In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, the Egyptian Red Crescent hosted a delegation of United Nations agencies in Egypt from country and regional offices at its headquarters in Cairo, to meet with ERC staff and volunteers as a message of support and solidarity.
As a symbol of appreciation of their work, OCHA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo Head of office, Mr. Jean-Luc Tonglet presented a trophy for the workers and volunteers of the Egyptian Red Crescent.
It was received by Dr. Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent on behalf of all ERC staff, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Ayman Abdel Mawgood.
The event also witnessed a Solidarity Stand that coincides with the global stands held around the world on that day, with other members of the humanitarian community to spotlight the horrifying toll of armed conflicts on civilians and humanitarian workers.
2023 was the deadliest year ever for workers in the humanitarian field and 2024 is on track to be even worse. Despite universally accepted international laws to regulate the conduct of armed conflict and limit its impact, civilians, including aid workers, pay the ultimate price unconscionable numbers.
“We are here today as a message of solidarity and support for humanitarians who have exerted and are still exerting exquisite efforts to save lives. To recognize the profound and tireless efforts of those who dedicate their lives to alleviate suffering and bringing hope to those in desperate need for it.” said Jean-Luc Tonglet.
“It is also a crucial moment for us all as humanitarians in difficult times where there is an urgent need to ensure protection of humanitarians and civilians, and the necessity to demand accountability for violations of IHL and other international norms”, he continued.
In turn, Dr. Amal Emam said: ”This is a day to honour the spirit of humanitarianism and praise the countless workers and volunteers in the humanitarian field around the world including those of the Egyptian Red Crescent. It is also a day to shed light on humanitarians’ contributions in providing support for vulnerable people in various crises who embody the essence of mercy and humanity”.
The World Humanitarian Day (WHD), which takes place every year on 19 August, was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. Originally designed to recognize aid workers, WHD has evolved to highlight different areas related to humanitarian action, mobilizing people from around the world to advocate for the broader humanitarian cause.
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