Abu Dhabi, May 08: The UAE has occupied a leading place in the alliance of forces of good and become an active player in international efforts to address humanitarian challenges, Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA), said on Friday.
The UAE is committed, as an aid donor, to stay its humanitarian course of promoting and deepening values and initiatives that alleviate human suffering and support human development in developing communities, he said.
In a statement on the occasion of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day today, Shaikh Hamdan appealed to the international humanitarian organisations to maximise their efforts for development of the most vulnerable communities and join forces to fend off eminent risks facing millions of peoples around the world as a result of climate change, the international financial crisis, shortage of food and medicines, water scarcity, acute poverty and spread of diseases and epidemics.
“May 8 serves as a turning point in the international movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in terms of realisation of its aspirations on the international humanitarian scene which is facing tremendous challenges that call for solidarity among all stakeholders for ensuring better future for humanitarian work.”
The Day, he noted, provides a good opportunity for strengthening dialogue and debate on major issues that concern the movement, especially since the world is undergoing changing situations that require a thorough review of partnership concepts, coordination of the humanitarian efforts, and upgrading the strategy of humanitarian work.
He called for creating more effective mechanisms for delivery of assistance to targeted population in flashpoints and realisation of sustainable development. “For us in the RCA, the 8th of May is a chance of self-reflection and evaluation of the march in order to push it forward so as to contribute effectively in mobilising support for humanitarian programmes and enhancing partnerships with all forces of the community for wider expansion of operations.” He said the RCA is striving to build its capacity to have swift response to crises and answer the call of humanitarian duty everywhere.
According to him, the role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement on the international humanitarian scene is important despite the challenges and shortage of resources.
“The movement has gained great experience in quick intervention during disasters and crises especially in areas of mitigation of their impact on peoples and mobilisation of support for civilian victims.”
–Agencies