The programme, themed “Connecting, sharing and spreading”, was organised by the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) on the occasion of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8).
Addressing the event, Deputy PM Dam stated that sharing difficulties with the disadvantaged is not merely the material and spiritual assistance of the community, but also contributes to spreading the humanitarian spirit and values, which is the morality of Vietnam and other nations around the world and the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the VRCS.
He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always respect and support the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, while accompanying and creating the most favourable conditions for the VRCS’s activities.
The Humanitarian Month is being held on a national scale for the first time, reflecting the care of the whole society for humanitarian work and the wish to promote and spread the humanitarian spirit, the deputy PM said.
He recognised and expressed gratitude for the contributions of the VRCS, the cooperation and support from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the unceasing efforts made by volunteers, VRCS members and philanthropists to widely develop humanitarian activities, thus supporting millions of needy people and families to rise above difficulties and escape poverty, and continue joining hands for humanitarian work.
NA Chairwoman Ngan, Deputy PM Dam, representatives from central ministries, departments and branches, international friends, red cross officials, workers and volunteers, and a large crowd of Hanoian citizens then joined together in a walking parade around Hoan Kiem Lake in response to the 2019 Humanitarian Month.
Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (centre) joins a walking parade around Hoan Kiem Lake in response to the 2019 Humanitarian Month. (Photo: NDO/Duy Linh)
According to Chairwoman of the VRCS Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, the VRCS piloted the organistion of the Humanitarian Month in Hanoi and many other localities nationwide last year, generating practical efficiency. The event mobilised total funding of more than VND243 billion (US$10.45 million) and provided support to 626,000 people in extreme difficulties. The 2019 Month for Humanitarian Activities lasts from May 1 to 31, with its peak falling from May 8 (World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day) to May 19 (the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh – the founder and first honourary president of the VRCS).
Shortly after the launch ceremony for the Month, the Vietnam Post Corporation and the VRCS Central Committee launched the inaugural “humanitarian funding box” on the Vietnamese post network, aiming to call for the support of the community all over the country to spread humanitarian activities.
The 2019 Month for Humanitarian Activities has recorded an initial registered support value of nearly VND233 billion (US$10 million). The VRCS Central Committee has received support registration from 26 units with a value of more than VND33 billion (US$1.4 million). Many localities have already mobilised high figures such as Thanh Hoa province (VND16 billion), Hanoi (VND15.3 billion), Hai Duong (VND6.8 billion), Ha Tinh (VND5 billion) and Quang Nam (VND3 billion). In the first 10 days of the month, all cities and provinces have implemented voluntary blood donation campaigns, collecting more than 50,000 blood units.
The VRCS will work with a number of units to implement a message programme via the portal 1407 in support of the poor in border areas.
In addition, the voluntary blood donation and organ donation registration festival during the Humanitarian Month will contribute to raising public awareness of the humanitarian and humanistic meaning of voluntary blood donation and organ donation registration.
