth leaders Atlantis has come to its 10 th edition, and in order to celebrate this anniversary and the birth of the idea of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Mediterranean Youth Camp, the activity will focus on Leadership and Youth empowerment, topics on which the CCM has been working since its very establishment together with partner National Societies. The fundamental role of young people in developing communities is also recognized by the IFRC Youth Policy: National Societies recognise and value the important role and contribution of young people in addressing humanitarian and development communication, social media, and other technologies, intercultural ambassadors, peer to peer facilitators, community mobilisers, agents of behavioural change, and advocates for vulnerable people. National Societies recognise the leadership role of young people in tackling contemporary and emerging issues. Following the recommendations of the RC/RC Mediterranean Conference, empowering youth volunteers in being active participants in their National Society and community, acquiring much needed skills in their everyday work and personal capacities is a process that has been carried out with great support from Mediterranean Red Cross/Red Crescent which have often provided expert trainers and facilitators. The CCM together and partner National Societies will work closely in the next few months in order to ensure the event to be rich in content and keep contributing to the empowerment and leadership skills of Youth sections for the benefit of Mediterranean National Societies and communities at large. Further information in this respect will be available on the next number of our Newsletter. Date: 1 st semester 2014 Youth training on Migration In a continued concern to raise awareness on the challenges related to the migration phenomenon seen from a comprehensive perspective, and with the aim of contributing to National Societies' capacity building in providing assistance and protection to migrants, the Italian Red Cross - through its regional branch in Sicily - and the CCM are planning an activity focused on "Youth and Migration" to be implemented in the second semester of Empowering Youth volunteers and consequently host communities in acting as key agents of change in the dialogue on migration, as remarked in the context of the Statutory Meetings held in Sydney, stands as an important tool not only to better assist and protect migrants, but also as a relevant tool for humanitarian diplomacy. Standing as a follow-up of the seminar on the "Humanitarian Consequences of forced Migration" celebrated in Rome in 2012, the activity will include a training on the "Youth on Run" role play, an initiative of the Icelandic Red Cross based on the idea of the Danish professor Steen Cnops Rasmussen. The role play consists in living 24 hours in the shoes of migrants, facing all sorts of difficulties along the way. The training will be complemented by the contributions of experts from the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as external actors. Thanks to the recent training on the role play undertaken by the Italian Red Cross, the game can now be adapted to the Mediterranean context and disseminated at regional level through the technical support and networking that the CCM aims to provide. Source: IFRC Migration Unit, published on World Migrant Day Location: Sicily, Italy Date: 2 nd Semester

7 Newsletter nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 VOLUNTEERS CORNER How I met Nelson Mandela NELSON MANDELA ( ) President of South Africa From Apartheid to Democracy A sight hurt by sunlight after 27 years of imprisonment A sound smile and a wounded look. This is how I met Nelson Mandela in the spring of 1996 in the presidential Palace in Cape Town. A year before, as president of the Spanish Red Cross in Catalonia, I received a call from a colleague of an NGO based in Madrid, to tell that the person in charge of an NGO in Mozambique was about to visit Barcelona. She was coming to our town, she did not know anyone and I was asked to attend her. She was going to arrive on a personal basis, as her daughter needed to have an eye surgery in one of the clinics in Barcelona. During her week stay in Barcelona, I became friends with Graça Machel, the widow of the former president of Mozambique, Somora Machel. Since that moment, our friendship grew in time and Graça invited me to meet her in Cape Town, where she would spend long stays when back from Maputo, and where I would go regularly to visit my son, who lived for almost 12 years in South Africa. As my trip was approaching, I called Graça Machel and she asked me to meet the week following my arrival in Cape Town. Come at 9 am to this address she said, and we ll have breakfast together. When I showed my son the address I had written down, his reply troubled me: Mom, this is the address of the presidential palace, the Country s President: Nelson Mandela. That was the day when the engagement with my friend Graça Machel was made public, and that was the day when the secret between us was revealed. My son and I were received on the Palace s threshold with a great smile. By her side stood her partner: Mr. Nelson Mandela. What could I capture from President Mandela during our 2hrs visit? Certainly his sense of humour as he saw the surprised look on my face when I arrived to the appointment. It wasn t only about having breakfast with a friend, but also an interview with South Africa s President. Madiba, as the ones who loved him called him in his country, was a man of peace and reconciliation, with the ability to forgive and with the intelligence of a genius who had suffered. I could also perceive a special charm in him, which was made clear by his words when, at the end of our meeting he revealed the two reasons for receiving me. First of all, he wanted to thank me for attending what was then his secret partner, Graça Machel, during her visit in Barcelona. Secondly, since at that time I was the President of the Spanish Red Cross in Catalonia, and Vice-president of the Spanish Red Cross, Mr. Mandela wanted to express his most sincere gratitude to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for the positive memories he had nurtured in time of the visits paid by the Red Cross during his 27 years of imprisonment in Robben Island. Not only for the joy the RC delegates brought along through the letters, details from family and friends, for their comfort and help to what inmates needed, but also because, on the day of the visit, the jailers took good care in cleaning, in the food and in their manners, so that the day would seem easier to bear. During my visit, I could also treasure in his look the oblivion of the scars, put aside by the memories of his friends, the time spent together, mingling with his peers and his family... wanting for his people that freedom and justice he would later fight for. Brought up to meet other people s needs, he devoted himself with love and compassion. I believe it was in his hometown Qunu where he spent his late years. He was a key man of his time, and lead the way. A way made of steps that will not vanish; steps of freedom, equality and kindness. What a light of hope! What an overwhelming dignity! Marta Corachán This is the memory I have of a kind, humble man who did not spite the others and whose attitude towards the world changed the course of History. Marta Corachán 7

8 PARTNERSHIP Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean 19 th General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Member National Societies meet to celebrate their achievements, discuss the humanitarian challenges and decide the future strategic directions. In its 19 th edition the Assembly took place between the 11 th and 17 th of November 2013 in Sidney (Australia) and gathered more than 180 RC/RC National Societies, as well as representatives of the IFRC and the ICRC. In the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), accepted the Red Cross Red Crescent Peace Prize on behalf of the National Society. Conferred in extraordinary circumstances, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Prize for Peace and Humanity is a Movement award to recognize efforts to build a more peaceful world through humanitarian action and the dissemination of the ideals of the Movement. In this vein, the daily work carried out by over 3000 SARC volunteers in the ongoing terrible circumstances made the National Society worthy of the Award. Furthermore, the IFRC, following the voting of the Assembly, welcomed the entry of two new National Societies: the Cyprus Red Cross, established in 1950 as a branch of the British RC, and the South Sudan Red Cross, that was founded in 2011 following the country s independence. The total number of RC/RC National Societies has hence increased to 189. The other main theme discussed during the Assembly was the humanitarian situation in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan. The IFRC launched an appeal to help the country and praised the work of the Philippines RC for IFRC the assistance given to all those who have lost their home and are in desperate need of food, shelter and water. Noteworthy were also the elections of the IFRC governance, in which Mr. Tadateru Konoé (Japanese RC) was re-elected as President. He underlined his objectives and priorities, as the growth of stronger National Societies and the protection of their independence and effectiveness. Furthermore the following were elected as vice presidents of the IFRC: Mr. Abbas Gedi, (Kenia) for Africa, Mr. Osvaldo Ferrero (Argentina) for the Americas; Dr. Baige Zhao (China) for Asia-Pacific; Mr. Francesco Rocca (Italy) for Europe, while five National Societies for each of the regions, among others the Spanish RC, were also elected to be part of the IFRC Governing Board. The Spanish Red Cross was the deserving recipient of the Use of IT in Mobilizing and Managing Volunteers category, following the success of their online volunteer management database. The same award was delivered to the Iranian Red Crescent and to the Hong Kong Red Cross. Besides the awards and the elections, the General Assembly tackled themes such as responsibility, transparency, risks-management, the support to the National Societies development, the fundamental importance of Youth for the International Movement as well as its inner coordination. Lastly, Mr. Tadatoshi Akiba, former Mayor of Hiroshima and antinuclear advocate, presented the annual 2013 Red Cross Oration A Nuclear Weapons -Free World: A Perfect Vision with a Deadline. Drawing on the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Dr. Akiba recounted the spirit of Hibakusha survivors of the bombs which devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki who have made it their life mission to ensure that no one should suffer as they did. Related links: IFRC 8

9 Newsletter nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 PARTNERSHIP Red Cross/Red Crescent Global Youth Conference By Maria Teresa Alonso Moro, National Vice-president, Spanish Red Cross Youth 198 youth delegates coming from 116 National Societies were given the opportunity to gather in Sydney (Australia) in order to examine the common challenges to elaborate a development programme post We kept in mind the importance of working in the Global Youth Conference to make valuable contributions in the Statutory Meetings (General Assembly and Council of Delegates) that took place after the Conference. We reaffirmed our commitment to the fundamental principles, the Tarragona Declaration (2004), the Solferino Youth Declaration (2004), the Youth Policy approved by the IFRC in 2011), the results of the Global Youth Conference celebrated in Vienna (Austria) in 2012, and the Youth Engagement Strategy that was later presented in the General Assembly and finally endorsed by the participating National Societies. The content of the Global Youth Conference focused on two pillars and for each of them we worked in different groups, which made the process very interesting as I had the opportunity to know the reality that my peers from other National Societies are facing. In order to give a content framework various presentations were delivered, and we were also given the time to prepare and actively participate in the General Assembly and in the Council of Delegates. Pillar 1: Defining the World after 2015 After analyzing the knowledge acquired through the Millennium Development Goals, we debated on what the role of the International RC/RC Movement will be after 2015, and came to the conclusion that the humanitarian priorities should be the following: Pillar 2: RCRC Youth has an impact on the humanitarian context through the implementation of the IFRC Youth Engagement Strategy (Y.E.S.) The Youth Engagement Strategy aims at promoting an approach that helps youth broaden and improve their activities so as to achieve a greater impact both within and outside their local communities. 161 National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent participated in the drafting process of the Strategy. In order to achieve the priorities above mentioned, we, the delegates of the Global Youth Conference, firmly believe that all National Societies should incorporate in their structure a Youth policy that is in line with the IFRC Youth Policy (2011), and that all National Societies should provide proper resources for the implementation of the IFRC Y.E.S. As a conclusion, I can affirm that the Statutory Meetings have been a real example of the work that our organization carries out across the world, everyday closer to people. Useful Resources: IFRC Y.E.S IFRC Building resilience in communities, including in particular, addressing rising violence and armed conflicts, all kinds of discrimination, inequity, poverty, at both their root causes and immediate consequences. Providing accessible quality and relevant education, including skills based education and training. Overcoming the impacts of climate change and increased natural disasters, and reaching environmental sustainability. Achieving gender and youth equality in the access to education, employment and decision-making.. 9

10 PARTNERSHIP Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean IFRC Report on the humanitarian impact of the economic crisis in Europe: Think Differently On 10 th October 2013, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), presented in Rome Think differently, the second report on the humanitarian impacts of the economic crisis in Europe. Standing as a follow up on the first report presented in 2009, the second publication shows, thanks to the important contributions from National Societies of the Europe Zone, how in four years the humanitarian conditions in European countries have not improved, but are actually getting worse due to the ongoing economic crisis. In the first report it was underlined how too little attention was being paid to the humanitarian consequences of the crisis while all energies were focused on stabilizing the macroeconomic situation of the continent. Thanks to the collection of responses, testimonies and social healthwellness indices from European National Societies, Think differently wants to illustrate the human face of the crisis and highlight how the crisis is taking a turn for the worse in the Europe zone, disproportionally hitting the most vulnerable citizens and impacting new groups of people who had never been affected before. (the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer) and the competition for shrinking resources could bring about growing xenophobia, discrimination, social exclusion, as well as abuse and domestic problems. The mapping showed, compared to the 2009 report, how millions of people have seen their human conditions worsened: More people are becoming poor, unable to buy food and medicines, not having access to health care, More of the middle-class are falling below the poverty line unable to face all utility bills, and the poor are getting poorer; More people are finding themselves without a job or with a job that cannot permit to sustain their family; The gap within rich and poor is increasing and the number of emarginated groups is growing; National Societies have seen the number of people who need their help increase dramatically, and although they have raised their domestic programmes, some National Societies are not able to support all those affected by the crisis; The awareness that the problems caused by this crisis will be felt for decades even if the economy turns for the better Think differently and act differently: understanding how Societies can adapt to the new realities we are living and thinking in an innovative ways to find sustainable and long terms solutions to mitigate the humanitarian impacts of this crisis, preventing it to turn into a moral and social crisis. Related links: Finnish Red Cross At the beginning of 2013 the IFRC carried out a mapping to get an overview of how the 52 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Europe and Central Asia were responding to the crisis. The results shock for their worrying trends and challenges: millions of Europeans live with insecurity and uncertainty about what the future holds. We can start seeing a quiet desperation spreading among Europeans in terms of depression, resignation and loss of hope for their future. Many National Societies remark that the economic crisis is creating the conditions for a widespread social crisis, whereby a growing gap in the distribution of resources 10

11 Newsletter nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 PARTNERSHIP RC/RC Mediterranean Platform on Migration The Movement Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in the Mediterranean, held in Barcelona on March 2013, remarked the importance, following the previous steps taken in the Meeting of Rome in 2012, to establish a network for migration in the Mediterranean. As an outcome of that meeting the Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean, in collaboration with the IFRC and the ICRC, presents the initiative for a RC/RC Mediterranean Platform on Migration. This initiative, which originates as a follow up of the appointment of Mediterranean focal points on migration issues, arises with the aim to improve the coordination, cooperation and partnership between the RC/ RC Mediterranean National Societies, members of the Mediterranean Conference, on the issues regarding the delivery of assistance and protection to migrants, advocacy and RFL services, promoting a constant flow of information and the exchange of best practices among the parties involved. The promotion and dissemination of the RC/RC best practices on migration; The exchange of experiences at Mediterranean level through twinning mechanisms. In this frame of action, the CCM has produced a video reporting on the last Movement Meeting that underlined the fundamental role of the focal points, as well as the importance for a better coordination, cooperation and partnership in the Mediterranean region. In its closing, Mrs. Marta Corachán, Vice-president of the CCM, introduced the Platform s project highlighting its fundamental role in facing migration related challenges in our region and assist and safeguard the conditions of vulnerable migrants along their route. In detail, the Platform objectives will be: The facilitation of the information flow between National Societies through the focal points, appointed by National Societies within their existing human resources; The mapping of RC/RC migration programmes at regional level carried out by the CCM in coordination with the other platform coordinators and parties involved; Video on the Movement Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in the Mediterranean Being a refugee with Youth on the Run in Italy The path of a refugee is hard. There is physical strain caused by hundreds of kilometres of walk before arriving somewhere slightly safer. There is, as well, a mental drain due to the conditions and the experiences a refugee lives: to flee from your hometown without anything, to have no food and nothing to drink, the uncertainty of what is going to happen next, the fear of the next border control or the following roadblock. The role-play Youth on the Run is designed to experience some of the situations a refugee lives, to better comprehend them and empathize with their situation. The Regional Branch of Emilia Romagna of the Italian Red Cross organized the game on the 23 rd and 24 th November in Prignano sulla Secchia, Modena. Two members of CCM participated and experienced, along with over 30 Italian Red Cross youth volunteers, a hint of what it is to be a refugee and an asylum seeker. Frustration, loneliness and the sensation of feeling lost in time and space are some of the emotions that the participants shared during the debriefing that took place after the game. The role-play was conceived in the 90 s by the Danish professor Steen Cnops Rasmussen who was worried about the intolerance and racism against refugees and migrants in general. Youth on the Run aims at raising awareness on the situation of vulnerability that refugees and asylum seekers face. The game has been used by the Icelandic Red Cross for more than 25 years as a tool, and has been disseminated to other European National Societies, among which the Italian Red Cross is the first National Society of the Mediterranean to implement the role-play. For further information on the game please contact the CCM: mediterraneo@cruzroja.es. 11

12 PARTNERSHIP Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean New RCEU publication on the evolving vulnerabilities of migrants in and at the borders of the EU: Shifting Borders Externalising migrant vulnerabilities and rights? Article by the Red Cross EU Office Following the World Disasters Report 2012 focus on forced migration and displacement, the new Red Cross EU Office (RCEU) booklet Shifting borders Externalizing migrant vulnerabilities and rights? sets the issue of forced migration and displacement within the specific context of European Union (EU) migration and border control policies. It analyses a trend which has been picked up by several European National Red Cross Societies as having a significant impact on the vulnerability of migrants, and consequently, on their own activities. It also aims at providing practical backing for the 31 st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent call for governments to ensure that migrants, irrespective of their legal status, have access to the support that they need and that they are treated at all times with respect and dignity. Externalization is the process by which certain States shift responsibility for migration control to migrants countries of origin and of transit. This RCEU publication thus takes a closer look at the consequences of the externalisation of EU migration controls on migrant vulnerabilities and rights by breaking the process down into its main characteristics and by identifying human costs associated to these. Each chapter, while highlighting relevant IFRC Migration Policy principles, presents related activities of National Societies and emphasises the need for humanitarian actors to take urgent and decisive action to protect the dignity and rights of migrants in this adverse context. The booklet Shifting Borders also examines initiatives of other organisations engaged in reducing migrant vulnerabilities. Panel discussion with MEP Wikström, Alexandra Segenstedt from the Swedish RC and Roger Zetter from Oxford University during the Conference "Shifting EU Borders and the access to international protection". RCEU Office This publication aims at supporting the work of humanitarian actors in ensuring access to protection and dignity for migrants in the current context. It intends to move away from the prevailing political concerns which tend to shape the debate, towards focusing on the acute vulnerabilities of migrants in order to promote understanding of the key issues at stake on this sensitive issue. The booklet was launched on 6 November during a conference at the European Parliament entitled where European National Societies, EU and national policy makers, as well as civil society actors assessed the humanitarian consequences of Externalisation and analysed how current and future policy tools could address related migrant vulnerabilities. Participants to the conference recognized the relevance of the RCEU recommendations to create legal avenues to access international protection in the EU. For more information and to receive printed copies of the publication, please contact migration@redcross-eu.net 12

13 Newsletter nº 17 3 rd quarter 2013 PARTNERSHIP Stay Safe - Volunteer security course now available on the IFRC Learning Platform Volunteers security is one of the growing concerns of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as in many countries National Societies face big challenges in safer access, safety and security in general. According to the mid-year Report of the IFRC Security Unit, recent reports indicate that 2013 will stand as the year with the highest number of major attacks against aid workers worldwide yet recorded. We continue to witness changes in the global security environment resulting in a general deterioration, and IFRC personnel and humanitarian aid workers having to operate increasingly in insecure or potentially dangerous environments. Sadly, at present the total number of reported RC/RC staff and volunteers killed globally stands at minimum 35, with many more sustaining serious injuries. The RC/RC staff were killed in Syria (31), Afghanistan (2), Democratic Republic of Congo (1) and Somalia (1). The IFRC Security Unit has in recent years developed a number of security initiatives and tools under the Stay safe concept. The security programme contributes to reducing the numbers of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters and increases local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability by creating an effective culture of security within the IFRC and National Societies. This will further enable Red Cross Red Crescent personnel to operate safely and securely. In addition, it will support the IFRC in addressing more effectively the strategic imperatives identified in Strategy In order to provide minimum security preparation for National Society Volunteers, leaders and paid staff, assisting the National Societies in establishing an appropriate security management system, the IFRC Security Unit with the collaboration of the Volunteering department, have produced a new online course: Stay safe- Volunteer security course. Stay safe for volunteers is a prevention tool, which aims to enhance the security and well-being of volunteers and National Society staff at National Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies and the vulnerable people we serve. The 2hrs 30 min course is free of charge and it includes the following items: Introduction to volunteer security Preparing for volunteer work Volunteer security during Natural Disaster response Volunteer security during lower risk field assignments Volunteer security during conflict and crime field assignments. To register for the course log into the IFRC learning platform at: and direct at: For questions or comments, you can contact the support team at: support.learning@ifrc.org 13

14 OPINION Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Peace, the best possible horizon The best horizon to be conceived as a common future for humanity is Peace building, that is, the construction of a culture of peace and non-violence as personal and collective behaviour, both on a global and local scale, so that humanity can actually find its real meaning and fulfil its evolution. Peace has always been the most profound ideal for humanity. Like a chimera, it has been interpreted in many occasions and by many cultures to justify the impossibility of achieving it in real terms. The seeds of peace can be found in the heart and mind of all human beings. But throughout history, in a masculine society, we resorted to force, to preparing for war. The seeds have been left in unattended grooves, unable to germinate given the tremendous drought that we now have to, and are able to mend. Because the seeds are there. Suddenly, all the citizens of the world, all the people have become, for the magic provided by the means of communication, a crossroad of cultures and knowledge; being peaceful is not enough, we have to be peacemakers. Actors, militants for peace. Committed. You cannot build a different world with indifferent people. This requires awareness, personal will, a deliberate attitude of daily life. Peace is not only an ideal to be met, but an urgent voluntary task. As Juan Vives mentioned: the first perquisite for peace is the will to achieve it. The current technological generation and the social transformation that it entails reveal the current reality, that it is necessary knowing in order to swap the relations of force that have characterized human history with relations based on mutual understanding, dialogue and co-operation. Lets not turn what Martin Luther King said into reality when he mentioned that Our generation will not have regretted both the crimes of the wicked, and the eerie silence of the kind. The Programme of Action for a Culture of Peace, approved by the General Assembly of United Nations in September 1999, addresses parents, teachers, politicians, journalists, religious groups, intellectuals, those who carry out scientific, philosophic, creative and artistic activities, social workers, those who carry out managing tasks at different levels as well as non-governmental organizations There is no doubt, therefore, that peace is something that concerns us all, no exception made. We cannot wait for it to be a decision of governors. Citizens power has to act promptly in order to demand the great change, the great transition from force to word. Moments of hope lay ahead, and they are fascinating, as in the words of Eduardo Galeano: Utopia is on the horizon. I move two steps closer; it moves two steps further away. I walk another ten steps and the horizon runs ten steps further away. So what is the point of utopia? The point is this: to keep walking. Utopia moves as we forcibly move towards her. It can never be reached but in the process we have walked long distances. The culture of peace and non-violence has to be considered as the foundations of the new civilization of the world for the 21 st century that gives us the ethic bases to carry out the difficult transition from specific realities to global realities, which are manifold and diverse. Hoping that a different world is possible, the culture of peace is a horizon and an achievable utopia altogether, a life mission, a public policy, a peaceful weapon, but first of all, it has to be a real philosophy to inspire citizens behaviour in the 21 st century. Federico Mayor Zaragoza November 28 th,

15 The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement. Voluntary service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

16 With the support of: Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Av. Portal de l Àngel 7, 4th floor Barcelona Tel: Fax: mediterraneo@cruzroja.es Follow us on : Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean www. medyouthpotral.org Humanity Impartiality Neutrality Independence Voluntary service Unity Universality