IFRC Official Highlights IRCS as a Pivotal Humanitarian Leader
In a significant development for humanitarian efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, Hossam Elsharkawi, the Regional Director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has praised the contributions of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). Elsharkawi’s remarks came during an online meeting where he acknowledged the IRCS’s vital role as a key humanitarian actor not only in the region but also globally. This collaboration aims to enhance humanitarian responses and foster educational initiatives.
During the meeting held on Thursday, Elsharkawi congratulated Pirhossein Kolivand on his re-election as the head of the IRCS. He emphasized that the decisions made by the IRCS have significant implications at international levels, as reported by IRNA.
The agenda of the online meeting included discussions on:
- Strengthening collaborative efforts between the IRCS and IFRC.
- Developing rescue systems to improve the country’s preparedness and response capabilities.
- Organizing international meetings and conferences within Iran.
One of the key proposals made by the IRCS was to host an international Islamic youth conference as well as a conference for leaders of national societies from Islamic countries. The two officials underlined the importance of implementing previously signed memoranda of understanding between their organizations to facilitate educational, operational, and logistical collaborations.
In addition, the IRCS suggested appointing an expert to oversee managerial and technical cooperation with the IFRC’s Regional Office for MENA. This is part of a broader strategy to enhance humanitarian action and collaboration.
On September 8, a workshop co-hosted by the IRCS, IFRC, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) focused on the critical role of rehabilitation in humanitarian efforts. The head of the IFRC delegation in Iran, Faisal Mahboob, emphasized that rehabilitation goes beyond mere medical services; it is essential for restoring lives. Mahboob stated:
“Rehabilitation is not just about providing medical services. It restores lives.”
He further elaborated that the shared mission of the organizations is to help individuals regain their dignity, independence, and hope through health and rehabilitation services. This aligns with the key priorities outlined in Strategy 2030, which emphasizes:
- Strengthening local measures to empower communities.
- Investing in future leadership among youth and volunteers.
- Promoting collaborative efforts, as no single society can tackle crises alone.
Cassard, another participant at the workshop, remarked on the importance of mutual commitment within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, highlighting the essential role they play in delivering humanitarian aid.
In a meeting held in March, the IRCS and ICRC discussed strategies to expand their collaborative efforts in providing supportive and medical services, particularly focusing on rehabilitation services across Iran. Cassard emphasized the necessity of preventing disabilities and developing psychosocial support services, particularly in underprivileged regions, as these initiatives pave the way for enhanced cooperation.
Razieh Alishvandi, the director of the IRCS for international affairs, recognized the effective partnership between the two organizations. She commended the ICRC’s contributions in Iran and stressed the importance of training courses on international humanitarian law (IHL) to familiarize individuals with the Red Cross movement.
The IRCS has mobilized its resources effectively, leveraging the capacity of approximately 270,000 personnel, relief workers, and volunteers to serve the community. Cassard praised the IRCS for its proactive measures during the Nowruz holidays and expressed the ICRC’s readiness to support the IRCS in various initiatives, including organizing World Red Crescent Day and expanding medical, rehabilitation, and humanitarian services in underprivileged areas.
In February, the IRCS and the ICRC reached an agreement to establish a joint secretariat dedicated to rehabilitation services in Tehran. During a preparatory meeting for the first international conference on physical disability and rehabilitation, Kolivand highlighted the essential nature of rehabilitation as part of universal health coverage. He stated:
“Due to war and other accidents, rehabilitation services are greatly needed in the country. That’s why the Society started providing rehabilitation services and manufacturing prostheses and orthotics.”
Currently, there are 200 rehabilitation centers operating across Iran, and the upcoming conference will primarily focus on the activities and contributions of these centers in addressing the needs of individuals requiring rehabilitation.
The ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts between the IRCS, IFRC, and ICRC represent a concerted commitment to improving humanitarian services in the region, showcasing the importance of joint action in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
