President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer to Finland

Press release 63/2016
8 April 2016

Mr Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), will visit Finland on 12 April 2016 on the invitation of Ms Lenita Toivakka, Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development. The themes of the visit will be the international humanitarian situation and crises, preparations for the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit, and promotion of the international humanitarian law.

Ms Toivakka and Mr Maurer will also discuss the work of the ICRC and visit the Ruskeasuo reception centre. In addition, the discussion will address the preparations for the World Humanitarian Summit to be held on 23–24 May in Istanbul. In the Summit, Finland will place particular emphasis on the special needs of disabled people in humanitarian crises.

Mr Maurer will also meet President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini. The meetings will focus on Finland's humanitarian action and strong support to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Mr Maurer will also meet senior civil servants of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and personnel of the Finnish Red Cross.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is one of the most important humanitarian aid organisations. It focuses on such issues as protection of civilians, family reunification, and securing access to treatment for the sick and wounded. It also plays a special role in promoting and monitoring the Geneva Conventions and the international humanitarian law. The ICRC particularly operates in conflict conditions in line with the values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity. Its fundamental principles and impartiality allow it to operate in places where others cannot go.

For Finland the ICRC is an important partner. Last year, Finland's humanitarian aid through the ICRC amounted to EUR 11.8 million and it was used to help those in distress in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan, for example.

Inquiries: Ms Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to Minister Toivakka, tel. +358 295 350 633, Mr Claus Jerker Lindroos and Director of the Unit for Humanitarian Assistance and Policy, tel. +358 295 351 234.