22 «| HUMANITY AMIDST CONFLICTS conflict situations. This ultimately laid the joundation ofthe International Committee ofthe Red Cross which began in the battlefield of Solferino where humansuffering was met without escape and compassion, withoutdistinction. The birth of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement has been expanded worldwide. In tribute to the Swissfounder, the color ofthe Swiss flag red and white were adopted. “ The Role of International Committee of the Red Crossin the Philippines “The ICRCis also playing a very important role in the Philippines not only in the areas of displacement in Mindanao butalso in many of aa “My country, Switzerland, attaches special importanceto the anniversary ofthe Geneva Conventions. Switzerland has been the depository ofthe Geneva Conventionsfor the last 60 years. And respect of International Humanitarian Law as well as the promotion andstrengtheningofthis body oflaw is one ofthe main objects ofthe Swissforeign policy.” the parts of the country where the Red Cross members are helping people in need, giving assistance to prisoners, hospitals and many “Switzerland is proud, together with the ICRC others. There are also many humanitarian andall other nations, to celebrate today the 60% organizations who do the same thing and they Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. The are working together with ICRC. Embassy ofSwitzerland in Manila is also proud to be apartnerofthis importantNational Summit “The Four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the ofInternationalHumanitarian Law. Switzerland two additional Protocols of 1977 and additional is committed to finance the two publications, protocol of 2005 is the core of International proceedings and recommendationsofthe August Humanitarian Law. The Geneva Conventions 12 National Summit and the Graduated Curricula protecting particular persons whoare not or no on HumanRights andInternational Humanitarian longer participating in hostilities, civilians or Lawforthe Military. persons taking captive in military camps, persons under the authority of the adverse party to a “Thanks againfor having invited me to the very conflict are entitled to respect for their life and importantcelebration ofthe 60" Anniversary of jor their physical and mentalwell being. the Geneva Conventions. I wish all the participants the very best, good luck and success “Today, the Geneva Conventions of1949 and the of their undertaking. two Additional Protocols of 1977 are bilaterally regarded ascustomary international law which “Finally, keep in mindthe aim ofthe Convention: is binding in all States and all parties to the to protect andto help the people in need in both conflict where Switzerland is the depository State good and badtimes and encourage them to help of the Geneva Conventions andits Additional maintain peace andfreedomforallin this world Protocols. ofconflict and unrest”.