Aim of the movement in Pakistan should influence the behaviour of the people we work with
KARACHI: In a world with increasing isolation, tension and recourse, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) movement must champion the individual and community values, which encourage respect for other human beings and a willingness to work together to find solutions to community problems. It is the responsibility of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and national societies to work together to achieve this.
The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their government and are subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able to act in accordance with the principles of the movement.
Red Cross urges release of two staff abducted in Afghanistan
However, unfortunately in the province of Sindh, the management of the provincial headquarters has miserably failed to maintain the dignity of the movement. They affected the image of international humanitarian movement by violating the set values. The Red Crescent Sindh Provincial Secretariat, mostly comprising paid employees, do nothing. The citizens of Karachi are suffering with havoc of heatwaves and the Red Crescent is seen nowhere.
And if at all, they rise to the occasion, it will just be once. The aim of the movement in Pakistan should influence the behaviour of the people we work with, through a better understanding of the fundamental principles and humanitarian values. I hope that the leadership will take up this challenge and the President will take the lead in this direction.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
