Tehran – Razieh Alishvandi, director of Iran’s Red Crescent Association (IRCS), and Vincent Cassard, president of Iran’s International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC), have investigated the possibility of strengthening joint efforts between the two societies.
“Today, more than ever, there is a need to strengthen preparation and coordination for future humanitarian responses. Through joint planning, the International Committee of the Red Cross can play an important role in supporting the Iranian Red Trigent Association’s innovative approach, primarily in the community preparation and resilience sector.
Referring to the support measures of Khorasan Razavi, South Khorasan, Sistan-Baluchestan and Tehran provinces, Alishvandi noted that the continuity of rehabilitation and primary health services, particularly those with people with disabilities, in which the host community and national families are only possible with support and care.
Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining and implementing joint projects, including mine recognition projects in border areas, equipment for rehabilitation centres and providing primary health services.
Alishvandi noted that conducting training workshops on emergency risk management, mental health, psychosocial support (MHPS), and teaching journalists about humanitarian principles and values, Alishvandi said.
Referring to the future of two societies’ cooperation, she said that an annual meeting should be held to review the outcomes and explore new solutions and include it in the agenda as an integral part of collaboration, Alishvandi said.
Officials expressed their hope that the implementation of the programmes expected over the next few years will not only improve the quality of IRCS services at the national level, but also provide a successful model of humanitarian cooperation between the National Association and the ICRC.
Joint efforts
On September 8, the IRC collaborated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) and the ICRC to hold a workshop on the key importance of rehabilitation.
“Rehabilitation isn’t just about providing medical services. It restores life,” said Faisal Mahbu, head of Iran’s IFRC delegation.
“Because we are here, we have a shared mission that helps people regain their dignity, independence and hope through health and rehabilitation,” the IRCS website quotes Mahboob as saying.
Officials made their remarks online while working on workshops on familiarizing themselves with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Services in the Department of Treatment and Rehabilitation.
The official continued, “Strategy 2030 reminds us of three important priorities: strengthening local measures so that society can depend on its strengths and capabilities, allowing youths and volunteers to prepare for leadership, and promoting joint efforts as either society cannot face just the crisis.”
Attending the workshop, Kassard said: “This initiative highlights the joint commitment and mutual understanding in the International Red Cross and the Red Three Zent movement. It highlights the important role we play in the implementation of humanitarian actions.”
In March, the IRC and ICRC discussed ways to expand cooperation to promote support and health services in various states of the country, particularly rehabilitation services.
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 its preparations for the IRC to hold Red Crescent Days around the World and assist the IRC in expanding medical, rehabilitation and humanitarian services in underprivileged regions.
In February, the IRCS and ICRC agreed to establish a joint secretariat on Tehran’s rehabilitation services.
At a meeting in Tehran, Koliband said rehabilitation is an important part of universal health insurance in preparation for the first international conference on disability and rehabilitation.
“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.
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