A number of officials and participants in the 47th Session of the General Assembly Meeting of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization praised the State of Qatar’s remarkable role in humanitarian work, with Qatar having a permanent and immediate response to the needs of sisterly and friendly countries around the world in efforts to mitigate the repercussions of crises and disasters.
The officials and participants told Qatar News Agency that Qatar’s hosting of this session is clear proof of Doha’s support for joint Arab action, especially in terms of humanitarian action, highlighting the State of Qatar’s permanent presence at all times whenever there are calls for humanitarian and other interventions.
In this regard, HE Secretary-General of ARCO Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al Tuwaijri said that the Arab region is witnessing many conflicts and natural disasters, with the Arab region not yet fully recovered from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the negative and harmful effects of climate change, affecting infrastructure, low standard of living, and increasing cases of internal displacement and asylum abroad. In light of all of these difficult and complex circumstances and challenges, he continued by saying that the State of Qatar is hosting the work of the 47th Session of the General Assembly Meeting of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization in order to discuss ways to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted by these disasters and crises in the Arab region, confirming the leadership, government, and people of the State of Qatar’s great attention and care to humanitarian issues, something that is evident due to the country’s presence in all urgent humanitarian action and interventions.
HE Al Tuwaijri praised the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)’s successful role in this regard, stressing that QRCS is one of the most active and generous national societies wherever and whenever there is a need.
For his part, HE President of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) Dr. Jalal bin Mohamed Al Owaisi highlighted the State of Qatar and QRCS’s efforts in humanitarian work, adding that he looks forward for QRCS’s implementations of decisions that support the Arab position and support Arab national societies to overcome the challenges.
SRCA President also expressed confidence in the presidency and work of the QRCS during the 47th session, due to QRCS’s wealth of experience and expertise, noting the Arab organization’s abundant expertise and competence, starting from the leaders who issue decisions in support of Arab action. HE Al Owaisi pointing out that the Arab region’s conditions call for solidarity, intensified effort and experience exchange at the level of decision-makers in national bodies and societies in the Arab region.
Executive Director the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC) Mohamed H. Elasbali said that ICIC enjoys bilateral cooperation with QRCS in humanitarian action, in addition to a joint program represented in the “Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law” and allows its publication in light of Relevant Islamic rulings, appreciating the humanitarian work undertaken by the State of Qatar at all levels, noting that Doha is a member of the committee as one of the countries that ratified its establishment agreement.
Elasbali underlined the significance of this session hosted by Qatar, as it will enhance cooperation and solidarity of among national societies and provide humanitarian aid to people in need in the Arab region, saying that the Arab group has a unique role in humanitarian work individually, bilaterally, and collectively.
For his part, Head of the Regional Delegation for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mamadou Sow appreciated the State of Qatar’s growing and distinguished humanitarian aid, stressing that Qatar is the Arab region’s humanitarian action capital, enjoying an international reputation in this regard. ICIC Executive Director referred to the ICIC-QRCS partnership, expressing his aspiration for positive and effective outcomes from this session.
ARCO’s Africa sector supervisor Eng. hail Al Ftaih said highlighted the importance of the 47th Session of the General Assembly Meeting of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization given the Arab region’s challenges and difficulties in terms of conflicts and disasters, including drought and armed conflicts. She noted that in the two-day session, reports will be presented on the humanitarian situation in Sudan and Somalia regarding the challenges and damages resulting from these crises, in addition to setting the amount of aid required.
She added that according to international reports, Sudan needs USD 3 Billion in humanitarian aid, after that around 24 million people have been affected by the current crisis, contrasting that Somalia in turn, needs about USD 2.6 million to secure urgent humanitarian aid.
Source: Qatar News Agency