SRF 1: Gre­at mo­ment of phi­lo­so­phy

The ICRC, based in Geneva, has a long tradition. In its 161st year of existence, the aid organization, whose mission is to protect international humanitarian law, is facing enormous challenges. Need, suffering and misery are increasing worldwide, not least due to the climate crisis. With Russia's war against Ukraine, the ICRC has to cope with the largest mission in its history. The organization is also required in the war in Israel and Gaza to hand over freed hostages, visit prisoners and transport relief supplies. The need for financial resources has increased sharply in recent years and President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger was forced to announce budget cuts and layoffs shortly after taking office. How do you lead in a crisis when pressure from within and without increases? How can one still believe in international humanitarian law when it is being trampled on even by major powers? And can one negotiate with war criminals in good conscience in order to gain access to prisoners and victims? Barbara Bleisch meets the former UN employee and top diplomat for an interview. This broadcast is a repeat from January 14, 2024.