SUSTAINABLE HUMANITARIAN IMPACT AS A STRATEGIC ORIENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS

The article considers the reasons for the formation, content and implementation of the concept of sustainable humanitarian impact. Building relevant and sustainable humanitarian impact is the second of the five strategic orientations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Strategy 2019–2022. It is shown that the new strategy of the ICRC humanitarian activities was determined by the specifics of modern armed conflicts such as urbanization, the protracted nature of violence, and the use of new technologies. The Strategy is linked to peacekeeping and the Sustainable Development Agenda, the protection of human rights, and the need to address the humanitarian challenges caused by protracted armed conflicts. The ICRC, through its humanitarian diplomacy tools and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, is found to provide the political and financial support needed to implement a sustainable humanitarian impact on the affected population. The main directions and activities of the strategic orientation on sustainable impact are considered: strengthening health care systems, supporting urban water and sanitation systems, searching for missing persons, etc. The current work of the ICRC is perceived as dualistic: humanitarian workers must address systemic issues by carrying out long-term activities while providing emergency humanitarian assistance in armed conflicts.