The Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) asserted its keenness to continue working with all entities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to support relief and humanitarian efforts intended to mitigate the harmful effects of (COVID-19). These efforts concentrate on the most vulnerable segments such as refugees, displaced persons and those afflicted by the pandemic, within the framework of the humanitarian relief efforts the Society is developing locally and internationally to help tackle the negative repercussions of this pandemic.
This was discussed during Bahrain Red Crescent Society’s participation in a remote meeting organized by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in the Middle East and North Africa regarding world response to (COVID-19). The meeting was attended by 821 participants, including directors and general secretaries of National Societies, and it focused on the best ways to activate the relief efforts to tackle this pandemic.
Mr. Mubarak Al Hadi, “BRCS” Director-General/Act General Secretary, expressed his gratitude to the International Federation for its efforts in promoting rapprochement and joint support among the entities of the international movement. “We value strengthening of the relation between humanitarian and developmental work, as the humanitarian partnerships between the Bahrain Red Crescent Society and The International Committee of the Red Cross requires continuous dialogue. Moreover, we should continue exploring ways to cooperate and concentrate on various existing projects in the context of achieving joint goals to relieve the suffering of the afflicted.” Mr. Al Hadi said.
“The pandemic of (COVID-19) reveals the importance of the coherence of the international movement and the cooperation of the National Societies in strengthening their efforts to confront the virus and their rapid response to the appeals of the international relief organizations, and we must point out that the Bahrain Red Crescent Society is at the forefront of the international societies to provide material support to the International Federation.” Mr. Al Hadi added.
It’s noteworthy that Mr. Al Hadi delegated Mr. Ali Kadhem, head of the Public Relations Committee and Member Affairs Committee in the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, to attend this meeting.
For his part, Dr. Hossam Elsharkawi, Acting Regional Director of the Middle East and North Africa Region office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, praised the spirit of cooperation between all entities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, emphasizing the significance of preparing for the “post-corona” stage. He clarified that the meeting was an opportunity to exchange valuable views, experiences, and ideas to tackle the pandemic.
“Red Cross and Red Crescent work teams are working throughout the region to ensure that migrant people have access to information that keeps them and their families safe, no matter their level of reading, dialect or country of origin.” Dr. Elsharkawi added.
On a relevant matter, he noted that the federation is working to develop a comprehensive vision for the “post-corona” stage and to mitigate its negative repercussions on societies, economy, and the volunteer teams. “We must be prepared to face the subsequent stage, which is more difficult, and we are required to prepare for the most critical situations, and the National Societies have to double their efforts and increase their essential services.” Dr. Elsharkawi said, concluding his statement.