Ethiopian Red Cross Society Marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) together with the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC, International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) Partner National Societies and other families of the Red Cross colorfully celebrated the world Red Cross Red Crescent Day. The Day was marked in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Patron of the Society and President of the FDRE and Invited guests on 8th May 2017 at Sheraton Addis Hotel. Officially opening the event, President of the FDRE Dr. Mulatu Teshome appreciated the humanitarian assistances ERCS has been rendering whenever disasters happen and urged families of the Red Cross to keep on their commitment in realizing the motto of the Day “Everywhere for Every one” at the grass root level.

Dr. Mulatu Teshome also emphasized the general public to support efforts made by the government towards responding to the current drought with strong sense of ownership.

Dr. Ahmed Reja, President of ERCS, on his part stated world Red Cross Red Crescent Day is a Day on which members, volunteers and families of the Red Cross especially those who endangered their lives in saving lives of vulnerable people are commemorated. “On this occasion, I would like to remind you all that your support cumulatively saves priceless lives of vulnerable people and this should be strengthened at all levels,” said the president . ERCS president also extended his thanks to all who have been standing on the side of the Society so far in the name of the vulnerable people. 

Mr. Youcef Ait Chellouche, IFRC Head of Delegation in Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to AU, and Mr. James Reynolds, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, also made their congratulatory messages on the event. 

The event was pre accompanied by a 5 kilometers humanitarian walk making its start and finish Meskel Square and in which families of the Red Cross, representatives of different organizations and individuals took part on 7th May 2017. It was organized by Addis Ababa Branch of the Society in collaboration with the National Secretariat.