The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have been announced as the recipients of the 2024 Sydney Peace Prize, for courageous and highly respected humanitarian work and respect for common humanity.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have a humanitarian network of 16 million volunteers and staff spanning more than 191 countries.
The Peace Prize jury said they selected the Movement from a strong field of candidates for “saving lives and preventing the suffering of people affected by armed conflict, for its advocacy for peace, and for its commitment to International Humanitarian Law.”
An official announcement was made at an event held at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday, where Sydney Peace Foundation patron and Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore and Australian Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Penny Harrison were both in attendance.
Harrison accepted the award on behalf of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, thanking the Sydney Peace Foundation for recognising the Movement’s longstanding commitment to alleviating human suffering during times of conflict and advancing international humanitarian law.
“There are currently more than 100 armed conflicts globally creating unprecedented humanitarian needs. Through our Humanitarian Principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement navigates where others cannot, providing vital protection and support to those most in need, including those in the world’s most volatile and complex humanitarian landscapes,” she said.
Moore echoed this sentiment, recognising the twenty Palestinian Red Crescent Society volunteers who have been killed, while providing a lifeline to two million Palestinians.
“As the crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, the Sydney Peace Prize serves to recognise their selfless, brave and heroic service and repeat calls for leaders to put an end to this unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and deliver peace and justice for all,” said Moore.
This year is the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions amid unprecedented challenges to International Humanitarian Law.
President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Kate Forbes said: “This award pays tribute to the dedication and bravery of our volunteers and staff who work tirelessly in the most challenging and dangerous environments, often risking their lives to help others.
Along with the twenty members of the Palestinian Red Crescent who lost their lives, Forbes recognised “the courageous work” of four members of Magen David Adom and four members of the Sudanese Red Crescent who were also tragically lost.
Melanie Morrison, Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation said: “Wherever civilians are threatened by conflict, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is steadfast and courageous in its support for their rights and dignity even when facing increasing risk to their own safety and security.”
The Sydney Peace Prize will be formally awarded to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement later in the year, when Forbes will travel, on behalf of the the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to Australia to attend the Sydney Peace Foundation’s annual lecture on 18 November at Sydney Town Hall.