Mrs Lynette Lowndes is Head of the Europe Department of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies based in Geneva.
Mrs Lynette Lowndes is Head of the Europe Department of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies based in Geneva.
Sofia News Agency Editor-in-Chief Milena Hristova talked to Mrs. Lynette Lowndes a day after Sofia court decided to leave the head of the Bulgarian Red Cross Hristo Grigorov in custody. He was arrested on Friday on gross embezzlement charges.
Q: Does the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies follow the case with the gross embezzlement charges that were raised against the head of the Bulgarian Red Cross Hristo Grigorov?
A: We are following the situation very closely. It is a very sad situation and we are very concerned about it. We won't make any comments on the allegations as there is an official investigation underway and justice must be allowed to do their work. But we are concerned very much for the national society and would like to ensure that a distinction is made between the allegations towards individuals and the national society as a whole.
The Bulgarian Red Cross has been involved in leading humanitarian work for over 100 years. It has been a very active national society in Central and Eastern Europe with a very strong volunteer-based members and staff. We hope that this crisis will be over very quickly so that members, volunteers and staff can get back to focusing on their humanitarian work.
Q: What steps is the IFRC entitled to take in connection with the case and the threat that it poses to discredit the organization?
A: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is made up of 183 independent national societies around the world. They are independent and must follow the national jurisdiction and the national law. As an International Federation in Geneva, we have no direct managerial control over any of the national societies around the world, including the Bulgarian Red Cross. We do have a strong set of global policies that we encourage in the strongest possible terms national societies to follow. We also have strong policies on integrity. It has always been our position to closely monitor situations, and to support national societies to overcome situations such as this.
Q: If Mr Grigorov is proven guilty, what are the IFRC jurisdictions?
A: There is no direct jurisdiction between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva and the member societies, including the Bulgarian Red Cross or any situation that occur inside the national society.
Q: Have you encountered similar cases in other countries? What steps were undertaken then?
A: We are working in different contexts around the world and have encountered difficulties in some societies from time to time. Our policy and position is to help the governing structures, the governing board and management work quickly to overcome any integrity issues.
Mr Grigorov's case is certainly an integrity issue. Even though the jurisdiction will appropriately respond to what is the problem and how it is solved, we are concerned about the national society as an institution. We want to see that the public can maintain its trust and confidence in the Bulgarian Red Cross. We as a federation promote the highest standards of transparency in the use of donations and donations must always be used for humanitarian purposes and according to the donor's wishes. If that is not the case, we would be working with the governance of the Bulgarian Red Cross to ensure that controls are put in place and that those policies are implemented.
Q: Do you fear the embezzlement charges against the Bulgarian Red Cross head will have a negative effect on donators?
A: It is very important for the governing board of the Bulgarian Red Cross to quickly take a position and enter into dialogue with its donors. It should demonstrate it has the systems for monitoring distributions and financial control in-place in order to build confidence.
I want to focus again on the important humanitarian work that the Bulgarian Red Cross is doing today and continues to do. This is carried out by a very large cadre of volunteers, members and paid staff. We hope and expect that the confidence in the volunteers who carry out that work will not be questioned.
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