Eurocommissaris Georgieva prijst hulporganisaties op Werelddag van het Rode Kruis (en)

On the occasion of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day Commissioner for International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Kristalina Georgieva i stated:

"Haiti, Pakistan, Japan - these "mega" emergencies, together with protracted humanitarian crisis such as those in Sahel, Afghanistan and Somalia, and the newly and rapidly emerging needs in North Africa, Ivory Coast and the Middle East, underline the importance of our partnerships with experienced relief organisations that deliver aid efficiently in the most difficult times and parts of the world.

More than 13% of the Commission's relief funding in 2010 went to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies — a strong and positive collaboration that has flourished since 1994. The Red Cross/Red Crescent movement plays a crucial role in helping us to reach, support and protect victims of conflicts and disasters. Our partnership has held firm for so many years because we are united a by common humanitarian mission and by shared values: to safeguard life, to reduce suffering and to preserve human dignity. I am convinced that we will continue to work hand-in-hand to that end.

On this day, my heart and thoughts go to all those selfless people whose lives are devoted to Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and who risk their own health and life in their noble but difficult jobs. It is time to remember with gratitude those who serve humanity and to remind the international community of the need to guarantee an unwavering respect for the humanitarian principles - humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence - as well as to secure access to people in need and protection for both the vulnerable populations affected by crises and those helping them - the humanitarian workers. "