WORLD RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT DAY

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1 NEWSLETTER nº 15 WORLD RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT DAY 1st quarter 2013 page 3 VOLUNTEERS CORNER page 6 8th MENA Conference page 9-10

2 Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean CONTENTS Editorial Board: CCM Albarracin Corredor, Marta Comas Uriz, Santiago David, Isabelle García Roca, Àngels Llobet Méndez, Néstor Palacios Larrea, Anna With the collaboration of: Fred Fulton Berrios, Learning Network EYCC Lebanese Red Cross EDITORIAL ACTIVITIES VOLUNTEERS CORNER PARTNERSHIP 150 years of humanitarian action page Movement Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in the Mediterranean 4 Saving Water, Saving Lives - Atlantis IX 5 Photo Contest Respecting our World: every change starts from YOU th! 5 Youth Promoting a culture of nonviolence and Peace 5 Hamzeh RidaTaha Mansour Palestine Red Crescent Society 6 The CCM strengthens its network 7 PERCO annual Meeting 7 The Learning Platform 8 The RC/RC European Youth Network 9 8 th MENA Conference 9 Speech by Berna Beyrouthy, Lebanese Red Cross Youth 2 10 Photos by: Spanish Red Cross in Catalonia 2

3 Newsletter nº 15 1 st quarter 2013 EDITORIAL 150 years of humanitarian action By Ms. Marta Corachán Cuyás, Vice - President of the Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean This year, on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we celebrate the 150 th anniversary of the birth of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the 1 st Geneva Convention and the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. On this very special day, we are reminded - and prompted - to look back, tracing our history as a Movement, a history made of great humanitarian challenges, losses, and yet great endeavors that will fuel our future stages. The adoption of the seven Principles in our daily work has made an impact in the lives of many. The selfless embodiment of the principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality has secured the route in very adverse circumstances, reaching out and assisting those who are the most vulnerable throughout the world. Today, as our region, the Mediterranean, is still divided and torn by conflicts and emerging vulnerabilities, we take this opportunity to remark the outstanding humanitarian work of volunteers most of whom are Youthwho strife to achieve one common objective: assist those who are most in need and preserve human dignity in scenarios often jeopardized by humanitarian crises and their widespread consequences on people and communities at large. Today, on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we celebrate volunteers commitment, dedication and spirit: our Movement s driving force both for the present and for a brighter future. From the Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean we wish to thank all of our volunteers for their enthusiasm, support and commitment towards the mission and the objectives of the CCM. They all allow us to carry out our tasks in a vibrant environment of intercultural richness and knowledge and are our greatest and best resources. 3

4 ACTIVITIES Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Movement Meeting on the humanitarian Situation in the Mediterranean: increasing cooperation in the region to address migration-related challenges Jointly called by Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean (CCM); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a follow up of the previous edition, the Movement Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in the Mediterranean was hosted in Barcelona by the Spanish Red Cross on 19 th and 20 th March, at the Solferino- Centelles Palace (currently the Institute of Autonomic Studies of the Generalitat de Catalunya -Government of Catalonia). The Movement Meeting counted on the participation of 11 National Societies*, the IFRC (Migration Unit, Europe Zone, North Africa Regional Office and the RC/EU Office), the ICRC (Europe Mission, ICRC delegates from Libya and Tunisia) as well as the Platform for European Red Cross Cooperation on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants (PERCO) and the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed). Amongst the key point of discussion the need was pointed out, as a global Movement, to strengthen our advocacy role towards governments through existing structures, protecting our humanitarian space and adherence to the Fundamental principles. Participants underlined the need to reiterate the humanitarian concerns according to the Movement s humanitarian mandate, the Fundamental Principles especially focusing on Neutral, Independent, Humanitarian action and the 31 st International Conference resolution on migration: Ensuring access, Dignity, Respect for Diversity and Social Inclusion. Photo by: Spanish RC in Catalonia *Bosnia and Herzegovina RC; Croatian RC; Egyptian RC; French RC; Hellenic RC; Italian RC; Malta RC; Moroccan RC; Tunisian RC; Spanish RC and the Mauritanian RC (as special guest under request of coordinators). The meeting noted that advocacy activities should always be directed to the benefit of the most vulnerable migrants, be context specific and in line with our mandate. The setting up of a Mediterranean Platform on Migration aimed at improving National Societies response to the humanitarian challenges related to migration was one of the action points agreed upon during the meeting. Noteworthy was also the importance given to the integration of migration into youth programmes in order to have a major impact within communities and better link youth initiatives through the Youth Desk of the CCM and thus the European Youth Network, the MENA Network and the Youth Commission, especially in the lead up to the next International Conference. Regional twinning regarding migration programmes between National Societies will also be fostered. Photo by: Spanish RC in Catalonia The implementation of the actions points deriving from the 2012 meeting was reaffirmed: the establishment of focal points acting as liaison figures for all issues related to migration in the Mediterranean region, including Restoring Family Links; the inclusion of migration in the agenda of the events and fora to raise the level of the Movement s engagement; the creation of a database linking existing fora and documents to better coordinate action on advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy; and the annual celebration of the meeting of the platform, coordinated by the CCM, in cooperation with the IFRC structures (Europe and Mena Zone) and ICRC structures. For further information and documents: 4

5 Newsletter nº 15 1 st quarter 2013 ACTIVITIES "Saving water, Saving lives", Atlantis IX In the entire world, 780 million people do not have access to improved sources of drinking water, and 2,5 billion lack the access to adequate sanitation facilities 1. The acceleration in the urbanisation process, climate change, increasing pollution and the depletion of water resources are amongst the environmental challenges furthering this crisis. In the frame of the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation, the 2013 edition of the Atlantis Youth Camp focuses on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. Organised by the CCM and the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Atlantis IX will address "the role of youth in advocating in favour of environmental sustainability". Photo by: Néstor Llobet Méndez Photo by: Hotel Olimpic Center, Jahorina and they will gain knowledge and skills to promote environmental sustainability and the access to safe drinking water. Moreover, participants will develop their leadership skills and will be introduced to the IFRC toolkit YABC (Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change) through which they will be led to experience inner change through the formula from the heart to the mind and make an impact not only on their own National Societies but on their communities at large. The Youth Camp will gather young volunteers from across the region who have different cultures and backgrounds, providing the chance to strengthen intercultural dialogue and build strong networks in the Mediterranean. The Camp will be hosted by the National Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Jahorina from 30 th June to 7 th July. Participants will work to find the root causes of the on-going crisis concerning water and sanitation through different workshops and activities, 1. Atlantis IX 5 th Photo Contest: Respecting our World: every change starts from YOU th! The CCM launches the 5 th edition of the Mediterranean Youth Photo Contest. This year the contest focuses on Environment and Climate Change, with the theme "Respecting our World: every change starts from YOU th!". If you are a young person coming from the Mediterranean region, if photography is one of your passions, and if you would like to take action by participating in an international youth camp, this is your occasion! Follow us on Facebook and on the CCM webpage and take part in the contest! We look forward to receiving your photos! Youth Promoting a culture of non-violence and Peace The CCM and the Spanish Red Cross are organising a Youth workshop to empower youth volunteers from the Mediterranean region to promote a global culture of non-violence and peace. The workshop will take place in Mallorca during the first week of October, and aims at providing Youth with the basic tools to become agents of positive change within their own communities, by improving their leadership skills and their self awareness through, among others, the YABC toolkit. 5

6 VOLUNTEERS CORNER Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Hamzeh RidaTaha Mansour 24 years old Palestine Red Crescent Society Can you tell us more about yourself? My name is HamzehRidaTaha Mansour. I am a 24 years old PRCS volunteer from Ramallah, Palestine. How long have you been a volunteer in your National Society? In 2007, I started doing some community-based voluntary work, learning more about people s problems and hopes despite their poverty, disabilities or illnesses. How did you get acquainted with the National Society s activities? My first contact with PRCS was through a First Aid training course attended when I was a media student at the Modern College in Ramallah. I then took part in another course organized by P R C S o n I n f o r m a t i o n Dissemination. Hence, PRCS became a central part of my life: I participated in its fundraising activities and in recreational events targeting schoolchildren and orphans as well as in awarenessraising activities and office work within PRCS Headquarters. Then I decided to focus on Disaster Management so I attended all specialized training courses and exercises provided by the Society s Disaster Management Unit (courses on disaster preparedness, emergency assessment, water and sanitation, logistical support, health during emergencies, psychological health, safe access, etc.). In 2012, I also took part in a training camp held in Qatar on Better and Faster Response held in cooperation with the Qatar Red Crescent Society. Thus, I became qualified to work at the Central Operations Room which is in charge of Disaster Management at PRCS Headquarters in Ramallah, alongside many other qualified colleagues. I remember how we used to work around the clock during the Israeli invasion on the Gaza Strip, following unfolding developments and preparing reports on crimes against civilians in the Strip. I also took part in providing relief to Palestinian families whose homes were destroyed by occupation forces as well as in covering clashes between occupation soldiers and Palestinian demonstrators on military checkpoints. During the month of Ramadan, we worked hard to help elderly persons reach Jerusalem, as well as to provide emergency assistance to those in need. What is your current commitment as a volunteer? I am a volunteer at PRCS Central Operations Room (DMU). I am also part of the first Palestinian National Disaster Response Team which provides nationwide assistance during major disasters. What did you know about your National Society before joining its ranks? I did not know much about it. I initially thought it only worked in the field of Emergency Medical Service (EMS). However, once I joined PRCS, I discovered its social, health and humanitarian dimensions as well as its recreational activities targeting the local community in general. What made you become a PRCS volunteer? I became a volunteer because I believed in the humanitarian services provided by PRCS to people regardless of their nationality, religion or colour. Hence, I started helping people and got acquainted with those who are most in need. Voluntary work has shaped my personality and developed my skills, especially my leadership skills in the field of unbiased humanitarian work. How would you, in a few s e n t e n c e s, d e s c r i b e yo u r experience at PRCS? Being a volunteer taught me to give to others without expecting anything in return, other than a smile. Voluntary work became an integral part of me and helped me open up to different cultures. Being a PRCS volunteer means being part of something. All volunteers work together and complement each other with a view of providing neutral and unbiased assistance to those in need. PRCS has taught us to accept others and to pay no attention to issues such as religion or race. It taught us to focus on humanitarian work first and foremost. What is your most unique experience at PRCS? My most unique experience is when I helped provide relief assistance to affected families during the storms which hit Palestine a few months ago. We assisted people affected by floods and provided shelter to families who lost their homes. In your opinion, which aspects of the International Red Cross/Crescent Movement stand out the most? The provision of humanitarian relief and assistance to people in times of war and disaster, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliations. Contact Palestine Red Crescent Society PRCS was founded in 1968 catering health and welfare to Palestinian people and others in need in the OPT and the Diaspora. The PRCS counts on Emergency Medical Services, Psychosocial Support Program, Disasters Management Unit, Youth and Volunteers Program and health care program. Rasha Bakeer, Public Relations, info@palestinercs.org Tel: ; Fax:

7 Newsletter nº 15 1 st quarter 2013 PARTNERSHIP The CCM strengthens its network The participation in workshops and international forums where different cultures and associations with various aims coexist and share a common dialogue represents a moment of growth for all. Following its mission to promote a network among Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, and other organizations whose aims are similar to the ones of the International Movement, in March and April 2013, CCM participated in two meetings organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF). Both occasions proved to be great opportunities for the exchange of best practices and experiences, and for the growth and strengthening of CCM's network. The meeting of the Spanish-Moroccan youth network took place in Seville from 8 th to 10 th March, while form 4 th to 7 th April the city of Marseille hosted the Mediterranean Forum of the ALF which is convened every three years and includes over 4000 civil society organizations. Both meetings were aimed at creating an innovative and collaborative space in which people from the Euro-Mediterranean region could share and promote knowledge, good practices and initiatives based on intercultural dialogue. In Seville, youths from Spain and Morocco worked together in order to make project proposals to be implemented in both countries in the near future. The synergies that sprung from the meeting and the empathy between participants proved once again that intercultural living represents the true path to follow for the future of the region. On the other hand, the Forum in Marseilles focused on the topic "Citizenship for the Mediterranean". The meeting aimed at developing a common action plan with recommendations and specific actions. In order to do so, it wad divided into a space for debate called 'Agora', and a space for thematic workshops - based on the themes of Diversity, Intercultural Dialogue, Development and Democracy- called 'Medina'. ALF 2013: meeting of Young Arab Voices with Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament and André Azoulay, president of the ALF Among the Medina workshops, in the frame of the session 'Urban spaces and citizenship, the CCM presented the activities and initiatives based on Youth and Migration promoted by the Centre. With these meetings, the CCM has strengthened its existing contacts and created new ones for future collaborations. Anna Lindh Foundation PERCO annual meeting New patterns of cooperation were set between the Platform for European Red Cross Cooperation on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants (PERCO) and the CCM during the first 2013 annual meeting of the Platform, held in Budapest, Hungary, from the 15 th to the 18 th of April. A closer collaboration between the two parties was envisaged including, among others, a twinning mechanism to allow and facilitate the contact between those European and North African National Societies interested in exchanging their expertise in the field of migration and anti-trafficking. During the meeting, a special session was also dedicated to the UNHCR presentation regarding the Syria conflict and its consequences on migrants vulnerabilities, sided by the IFRC Syria Crises Federation Emergency Appeals and the Turkish Red Crescent contribution on the Syria crisis humanitarian relief operations. For more information: perco@ifrc.org RC/EU Office 7

8 PARTNERSHIP Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean The Learning platform The IFRC's Strategy 2020 gives strong encouragement to the development of a culture of learning and knowledge sharing and as a result a resolution was adopted in 2009 to establish the Red Cross Red Crescent Movements' Learning and Knowledge Sharing Network ( The Learning network supports individuals and organisations with lifelong learning by stimulating new thinking, setting standards, and establishing curricula of relevance to the RCRC Movement s core business areas and beyond. The Learning Network is a cost effective, multilingual network of platforms providing extensive online learning and training opportunities for every volunteer and staff member in the RCRC Movement as well as all colleagues in partner organisations around the world and the general public at large. The Learning platform continues to grow strongly. It currently has well over 30,000 active users who routinely choose and take courses from the catalogue of over 100 multilingual Red Cross Red Crescent related and other courses. The most recently added courses are a short course on Migration, as well one on Community Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) and Basic Volunteering. All these can be searched for and found easily on the Learning platform. The Learning platform is currently used in the IFRC s official languages, but will shortly be rolling out other language versions of the platform too, and in so doing, encouraging more and more RCRC National Societies to adopt the platform as their own, as the Australian and Swedish RC National Societies have done administering and reporting on their own users, adding courses to the platform for the benefit of their own National Society members as well as the Movement and beyond. Screenshot of the Learning Platform To learn more, pleased visit the Learning platform pages here: or contact the Learning network team at learning.network@ifrc.org to learn more about how you and your National Society can benefit from the Learning platform as much as possible. Article by: Fred Fulton Berrios, Senior Learning Network Development Consultant 8

9 Newsletter nº 15 1 st quarter 2013 PARTNERSHIP The Red Cross Red Crescent European Youth Network: new actions for new engagements The IFRC Youth Policy recognises the vital role that youth play in RCRC National Societies and that the International Movement is strengthened through cooperation, sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences. Motivated by this commitment, the RCRC European Youth Network has renewed its engagements and actions in order to effectively support, enhance and empower youth across the IFRC Europe Zone. At the XX European Youth Cooperation Meeting of the Red Cross Red Crescent Society (EYCM biannual meeting of the network) in 2012, 85 youth representatives from the Zone worked together on the new Terms of Reference of the network and identified the priorities guiding its steering group, the EYCC (the Red Cross Red Crescent European Youth Coordination Committee), in the coming two years. The EYCC, composed of seven elected members representing the youth of the 52 RCRC National Societies of the Europe Zone, has thus received the mandate to focus its action in three main areas: knowledge management, amplification and advocacy, and capacity building. 8 th MENA Conference Partnership for Humanity was the main theme chosen for the 8 th Conference of the Middle East and North Africa Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which was held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 21 st to 24 th April The Conference, which counted on the participation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from the MENA region, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the To accomplish its mission and promote ownership and participation within the network, the EYCC adopted its work-plan in May 2012 and has started working on: Knowledge management: it has created the European Youth Network Community of Practices on Fednet; relaunched the network s Facebook Page and adopted a Communication Strategy to disseminate information and ensure a two-ways flow of communication; Amplification and advocacy: it has strengthen the cooperation with youth within National Societies and the IFRC Youth Commission; disseminated information and collected views of youth before and during the Global Youth Conference; involved in the organizational process of the European Regional Conference Capacity building: it has strengthen the cooperation with regional and sub-regional networks (ENDOV and ERNA) and networking systems. Join us: Red Cross Red Crescent European Youth Network on Facebook; European Youth Network Communities of Practice Fednet Contact us: EYCC.RC@gmail.com Article and photos by: EYCC International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other stakeholders, tackled the following key topics: 1. Enhancement of disaster management and risk reduction 2. Strengthening capacities and role of youth and volunteers 3. Promotion of culture of non-violence and peace. For more information regarding the Conference s outcomes: 9

10 PARTNERSHIP Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean 8 th MENA Conference April 24, 2013 Speech delivered by Ms. Berna Beyrouthy, Lebanese Red Cross Youth Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement My fellow Red Cross and Red Crescent Colleagues, My name is Berna Beyrouthy. I come from Lebanon, the small Middle Eastern Country that most of you have visited. It is a beautiful country, with hospitable, diverse and lively people. But unfortunately, my country has been struggling for a long time from a terrible disease... SECTARIANISM. I am proud to be Lebanese. I am proud of my heritage. But I am not proud that in Lebanon, young people are first Shiites, or Sunnis, or Maronites, or Catholics, or Druze, BEFORE being Lebanese. I am not proud that we as people never seem to be able to unite in favour of our own best national interest but that we are always divided along religious or political lines. As a young university student, and after 2006 war, I felt LEBANESE first. As a young Lebanese I did NOT want to follow any of the political parties. As a young Lebanese who wanted to feel Human FIRST and above all else, I decided to join the Lebanese Red Cross. I wanted to be Neutral in regards to politics and religion because I believe that all people are free in their believes and are equal in dignity and humanity. When I first joined they taught me quickly about the Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. I remember barely paying attention to the explanations of concepts such as Neutrality and Impartiality. I was told by the volunteers who served during the Lebanese Civil War that it was the daily application of these two principles that allowed them to help every human being in need during that terrible conflict which tore my country apart. But it was too distant, too far-fetched. But today I GET IT, and I get it well. Today and every day, there are Lebanese Red Cross volunteers who are transporting injured civilians from the Syrian borders to every part of Lebanon. They are 18 to 25 year old young men and women who are alienating their families, their neighbours and their friends because they are saving the lives of refugees, fighters or soldiers who are from the OTHER side. Their relatives say we should kill them before they kill us, and the Red Cross volunteer says HUMANITY comes first. This conflict has now lasted for more than two years with no end in sight, and these volunteers are still there; Still helping fellow human beings who are in need, regardless of creed and political affiliation. You see, I have learned that in Lebanon, and in our region, we witness both the best and the worst of human nature. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that those young volunteers are suffering. Those young volunteers are confused. Those young volunteers are angry. Those young volunteers are afraid. Those young volunteers are feeling guilty; one of them told me about a month ago: If a war takes place in Lebanon, I will never forgive myself because I know, that in a way, I have contributed to its preparation Integrity, conviction and courage are needed to be able to stand in such difficult and challenging situations. So here I am today, on behalf of those young volunteers, and many other volunteers in our movement, I call on my President and Secretary General, I call on all the leadership of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to do whatever needs to be done to encourage and support these young people whom to me, represent the best of what humanity has to offer, whom have the courage to stand up every day for this principle of Humanity. I call on our leadership to show the same courage that these young are showing by taking humanitarian, neutral, impartial and independent decisions and actions that will make our Movement a flashing light in a world where there is too much darkness. Thank you. 10

11 The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement. Voluntary service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

12 With the support of: Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Av. Portal de l Àngel 7, 4th floor Barcelona Tel: Fax: mediterraneo@cruzroja.es Follow us on : Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean www. medyouthpotral.org Humanity Impartiality Neutrality Independence Voluntary service Unity Universality