The postponement of the 26th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which was to have taken place in Budapest, has already given rise to a number of analyses, and explanations have been furnished to those who were to have taken part.

On 26 November 1991, the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent announced that it had been forced to postpone the 26th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, owing to the risk “that political disagreement between governments on participation could jeopardize its outcome” (see IRRC No. 285, November–December 1991, p. 634).

The Council of Delegates held its biennial session in Budapest from 28 to 30 November 1991. More than 120 National Societies were represented. The delegations of the ICRC and the Federation were led by their respective Presidents, Mr. Cornelio Sommaruga and Mr. Mario Villarroel Lander.

The meeting of 29 November began with elections. Mr. Cornelio Sommaruga, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Mr. Mario Villarroel Lander, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, were elected Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Delegates. Mr. Jean-Louis Cayla (ICRC) and Mr. William Cassis (Federation) were elected Secretaries of the Council.

The Council of Delegates,

taking into account dramatic changes which have created a new world environment,

aware of the problems relating to the application of humanitarian law as encountered in recent armed conflicts,

realizing the increasing pressures on the respective components of the Movement to provide protection and assistance to victims of armed conflicts, strife and disasters,

noting the growing number of participants in the field of international humanitarian assistance and the problems associated with the coordination of disaster relief operations,

recognizing that the Movement must adapt itself to these changing world realities while maintaining and operating in accordance with the Fundamental Principles,

1. decides in accordance with Article 14, paragraph 7, of the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to establish a Study Group on the future of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;

2. defines the terms of reference of such a Study Group as follows:

I. Role

The Study Group's role is to advise on and recommend to the Council of Delegates a strategy for the Movement in response to emerging trends and evolving humanitarian issues.

The VIIIth session of the General Assembly of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies opened on Monday 25 November 1991 in Budapest, attended by delegations from 110 National Societies.

One of the main objectives of International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which bring together Red Cross and Red Crescent institutions and the States party to the Geneva Conventions, is to promote respect for international humanitarian law during armed conflicts.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have the honour of informing you that the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society has been officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This recognition, which took effect on 3 October 1991, brings to 148 the number of National Societies that are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have the honour of informing you that the International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed its recognition of the Lithuanian Red Cross Society, originally granted on 28 August 1923. This decision, which took effect on 7 November 1991, brings to 149 the number of National Societies that are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have the honour of informing you that the International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed its recognition of the Latvian Red Cross Society, originally granted on 10 January 1923. This decision, which took effect on 20 November 1991, brings to 150 the number of National Societies that are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.