7 May 2004

The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has urged Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide to work with their governments to step up their efforts to combat stigma and discrimination and take active measures to promote tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.

“It is a matter of profound concern to us that while many resolutions have been adopted in support of this general objective, discrimination remains a serious problem in almost all countries,” Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro said in an appeal on the occasion of 8 May, World Red Cross Red Crescent Day. “It is time for action.”

His call draws attention to the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, as well as the vulnerabilities of minorities and other marginalized groups.

Suárez del Toro’s appeal came as the 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies staged events under the global theme, “Stop Discrimination”. He said it was “vital that the message being delivered to people everywhere by their Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their dedicated volunteers is supported by work at the international and governmental levels”.

The president said the Federation had taken an active part in many international meetings addressing stigma and discrimination issues since the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement adopted a wide-ranging resolution on the subject in December 2003. After the adoption of the resolution, the Federation pledged to develop partnerships and promote dialogue on the issue with governments.

Since launching a major campaign against HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination on 8 May 2002, the Federation has become a leading advocate for policy change, in partnership with key civil society organizations, such as the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+). This includes calling for greater access to anti-retroviral therapy, an issue the Federation will raise at the forthcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The foundation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s commitment to challenge discrimination is its Fundamental Principle of Impartiality, which states that the Movement: "makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions".

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Media Service, duty phone Tel. + 41 79 416 38 81

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.