Africa Region Board Member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IFRC, Mr Ameen Abdul, said the World Red Cross Day is a celebration of the spirit of volunteering.
Abdul added that the day also highlights the unity and commitment of humanitarian workers around the world.
He made the remarks in Abuja, yesterday during an event marking the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, celebrated globally on May 8 each year.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that 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 our 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 also 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, the Coordinator for Communication and Advocacy at the Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, Mr Chima Nwankwo, said volunteers are the first responders in emergencies across all 191 countries where the Red Cross operates.
“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 are present and actively respond during crises, such as health emergencies or natural disasters.
Nwankwo highlighted the seven fundamental principles that guide the Movement’s operations: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unityand universality.
“These principles form the ethical and operational backbone of the organisation’s global humanitarian efforts.”
Public Relations Officer of ICRC, Mr Aliyu Dawobe, reflected on the importance of 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 is a necessity,” Dawobe said.
He emphasised that humanity is the foundation of 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 the 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. NAN
