Netherlands Embassy Official Pays Courtesy Visit to ERCS
Ms. Ceciel Groot, First Secretary for Political Affairs and Humanitarian Aid at the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia, paid a courtesy visit to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) National Headquarters to learn more about the Society’s humanitarian work, structure, and the current humanitarian situation in the country.
During the meeting, Ato Abera Lulessa, Secretary General of ERCS, briefed the delegation on the Society’s history and operations, highlighting that ERCS is the first and largest National Society in Africa with wide humanitarian coverage across the country. He explained that ERCS follows the government administrative structure to effectively carry out its auxiliary role, delivering both life-saving and development programs.
Ato Dires Desyibelew, Deputy Secretary General for Programs, noted that this structure helps ERCS remain closer to communities and maintain its relevance as a humanitarian organization.
Ato Abera also noted that while 70% of ERCS resources currently come from external partners, the Society aims to strengthen domestic resource mobilization by 2030.
Following the briefing, the delegation visited the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where the ICT team presented its coordination and response functions.
Ato Abera also expressed appreciation to the Government and the Netherlands Red Cross of for their continued support.
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