ABUJA – The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) on Friday renewed its commitment to the provision of humanitarian services in the country.
Mr Bello Diram, its Secretary-General, disclosed this while briefing the press on activities lined up to commemorate the 2015 World Red Cross Day in Abuja.
World Red Cross Day, held annually on May 8, is celebrated to mark the birthday of its founder, Henry Dunant.
Diram said the event, with theme “Our principles in action’’, was to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the Red Cross seven fundamental principles.
“We will reflect on the fundamental principles and their continuing relevance in humanitarian service.
“We will celebrate their importance and claim their enduring relevance in our ever changing world and its application in today’s humanitarian context,’’ he said.
Diram said the seven fundamental principles are an expression of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement practices proclaimed in Vienna in 1965.
He listed the principles as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
He said the humanitarian needs in Nigeria were on the increase due to insurgency in the North East region, communal clashes and other nature-induced disasters.
“In the last five years we have seen an upward rise of humanitarian needs in Nigeria as a result of communal clashes, floods, political violence and most recently insurgency.
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“However, our fundamental principles remain constant, guiding our actions and ensuring service to communities regardless of race, creed and colour,’’ Diram said.
One of the fundamental principles of the organisation, Diram said, was humanity.
He explained that the principle of humanity was to ensure respect for human being, prevention and alleviation of human suffering while promoting mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation.
He noted that the principles also help voluntarily whenever people are in need without any desire for gain. (NAN)
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