Today, 8 May, we celebrate the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, which marks the date of birth of the founder of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant.
On this day we, the heads of the UN and non-UN humanitarian organisations assembled in the Inter-Agency Standing Commission (IASC), global humanitarian policy forum, pay tribute to 100 million members, volunteers and supporters of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in 187 National Societies worldwide. We acknowledge their dedication to assist people affected by conflict and disaster, guided solely by needs.
150 years ago, Henry Dunant founded the Red Cross, inspired by the plight of the wounded after the Battle of Solferino in 1859. This was the birth of humanitarianism as we know it today, the idea to provide neutral, independent, impartial aid to people in need, regardless of their religious, social or ethnic backgrounds. These humanitarian principles are the core values that still guide humanitarian organisations in the IASC today.
The International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has grown to become the largest international humanitarian network in the world providing assistance to millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance – from New York after Hurricane Sandy to Aleppo and Mogadishu in the midst of the current conflicts. The International Committee of the Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as standing invitees of the IASC have provided valuable contributions to the IASC efforts to strengthen humanitarian response and coordination.
The volunteers, who dedicate their time and efforts to alleviate suffering, deserve our special appreciation. We admire their commitment and courage all over the world. We think today particularly of Syria, where volunteers of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent risk their lives to help others. We remember those who have lost their lives in this mission.
For 150 years now, the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has symbolised the humanitarian ideal and inspired all of us. We look forward to continue to work with the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.