World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day marked with calls to spread acts of kindness

AMMAN — Marking World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Jordan Red Crescent Society (JRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), on Sunday held a ceremony to commemorate the principles, history and values of the movement.

Sarah Avrillaud, head of the ICRC Delegation in Jordan, speaking during the event, said that since their founding, the ICRC, JRCS and IFRC have expanded their operations to various countries, in response to the needs of individuals impacted by conflicts and violence.

Speaking with The Jordan Times on Sunday, Avrillaud said that despite the persistent conflicts and crises happening worldwide, acts of kindness make the world a happier place, and may alleviate a bit of people’s sufferings.

Sending a message on the occasion, Avrillaud pointed out that “we must not forget people who are in need of our support to find a solution in the long term”.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated annually on May 8. This year the day focuses on acts of kindness, with its 2022 theme #BeHumanKind.

Nehal Hefny, head of the IFRC in Jordan, said: “Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, make a big difference in people’s lives and spark a ripple effect”.

“We know the world can feel tough and scary right now…. But despite this, there is so much hope and humanity to be found in the form of acts of kindness,” according to the IFRC website, which added that all types of acts of kindness have global impact.

The ICRC, JRCS and IFRC work together in Jordan to ensure the provision of various humanitarian services to Syrian refugees and their host communities, including protecting family links, enhancing water supply, providing cash assistance for refugee families, promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL), in addition to collaborating with various governmental entities in strengthening response to emergencies, according to an ICRC statement sent to The Jordan Times on Monday.

On the occasion, the Amman Citadel and the Karak Castle were lit up in red — the colour of the emblems of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Partners, to shed light on the humanitarian concern still afflicting millions of people around the world today.

Mohamed Al Hadid, president of the JRCS, said that this occasion is not only an opportunity to reflect on JRCS’ “unbroken” humanitarian services in the Kingdom, but also a chance to unite with its partners, to celebrate their shared values and principles.