(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Red Crescent (QRC), along with all other components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, will observe World Humanitarian Day today.
The day was designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. It is observed on August 19 and this year's theme is "Inspiring the World's Humanity".
World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognise those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. It honours those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and those who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions. It also seeks to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide and the importance of international co-operation in meeting these needs.
This year's theme calls on people to join any of the world's humanitarian organisations and become an active messenger of humanity.
As an auxiliary to the State in its humanitarian and social policies in Qatar and abroad, QRC is an active player in the International RCRC Movement as a recognised humanitarian organisation whose vehicles, staff and facilities are protected under international laws and conventions.
"QRC works hard to promote the spirit of volunteerism and charitable work in the Qatari society, spread the culture of preparedness and relief and first-aid qualification among society members and institutions, empower needy groups and build their economic, professional, health and social capacity, and put into effect the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights," the organisation said in a statement.
This approach conforms to the strategy of Qatar in resolving the causes of regional and international conflict and humanitarian suffering as well as building international peace.
On World Humanitarian Day, QRC will commemorate its volunteers who have dedicated their lives to others, including cardiac surgeon Dr Saleh al-Hassan (35), a QRC doctor who was killed while performing his humanitarian duty at Tabka Hospital, Syria.
Dr al-Hassan left Tel Abyad Hospital and joined Tabka Hospital as a volunteer to support his colleagues there. He treated many injuries and saved a number of lives until he lost his life on August 23 last year while defending his humanitarian cause.
Another martyred QRC volunteer is Dr Layth Abu al-Walid (23), who played a significant role in a polio vaccination campaign.
On his last day (in 2013), he went home to spend some time with his family. Then, he decided to go back again to his medical unit, where he was killed in crossfire.
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