A year of loss and pain: ICRC appeals for human dignity and urgent action to ease suffering

Humanitarian Crisis: Upholding the Sustainable Development Goals

Human suffering has no borders. This report highlights the pressing need to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and emphasizes the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in finding sustainable solutions. Families have been torn apart, with many loved ones still held against their will. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions have been displaced across the region. Civilians have become reduced to numbers; their uniqueness overshadowed by competing narratives around conflict. But behind the numbers are individuals— children, parents, siblings, and friends who now struggle for survival and face daily grief, fear, and uncertainty about their future. 

Respecting Human Dignity and Ensuring Protection

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reiterates our call for all parties involved in the conflict to respect the dignity of every person affected. Regardless of their nationality or affiliation, these individuals are human beings with rights, deserving of protection, humanitarian support, and the ability to rebuild their lives in safety and security. The ICRC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential lifesaving services and insists upon the requirement for all parties to ensure safe and unimpeded access. 

Upholding International Humanitarian Law

We also repeat our call for all parties to immediately uphold their responsibilities under international humanitarian law (IHL). IHL provides a framework to reduce suffering during conflict, ensuring that humanity’s core principles are upheld even in times of war. By adhering to IHL, warring parties can alleviate human suffering and pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future. 

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements

   The article discusses conflict and the suffering of individuals affected by it. SDG 16 aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions, which are directly relevant to the issues highlighted in the article. The targets mentioned above address the reduction of violence, promotion of the rule of law, combating organized crime, and ensuring access to information and fundamental freedoms.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
   • Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases

   The article mentions the displacement of millions of people and the struggle for survival they face. While not explicitly stated, the issues of displacement and survival are connected to health and well-being. SDG 3 aims to ensure good health and well-being for all, and the targets mentioned above specifically address maternal and child mortality, as well as the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status

   The article mentions that civilians affected by conflict have become reduced to numbers, overshadowed by competing narratives. This implies a lack of recognition and inclusion of individuals, which is connected to the issue of reduced inequalities. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries, and the targets mentioned above specifically address income growth for the bottom 40% of the population and the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their status.

Source: icrc.org