(Al-Bireh - 26/1/2017): PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib chaired the Palestinian National Society’s delegation to the ninth conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region convened in Amman from 24 to 26 January 2017. The delegation also comprised PRCS’ Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh and several department and programme heads.
Convened under the theme “Together for Humanity”, the conference tackled a number of issues including the emergency response to challenges in MENA region, the importance of promoting a culture of peace, tolerance and non-violence, as well as issues of displacement and migration in the region. It also focused on reducing urban risks, enhancing humanitarian response in cities and protecting volunteer health and safety.
Delegations from 18 National Societies from MENA region took part in the conference alongside representatives from humanitarian societies including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO).
Speeches were made by the President of the Jordanian Senate Mr. Faysal Al Fayez, the President of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society, Dr. Mohamad Al Hadid, Tadateru Konoé, President of the IFRC, Secretary General of ARCO, and the ICRC.
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In his address, Dr. Al Hadid said “the stability of MENA is undermined by a series of internal factors including backwardness, the misunderstanding of Islam and terrorism. Moreover, armed conflicts are brewing because of water shortages. This situation has hindered development plans in the region. Other external factors include fear of Islam in the West, the clash of civilizations, globalization as well as political and security challenges”.
Al Hadid said he hoped the conference contributes to strengthening disaster response and to alleviating the suffering of victims. “The number of refugees and displaced people is estimated at more than 65 million throughout the world, and the plight of Syrian refugees remains one of the main issues in the region. The UNHCR has documented more than 6 million Syrian refugees in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq”, he added.
PRCS’ delegation took part in several events during the conference including two discussion sessions on the situation of young people in MENA region and promoting tolerance and non-violence. The Society also participated in a special session on enhancing protection of and response to displaced populations. The delegation visited the premises of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society and planted an olive tree at the JRCS garden.
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