Monday, 8 May 2023, Cyprus Red Cross Offices
According to Jarrett Barrios, Executive Director of the Red Cross in Los Angeles and Massachusetts, United States: "One in 25 people worldwide has benefited from the Red Cross."
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded in 1863 by a committee of personalities led by Henry Dunant, a young Swiss businessman. The idea, however, to create the Red Cross was born in 1859, when Dunant witnessed the tragic aftermath of the bloody battle of Solferino in Italy between Franco-Sardinian and Austrian forces, where medical aid for the countless wounded was scarce.
He was then inspired to establish humanitarian organizations composed of trained volunteers who could offer care to the wounded, regardless of the camp to which they belonged.
Surely Dunant may not have imagined that this initiative of his would evolve into a worldwide movement of solidarity that continues to touch the lives of thousands of people more than a century and a half later. This year the Red Cross celebrates 159 years of service. 159 years of kindness. In this long journey, hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the world have been the recipients of unprecedented, life-saving help from the network of Red Cross members who generously and selflessly rush to assist their fellow man, to alleviate human suffering, in any emergency situation, anywhere in the world. The Red Cross intervenes, for the most part, in humanitarian crises resulting from armed conflicts or natural disasters or, as a special feature on RIK aptly states, the Red Cross takes action 'where reason is absent or where nature takes revenge on man'.
The Red Cross is a movement that, thanks to its value system, teaches in practice not only the greatness of humanity, but also the greatness of true love for one's fellow man, a love that knows no borders, races, nationalities, religious or political beliefs, social classes. Besides, its whole philosophy is based on 7 fundamental principles: humanism, impartiality, neutrality, unity, independence, volunteerism and universality. Inspired by these principles, the Red Cross promotes through its action mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between peoples, and offers its services to those who really need them without any form of discrimination. Of particular importance is the fact that the movement is independent. Although the National Organizations in each country act complementary to the humanitarian and social services of the governments and although they are subject to the laws of the countries in which they are based, they maintain their autonomy so that they can act in accordance with the other principles of the movement.
As demonstrated through its action, the same principles, and we are proud as a State, govern the Cyprus Red Cross, which was founded in 1950 on the initiative of the then colonial government. Former President of the Republic Glafkos Clerides was the first Cypriot President of the Cyprus Red Cross in 1959-1960, while Stella Soulioti, the first woman Minister of the Republic and the first President of the movement after the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, took over the baton. She was succeeded in the leadership of the movement in 2004 until today by the Honourable Mrs Fotini Papadopoulou. Mrs Papadopoulou, I would like to congratulate and thank you, as well as all the members of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Red Cross, for your invaluable contribution to the successful operation of the largest humanitarian organisation in our country.
Before the Cyprus Red Cross was well organised in Cyprus, it was called upon to assist in dealing with the consequences of the great earthquake that struck our island in 1953 in the Paphos province. It also played a crucial role during the intercommunal conflicts of 1963 and the Turkish invasion of 1974. Indeed, the Red Cross headquarters was bombed by the Turkish air force on the second day of the invasion. Volunteers then worked tirelessly to care for the wounded, transport the elderly and children, and provide food. Its contribution to the gigantic effort of reuniting families and locating missing persons was also crucial.
Today, in addition to its established charitable activities, the Cyprus Red Cross performs commendable work in the field of providing palliative care services, having established the specialized Children's Therapy Centre 'Stella Soulioti' in Polemidia. The Centre treats people with disabilities or developmental difficulties, from infants to adults up to 22 years of age.
The State will continue to assist the Centre, covering a significant percentage of the Centre's operating costs.
At the same time, the Red Cross stands by the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus to offer humanitarian aid, collecting food and basic necessities for third countries.
At the same time, the Red Cross stands by the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus to offer humanitarian aid, collecting food and basic necessities for third countries. We have cooperated many times before in my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
At the same time, the Red Cross assists the competent state services in the humane management of migrants while they remain in our country, implements the Social Welfare Programme for vulnerable groups of the population and provides from the very first moment significant assistance to our stranded people.
At the same time, the Red Cross assists the competent state services in the humane management of migrants while they remain in our country, implements the Social Welfare Programme for vulnerable groups of the population and provides from the very first moment significant assistance to our stranded people.
Particularly noteworthy and of great importance for the Republic of Cyprus is the international contribution of the Cyprus Red Cross. It has implemented major projects such as the construction of a hospital in Sri Lanka and the contribution to the construction of a second hospital in Badulla for the victims of the tsunami, the construction of a Community Health Centre in the Municipality of Oleni in the fire-stricken area of the Peloponnese and the creation of four children's parks in the Municipality of Marathon, in the area of Mati affected by the devastating fires in 2018.
All this would not have been possible without the social sensitivity that distinguishes the Cypriot people. Cypriots massively participate in such initiatives, by contributing to the contributions collected at the annual Red Cross fundraiser, by participating in the blood donations organised and by joining the team of volunteers.
In a world plagued by conflict and strife, in a semi-occupied homeland still suffering from the ongoing occupation, the values that the Red Cross stands for - of humanitarianism, of cooperation between people and between peoples, above prejudice and what may divide us - are invaluable and as never before relevant for effectively addressing the suffering that indiscriminately afflicts all of humanity, the economic crises, the natural disasters, the diseases we face.
Of particular symbolism for our country, and with its own flag, is the fact that from the very beginning of the establishment of the Cyprus Red Cross, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites, Latins joined its provincial committees together, all united by a common purpose: the alleviation of human suffering.
I would like to thank Mr.
With these words, then, I declare International Red Cross Day, the start of this year's Pancyprian fundraiser, wishing every success in this effort as well.
(PM/NG/SX)
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