Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), along with members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), highlighted the efforts of volunteers and humanitarian workers to mark ‘World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day’ Monday (May 8).
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising ICRC, Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in addition to 192 National Societies.
In a press statement, QRCS’ acting secretary-general Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi stressed that this occasion – themed ‘Everything we do comes #FromThe Heart’ this year – is an opportunity to praise the efforts of the National Societies’ affiliates and their key role in alleviating the suffering of the needy, standing by them, supporting and providing them with relief and preserving their dignity.
He cited the efforts of National Societies’ in helping and empowering local communities through various programmes, as well as developmental, educational and awareness initiatives. “We congratulate all workers in humanitarian organisations and associations, as well as volunteers, who work tirelessly to provide humanitarian and relief services throughout the world, helping alleviate suffering among those in need and those affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
He added that QRCS will continue to support humanitarian workers and strengthen its joint co-operation with humanitarian organisations and partner national societies, “so that humanitarian assistance can be provided worldwide.”
About her experience in providing humanitarian support to those affected by the typhoon “Famco” in the Philippines, Fatima Abdeen, a disaster response specialist at the International Relief and Development Sector at QRCS, said: “One of the unforgettable experiences in November 2020 was that I travelled with the relief team heading to the Philippines to provide relief assistance to the affected people from the typhoon Famco, and assessing the needs and the resulting damage.
“This experience is an unforgettable lesson from my practical experiences that gave me lessons on how to act wisely in the upcoming experiences. I learned a lot personally and practically, and I also benefited from the participating team and the experts in the field.
May 8 commemorates the birthday of the Swiss humanitarian activist Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Humanitarian Movement, which consists of 192 national societies around the world that provide humanitarian support to their local communities and even to the needy.
A humanitarian worker engages with young children.
