May 8 celebrated as the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

armradio.am
08.05.2008 11:07

The Presidents of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross
issued a joint statement on the occasion of World Red Cross Red
Crescent Day 2008

"Each year, World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, celebrated on 8 May,
offers us an opportunity to call attention to the plight of people
affected by disasters, armed conflict and other situations of violence,
to take stock of the multiple challenges we face and to reaffirm our
commitment to working together for humanity.

It is this aspect of togetherness ` of people working towards a common
goal of helping others ` that enables us to make a true difference in
the lives of the victims of catastrophes, hostilities, poverty and
health crises.

Every day, we see the importance and impact of solidarity reflected in
the work of our dedicated volunteers and staff around the globe ` from
disaster preparedness to restoring family links.

Whether they are evacuating residents ahead of a cyclone or reuniting
children and parents torn apart by war, it is by working together that
National Societies, the International Federation and the ICRC are able
to offer protection, assistance, comfort and hope to those in need.

Working in partnership also means coordinating and collaborating with
others, including governments, international organizations, the private
sector and communities.

This enables us to respond more effectively to change and to adapt to
complex humanitarian challenges, such as internal displacement, armed
violence, international migration, emerging diseases, and humanitarian
consequences of environmental degradation.

Next year, we will mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of
Solferino ` a decisive moment in the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s
history. It was on the battlefield of Solferino that Henry Dunant, who
was born on 8 May 1828, first reached out to help wounded soldiers and
began to formulate a vision that would lead to the creation of the
Movement.

As we look forward to commemorating this landmark event in 2009, we
should remember that people ` their safety, health, dignity and
wellbeing ` must be at the centre of everything we do and stand for.

Experience has shown us that cooperation and teamwork are essential to
our ability to help others, so as we observe World Red Cross Red
Crescent Day, let’s also celebrate the strength that comes from working
together for humanity."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress