The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada has ratified the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions at the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, being held in Geneva from November 26 to 30, 2007.

“Canada is proud to ratify the Third Additional Protocol and encourages other member countries to do the same. This Protocol allows the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—one of the oldest global humanitarian institutions—to better protect people affected by conflicts and natural disasters worldwide, as well as humanitarian workers who provide critical assistance to those in need.”

The four Geneva Conventions, which have achieved universal ratification, and their first two Additional Protocols govern the conduct of parties to armed conflicts and are fundamental pillars of international humanitarian law. The Third Additional Protocol entered into force on January 14, 2007. It recognizes the red crystal as an additional emblem to the existing red cross and red crescent. It is meant to be free of extraneous religious or political connotation.

“At the 30th International Conference, Canada is highlighting our ongoing support for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,” Minister Bernier added. “Under the theme of the conference, ‘together for humanity,’ Canada is focusing on the Movement’s mandate to prevent and alleviate human suffering, as well as its willingness to form partnerships to address the needs of the most vulnerable people.”

The International Conference is the supreme deliberative body of the Movement and meets every four years to discuss global humanitarian issues of common interest.