Tehran – World Humanitarian Day is a symbol of solidarity, altruism and sacrifice between nations, and an opportunity to pay more attention to the role of humanitarian organisations in reducing human suffering, according to the director of the Iranian Red Crescent Association (IRCS).
“This is a day of respect for workers and volunteers, and it reminds us of the common responsibility of all countries facing humanitarian crisis. The humanitarian movement serves as a bridge to promote peace and solidarity around the world.”
Officials made their remarks while working on a gathering held on Monday during World Humanitarian Day, which is celebrated annually on August 19th.
Alishvandi detailed the services provided by IRCS, saying, “The efforts of Iran’s Red Crescent Society are not limited to rescue services. They play an important role in the humanitarian diplomacy of the region and the planet.
Officials emphasized that the IRCS has always been at the forefront of humanitarian relief efforts. “From active presence/participation (addressing) in the region to providing assistance to the oppressed people in Gaza and Lebanon, Iran’s Red Crescent Association has been working to keep the flag of humanity high in its international arena,” Alishvandi further pointed out.
The IFRC respects the IRCS aid workers who taught in the 12-day war
Emphasizing the theme of #ActForHumanity, the IFRC explained in a press release on August 18th about the efforts, courage and sacrifices of the IRCS rescue team during the 12-day war imposed by Israel in June.
On a night of disruption in the Tehran conflict, Morteza Zakeri, the head of the rescue rescue team, was sent to a residential building that was hit by airstrikes. He arrives to find devastation – a street filled with fallen houses, crushed glass, a terrifying woman and child.
“We didn’t have time to pause,” he says. “We immediately began to clean up the pieces. The cries of trapped families have made us move faster despite the constant risk of further collapse.”
However, in the midst of fear and tile ble, Zakeri finds pride in the courage of his team. “It’s not an obligation anymore,” he says. “It’s love. We’ll be by our people until the very end.”
On World Humanitarian Day, 2025 (August 19th) we honor the courage of people like Morteza, who are united with humanitarians around the world under the banner #actforhumanity, rushing towards danger to save lives.
We also declare ourselves as others to further enhance our resolve to ensure that humane workers and emergency responders are respected and protected in their fulfillment of their lives-saving duties.
Since the beginning of 2024, a total of 50 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and workers have been killed in duties. Of these deaths, 18 occurred in 2025. Each stood under the protective coat of arms of a Red Cross, a red crescent moon, or a red crystal. This means that they are respected, protected and never targeted under international humanitarian law.
This includes five members of Iran’s Red Crescent Association. That is, volunteers and staff responded with extraordinary courage during the deadly escalation of violence in June 2025, including Mojtaba Maleki, Amir Hassan Jamshidpour, Mehdi Zartaji Saray, Yaser Zivari, and Seyyed Ali Akbar Mir Mohammadi.
Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice. Others survive, but carry with them the wounds, stories and spirits of the meaning of being humanist.
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