IFRC & ERCS: commit to a well-coordinated one country plan

Mr. Jagan thanks ERCS volunteers, staff, the executive management and governance for their commitment, hard work, compassion and dedication in saving lives and livelihoods and commit to continue to accompany this humanitarian journey together

Mr. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) paid a three day visit at the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) from23-25 August 2021.

Having welcomed the IFRC SG and his delegation at the ERCS HQs, Secretary General Getachew Ta’a, took them through a bird’s eye view of the eighty six years of the multifaceted humanitarian responses the Society traversed. Getachew conveyed his thanks to IFRC for the support provided to the vulnerable people during trying periods in the annals of humanitarian services in Ethiopia in general and particularly since the onset of the current violence and conflict.

Mr. Jagan on his part, expressed thanks for the warm welcome accorded to him and his team by the ERCS volunteers, staff and leadership, appreciated that ERCS as a strong National Society and its staff and volunteers providing humanitarian services on the ground under difficult situation. He also underlined the willingness to articulating IFRC – ERCS partnerships as a one coordinated plan and underlined the need to develop a holistic narratives of cooperation among movement partners with a view to tapping more support and resource to benefit the vulnerable, within the framework of our fundamental principles.

Moreover, Mr. Jagan had a brief meeting with Abera Tola, President of ERCS and his governing board members where the spirit of meeting focused on how to accentuate a global support both from movement and non-movement international donors willing to support the surging humanitarian need in the country.

Challenges of resources to alleviate the compounded humanitarian crisis, coordination, standardization of system and national society development are among issues transpired during the meeting.

During his three day itinerary at the ERCS, Secretary General Jagan visited the ERCS Emergency Operation Center at Nifas Silk. He also visited and discussed with representatives of the over 12,000 beneficiaries of the Sululta multi-purpose Wash project developed from spring water of the hill of Sululta town, as well as the Modjo town Red Cross branch.

Concluding his three day visit Mr. Jagan had a courtesy call with Her Excellency Sahlework Zewde, President of the FDRE and Patron of the National Society at the National Palace. Discussion with Her Excellency focused on the maintenance of the humanitarian principles, trust and support for the ERCS, among others.