IRISH RED CROSS SOCIETY SPEAKING NOTES FOR MARY ROBINSON, AT THE PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
IRISH RED CROSS SOCIETY SPEAKING NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON, AT THE PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES ON 23 JUNE, 1996.
Madam Chairman, Distinguished Guests,
- I am very pleased to welcome representatives and members of the Irish Red Cross Society and other guests to Áras an Uachtaráin for the annual presentation of the President's Trophy. Before commencing the presentations I look forward to hearing your report on the activities of the Society during the past year.
(After the Chairman's report)
A Chathaoirligh,
- Tá mé fíor-bhuíoch díot as an tuairisc leathan atá tugtha agat ar imeachtaí Chumann na Croise Deirge in Éirinn i rith na bliana atá imithe. Is léir go bhfuil díograis na mball chomh láidir is a bhí riamh agus go bhfuil obair éachtach á dhéanamh acu chun cabhair agus dóchas a thabhairt do dhaoine ar fud an domhain.
- Your report illustrates admirably the continuing commitment of the members of the Society to helping people in need throughout the world. It is a great encouragement and pleasure to hear of the outstanding service that is given so generously by your members in keeping with the highest traditions of the Society and, during the past year, many communities and individuals have benefited from the activities of the Society.
- Since Henri Dunant took his historic initiative in 1863, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements have undertaken hundreds of humanitarian missions and promoted the highest international standards of humane and humanitarian conduct. Their work continues unabated today. The extent of that work is evidenced in the fact that, as of last May, relief and development delegates working in Federation-coordinated projects were operating in 58 countries (26 in Africa, 4 in the Americas, 13 in Europe and 2 in Asia and the Pacific, 13 the Middle East and North Africa).. The statistics, regrettably, present a picture of continuing suffering worldwide as a terrible consequence of war and of natural disasters.
- As your report shows, the Irish Red Cross Society continues to play an important part in the international response to such calamities, sending supplies to people in need and providing delegates to assist in operations in countries throughout the world. At home the Society continues its tradition of community service involvement which is greatly valued.
- I am aware that, for the first time in its history, the International Committee of the Red Cross has launched an international campaign. Launched on 22nd November, 1995, the campaign calls for a ban on anti-personnel mines and the unprecedented action of the ICRC reflects the widespread revulsion at the use of these weapons, which go on killing and maiming innocent victims long after hostilities have ended.
- The plight of refugees is also a major concern of the ICRC and other humanitarian organisations. The scale of the problem is vast - last year crisis and conflict resulted in the displacement of some 37 million people - and 69% of the humanitarian spending of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is now required for the needs of people on the move (from 23% in 1990).
- The scale and complexity of humanitarian need require a sustained and dedicated response from the international community. Your members, in common with the members of many other aid agencies, have made that response with a commitment and selflessness that is characteristic of the great generosity of the Irish people. I congratulate you on that commitment and welcome this opportunity to value the outstanding work you are doing.
- It now gives me great pleasure to present the awards to the competition winners.