International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its contribution to the development of Humanitarian Diplomacy

Alibalaev Muradin Memedkhanovich ORCID: 0000-0002-3587-9719 Postgraduate student; Department of Theory and History of International Relations; Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba 6 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow, 117198, Russia amm.98@yahoo.com

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive scientific analysis of the contribution of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to the development and formation of humanitarian diplomacy, as well as to assess its impact on international cooperation and improvement of work in the framework of crisis assistance.

The set goal predetermined the need to solve the following scientific tasks:

• to analyze the history of the development and formation of humanitarian diplomacy in the context of the IFRC activities and its impact on international relations;
• to investigate the structure and functions of the IFRC, as well as its interaction with state and non-state actors;
• to identify and study the main approaches used by the IFRC in the framework of humanitarian diplomacy to provide effective assistance to all those in need;
• to assess the effectiveness of the initiatives and programs implemented by the IFRC aimed at improving humanitarian conditions and strengthening international cooperation;
• to develop recommendations on strengthening the role of the IFRC in the development of humanitarian diplomacy in the future.

The methodological basis of the article. The article uses general scientific methods and the method of analyzing situations, which made it possible to define the framework of scientific research, clarify the basic concepts and categories associated with the formation and development of the phenomenon of humanitarian diplomacy. In the process of preparing the article, such general scientific methods of cognition as analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison, analogy, abstraction and generalization were applied.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (International Movement) is the world's largest humanitarian association. The task of the International Movement ^[1] is to alleviate human suffering, protect human life and health and ensure respect for the human person, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. It is represented in almost all countries of the world and enjoys the support of millions of volunteers. ^[2]

The International Movement includes: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (191 of them) and the IFRC.^[2]

IFRC is a humanitarian non–profit organization that coordinates and directs international assistance to victims of natural disasters, catastrophes and other emergencies. ^[3] The IFRC is a complex organizational structure that includes National Societies The Red Cross and Red Crescent (National Societies), coordinating bodies and operational units.

The IFRC is a complex and multi-layered organization that includes various bodies and departments that ensure its effective functioning. The main structural components of the IFRC:

1. IFRC General Assembly

The supreme governing body of the IFRC, which meets every two years. It includes representatives of all National Societies that are members of the IFRC. The main functions include approving the strategy, budgets and key policies of the organization.

2. IFRC Secretariat

The Executive body responsible for implementing the decisions of the General Assembly and managing the day-to-day operations of the IFRC. At the head is the Secretary General, who coordinates the work of various departments and divisions, such as the Department of Humanitarian Diplomacy, the Department of Operations Management and the Department of Finance and Resource Management.

3. National Societies

IFRC members operating at the national level and having their own structures and programs. They are engaged in the implementation of humanitarian programs, fundraising, training and mobilization of volunteers, as well as interaction with government agencies and local communities. National Societies have autonomy in their activities, but must comply with the charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

4. Humanitarian missions and regional offices

They operate in various regions of the world to coordinate and support the activities of National Societies. They provide rapid response to emergency situations, provide technical and advisory assistance and facilitate the exchange of experience and best practices between national societies.

IFCICP Functions

1. Coordination of humanitarian assistance

The Organization plays a key role in coordinating the efforts of National Societies and other humanitarian actors to ensure a coordinated and effective response to crises. Development and implementation of strategies to provide assistance in areas of armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergency situations.

2. Development and implementation of programs

IFRC initiates and supports various humanitarian programs aimed at improving health, providing clean water and sanitation, food security, supporting migrants and refugees, and strengthening local communities. Programs are designed to meet local needs and contexts, which ensures their sustainability and effectiveness.

3. Humanitarian diplomacy

Applying the principles of humanitarian diplomacy to ensure access to victims and mobilize international support. Interaction with Governments, international organizations and non-governmental actors to promote humanitarian principles and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.

4. Training and mobilization of volunteers

Education and training of volunteers to participate in humanitarian operations and programs. Mobilization of resources and volunteers for rapid emergency response.

5. Monitoring and evaluation

Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of ongoing programs and initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with established goals and standards. Implementation of reporting and transparency systems that allow you to track the use of resources and performance.

Interaction with actors

1. Government agencies

Cooperation with national Governments to develop and implement humanitarian programs, as well as to ensure access to victims. Participation in intergovernmental forums and working groups to promote humanitarian issues.

2. International organizations

Cooperation with the United Nations and its specialized agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Partnership with other international humanitarian organizations to coordinate efforts and share resources and knowledge.

3. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities

Collaboration with NGOs to implement programs at the local level and strengthen the capacity of local communities. Involving so-called local communities in the planning and implementation of humanitarian initiatives to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness.

Thus, the structure and functions of the IFRC provide an integrated and systematic approach to solving humanitarian problems, which allows the organization to effectively respond to challenges and needs on a global scale.

The ICRC ^[4] works all over the world, helping people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, as well as spreading knowledge about international humanitarian law (IHL).

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ^[5] act as an assistant to the state authorities of their countries in the humanitarian field and provide a range of services, including assistance in emergency situations, implementation of medical and social programs, dissemination of knowledge about IHL, etc.

Humanitarian diplomacy plays a central role in modern international relations, as it aims to minimize suffering and support vulnerable groups during various crises and armed conflicts. This phenomenon of diplomacy is associated not only with the provision of humanitarian assistance, but also with the development of philosophical and religious approaches to justice, morality and human dignity.

The IFRC has made the most significant contribution to the development of modern humanitarian diplomacy. The first model policy on humanitarian diplomacy was developed by the IFRC in 2009 ^[6], it established the first definition of humanitarian diplomacy:

"Humanitarian diplomacy is the persuasion of decision makers and opinion leaders to always act in the interests of vulnerable groups and in full compliance with fundamental humanitarian principles." ^[6]

The policy framework is built around the above definition and includes appropriate safeguards protecting the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the humanitarian space. An explanatory note is also attached ^[6], which describes the history of the key definitions and ideas that served as the basis for this policy. The explanatory note should be considered alongside this policy and should be promoted in every possible way.

The definition should be considered as a sequence of terms that serve as an indication for action for National Societies and IFRC. Understanding the definition as a whole requires understanding the significance of individual words and key terms that collectively make up a single whole. With this understanding, the definition provides a clear basis for the practical application of humanitarian diplomacy. The meaning of each key term from the definition is set out in the above-mentioned explanatory note. These key terms are the basis for specific steps that National Societies and IFRC should take to effectively apply humanitarian diplomacy.

At the same time, the terms "humanitarian" and "diplomacy" are sometimes characterized as fundamentally incompatible. This apparent incompatibility is due to the fact that diplomacy is considered too connected to the world of politics to be accepted as a term that properly reflects the work of humanitarian workers.

Concerns of this kind ignore the reality that humanitarian workers work almost daily in a political environment. The staff of the various components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement necessarily interact with Governments and other decision makers as part of their routine work to meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups of the population.

Therefore, the use of the term "diplomacy" is quite deliberate. Representatives of public authorities are among the most important decision makers with whom National Societies and the IFRC interact.

Over the years, many attempts have been made to define humanitarian diplomacy. The definition is based on the understanding that National Societies and IFRC are constantly involved in the political life of their partners, and believe that only by constantly convincing officials in these countries to act in the interests of vulnerable people, it is possible to fully fulfill the humanitarian tasks that National Societies and IFRC face.

The effectiveness of IFRC initiatives and programmes is determined by a variety of parameters, including the timeliness of assistance, coverage and impact on affected communities, as well as the degree of cooperation with other humanitarian actors. The most important element of the assessment is the constant monitoring and analysis of performance, which allows us to improve the strategies and working methods of the IFRC.

The author has developed and highlighted the following parameters for the assessment methodology:

1. Qualitative methods

Interviews and focus groups: Gathering opinions and feedback from program participants, victims and local communities to understand their needs and assess satisfaction with the assistance provided.

Case study: The study of specific examples of programs to identify best practices and problem areas.

2. Quantitative methods

Statistical analysis: Collection and analysis of data on the number of beneficiaries, resource allocation and response time.

Performance indicators: The use of specific indicators, such as reducing mortality, improving sanitation, improving food security, etc.

Key programs and their evaluation

1. The program "More than help" ^[7]

Objective: To strengthen the resilience of communities and increase their emergency preparedness.

Implementation: Includes projects to educate the local population, improve infrastructure, and develop disaster and emergency response plans.

Assessment: Success indicators include reducing the response time to emergencies, improving the knowledge and skills of the local population, and reducing damage from natural disasters.

2. The initiative "Time for humanitarian Action" ^[8]

Objective: To mobilize resources and volunteers for rapid response to humanitarian crises.

Implementation: Includes the creation of regional humanitarian aid stocks, the training of volunteers and the development of logistics networks.

Assessment: Key indicators include the speed of aid delivery, the number of "mobilized" volunteers, coverage of the affected population and the efficiency of resource allocation.

3. Programs to combat the effects of climate change ^[9]

Objective: To mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and adapt to new conditions.

Implementation: Includes projects to restore ecosystems, develop sustainable agriculture and raise awareness of climate risks.

Assessment: The level of success is measured by reducing climate risks, increasing the resilience of local communities and reducing dependence on external assistance.

Examples of successful initiatives

1. Humanitarian response during the COVID-19 pandemic

Description: IFRC has organized a large-scale campaign to disseminate medical media and information, as well as support health systems.

Results: Significant resources were mobilized, which made it possible to quickly deploy assistance in the affected countries, reduce the burden on medical facilities and improve conditions for compliance with quarantine measures.

2. Assistance in response to natural disasters

Description: Earthquake, hurricane and flood response programs, including the supply of food, water, medical care and temporary housing.

Results: Rapid response and coordination with local authorities and other humanitarian organizations made it possible to minimize losses and accelerate the recovery of the affected regions.

Challenges and prospects

1. Challenges

The difficulty of coordinating the actions of multiple actors and collecting resources, especially in conditions of acute crises. Difficulties in collecting and analyzing data in emergency situations. The need to constantly seek funding for the sustainable functioning of programs.

2. Prospects

Development of cooperation with international organizations, NGOs and the private sector. Introduction of new technologies for monitoring and evaluation, improvement of logistics systems. Continuous professional development of employees and volunteers to improve the quality of care provided.

The effectiveness of IFRC's programmes and initiatives is a key factor in its ability to carry out its humanitarian mission. The evaluation and analysis of these programs make it possible not only to improve current strategies, but also to develop new, more effective approaches to solving humanitarian problems. Strengthening coordination, innovation and partnership development are important areas for further improving the effectiveness of IFRC activities.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the historical analysis of the IFRC's contribution to the development of humanitarian diplomacy has shown that the formation of humanitarian diplomacy is inextricably linked to the activities of the IFRC, which since its foundation in 1919 has actively promoted the principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality. These principles have become the cornerstones for the formation of modern approaches to humanitarian diplomacy, contributing to strengthening international cooperation and ensuring effective assistance to victims.

The IFRC's structure allows it to effectively coordinate humanitarian efforts at the global level, ensuring rapid response to crisis situations and supporting sustainable community development.

IFRC uses a variety of strategies to ensure access to victims, mobilize resources and coordinate international efforts. IFRC programmes such as "More than Aid" and "Humanitarian Action Time" have demonstrated a high degree of success in improving humanitarian conditions and strengthening community preparedness for emergencies.

The effectiveness of IFRC programs and initiatives is confirmed by numerous positive results. However, despite the successes achieved, the IFRC faces a number of challenges, including difficulties in coordinating actions, financing and evaluating effectiveness.

In the future, it is important to continue to strengthen partnerships, introduce innovative technologies for monitoring and evaluating activities, as well as improve the skills of employees and volunteers. These measures will help IFRC to enhance its role in the implementation of international humanitarian diplomacy and ensure a more effective response to global humanitarian challenges.

Thus, it is worth emphasizing that the activities of the IFRC are important for the development of humanitarian diplomacy. The Organization continues to make a significant contribution to strengthening the effectiveness of humanitarian activities around the world, demonstrating its commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as its commitment to continuous improvement.