NORTHWOOD, UK – The Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) received a working visit of the UK & Ireland International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) spokesperson Mr. Matthew Morris during the three week internal digital awareness campaign, "Health Care in Danger” (HCiD) project.

Mr. Morris was received by the Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral Paulmier (French Navy) who reiterated the importance of the continuous dialogue between NATO and the ICRC. Admiral Paulmier emphasized that the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) are accounted for by the Headquarters during operational planning, training standards and conduct of operations.

During this visit Mr. Morris was briefed on the Headquarters mission, structure and operations and had a working meeting with MARCOM legal advisor, Commander Christopher Logette.

The "Health Care in Danger” is an initiative of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to highlight the issue of violence against patients, health-care workers, facilities and vehicles and ensuring safe access to and delivery of health care in armed conflict and other emergencies.

"It is a Commander’s responsibility to raise the awareness of his staff in peace time. To educate and train, providing that everyone will have a suitable understanding of International Humanitarian Law.” said Paulmier. ” NATO and MARCOM are aware and committed to be as prepared as can be to conduct military operation in full compliance with IHL.

"We are in constant contact with the military working here and know how important it is to engage in discussions on the continuing relevance of IHL and the importance of translating it into reality on the ground,” said Morris. 

The dialogue between NATO and the ICRC has gained momentum since the signature of an updated Memorandum of Understanding between ICRC, Allied Command Operations and Allied Command Transformation in June 2012. That memorandum foresees a deepening dialogue on humanitarian issues in operations, training and exercises as well as lessons learned.