By Nirmal Adhikari

Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) met together at Basantapur, Kathmandu on 8th May to celebrate World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.

“All three components of the Red Cross Movement are working together to minimize human suffering,” said Sanjeev Thapa, Chairman of Nepal Red Cross. “We are ready to work together with other humanitarian actors to reduce human suffering,” he added.

The WRC Day was observed in Kathmandu with a number of activities such as rally, speech, poem recitation, dancing, balloon flying, painting exhibition, blood donation and prize distribution starting from Red Cross flag hoisting.

“It is the day to show the world the Red Cross Movement for humanity is moving together,” said Andre Paquet, ICRC Deputy Head of Delegation, Kathmandu Office.

Prizes and certificates were distributed to the children who won in the painting competition. One hundred thirty seven students from seventy one schools of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts had participated in the competition.

“We are working together to minimize the effects of disaster through capacity building and relief services,” said Andrea Resinger, Federation representative to Nepal.

The other significant activity was “Learn First Aid in 15 Minutes.” A first aid team demonstrated a first aid activity to deliver the skill to the public.

“Each year, WRC Day offers us an opportunity to call attention to the plight of people affected by disasters, armed conflict and other situation of violence, to take stock of the multiple challenges we face and to reaffirm our commitment to working together for humanity,” said presidents of the IFRC and ICRC in a joint statement published from Geneva. The joint statement was read during the stage programme.

The celebration programme at Basantapur was organized by Kathmandu district chapter. Other programmes were organized in Kathmandu valley by Bhaktapur and Lalitpur district chapters. Similarly, all the regional committees, district chapters and several sub chapters and circles organized such programmes to celebrate the WRC Day.

Nepali print and electronic media had covered the news of the Day. Separate articles were published in national newspapers on the impact of the climate change and the relief services provided by the Red Cross, and ambulance service.