The world needs more humanitarian efforts: Hamdan bin Zayed

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The world needs more coordinated humanitarian efforts in order to face the huge challenges the consequences of which are affecting a large number of communities as a result of conflicts, wars, disasters and crises, said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, and President of Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) on Monday. "The world needs more solidarity in order to face all forms of challenges, more efforts to ease the suffering of humankind around the world and more support for humanitarian organisations in order to enable them to maximise their humanitarian reach. Even more important is the fact that the world needs to reinforce the values of charity and philanthropy, instil them on the mind in order for us to make the world of our grandchildren a place where love and fraternity prevails," said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan in a statement on the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day which is celebrated this year under the theme 'The World Needs More.' "The efforts of all governments, international humanitarian organisations, charities and civil society organisations should be combined in order to for them to counter the consequences of the many dangers on the future of our world in which we hope to see the spirit of solidarity, peace and love prevailing everywhere." The World Humanitarian Day falls on 19 August, the day in 2003 when Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and 21 aid workers were killed in the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed also noted that the Day commemorates all people who have lost their lives in humanitarian service. It also celebrates the spirit that inspires tens of thousands of people around the globe to join voluntary humanitarian work to help the all the victims of disasters and crises, and women, children, the disabled and the elderly who are the most vulnerable and yet suffer the most in any crisis or disaster. He greeted the donors for supporting the activities of Emirates Red Crescent in different fields. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed also made note of ERC's humanitarian efforts in Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Pakistan and other countries where relief workers are facing multiple dangers. ERC, he added, rushed to save the lives of thousands of women and children in these distressed countries with healthcare, shelter and other forms of life-supporting assistance despite all the risks. This year the UN and its humanitarian partners continue their ground-breaking campaign 'The World Needs More' which Sheikh Hamdan said is the first-of-its-kind project that turns words into aid as "expressing solidarity with victims is not enough." On this year's World Humanitarian Day, UN and its humanitarian partners are shining the spotlight on humanitarians around the world and profiling 'Humanitarian Heroes' – people from all walks of life, who are committed to making a difference. World Humanitarian Day was commemorated for the first time on 19 August 2009 after UN General Assembly on 11 December 2008, adopted GA Resolution A/63/L.49 on the Strengthening of the Coordination of Emergency Assistance of the United Nations. Subsequent years have focused on a particular theme. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates-international/1395268730477.html