ICRC to learn from Indonesia`s experiences in handling conflicts

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) will learn from Indonesias experience in handling and resolving conflicts, including helping and protecting victims, ICRCS President Peter Maurer said in a discussion with media here on Tuesday.

He stated that his visit to Indonesia this time was in the framework of cooperation with the Indonesian government and other relevant parties in a different form than previously done.

Maurer sees Indonesia as possessing multifaceted characteristics in terms of culture, ethnicity, and religion and its experiences in dealing with conflicts and aiding victims.

"Indonesia has also been at the frontline of Islam and Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, and Islam and Hinduism, which are all interconnected," he noted.

Maurer also pointed out the important role played by Indonesia in resolving the conflict between Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar.

"Indonesia plays a major role in dealing with victims of sexual violence in conflict and non-conflict areas, such as in Myanmar," Peter said, adding that the country was also experienced in performing cataract surgeries for the people.

According to him, the ICRC has adequate instruments for cataract surgery, but lacks experience and hence it becomes difficult to work together.

The ICRC is an independent humanitarian organization whose mission is to support and protect the victims of conflict and other violence throughout the world as mandated in the Geneva Conventions 1949.

Source: ANTARA