H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Dhafra Region and President of Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, stressed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has become a cornerstone for countering the consequences of humanitarian disasters and crises, inspired by the lessons from the humanitarian journey of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while taking the rich inheritance of its initiatives to other countries, with love, peace and harmony.
"Due to the course of Sheikh Zayed's life and his great vision, the UAE has become a source of inspiration for those striving to plant the seeds of giving, and a source of hope for the marginalised and homeless people around the world and a role model for promoting the values and principles that elevate humankind, preserving their lives and their dignified living," he added.
In his statement on the Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which coincides with the 19th of Ramadan of each year, Sheikh Hamdan stated, "On this day 13 years ago, we lost an advocate of humanity and the founder of the charity movement in the UAE, The Father. We renew our pledge and loyalty on the anniversary of his passing, to move forward on the road that he paved with plenty of noble humanitarian stances and creative initiatives."
"On the same course, the UAE has moved forward to strengthen its humanitarian message while carrying its responsibility to decrease the effects of human suffering, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces," he added.
Sheikh Hamdan stressed that the UAE has taken an exceptional course and planned a unique method for strengthening its charity and humanitarian work, achieving a qualitative leap and great progress to improve the area of relief aid while turning it from only being a form of temporary assistances in times of crises and disasters to major development projects, which contribute in elevating fragile communities.
Sheikh Hamdan said that the UAE’s accomplishments and its resulting stature have dictated greater commitment towards humanity while placing a pivotal role on its shoulders, to improve living standards and avert the dangers that target the weak, and the victims of crises and disasters.
His Highness highlighted the country’s continuous efforts to decrease the severity of poverty, hunger and malnourishment and the suffering in lesser developed countries, by providing the major requirements for living for those who are deserving, especially food which is considered a protection from diseases, plague, homelessness and deprivation, as well as developing programmes and projects to raise individual income levels and limit the high levels of poverty in lesser developed countries. He also highlighted the size of the UAE’s annual grants and aid provided to these countries.
His Highness warned of the consequences of aggravating the suffering in countries which have witnessed severe crises arising out of the conflicts and from the prevention of humanitarian aid to those affected in cities and villages and the areas around them. He urged the international community to take responsibility in providing the necessary care and protection to such victims while stressing that the Emirates Red Crescent will continue to be involved in the best way possible in all circumstances.
Sheikh Hamdan said, "For us in the Emirates Red Crescent, the Zayed Day for Humanitarian Work represents an occasion to stand with oneself and evaluate the journey and push it forward and contribute effectively in gathering support for the programmes while strengthening the partnership with all sections of the community. We need to spread the values and principles we strive to achieve while employing the capabilities and activating the available mechanisms to achieve more expansion and adding new gains to those targeted by our humanitarian activities and programmes inside and outside the UAE. There is a need to strengthen the ability to move and be prepared for disasters and quick response during calls of humanitarian duty everywhere, and they are goals that we should work for and strive to achieve always."
Sheikh Hamdan added, "In this context, we need to work strongly to use our abilities in a bigger way to benefit from the advantages available to us to the highest degree, and to strengthen the partnership with others while working together and co-ordinating within the field."
Sheikh Hamdan saluted the efforts of the workers, volunteers and members of the Emirates Red Crescent while stressing the greatness of the responsibility they carry and the vitality of the message they relay with objectivity and self-denial.
His Highness said that they deserve the credit for the future of the Emirates Red Crescent and the carriers of the flag that represent its supreme goals and principles in the real world. He pointed in this regard to the presence of the Red Crescent volunteers in a number of volatile regions, providing support to those who need it and comforting them in their adversity while staying awake to make sure they are comfortable.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed praised the role of the benefactors, charitable people and donors in supporting the Emirates Red Crescent's efforts, stressing that their noble initiatives strengthened the country’s stature, at regional and international humanitarian events and accomplished the wishes of many people affected by calamities and adversities, and helped them in getting their basic needs in food, shelter, health, education and other necessary services.

Source: WAM