MESSAGE ON WORLD RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT DAY

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is celebrating the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day 2023 today on May 8, recognizing the importance of humanitarian action in saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and upholding human dignity.

This year, we want to highlight the universal, human, and diverse aspects of our Movement by focusing on our volunteers and their involvement within our communities. We acknowledge the critical role of volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in responding to crises, providing essential services, and building resilience.

“The PNG Red Cross volunteers and staff work tirelessly to help people in need, often in very challenging circumstances,” said Valachie Quagliata, Secretary-General of the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society. “On this special day, we celebrate their courage, commitment, and compassion, and renew our pledge to work together to alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity.”

“With the support of PNG Red Cross volunteers and staff, we 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,” International Committee of the Red Cross PNG Head of Mission Georgios Georgantas said.

“We are grateful to work with PNG Red Cross to carry 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,” International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Head of Delegation for PNG Maki Igarashi said.

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 aim 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 on May 8th 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.

Happy World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day! #FromTheHeart

For further information: Email: basa@redcross.org.pg