Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has concluded its celebrations of the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, held over 10 days under the theme of “Our Principles in Action,” in tandem with 188 other National Societies around the world, which commemorate this day every year in May, under the umbrella of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Over the week, 30 QRC volunteers implemented a programme of charitable and voluntary events for individuals, families, visitors of public places and parks, and schoolchildren. Several government and nongovernment institutions took part in these events, including Community Policing and Traffic Police from the Ministry of Interior, Management of Awareness and Environmental Education from the Ministry of Environment, General Cleanness Department from the Ministry of Municipality (Baladiya), Al Quds Model Independent School for Boys, and Al Maiz Restaurant.
Among the activities done by QRC volunteers were planting trees in the Al Quds School with participation from the students, cleaning part of the Sheraton Park, Montaza Park, Souq Al Asiri, Souq Waqif Park and Baraht Al Jufairi, launching awareness campaigns on road cleanliness and general awareness in cooperation with traffic officers, and recruiting volunteers and advising drivers at Landmark Mall. More than 2,000 drivers, workers, students, women, and children were served by these activities.
Najat Al Haidous, QRC Head of Volunteers, said: “This great work by volunteers is intended to influence society members and improve their behaviour, cherish our traditions when dealing with the environment and public places, urge not spitting or throwing waste anywhere, emphasize the importance of keeping parks intact, and educating drivers about driving rules and traffic safety instructions.”
Al Haidous said that this is just the first step that will be followed by other steps by volunteers, who showed willingness to continue this campaign throughout the year and whenever is necessary, under QRC’s sustainable approach to its social and awareness programmes.
In a joint statement issued by Tadateru Konoé, President of IFRC, and Peter Maurer, President of ICRC, for all components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, they said: “Formally adopted 50 years ago, the Fundamental Principles — Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality — serve as the basis of our decisions and actions now and in the future.
“In Syria, Yemen, Central African Republic, Myanmar, and South Sudan, dozens of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been killed or injured in the past 12 months. Aid workers battling Ebola in Guinea have been subjected to an average of 10 attacks every month. Health facilities in Syria and Yemen are being directly targeted and aid convoys are coming under threat, despite being clearly marked with the red cross or red crescent protective emblems.
“So now, more than ever, we urge all state and non-state parties to uphold the shared humanitarian values enshrined in the Red Cross Red Crescent’s principles. This is necessary to build the trust and acceptance of communities and continue to deliver life-saving support to the most vulnerable.
The Peninsula
