Values as the basis for

action in the IFRC: YABC

Dr. Katrien Beeckman

Head, Principles &Values department

IFRC

Outline

Origin of the Red Cross / Red Crescent (RC/RC) The International Movement of the RC/RC The 7 Fundamental Principles of RC/RC YABC (Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change)

Origin of RC/RC

Origin of RC/RC (2)

The International Movement of the RC/RC

ICRC1863

IFRC1919

186 National Societies(since 1864)

ICRC

Every 4 years: International Conference of the RC/RC with States

Th

e 7

Fu

nd

amen

tal P

rin

cip

les

• Empower RC/RC youth to be agents of change: peer education in behavioural skills

• Shape mindsets, attitudes & behaviours in society: campaigns, community-based projects

• Commitment to inner change

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

HUMANITARIAN VALUES BEHAVIOURAL SKILLS P&V THEMATIC AREAS

Humanity

• Mutual understanding• Peace• People-centred• Respect for the human being• Respect for diversity

• Empathy

• Active listening

• Critical thinking, non-judgement & dropping bias

• Mediation & reconciliation

• Non-violent communication & peaceful resolution of tensions

• Operating from inner peace and harmony

• Non-discrimination & respect for diversity

• Intercultural dialogue

• Social inclusion

• A culture of non-violence and peace

• Gender

Impartiality • Non-discrimination• Respect for diversity

Neutrality • Tolerance

Independence • Innovation• Integrity

Voluntary Service

• Service• Cooperation

Unity • Diversity

Universality • Non-discrimination• Cooperation

YABC content

YABC methodology

• Peer education, experiential learning• Non-cognitive, from « heart to mind » methodology: role-plays, games, simulation,

visualisation exercises, …• Personal empowerment, resilience, inner peace & harmony: Qi Kong, yoga, breathing, …• Music, dance, theatre, arts, sport for social mobilisation

YABC impact• 80 RC/RC National Societies world-wide, 120 peer educators, 1000 youth initiated in 2 yrs• Collaboration with EU FP7 ESDinds project• Integration: sustainable development-agricultural project for vulnerable youth (Sierra

Leone), addressing stigmatisation against PLHIV (Colombia), conflict prevention (Sri Lanka), first Aid (Egypt), …

• Inner change: self-questioning attitude, commitment to continuous self-improvement, dropping absolute truths & prejudices, self-confidence, sense of belonging, volunteer attraction