The Red Crosses of the Small States take centre stage in Monaco

The Monaco Red Cross is preparing to receive senior officials from seven national Red Cross Societies from the Small States of Europe, the International Red Cross Committee and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to discuss common humanitarian issues.

Monaco, 30th September 2016

On 17th and 18th October 2016, senior officials from eight national Red Cross Societies from the Small States of Europe, including the Monaco Red Cross, represented by its President, Prince Albert II of Monaco, will be meeting for the third time.

The Monegasque edition of this annual meeting will benefit this year from the participation of Mrs Christine Beerli, Vice-President of the International Red Cross Committee (IRCC), and Mr Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

In total, 25 participants from Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro and Monaco – i.e. States with fewer than one million inhabitants – will be discussing common topical issues such as the humanitarian crisis caused by the increase in the migratory flow into Europe, and youth involvement.

Some national Red Cross Societies are also jointly involved in international action, as is the case with the Red Crosses of Monaco, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, which are working together on a reconstruction project in Nepal.

Other common projects relating to humanitarian action may be discussed and taken into consideration by the participants during the three half-day meetings.

To be noted : a round table session will be organised at the Ministry of State presided over by His Excellency Mr Serge Telle, Minister of State. Migration will be the focus of this discussion and will offer the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement the opportunity to share its position and to encourage State action in order to maintain the dignity of all migrants.