Minister Dlamini Zuma to Address the First Annual International Humanitarian Forum

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will address the first Annual International Humanitarian Forum organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross, as a guest speaker on Thursday 23 May at the Wolfsberg Centre in Switzerland.

The Forum will involve key international players in exploring humanitarian issues and mapping out the future of humanitarian action in conflict situations around the world. "The Forum is intended to act as catalyst in providing decision-makers with the opportunity to share their analyses of the challenges and discuss priorities and concrete solutions.

The desired result is to formulate more coherent and effective problem-solving strategies for humanitarian assistance," said Mr. Jacob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"The theme of the forum will evolve around the issue of accountability and its relevance for those involved in bringing humanitarian assistance to people in need, in times of war and violence.

The preference for the issue of accountability as a subject of discussion is premised on the assumption that those affected by armed conflict have rights and will in coming years increasingly expect to participate in the decisions being made on their behalf in political, humanitarian and other terms" concluded Mr. Jacob Kellenberger.

For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
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21 May 2002