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Red
Cross Red Crescent volunteers: the heart of global humanitarian action 5 December 2005 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies celebrates its unique volunteer network on 5 December, World Volunteer Day. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are at the very heart of successful humanitarian assistance for millions of victims of natural catastrophes, conflicts and other crises in the world. Furthermore, they are a silent humanitarian work-force, active on a daily basis to reduce community vulnerability. Another vital, but less known area in the International Federation is youth volunteering. Actually, youth constitute more than half of the active volunteer force worldwide. “Our volunteers, who work at the community level, are the key to achieving the Federation’s Global Agenda, which is meant to contribute to the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, such as the reduction of poverty and of maternal and child mortality,” noted Federation President Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro. “No other global force can compare to that of our millions of members and volunteers, implementing Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian programmes across the world with solidarity, commitment and motivation.” The president went on to say that the efficiency of volunteer actions has been clearly demonstrated in recent natural disasters, such as the October earthquake in Pakistan. Hundreds of Pakistan Red Crescent volunteers participated in search and rescue, in vital deliveries of tents and relief articles, in tracing activities and in psychological support programmes. Local volunteers are crucial when it comes to relief, particularly as the relief expands into more and more remote villages to assist millions of homeless survivors. At the International Federation’s recent General Assembly, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea in mid-November, its 183 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting youth and volunteering and improving the recruitment, training and management of their volunteers. “It is also essential that volunteers are given a greater voice at the decision-making level in the elaboration of effective programmes,” the President stressed. “Volunteers are there before, during and after any disaster, and are central to ensure the implementation of recovery programmes and to set up disaster preparedness measures in disaster-prone communities,” underlined Federation Secretary General, Markku Niskala. The importance of community volunteers was clearly seen in the immediate and long-term response to the tsunami. Taslimah, a 20-year old volunteer of the Indonesian Red Cross, became involved in the response while looking for her family, and is still part of the recovery team. “I helped the wounded even while searching for my father and siblings,” she said. “Though I was concerned about leaving my family, but after consulting them, I was able to join my Red Cross team almost immediately.” In 2001, declared by the UN the International Year of Volunteers, the Federation undertook a five-year plan to scale up its volunteering programmes. Assisted by the global programme, a large number of National Societies have developed new volunteer policies, improving volunteer management at local level as well as insurance for and recognition of volunteers. This has contributed to a more volunteer friendly environment within National Societies. “Volunteers are the life-blood and back-bone of our global action,” added Federation President Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro. “Without them, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement could not help the millions of vulnerable people it assists ever year. We must not forget that Voluntary Service is one of our seven Fundamental Principles.” For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Siân Bowen, Manager, Media Service Tel. + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 88 Marie-Françoise Borel, Media Officer Tel. + 41 22 730 43 46 / + 41 79 217 33 45 Media Service Duty Phone (Out of hours) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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