How is the ICRC responding?
Today, our activities focus on meeting the most urgent requirements – on helping those most in need. However, many problems require long-term solutions. These are often structural, but in some cases the solutions required are political, and do not come under the ICRC’s remit. One example is the sharing of energy and water resources on both sides of the administrative boundary line. The health system in South Ossetia also needs longer term measures. How do you see the ICRC’s future in a region where many countries are now conflict-free? The situation remains fragile and tense, both in Georgia / South Ossetia and in the Caucasus in general. Last summer’s fighting unfortunately confirmed the need for a long-term presence in the region. Because it is on the spot, working in proximity to the population, the ICRC is in a position to respond rapidly should the situation deteriorate. And the fact that the hostilities have ceased does not mean there are no more humanitarian needs. Mines and une
