Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) volunteers conducted a charitable programme to mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebrations held recently in Doha.
Under the theme of “Our Principles in Action,” the event was celebrated for 10 days in 188 other National Societies around the world.
More than 30 QRC volunteers spearheaded the programme that benefitted individuals, families, visitors to public places and parks, and schoolchildren.
Several government and non-government institutions took part in the activities including the Community Policing and Traffic Police from the Ministry of Interior, Management of Awareness and Environmental Education from the Ministry of Environment, General Cleanness Department from the Ministry of Municipality (Baladiya), Al-Quds Model Independent School for Boys, and Al-Maiz Restaurant.
Volunteers, together with students, planted trees in the Al-Quds School and cleaned parts of the Sheraton Park, Muntaza Park, Souq Al-Asiri, Souq Waqif Park, and Baraht Al-Jufairi.
Besides raising public awareness on cleanliness and how to preserve the environment, QRC also launched awareness campaigns on road cleanliness in co-operation with traffic officers. These activities had served more than 2,000 drivers, workers, students, women, and children.
“This great work by volunteers is intended to influence society members and improve their behaviour, cherish our traditions when dealing with the environment and public places,” said Najat al-Haidous, head, QRC volunteers.
QRC urges residents not to spit or throw waste anywhere, stressing the importance of keeping parks clean. It also wants to educate drivers on defensive driving and traffic safety instructions.
Al-Haidous believes these activities will motivate and inspire others to do the same and continue the campaign with other volunteers throughout the year or “whenever is necessary under QRC’s sustainable approach to its social and awareness programmes.”
“Formally adopted 50 years ago, the Fundamental Principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality – serve as the basis of our decisions and actions now and in the future,” said a joint statement issued by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent president Tadateru Konoé and International Committee of the Red Cross president
Peter Maurer.
In Syria, Yemen, Central African Republic, Myanmar, and South Sudan, dozens of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been killed or injured in the past 12 months.
Aid workers battling Ebola in Guinea have been subjected to an average of 10 attacks every month. Health facilities in Syria and Yemen are being directly targeted and aid convoys are coming under threat despite being clearly marked with the red cross or red crescent protective emblems.
“So now, more than ever, we urge all state and non-state parties to uphold the shared humanitarian values enshrined in the Red Cross Red Crescent’s principles. This is necessary to build the trust and acceptance of communities and continue to deliver life-saving support to the most vulnerable,” the statement added.


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