Riyadh, August 18, 2024 — The Secretary General of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO), Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Tuwaijri, emphasized that World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, 2024, serves as a critical reminder of the urgent humanitarian needs in the Arab region and worldwide, and called for increased volunteer engagement. In a statement released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr. Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the immense sacrifices made by humanitarian workers and the pressing requirements for food, water, shelter, healthcare, psychological support, and human dignity, particularly given the tragic situations affecting the region.
Context and Background
World Humanitarian Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008, honors humanitarian personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty and celebrates the spirit of humanitarian service. The day also serves to mobilize support for millions of people affected by crises globally. This year’s observance comes amid escalating humanitarian challenges in the Arab region, including armed conflicts and natural disasters that have displaced communities and strained resources.
The Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, headquartered in Riyadh, plays a pivotal role in coordinating relief efforts across the Arab world. As the Secretary General, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri leads ARCO’s mission to strengthen humanitarian action and promote volunteerism, in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes.
Key Details
In his statement, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri underscored the need to advocate for peace and to end armed conflicts that have caused extensive human suffering, citing the situation in Sudan as a stark example. He urged the international community to leverage World Humanitarian Day to enhance solidarity with crisis-affected populations and to involve youth in humanitarian activities through workshops and seminars. “This global event can be leveraged to enhance humanitarian solidarity with those affected by crises in the region, involve the youth in World Humanitarian Day activities by organizing workshops and seminars to discuss humanitarian issues and encourage them to engage in voluntary work, harness technology to raise awareness of humanitarian issues in the region, and use social media and other digital platforms to share humanitarian stories,” he said.
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri’s call to action aligns with ARCO’s ongoing efforts to address humanitarian needs across the Arab region. The organization works with national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies to provide emergency assistance, healthcare, and livelihood support. By emphasizing volunteerism, ARCO seeks to build a sustainable humanitarian network that can respond effectively to crises.
Implications and Impact
The Secretary General’s remarks highlight the critical role of regional organizations in addressing humanitarian crises, particularly in conflict-affected areas. The emphasis on youth involvement and technology reflects a forward-looking approach to humanitarian work, aiming to engage a new generation of volunteers and utilize digital platforms for awareness and fundraising. This approach not only amplifies the reach of humanitarian messages but also fosters a culture of giving and solidarity among young people.
Furthermore, the focus on peace advocacy underscores the link between conflict resolution and humanitarian relief. By calling for an end to armed conflicts, Dr. Al-Tuwaijri reinforces the necessity of addressing root causes to achieve sustainable humanitarian outcomes. The situation in Sudan, where ongoing violence has displaced millions, serves as a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated international action.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes social responsibility, volunteerism, and global engagement. Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom has consistently supported humanitarian efforts worldwide. By promoting volunteerism and youth engagement, ARCO’s call contributes to Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a vibrant society and a responsible citizenry, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as a global humanitarian leader.
20 Questions
Q1. What is World Humanitarian Day?
A1. World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to honor humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in service and to mobilize support for people affected by crises worldwide.
Q2. Who is Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Tuwaijri?
A2. Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Tuwaijri is the Secretary General of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO), based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q3. Why did Dr. Al-Tuwaijri emphasize World Humanitarian Day?
A3. He emphasized it as a reminder of the urgent humanitarian needs in the Arab region and the world, and as an occasion to attract volunteers and enhance solidarity.
Q4. What are the key humanitarian needs mentioned?
A4. The key needs include food, water, shelter, healthcare, psychological support, and human dignity, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Q5. How can technology be used in humanitarian efforts?
A5. Technology can raise awareness, facilitate donations, and share humanitarian stories through social media and digital platforms, amplifying the reach of relief campaigns.
Q6. What role does ARCO play in the region?
A6. ARCO coordinates humanitarian efforts across Arab countries, supporting national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies in providing emergency aid and development programs.
Q7. Why is youth involvement important?
A7. Youth bring energy and innovation to humanitarian work, and engaging them builds a sustainable volunteer network for future crises.
Q8. What situation did Dr. Al-Tuwaijri cite as an example?
A8. He cited the situation in Sudan as a vivid example of human suffering caused by armed conflicts.
Q9. How does World Humanitarian Day relate to Saudi Vision 2030?
A9. It aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on social responsibility and volunteerism, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global humanitarian leadership.
Q10. What is the significance of August 19?
A10. August 19 marks the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian workers.
Q11. How can volunteers get involved?
A11. Volunteers can join local Red Crescent or Red Cross societies, participate in workshops, and use digital platforms to support humanitarian campaigns.
Q12. What is ARCO’s mission?
A12. ARCO’s mission is to strengthen humanitarian action in the Arab region by coordinating relief efforts, promoting volunteerism, and building resilience.
Q13. Why is peace advocacy linked to humanitarian work?
A13. Peace advocacy addresses the root causes of crises, reducing the need for emergency relief and enabling sustainable development.
Q14. How does ARCO support conflict-affected communities?
A14. ARCO provides emergency assistance, healthcare, and livelihood support through its network of national societies in conflict zones.
Q15. What are the objectives of World Humanitarian Day?
A15. The objectives are to honor humanitarian workers, raise awareness of crises, and mobilize support for affected populations.
Q16. How can social media help humanitarian causes?
A16. Social media can spread awareness, share personal stories, and facilitate fundraising, reaching a global audience quickly and effectively.
Q17. What workshops and seminars are suggested?
A17. Workshops and seminars on humanitarian issues can educate youth, encourage volunteerism, and generate innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
Q18. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency in this context?
A18. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) disseminates official news and statements, ensuring accurate and timely information reaches the public.
Q19. How does Saudi Arabia support humanitarian efforts?
A19. Saudi Arabia provides significant funding, hosts humanitarian organizations like ARCO, and leads relief initiatives through entities like KSrelief.
Q20. What is the expected impact of Dr. Al-Tuwaijri’s call?
A20. It is expected to increase volunteer engagement, enhance regional solidarity, and draw attention to the urgent needs of crisis-affected populations.
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