Proposal for a Red Cross alternative gains support, raises complex questions – Yuliia Paievska

A proposal to establish a new humanitarian organization to replace the Red Cross, which has faced criticism for its inaction in russia and russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, is gaining traction. The idea was discussed during a recent meeting of foreign ministers in Canada, where it was met with enthusiasm but also flagged for logistical and legal challenges.

Yuliia Paievska, known by her call sign “Taira,” a retired paramedic and volunteer, shared these insights during a discussion at Media Center Ukraine.

“A group of us travel globally to share the reality of what’s happening. As part of this, I’ve proposed creating a new organization to take on the responsibilities the Red Cross is neglecting, particularly in russia and the occupied territories,” Paievska explained. “There is already work underway to prepare a legal framework for this shift.”

While participants at the Canadian meeting were supportive, Paievska acknowledged significant hurdles remain. These include establishing a viable mechanism for the organization’s operations and addressing the challenge of ensuring russian compliance with international obligations.

“While the idea was well-received, implementing it is far from straightforward,” she said. “A major obstacle is how to hold russia accountable—how to ensure they adhere to international community decisions, rulings from the International Court of Justice, and their commitments under agreements like the Geneva Conventions.”

The proposal highlights a growing frustration with existing international institutions and their perceived inability to respond effectively to the crisis in Ukraine.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news