…. As they Celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Month
By: Leila B. Gbati
The Liberia National Red Cross (LNRC) and Red Crescent have announced that the current humanitarian landscape is marked by growing complexity and urgency across the world including Liberia and they are witnessing unprecedented levels of displacement, conflict, and natural disasters, which are pushing millions of people to the brink of survival therefore, they are calling for Concerted effort and increased support from all stakeholders to be able to meet the compelling needs of vulnerable populations.
According to LNRC, at this critical juncture, it is imperative that everyone come together to address the pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today to invest in innovative approaches that build resilience and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind including prioritizing access to basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, as well as providing critical health care services.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at LNRC Office on Lynch Street, Mr. Gregory T. Blamoh, Secretary General of LNRC said that each year they celebrate May as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Month and official celebration are planned and organized on May 8 to commemorate the birthday of their founder Henry Dunant.
Mr. Blamo said the theme for this year World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is “Everything we do comes #fromtheheart”.
He said the day is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities.
“This year, we want to focus on the people in our communities, “the people next door”, who often are the first ones to step up and support those in need around them, a colleague at our respective workplaces, a neighborhood, a vendor or a Red Cross Red Crescent community volunteer; someone at the gym, a clerk at a store or market we go to; or someone living close by who has always been by our side,” he said.
According to Mr Blamo Liberia is part of the 192 countries and territories around the world commemorating a Month-long Humanitarian Action in May.
He used the medium to appreciate the Government of Liberia for recognizing the importance of this global event and issuing a proclamation declaring the month of May as Red Cross and Red Crescent Month to be observed throughout the month.
Mr. Blamo indicated that President George Weah is also the Chief Patron of the Liberian Red Cross and has requested and called upon everyone and every institution in Liberia to not only observe the Red Cross Month but to fully participate in activities organized by the Red Cross to make the occasion more meaningful and rewarding.
The LNRC Secretary General further stated that the Government’s proclamation acknowledged their lifesaving humanitarian services and described the work of the Red Cross as amazing and their determination to render impartial humanitarian services to communities to build resilience and promote dignity truly comes from the heart of their volunteers, staff, and members.
“When responding to emergencies or addressing ongoing challenges, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Whether providing emergency relief, supporting community health initiatives, promoting disaster preparedness, or advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations, they are motivated by a deep sense of empathy and compassion. The theme reminds us that compassion is not just a nice-to-have but an essential component of humanitarian work. In such situations, it is critical to understand and respond to people’s needs and emotions. By operating from the heart, the Movement’s volunteers and staff can provide comfort and support to those who need it most,” he stated.
Additionally, he mentioned that they have recently conducted an Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (EVCA) in 12 communities across Sinoe, Grand Kru, and RiverGee identifying key vulnerabilities and capacities in each community that are facing similar challenges; limited access to basic sanitation, safe drinking water and food insecurity as well as exposure to natural disasters.
He continued that “they have also responded to speed up recovery and preserve the dignity of affected people in Gbarpolu and Grand Bassa Counties after violent storms hit over 14 communities leaving at least 478 people including seven disabled and a number of children affected in February and have repeatedly emphasized the need for actionable steps not only to speed up recovery but to protect and preserve the dignity of affected people and help communities to build back better and withstand future shock.
He also thanked their partner, the Swedish Red Cross, for providing immediate relief assistance to the affected communities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Blamo said that their local branches across Liberia are excited to participate in various activities to celebrate the principle of unity and diversity and they recognize that unity is a powerful force that brings people together regardless of their background or profession.
“As part of our local activities, we will engage in community services to help those in need. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the values that the Red Cross Red Crescent embodies, which are compassion, kindness, and a willingness to help those in need. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference in our communities and improve the lives of those around us,” he asserted.
Moreover, he appreciated more than 3,000 volunteers of the Liberia Red Cross that they call upon whenever there is a need.
“As we remember those in our community who render selfless service, we want to remember some of our own Volunteers and field officers who have rendered on a daily basis selfless services in the cause of humanity,” he noted.
Accordingly, he said every Liberian need to work together to address the root causes of humanitarian crises, including natural disaster, and must commit as a global community to support those who are most in need and redouble efforts to address the growing complexity of humanitarian needs on the ground emphasizing that only through collective action they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by crisis and ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
