Heads of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia and representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies met in Moscow and discussed future cooperation.
The event was organized by the oldest humanitarian organization in Russia – the Russian Red Cross (RRC). The meeting brought together heads of 12 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Such meetings of National Societies’ heads are regular. Over the course of two days, the heads discussed health issues, emergency response and current challenges, and exchanged experiences.
"Last time a similar meeting was held in Kazakhstan in 2017. In 2022 it was initiated by the Russian Red Cross. Today we want to remind once again that we are open to dialogue, adhere to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Fundamental Principles and desire to help everyone in need, these are key factors in the development of our common humanitarian mission. We are very happy to see all our colleagues in Moscow and look forward to working together for the good of society," said Pavel Savchuk, President of the Russian Red Cross.
Representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also took part in the event.
"We took this opportunity to tell the meeting participants about global humanitarian challenges we face today. It is important that National Societies have all the knowledge they need to respond to events on the ground. Migration, health and climate change remain key issues for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. We want the National Societies to make the issues their priority and approach them in a systemic way," said Andreas von Weissenberg, Head of the Migration, Health, Climate and Humanitarian Crises in Europe and Central Asia Unit of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Discussing changes in humanitarian situation in Europe and the world, Gregory Le Cock, head of the ICRC's Europe and Central Asia cooperation sector, spoke about importance of all components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement working together.
"The International Committee of the Red Cross will continue to strengthen cooperation with National Societies. In the face of difficult challenges, the International Movement is strong only when its components - the National Societies, the ICRC and the IFRC - are strong. The more united we are, the better we understand problems of each other, complementeach other and cope with all the challenges. Our International Movement boasts many accomplishments, we help people in the most criticalsituations; a commitment to the Fundamental Principles is the main driving force behind mutual activities of the entire International Movement. Together we can respond to various crises and alleviate people's suffering," he noted.
At a working session of the National Societies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on the coordination of activities within the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (IPA), the heads discussed their joint work. In particular, Davron Mukhamadiev, Head of the IFRC Delegation to the South Caucasus, spoke about cooperation between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.
"This year we celebrate 10 years of cooperation between the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, like us, makes it a priority to address refugee protection and urgent health issues. Our agreement with the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly reflects the possibility of harmonizing national legislation and involvement of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in this activity. When making any proposal at the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, we consult with our National Societies. Now together with the Russian Red Cross we once again indicate our interest in using the IPA platform for making our proposals," said Davron Mukhamadiev.
The heads of the CIS National Societies noted that they want to be able to put forward their ideas for consideration by the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. Thus, according to Pavel Savchuk, President of the Russian Red Cross, the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are ready to offer their best practical experience in addressing urgent issues;and, according to Asel Tastanova, the Kazakhstan Red Crescent General Director, with more awareness of the IPA activities, the National Societies can build up the International Movement's response in addressing current issues.
The meeting main purpose was to discuss further development and strengthen humanitarian cooperation between the National Societies. In particular, all the Heads of the National Societies shared their successful cases of responding to humanitarian challenges and critical situations; they also discussed the best practices of using digital technologies. One of the meeting important topics was the International Movement activities in health issues.
"The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is one of the main international non-governmental partnering structures. We have similar priorities, aimed at sustainable development and universalization of health services," said Melita Vuinovich, Special Representative of the World Health Organization in Russia.
The Russian Red Cross also offered to join the Moscow Resolution. It aims to develop cooperation mechanisms in the field of humanitarian assistance, psychosocial support, emergency response and other priority areas of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The resolution would enable the National Societies to cooperate even more closely in case of large-scale emergencies.
For two days the heads of the National Societies discussed the world humanitarian situation anddigitalization in the humanitarian area, exchanged experiences in health care, social services and much more.