Red Cross celebrates volunteers for selfless service
By Our Correspondent
Mr Ameen Abdul, Africa Region Board Member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has said that World Red Cross Day is a celebration of the spirit of volunteering.
He said the day also highlights the unity and commitment of humanitarian workers around the world.
Abdul made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday during an event marking World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, celebrated globally on May 8 each year.
The theme, “Keeping Humanity Alive,” underscores the unwavering dedication of millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who provide relief wherever it is most needed.
According to Abdul, this day is about celebrating volunteering and the spirit of harmony among volunteers.
“The world needs the empathy that Red Cross volunteers bring.They are community-based, meaning they are part of the very people experiencing the pain, yet they step up to serve others,” Abdul said.
He added that the Red Cross Movement stood firm in safeguarding humanitarian space, advocating for empathy and solidarity, especially in times of crisis.
Abdul urged the media to amplify stories of hope and need, showcasing how critical humanitarian aid and volunteers were in today’s world.
“The media has a key role to play in letting the world know that help is needed, that support and encouragement are necessary.
“We need more people to volunteer with organisations like the Red Cross and Red Crescent,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Chima Nwankwo, Coordinator for Communication and Advocacy at the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), said volunteers were the first responders in emergencies across all 191 countries where the Red Cross operated.
“Our volunteers are based at the grassroots. They are usually the first to know when something happens and serve as an early warning system.
“They alert authorities about disease outbreaks or potential disasters,” Nwankwo said.
He noted that even in the most remote areas, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers were present and actively respond during crises, such as health emergencies or natural disasters.
Nwankwo highlighted the seven fundamental principles that guided the Movement’s operations to include: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
He said the principles formed the ethical and operational backbone of the organisation’s global humanitarian efforts.”
Mr Aliyu Dawobe, Public Relations Officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), reflected on the importance of the values in a world facing growing complexity and polarisation.
“In a world where humanitarian needs are increasing year after year, our shared commitment to humanity is not just a guiding principle, it’s a necessity,” Dawobe said.
He emphasised that humanity was the foundation of all other humanitarian principles, seeking to prevent and alleviate suffering wherever it might be found.
“Without humanity, principles like impartiality, neutrality, and independence will lack meaning.
“It is what keeps us grounded, ensuring we stay on the side of people, especially in their darkest hours,” he added.
Dawobe said World Red Cross Day is also a time to honour and remember volunteers and humanitarian workers around the world who risk and sometimes lose their lives while helping others.
“These volunteers are powerful examples of how humanitarian workers make a difference, in spite of the immense challenges they face.
“Their work reminds us why it is essential to protect humanitarian action and those who carry it out,” he said(https://newsatlarge.ng)
