Tehran – Vincent Kassad, president of Iran’s International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC), said he is very interested in supporting and supporting Iranian people as exemplified by participation in humanitarian and healthcare programs.
“In spite of high levels of conflict in Iran’s neighboring countries, despite the impact of the Iranian and Iraq war, including families who lost loved ones in the war, I have found society very strong and resilient.”
Referring to the collaboration between the ICRC and Iran’s Red Crescent Association (IRCS), officials said the committed volunteers are dedicated to supporting others. Society has proven successful in not only providing relief and rescue services, but also dealing with crises such as earthquakes.
Iran has always supported international humanitarian law. The ICRC is trying to support cooperation with the country, officials further noted.
Currently, the ICRC and IRC are carrying out several joint activities, including promoting national humanitarian law, supporting vulnerable refugees and host states, and providing rehabilitation services.
The two societies also cooperate in family unity as one of their important priorities.
Joint measurement
At a meeting held on March 13, Kassard highlighted the need to prevent disability and develop psychosocial support services in less privileged areas. These valuable actions can pave the way for further cooperation.
On her part, Razieh Alishvandi, director of international affairs at IRCS, highlighted the success of the partnership between the two organizations. In praise of the ICRC’s efforts in the country, the formula emphasized the importance of holding training courses on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the need to be familiar with the Red Cross movement.
The IRC has taken various steps to use the capabilities of its 270,000 personnel, relief workers and volunteers to serve people, she noted.
Cassard praised the IRCS for taking measures during Nowruz Holidays and announced preparations for the IRC to organize the Red Crescent of the World and assist the IRC in expanding healthcare, rehabilitation and humanitarian services in underprivileged regions.
On February 17, IRCS and ICRC agreed to establish a joint secretariat on Tehran’s rehabilitation services.
At a meeting in Tehran, in preparation for the first international conference on disability and rehabilitation, IRCS Head Pirhossein Kolivand said rehabilitation is an important part of universal health insurance.
“War and other accidents make rehabilitation services extremely necessary in the country. So society has begun to start making rehabilitation services and prosthetics and braces. Currently, 200 rehabilitation centres are open in Iran and the conference is focusing on the activities of these centres,” he added.
François Friedel, head of physical rehabilitation at ICRC, said, “The social and psychological aspects of rehabilitation are extremely important. Without a doubt, the establishment of a Tehran office will help address the issues and strengthen inter-social cooperation.
On February 5th, Cassard announced that the ICRC is ready to provide educational support to refugee children.
Referring to the generous hosting of Iranian foreigners, Kassad praised the country’s incredible services and efforts, including family unity and training in preventing risks from weapons contamination, the IRNA reported.
Officials made the remarks during a meeting with Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the National Immigration Agency.
Yar-Ahmadi, for his turn, expressed optimism to benefit from the ICRC’s ability to address related issues, referring to the suspension of US financial aid, a surge in the number of refugees in Afghanistan, and the resulting financial burden.
Officials also underscored the importance of many refugee students in the country and the education sector to strengthen the development and strength of the nation, particularly Afghanistan. He went on to propose implementing a joint education activity that was well received by representatives of the ICRC.
mt/mg