Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society delegation attends events of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Baku, December 9 (AzerTAc). A delegation of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society has attended the 18th General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva, a session of the Council of Delegates of the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the Movement`s International Conference. In his opening speech at the Federation`s General Assembly, President Tadateru Konoé commended staff and volunteers for demonstrating a spirit of togetherness in responding to recent disasters worldwide. “While the individual capability of each volunteer, staff member or National Society is limited, when they join hands, they can make an incomparable contribution,” he said. The president expressed concern at levels of attention and funding for rapid emergencies, such as earthquakes, compared to slow onset disasters that often remain forgotten and underfunded. Secretary General Bekele Geleta focused his speech on the Movement’s contribution to supporting the most vulnerable, effectively engaging with our stakeholders and increasing institutional effectiveness. Geleta announced that reviews of the decentralization of the secretariat and of the IFRC’s accountability systems will both take place in 2012. At the General Assembly, President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society Novruz Aslanov made a report on the role of Humanitarian Diplomacy in strengthening National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The adoption of the resolution proposed by the Australian, Japanese and Norwegian Red Cross National Societies entitled 'Working towards the elimination of nuclear weapons' was the goal of the 2011 Council of Delegates. Nearly 30 delegates took the floor to offer impassioned pleas in favour of the resolution, with only a single voice expressing concern. The discussions were preceded by a moving film on the nuclear tragedy that struck in Hiroshima and Nagasaki 66 years ago, and by a presentation from a survivor and now medical doctor from Nagasaki. Movement members were asked to prioritize the safeguarding and promotion of their humanitarian heritage to inspire future generations to do humanitarian work. The use of museums, exhibitions and archives were suggested as ways to make the best use of, and promote, the wealth of knowledge and experience that exists in our Movement. Delegates were encouraged to link up with the Red Cross Red Crescent Museum in Geneva to tap into their expertise if needed. The Museum will re-open in 2013 with new and exciting exhibitions following extensive renovations and an expansion currently underway. At the 2015 Council of Delegates, the Museum team will present recommendations for the continuation of this preservation and promotional work. Aslanov made a report on the elimination of the nuclear weapons at the Council of Delegates meeting.