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First
aid promotes tolerance and reduces discrimination 8 September 2006 Delivering first aid to vulnerable populations according to Red Cross and Red Crescent principles has proven to be an effective means of promoting tolerance and reducing discrimination, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This year, the International Federation is using the occasion of World First Aid Day, which will be marked on 9 September, to highlight ways in which first aid can overcome national, racial, political and religious divides. “There are many examples across the world where Red Cross and Red Crescent first aid programmes, designed to provide services to all, build bridges between groups,” says Markku Niskala, Secretary General of the International Federation. “Our humanitarian principles are not just abstract theories. They translate into practical applications and concrete results, where people learn to speak to each other and solidarity leads to stronger communities.” The promotion of life, health, human dignity and non-discrimination are at the heart of action strategies for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world. “It is only by treating everyone on an equal footing and making sure the only criteria applied for the delivery of humanitarian assistance are vulnerability and need, that first aid actually saves lives and prevents injuries,” the head of the Federation’s health department, Bruce Eshaya-Chauvin, notes. One successful example is the work that first aid volunteers are doing with people living with HIV, helping them engage back into the community and sensitizing the community to stop marginalizing this vulnerable group, bringing to life the principle of humanity. In 2001, the International Federation began implementing a five-year global policy on volunteering which encourages national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to promote activities based on tolerance, respect and the defense of people's rights and dignity. The fact that first aid volunteers are promoting these values at community level is the key to saving lives and building a more tolerant society. Since 2000, a growing number of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world celebrate the second Saturday of September as World First Aid Day. More than 100 will participate this year. On this day, they organize events and ceremonies in order to raise public awareness and communities’ understanding of the positive effects of first aid in daily life as well as in emergencies, in accident and disease prevention, and the integration of marginalized groups in society. Read the web story on World First Aid Day. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Sian Bowen, Manager, Media Service Tel : + 41 79 217 33 88 Duty phone (out-of-hours) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 185 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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