Too many Red Cross and Red Crescent jackets have become shrouds. In Brussels today, I joined leaders from across the humanitarian sector, including colleagues from many National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the @ICRC, for a high-level panel discussion at the International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers, hosted by the European Commission @EU_ECHO and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU @Ireland2026eu. I shared a simple message: humanitarian workers need more than our gratitude. They need protection. Respect the law. Invest in trust. Ensure accountability. So far this year, 22 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been killed while helping others. Most were local responders serving their own communities and carrying the greatest risks. Let’s turn commitments into action. We owe that to all those who have lost their lives while helping others.

I am about to head to Brussels for the International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers with a painful reminder of why this gathering matters. On 13 October, three members of the Ukrainian Red Cross @RedCrossUkraine were injured in an attack in Sloviansk, Donetsk region. They suffered wounds and burns, and their office was heavily damaged. My thoughts are with them, their families and their colleagues, and I wish them a full and swift recovery. They were serving their communities. They should never have been harmed. In Brussels, our message will be clear: humanitarian personnel and facilities must be respected and protected, everywhere and at all times. The conference must translate concern into concrete commitments, stronger protection and meaningful accountability.

Very pleased to be in Brussels today for a productive Strategic Dialogue with the EU, alongside @MPopowskiEU and other DGs from across the EU. We jointly shared our perspectives on the current humanitarian context and both emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration and trust in the humanitarian ecosystem. As the needs outstrips resources, we also discussed ways to diversify partnerships, maximise the use of generous grants while working towards more innovative financing solutions. On the margins of the dialogue, I also had a very insightful bilateral discussion with @MPopowskiEU, grounded in trust and open dialogue. Our exchange focused on building on the strong and long-standing partnership between the EU and the IFRC Network. Looking forward to continuing the conversation as we work together with our member National Societies to strengthen locally led, sustainable humanitarian action and to roll out the IFRC Renewal.

Across borders. Across conflicts. Across decades. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a reaffirmation of principles that mean the difference between life and death for millions of people. For 60 years, the Fundamental Principles have guided us to deliver help where it’s needed most. But today, humanitarian action is under threat – from politicization, disinformation, and violence against aid workers. We must protect them. On this anniversary, we honour both the vision that gave life to these Principles and the unwavering commitment of millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who bring them to life every day. We call on all States to respect these principles so aid can reach people in need. The time to act is now. Respect for the Fundamental Principles is respect for humanity.

Welcome to the 2024 @IFRC’s Annual Report. The story of 2024 was a very painful one for communities around the world, with devastating crises becoming more complex and protracted, threats to community health and cohesion, terrible suffering experienced by people on the move and increasing climate-related risks. Our own IFRC network family suffered heartbreaking losses, with 32 National Society volunteers and staff killed on duty in 2024. At the heart of our work is community-based, locally led humanitarian action, and this report reflects how together, across 191 National Societies, we met rising global challenges. It is a privilege to lead the @IFRC’s support to our National Societies, but we are only able to do this thanks to the generosity and trust of our many donors and supporters. This annual report will give you a look into the lives you saved, and the lives you changed. bit.ly/3JGicOI