Challenges to the international humanitarian law discussed at the meeting with the new ICRC President
On 9 November, the Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Darius Staniulis met with the recently appointed President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.
The Ambassador congratulated the President on taking up her duties as of 1 October, handed in the letter on this occasion from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and reiterated Lithuania’s strong support to ICRC‘s mandate and activities.
During the meeting, the implementation of the international humanitarian law was discussed, particularly focusing on Russia‘s war of aggression against Ukraine, ICRC‘s activities in this context and global consequences of the aggression. The Ambassador stressed the need to ensure timely humanitarian assistance to the victims of armed conflicts globally.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Spoljaric Egger worked for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this position she replaced Mr. Peter Maurer, who led the ICRC for the past ten years, becoming the first woman president of the ICRC.
ICRC is an independent and neutral humanitarian organisation, established in 1863 and based in Geneva. Its mandate stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relates to ensuring compliance with the international humanitarian law and providing protection and assistance for victims of armed conflicts.
