Government commends Red Cross, Red Crescent for humanitarian services

GOVERNMENT has commended the Zimbabwe Red Cross and Red Crescent for providing a wide range of services and responding to the needs of the people through programmes that assist vulnerable groups in disaster and conflict situations.

Addressing delegates gathered for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Day commemorations in Gweru on Saturday, Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said around the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is providing a wide range of services to the most vulnerable.

“This ranges from responding to needs in disaster and conflict situations to providing assistance in urban centres and hard-to-reach areas, and advocating on behalf of those in need in policy circles and governments,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy, Brigadier-General (Retired), Levi Mayihlome.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “Keeping Humanity Alive.”

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the theme was an important reminder to everyone of the enduring commitment of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to upholding human dignity, alleviating suffering, and extending assistance to people in dire circumstances, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

She said it was pleasing to note that the Government and people of Zimbabwe have a long history of co-operation with the Red Cross and the Red Crescent dating back to 1980, on attainment of independence.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society was established in 1981 through an Act of Parliament as an auxiliary to the Government of Zimbabwe’s humanitarian interventions.

“The Act is administered by the Ministry of Defence in recognition of the fact that the primary role of the Red Cross is to augment army medical units,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

She said the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, therefore, is an important civic society organisation whose contributions are critical in addressing the needs of the vulnerable.

“This is the reason why the Zimbabwe Red Cross is a permanent member of the country’s disaster preparedness mechanism at all levels. It is pleasing to note the excellent co-operation and symbiotic working relations that exist between the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and the International Federation of the Red Cross,” said the minister.

“I urge the two humanitarian organisations to continue to cultivate and foster such an enabling environment not only for their mutual benefit but for society at large.”

The work of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, the Minister said, is increasingly becoming important given the recurrence of conflict and natural disasters the world over.

She said the Sadc region, in particular, has not been spared as it has experienced in the recent past, irregular rainfall patterns that have resulted in droughts and flooding, which has negatively affected the region’s food security situation.

“The region is also grappling with a cholera outbreak. These calamities mostly affect vulnerable members of communities including women, children, the elderly and those living with disabilities.

“The importance of the role played by the two organisations in alleviating the plight of vulnerable communities cannot, thus, be overemphasised. Dealing with emergency situations of this nature demands a multi-sectoral approach,” she said.

As a permanent member of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the organisation has contributed immensely to disaster preparedness and alleviation in the country.

“It is gratifying to note that the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society has joined hands with the Government and other stakeholders to combat the scourge of drug and substance abuse in the country. Drug and substance abuse has become a major health challenge as it is threatening to decimate the youth population,” she said.

The minister said the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society has always been at the forefront in complementing Government efforts in combating cholera outbreaks, which occasionally affect the country.

She said the programmes were in line with President Mnagagwa’s vision for Zimbabwe to become an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030 and the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the Ministry of Defense has also benefited from the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in the area of training in international humanitarian law.

“Going forward, we wish to resuscitate our partnership in demining operations. We believe that your expertise in humanitarian work and wide network within and outside the country is critical in mobilising resources for demining operations in the country, particularly with regards to the rehabilitation of victims of landmines,” she said.

Addressing the same gathering, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society national president Mr Edison Mlambo said the World Red Cross Day observed every year on May 8 is marked to celebrate the principles, history, values, and impact of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.

“On this day, the Movement pays tribute to members and volunteers who contribute to humanitarian work, celebrating the spirit of humanitarianism and recognising the individuals who make a difference in their communities,” he said.

“Our volunteers and workers are often the first ones to step up and support those around them, upholding humanity in the face of adversity as they navigate some of the most challenging and remote environments to reach those who need it most.”