1) On some simple truths by way of introduction to arouse the interest of the reader

— The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as an organization, has no rights of its own; the only ones it exercises are those of the silent victims in whose name it speaks.

— Were it not the defender of the fundamental principles of the Red Cross, of which it is the guardian, the ICRC would be just one more voluntary agency, with a small budget.

Human rights, particularly civil and political, have influenced the latest developments in international humanitarian law, especially 1977 Protocol II relating to non-international armed conflicts. At the Teheran Conference in 1968 the United Nations began to reconcile these two branches of international law; it was at this Conference that international humanitarian law was first called “human rights in periods of armed conflict”. This rapprochement was helped further by the adoption in the 1977 Protocols of some basic rules identical to those in the Human Rights Conventions; it helps strengthen the protection of human beings in situations of armed conflict.

The following document, which was drawn up by the ICRC Relief Division, was presented and discussed at the “Regional Disaster Preparedness Workshop” held in Maseru, Lesotho, from 16 to 21 May 1983. The International Review considers that it merits the attention of all National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Following the decision of the ICRC Assembly, Mr. Maurice Aubert is taking part in the meetings of the ICRC Executive Board as from September 1983.

During a short stay in Geneva, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Julius K. Nyerere, visited, on 3 October, the International Committee of the Red Cross. He was welcomed by ths ICRC President, Mr. Alexandre Hay, and senior ICRC officials and during the meeting the Tanzanian president discussed various humanitarian matters.

We have the pleasure of informing you of the official recognition of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of Zimbabwe by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This recognition, which took effect on 7 September 1983, brings to 131 the number of National Society members of the International Red Cross.

Mr. Alexandra Hay, President of the ICRC, and Mr. Jean-Marc Bornet, delegate general for Africa, visited Ethiopia and Somalia. They discussed ICRC activities with the authorities and representatives of the National Societies in both countries.