On May the 8th, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will be celebrating the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day to recognize the importance of humanitarian action in saving lives, protecting livelihoods and upholding human dignity.
This year, the staff of the PNG Red Cross Society (PNGRCS), the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) want to highlight the universal, human and diverse aspects of movement by the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society by focusing on their volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in responding to crisis, providing essential services and building resilience.
According to Secretary General of the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society, Valachie Quagliata, the PNG Red Cross volunteers and staff work tirelessly to help people in need, often in very challenging circumstances.
“On the special day, we will celebrate their courage, commitment and compassion and renew our pledge to work together to alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity.”
Similarly, PNG Head of Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Georgios Georgantas, said that with the support of PNG Red Cross volunteers and staff, they have helped communities affected by tribal violence, disasters and other humanitarian concerns in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga provinces since 2012.
Additionally, Country Head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Maki Igarashi, expressed in similar terms how grateful they are to work alongside PNG Red Cross to carry out humanitarian mandate in PNG.
“It would not be achieved without the commitment and tireless efforts of PNG Red Cross staff and volunteers on the ground.”
Furthermore, to mark the occasion, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world are organizing various events and activities, including blood donation campaigns, first aid training sessions, community awareness programs and fundraising drives.
These initiatives aims to raise awareness about the importance of humanitarian action, mobilize resources for emergency response and promote the values of humanity impartiality, neutrality, independence voluntary service unity and universality.
The World Red Cross Red Crescent Day has been observed annually since 1948, commemorating the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant; the founder of the Red Cross. It serves as an opportunity to honor the humanitarian legacy of Dunant and the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity.