World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day Celebrated Colorfully
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society National Office, in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Branch Office, proudly celebrated World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day today at Entoto Park, alongside the Society’s leadership, staff, volunteers, and representatives of partner National Societies.
Observed for the 79th time globally and the 68th time in Ethiopia, the occasion was marked with vibrant activities, including a 1.6-kilometer solidarity walk accompanied by the Federal Police Marching Band.
Delivering a welcoming message on the occasion, Ato Dereje Muleta, head of the Addis Ababa Branch Office, stated that celebrating this important day, all must give special attention to further strengthening humanitarian services in the city. He added, in this regard, the government, members, and volunteers all have a vital role to play and he called upon each of the participants to continue reinforcing these efforts.
“On behalf of myself and the Branch Office, I urge you to do your part in advancing and expanding humanitarian services for the benefit of our community”,He underscored.
In a message delivered through his representative,Ato Dires Desyibelew, Deputy Secretary General for Programs, the Secretary General of the Society, Ato Abera Lulessa, recalled that the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been commemorating this day for the past 78 years.
He noted that the main objectives of the occasion are to recognize and honor volunteers and staff, commemorate the founder of the Movement, Henry Dunant, and promote International Humanitarian Law as well as the Fundamental Principles of the Movement.
In his message, Ato Abera also emphasized the importance of continued support for the Society, calling on all stakeholders to stand with it so that it can effectively fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities without hindrance.
In a solidarity message on the occasion, the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ethiopia, Ms. Simone Casabianca Aeschlimann, stated that the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement was built on a radical belief: that even in war, even in disaster, even in moments of profound suffering, humanity must remain non-negotiable.
She further noted that Today, let’s not only celebrate the Red Cross’s emblem, but also let us recommit to what it represents: Humanity, Neutrality, and Unity.
Mr.Sahl Hasan Abdi, representing the delegation of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Ethiopia and Djibouti Cluster , expressed his reflections through poetry, describing the day as an idea born in the mind of one individual that has grown into a global and unifying force. He further paid tribute to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who courageously risk and dedicate their lives to humanitarian service.
In his closing speech, Dr. Tefera Molla, Deputy Manager of the Addis Ababa City Administration Office and Board Chairman ERCS Addis Ababa Branch Office, said that as we celebrate this day, we must reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Society in our country and in the city and work hard to prepare for the challenges that await us in the future.
The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across all regional branches of the Society.
We Live for Humanity!