In this 75th year since the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, The Movement has been selected for its courageous and highly respected humanitarian work towards peace, respect for common humanity and understanding among all peoples.
The choice of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was among a field of strong and worthy candidates, decided by an eminent, independent Jury. The Jury citation reads: The 2024 Sydney Peace Prize is awarded to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a humanitarian network of 16 million volunteers and staff, for saving lives and preventing the suffering of people affected by armed conflict, for its advocacy for peace, and for its commitment to International Humanitarian Law.
75 years after the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, this impartial, neutral and essential work continues, including in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The Movement responded immediately to the October 7 violent attacks and remains a lifeline during the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, to civilians suffering an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe – despite repeated attacks on ambulances, injuries and deaths of medical personnel and a non-functioning health system. This year the Sydney Peace Prize particularly acknowledges the brave members of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society working in Gaza under horrifically dangerous conditions.
Throughout the crisis, the Movement has also driven efforts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law including achieving a ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages, protection of civilians, humanitarian and healthcare workers and facilitation of the delivery of desperately needed aid.
Wherever civilians are threatened by conflict, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is steadfast and courageous in its support for their rights and dignity even when facing increasing risk to their own safety and security.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and is guided by the Geneva Conventions and the Movement’s Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.
The Red Cross has received the Nobel Peace Prize (1917, 1944, and 1963). The Nobel Peace Prize was also awarded to Henri Dunant (1901) whose vision led to the creation of the worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The Sydney Peace Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as the recipient of the 2024 Sydney Peace Prize, for courageous and highly respected humanitarian work and respect for common humanity.......
