Attachments
November 14th, 2018 ― Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has made a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS), to work together in response to the earthquake disasters in the Oceanian country.
The agreement was signed by Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of QRCS, and Uvenama Rova, Secretary-General of PNGRCS. It will establish a bilateral humanitarian partnership in relieving the victims of a series of destructive quakes that hit several parts of Papua New Guinea in February, April, and October 2018.
Earlier this year, QRCS has allocated $100,000 for an initial humanitarian intervention plan that involved the distribution of relief aid such as blankets, mattresses, tarpaulins, and other nonfood items. Another aspect of response was to improve hygiene conditions by handing over hygiene kits and holding hygiene awareness sessions for a total of 700 households (3,500 people).
The MoU was signed during the 10th International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' (IFRC) Asia Pacific Regional Conference, held in Manila, the Philippines. Its purpose is to gather leaders, spokespersons, and representatives from Asia Pacific and Middle East and North Africa National Societies, as well as observing National Societies, to discuss strategic issues and common concerns, and to learn from each other's diverse contexts.
QRCS is represented by Mr. Al-Hammadi and Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of International Relations and International Humanitarian Law.
About Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)
Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.
QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.
QRCS works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality