The vision of humanitarianism with the dedication of volunteers
Statement delivered by Mary Hundley DeKuyper, Special Representative, International Federation, to the to the United Nations General Assembly, 56th session, New York

5 December 2001



Mr. President,

In 1862, after witnessing the horrendous human suffering on the battlefield in Solferino, Mr. Henry Dunant, put forward the following idea in his book, A Memory of Solferino:

"Would it not be possible,... to form relief societies for the purpose of having care given to the wounded in wartime by zealous, devoted and thoroughly qualified volunteers?"

Today, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement comprises 178 National Societies in countries spanning the world, in a global, humanitarian network involving 97 million members and volunteers. That, Mr. President, is a unique example of the force that can be created when you pair a vision of humanitarianism with the dedication of volunteers.

We all recognize that volunteers are the people who choose to give of their time, of their energy, or of their knowledge - to show solidarity with their fellow human beings. They are the countless people who reach out and support others. Sometimes, in response to great disasters, natural or man-made. Sometimes, in response to needs arising from an armed conflict or in response to unimaginable crimes, as we witnessed here in New York on September 11.

Always, they are present in less visible situations - in their communities and neighborhoods, where they carry out a myriad of small tasks that, taken together constitute a great work. On behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) I honor them and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

It is therefore a great honor for the IFC to address this important assembly today - on the day that brings the International Year of Volunteers 2001 to a close. And, we would like to take the opportunity to give voice not only to our own Movement, but also to the many other volunteer organizations all over the word.

Every organization is different in pursuing their different missions, but uniting in one common denominator, volunteerism. They are created by volunteers and once created, they constitute a force to mobilize even more volunteers in the service of others.

The IFRC views the IYV2001 as a success that will have an impact for years to come. As an international organization, we have joined with United Nations Volunteers in promoting the ideals of the Year. The success of this year, and of our co-operation with UNV, has increased the knowledge of volunteerism and raised it to a more visible platform. As a result, volunteering is better understood and appreciated.

This has an enormous impact on the value and work of volunteering. Governments have seen that their actions can have an impact on volunteering and that they have a responsibility to look at ways on how they can promote and facilitate volunteering. Through the promotion and networking of this year, organizations have been inspired to improve their systems of management of and reward and recognition for volunteers and have come to better understand how to involve volunteers more effectively.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has paid particular and careful attention to using the opportunities available to it to promote and strengthen social development issues, particularly those relevant to the most vulnerable people in communities. We have sought, during 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers, to integrate the activities of the International Year with other programs relevant to the vulnerable, especially vulnerable children, youth and older persons.

Our National Societies are volunteer organizations established in accordance with the country situation, traditions and needs, while at the same time adhering to our commonly held seven fundamental principles, one of which is voluntary service. The principle states that the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is "voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner for desire of gain." The societies mobilize members and volunteers at the national level, which then organize local branches in their communities to reach out and deliver local services. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are local people helping other local people. Under the umbrella of the IFRC, these National Societies are united to form a strong international network, capable of reaching out at the global, national and community levels to serve the most vulnerable communities across the planet.

Volunteer organizations cannot succeed alone. They need the support and co-operation of their governments in order to develop in a volunteer friendly environment. The way government, government agencies and politicians act regarding volunteering and voluntary organizations have a great impact on their viability and effectiveness. Governments can create enabling conditions for volunteering by promoting volunteerism and establishing a solid legal framework. Through dialogue with their volunteer organizations, governments can successfully encourage a friendly environment for volunteering, which grows out of the local culture and conditions.

The IFRC has worked throughout this year to creating a basis for this dialogue. We were delighted that the Inter Parliamentarian Union, at its 105th Session in Havana in April 2000, adopted a decision encouraging parliaments and the leading volunteer organizations in their countries to open dialogue on measures that might be taken to improve volunteerism. A number of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have already opened that dialogue, and more will do so in the years ahead.

The IFRC would like to express its appreciation to the Member States of the United Nations for designating this year as the International Year of Volunteers. For us, the International Year is the beginning of a new approach to volunteerism, especially with respect to contacts with governments and entities beyond the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. And we are looking forward to fruitful dialogue and co-operation with all the UN Member States in the future.

Five days from now, the UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan and the UN, will be presented with the well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize. Let me on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies congratulate you and Mr. Annan. And, allow me at the same time to remind us all, that the very first Nobel Peace Prize 100 years ago was given to an outstanding volunteer - namely Mr. Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross - who lived his life as a humble person dedicated to the cause of relieving human suffering. His vision inspired the millions and millions of people who today constitutes the power of humanity and who, as volunteers, serve their fellow human beings across the world.

Thank you.