Humanitarian Response to Border Hostilities and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

I. Situation Overview

A recent ceasefire has been announced following border hostilities that resulted in significant negative impacts, directly undermining progress toward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conflict led to casualties, injuries, population displacement, and damage to essential infrastructure. The immediate priority is addressing the humanitarian needs of the affected populations, a crucial step in restoring stability and advancing the 2030 Agenda.

II. Impact of Hostilities on Sustainable Development

The recent conflict has created substantial setbacks for sustainable development in the affected region. The primary impacts include:

• Erosion of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): The hostilities represent a direct contravention of SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. The violence has disrupted the rule of law and security for all citizens.
• Threats to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): The conflict resulted in deaths and injuries, placing immediate strain on health systems and directly impacting the well-being of communities.
• Increased Poverty and Vulnerability (SDG 1): The displacement of families from their homes leads to a loss of livelihoods and assets, pushing affected persons towards poverty and increasing their vulnerability.
• Damage to Sustainable Communities (SDG 11): The destruction of key infrastructure compromises the safety and sustainability of communities, hindering their ability to function and recover.

III. ICRC Actions in Support of International Law and the SDGs

In line with its mandate under the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has undertaken several actions that support international humanitarian law (IHL) and contribute to key SDG targets, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

1. Upholding International Humanitarian Law: The ICRC’s core mission is to ensure IHL is respected, which is fundamental to achieving SDG 16 by reducing violence and protecting civilians in conflict.
2. Protecting Detainees: An ICRC team visited 18 Cambodian Prisoners of War (POWs) detained in Thailand. This action ensures the rights and dignified treatment of persons protected by the Geneva Conventions, reinforcing the principles of justice and reducing inequalities for vulnerable groups.
3. Facilitating Confidential Dialogue: The ICRC operates on a principle of confidentiality and bilateral dialogue with detaining authorities. This neutral and impartial approach builds trust, which is essential for gaining and maintaining access to people in need and fostering conditions conducive to peace.

IV. Collaborative Partnerships and Future Commitments

The humanitarian response highlights the importance of global partnerships for sustainable development, as outlined in SDG 17.

• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: The ICRC is actively working alongside the Cambodian and Thai Red Cross Societies and other Red Cross Red Crescent partners, demonstrating effective partnership in delivering humanitarian aid.
• Commitment to Future Action: The ICRC stands ready to act as a neutral intermediary in any planned releases of detainees and to scale up support as required.

A continued commitment to respecting IHL, including ensuring access to all persons detained in relation to the conflict, is essential for mitigating human suffering and creating a foundation for lasting peace and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses the consequences of armed conflict and the humanitarian response, which directly connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on peace, health, poverty, and resilient communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This is the most prominent SDG. The article’s core theme is the impact of “hostilities” and “armed conflict,” the need for a “ceasefire,” and the importance of upholding “International Humanitarian Law (IHL)” and the “Geneva Conventions.” The ICRC’s work, including visiting prisoners of war and acting as a “neutral intermediary,” directly supports the goal of promoting peaceful societies and justice.
• SDG 1: No Poverty: The conflict has led to people losing “access to necessities” and being displaced from their homes. This forced displacement and loss of livelihood are key drivers of poverty and vulnerability, making SDG 1 relevant.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article explicitly mentions “deaths” and “injuries” as a direct result of the hostilities. The ICRC’s mandate to “relieve their suffering” is a core component of ensuring healthy lives and well-being, especially in crisis situations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The conflict resulted in the “displacement of persons” and “damage to key infrastructure.” This directly undermines the goal of making human settlements safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets can be linked to the actions and situations described in the article.

• Target 16.1: “Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.” The article’s mention of “hostilities,” “deaths,” and a “ceasefire” directly relates to this target of reducing violence and its lethal consequences.
• Target 16.3: “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.” The ICRC’s entire mandate, as described, is to “ensure that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is respected.” Its work visiting prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions is a practical application of promoting the international rule of law.
• Target 1.5: “By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to… social… shocks and disasters.” The armed conflict is a “social shock,” and the displaced families who have fled their homes are “in vulnerable situations.” The ICRC’s priority to address their needs is an effort to build their resilience.
• Target 11.5: “By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected… caused by disasters.” The armed conflict described is a man-made disaster. The article highlights its impact in terms of “deaths,” “injuries,” and “displacement of persons” (people affected), which this target aims to reduce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article provides both direct and implied indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Direct Indicator: The article provides a specific number for one of its activities: “our team was able to visit 18 Cambodian POWs detained in Thailand.” This is a quantifiable measure of action taken to uphold IHL (related to Target 16.3).
• Implied Indicators: The article points to several measurable outcomes, even without providing specific data. These can be considered implied indicators for tracking the situation:
  • Number of deaths and injuries resulting from the hostilities (related to Targets 16.1 and 11.5).
  • Number of displaced persons or families who have fled their homes (related to Targets 1.5 and 11.5).
  • Instances of damage to key infrastructure (related to Target 11.5).
  • Adherence to ceasefire agreements (related to Target 16.1).
  • Number of people who have lost “access to necessities” (related to Target 1.5).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: icrc.org