The journey of the Flag of Solidarity

Transcription

1 NEWSLETTER nº 18 1st quarter 2014 The journey of the Flag of Solidarity Page 8 VOLUNTEERS CORNER ACTIVITIES Volunteering as a vector Salam Khorshid, Syrian Arab Red Crescent of social cohesion volunteer and Youth Commission member page 4 page 6

2 Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean CONTENTS page EDITORIAL Bridging the gap towards Intergenerational Dialogue 3 ACTIVITIES Editorial Board CCM Briody J, Addison Castriotta, Luigi Angelo Comas Uriz, Santiago Volunteering as a vector for social cohesion 4 Youth Engagement and Leadership in Atlantis X 4 6 th Photo Contest for Youth in the Mediterranean: Youth Engagement in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement 5 David, Isabelle Dézarnaud, Cédric Fraile Rodríguez, Eduardo García Roca, Àngels Llobet Méndez, Néstor Pardo Fernández, Laura Vico Martínez, Sonia With the collaboration of: Fatima Zahra Hadri, Moroccan Red Crescent volunteer Salam Khorshid, SARC volunteer, Youth Commission member Photos by: Elkabir, Abdessamie Ficociello, Daniele García, Jose Ramón Malla, Ibrahim Croatian Red Cross VOLUNTEERS CORNER PARTNERSHIP Salam Khorshid, Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer and IFRC Youth Commission member 6 The journey of the Flag of Solidarity 8 9 th European Regional Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference 10 Red Cross/Red Crescent Mediterranean Platform on Migration 10 PERCO Meeting 10 Plus Europe Association and CCM 11 CCM collaboration in the IFRC Youth Engagement Strategy (Y.E.S.) 11 Youth Engagement in North Africa through the words of Fatima Zahra Hadri - Moroccan Red Crescent 12 IFRC ICRC Cover Photo: Delivery of the Croatian Red Cross flag to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers ( Croatian RC; Jose Ramón García; Ibrahim Malla, IFRC) 2

3 Newsletter nº 18 1 st quarter 2014 EDITORIAL Bridging the gap towards intergenerational dialogue In the context of the current economic crisis, the need to promote social inclusion and face emerging vulnerabilities, as stated in Strategy 2020 of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is one of the urgent imperatives that National Societies are called to respond to, in the constant search for innovative and effective solutions that may improve communities' resilience. Amongst those directly affected by the social effects of crisis are young adults, the elderly, and children who are living in poverty and struggling to have their basic daily needs covered, as underlined by the report recently published by Caritas* and concerning countries whose National Societies are part of the Mediterranean Conference such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus. In the given scenario, promoting volunteering as the essential backbone of our Movement and joining forces to implement new initiatives - as well as support the sustainability of programmes already underway - becomes crucial to face common challenges. Following its mission to promote partnership and the exchange of experiences among Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, and building on strategic alliances that may provide the floor for the replication of best practices at regional level, the CCM and the Spanish Red Cross will carry out the seminar 'Bridging the gap towards intergenerational dialogue: volunteering as a vector of social cohesion', to be held in Madrid from the 23rd to the 25th of May. * According to the report, child poverty in the EU is increasing and now tops 22%. Child poverty in Spain reaches 29.9%. The country is ranked second after Romania. Bulgaria and Greece are ranked third and fourth ( 3

4 ACTIVITIES Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Volunteering as a vector of social cohesion A seminar focused on social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue will be organized by the CCM and the Spanish Red Cross between May 23 rd and 25 th. Under the title Bridging the gap towards intergenerational dialogue: Volunteering as a vector of Social cohesion" the programme will pay specific attention to the application and impact of information and communication technology in volunteering and volunteer management, as well as in programme development. Through plenary sessions and by exchanging best practices, National Societies are expected to acquire new skills and knowledge that will support them in the implementation of new programmes in their local context. This process could prove to be instrumental in improving living conditions and promoting the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. As underlined in the Dubrovnik Declaration of the last Mediterranean Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the economic crisis that has hit the Mediterranean region in the past years has made exclusion and poor living conditions a reality for many people, and joint action at regional level is required to counteract the social effects of the economic crisis. However, we are also living in a digital era and this seminar aims to delve into it to take a longer look at how information and communication technologies (ICT) may make a difference in the fight against social exclusion and the promotion and management of volunteering as a means of social cohesion. Promoting interaction, mutual understanding and the exchange of knowledge among generations through volunteering may provide a soothing ground to counteract the effects of the crisis, and ICT prove to be a crucial tool in this process. The seminar, which will count, among others, on the participation of the IFRC, the European Anti-Poverty Network and the Vodafone Foundation, will take place in Madrid and it will be co-organized by the CCM and the Spanish Red Cross (Volunteering Department, Spanish Red Cross Youth, with the support of the Social Intervention Department as well as the Social Innovation Department). Date: May Venue: Spanish RC Headquarters, Daniele Ficociello For further information visit the CCM webpage at: h t t p : / / w w w. m e d i t e r r a n e u m r c. o r g / p o r t a l / p a g e? _pageid=174, ,174_ &_dad=portal30&_schem a=portal30 Youth Engagement and Leadership in Atlantis X Youth leading by example and acting as agents of change within their communities are some of the aspects that will be tackled during the 10 th edition of the annual RC/RC Mediterranean Youth Camp Atlantis, organized by the CCM in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross under the name Red Cross/Red Crescent Youth as active leaders in their National Societies and local communities. From June 18 th to 26 th, volunteers form the region will gather to consolidate their capacities as leaders in Jesolo, near Venice, at the Foresteria Casa di Croce Rossa. Atlantis X places emphasis on promoting Youth leadership along with Youth engagement. The Camp programme aims to empower participants to build and consolidate their leadership capacities while inspiring others to do the same. This empowerment will allow youth to truly engage with their communities and give them the necessary skills to put into practice new initiatives and creative ideas. The year 2014 marks the 10 th anniversary of Atlantis, and for this reason the Camp will be hosted by the Italian Red Cross which also hosted the very first edition of Atlantis. Keep reading on the following page 4

5 Newsletter nº 18 1 st quarter 2014 ACTIVITIES Furthermore the CCM and the Italian Red Cross have thought of doing something very special to celebrate the anniversary, by giving participants the opportunity to take part in the 'Fiaccolata', the eightkilometre torch lit walk which commemorates the distance walked by all those who, following the battle of Solferino in 1859, helped the injured on both sides of the battlefield (from the armies of imperial Austria and the Franco -Sardinian alliance) to reach Castiglione and receive aid, and which symbolises the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement thanks to the initiative of Henry Dunant. The CCM and the Italian RC will continue working hard in the next few weeks as Atlantis X approaches quickly. Much is left to be done to ensure that the Camp runs as smoothly as possible, and that the participants leave feeling better equipped to become leaders in their own communities. Date:18-26 Junio Venue: Foresteria Casa di Croce Rossa, Jesolo, Italy For further information: ICRC/M.Kokic/V-P-IT-E h t t p : / / w w w. m e d i t e r r a n e u m r c. o r g / p o r t a l / p a g e? _pageid=174, ,174_ &_dad=portal30&_schem a=portal30 6 th Photo Contest for Youth in the Mediterranean: Engaged Youth for Stronger National Societies Youth Engagement in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was the theme of 6 th edition of the Mediterranean Youth Photo Contest launched by the CCM. In accordance with the IFRC s Youth Engagement Strategy, the CCM asked for photos displaying youth as leader, volunteers or beneficiaries, which represent the three possible scenarios of active youth participation within the Movement. The Photo Contest is aimed at promoting the idea of Youth as Agents of positive change. Participants are invited to take their camera and observe and witness the positive effect of youth and volunteering in our Mediterranean surroundings. This experience will allow him or her to make valuable connections while learning how to promote the engagement, empowerment, and leadership of youth in the region. During Atlantis the best photos will be exhibited for the entire week, demonstrating how youth can be engaged in their society in a variety of different ways. For further information: _pageid=174, ,174_ &_dad=portal30&_schem a=portal30 Youth represent both the present and the future of the Movement and of National Societies, and this contest offered an opportunity for participants to reflect on the impact youth have on communities, and on how one s personal actions may affect society. The winner, which will be officially announced in the weeks to come, will get the opportunity to participate in the Youth Camp Atlantis X to be held in Jesolo (Italy) this June, together with other young delegates from many other National Societies in the Mediterranean region. Abdessamie Elkabir. Moroccan Red Crescent Winner of the 4 th Photo Contest 5

6 VOLUNTEERS CORNER Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Salam Khorshid, Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer and IFRC Youth Commission member Salam Khorshid is a 28 years old Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteer who has let aside her profession to work for the Movement. Graduated from the Higher Institute of Music, she has volunteered in SARC since 2005, and manages her time leading the Human Resources Department in Damascus, training International Humanitarian Law (IHL), coordinating the programme between the International Medical Corps and SARC and, since the Global Youth Conference in 2013, she is also a member of the IFRC Youth Commission. When was your first international experience inside the Movement? When did you start to volunteer in SARC? The first time I started volunteering was 2005, but I had the idea for a long time before. I think I was 11 when first I decided I wanted to be part of SARC. What happened when you were 11? Toys collecting campaign, 2008 SARC I was in an exhibition of books in Damascus, and there was a SARC media stand. They were giving a comic about Henry Dunant. I still have it with me. I decided that I wanted to be part of the history of Solferino and Henry Dunant, it was really moving for me. That is when I decided that I wanted to be a volunteer. I tried for many times, but you know, I was young, and the culture of being a volunteer is not common here in Syria. But when I finished my school and I started my professional studies I was old enough, and I became volunteer in What do you do in the Syrian Arab Red Crescent? In 2010 I went to the Mediterranean Conference held in Croatia, and I was a representative of SARC. I went there alone. At that time I was just a volunteer, I did not have any position. It was really scary, with all the Presidents of the National Societies, with all the youth leaders but I spent 5 days there. When I returned to Syria I was like another person. It was the first time that I saw how big the Movement is, it was the first time that I was part of this. I had to do 2 presentations about SARC in front of all these people. I am a musician, I play on stages. But it is not the same when you stand and you represent your National Society in this Conference. I returned to Syria with much more confidence. I returned to Syria to tell other volunteers that everyone outside Syria, that all the people, all the volunteers around the world know about them and I think the youth volunteers in SARC have quite a reputation outside Syria; it is really a great reputation. Did you have any other international experience? If so, what can you tell us about it? Yes, the second time it was in Geneva. It was my first meeting with the Youth Commission. They have international experience, because they have been working in the Youth Commission for two years before me. So, I am trying to learn, I was observing, I was paying attention to everything, every little detail. I am the Head of HR Department for Youth at the Damascus Branch and I am trainer of IHL courses inside SARC. What is your current occupation? I am the coordinator of the project between the International Medical Corps (IMC) and SARC for the first aid centres inside Damascus. Do you have any other role inside the Movement? I am a member of the IFRC Youth Commission, as representative of the Asia-Pacific and MENA zone. I was just appointed in November during the Global Youth Conference of the Movement held in Sydney, even if I could not go there because I could not have the visa in time. Interview with the national TV about a children s choir, 2010 SARC 6

7 Newsletter nº 18 1 st quarter 2014 VOLUNTEERS CORNER What is the most significant experience that you ve had? I have learnt so much form SARC, from the Movement. I changed a lot; I am not the same person that started volunteering in The field work is the biggest experience I had. When you are working on the field you get in contact with the people, with the people s needs. As a volunteer, I had so many experiences during crisis, during war, we had difficult situations. I think this is what changes the life of anyone, even if you live one situation only. But no, we started with the Iraq war, Lebanon, Gaza, and now the Syria crisis. You learn so much from this. You gain confidence when you are volunteering in SARC or the Movement. You have the ability to help people in reality, it is not only dreams. I can help; it is not just daydreaming about it. You have the chance to do this, to help people. That s it, the field work is the most significant experience. Unfortunately, I am not working in the field right now, but I want to get back some day. Did you find what you expected in SARC? Honestly, no. Let s go back to when I was 11 and to I was expecting the city of Plato (Utopia). I was searching for this city. I thought I would find it in the Movement, but after I became a part of this Movement, I realised that we are in the real world; there is no such thing as city of Utopia. But we are trying as a Movement, I know, there are trying to be, to reach the perfection. We are trying to help people, 100%. But, this is reality. What does it mean to receive the support from volunteers from other National Societies? Volunteers from SARC are really happy with this. We are working 24 hours 7 days a week. We are in danger, everyone in Syria is in danger right now, but the volunteers, they have this priority, we have to help people, and we have to help anyone who needs help. So, any small action the other volunteers from other National Societies do, it is really big for volunteers from SARC. In our centres we have these photos, we have I think, it is the Netherlands Red Cross... they started this campaign with the heart with your hands. They collected many photos. We printed those photos and put them in the centres, so every time we are in the centre we look at them and we know we are not alone. Even if they are not there helping us physically, they are there emotionally. Even though we are from different National Societies, there is this big thing that brings us together: the Movement. We are the same. All volunteers, the SARC volunteers, the Red Cross volunteers from any place in the world, they share the same pain, they share the same hope, they share the same work, and they share the same principles. This is really important for SARC volunteers. Which message would you give to the volunteers? You can say many things to volunteers. First Aid training, 2008 SARC After participating in all the activities that SARC did, I can say to the volunteers: be the change. You can be the change, you can do something, it is not only on papers. The volunteers are the only thing that brings the words on the papers to actual work. They are the main force. Everything about this Movement is about the volunteers. They are the most important asset in this Movement, and they can change everything they want, they can do anything they want. Related links: IFRC Youth Commission Toys collecting campaign, 2008 SARC h t t p : / / w w w. i f r c. o r g / e n / w h a t - we- d o / y o u t h / y o u t h - development/youth-commission/ 7

8 PARTNERSHIP Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean The journey of the 'Flag of Solidarity' Source: CCM A flag with messages of encouragement -crafted by the volunteers of the Croatian Red Cross- was delivered to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) by the Vice- President of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Mr. Francesco Rocca. The flag was given to several SARC volunteers who were attending a training in Sahnaya, south of Damascus, on the day that marked the 3 rd year from the start of the conflict in Syria. Salam Khorshid, SARC volunteer and member of the IFRC Youth Commission, underlined the importance "of all actions carried out by volunteers of other National Societies" for the Syrian volunteers who "work 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in danger, and with the priority of assisting anyone in need". She stressed the importance for them of "knowing that they are not alone", and that "even though we come from different National Societies, there is something bigger that unites us: the Movement". Atlantis VIII Awareness session. CCM Kristina Repusic, a Croatian Red Cross volunteer, is the mind behind the idea of the flag. Kristina participated in the Youth Camp Atlantis VIII held in Andorra in During Atlantis, she participated in a session organized by three former SARC volunteers who collaborate with the CCM- in memory of the volunteers who lost their lives during the conflict in Syria. This session was organized to explain the situation people are facing since the beginning of the conflict. As of today, 34 SARC members, both volunteers and staff, have lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian mission. In Kristina's article -published in our Newsletter no.16- she stated that the session "brought to us a brutal picture of the reality that is affecting Syria". During the awareness session the volunteers from SARC that were helping their compatriots were remembered. "It was hard for me to accept the cruel actions that hit our colleagues in Syria" underlined Kristina. When she returned home, Krisitna shared the story with her friends and, during a Red Cross Youth summer school of the Osječko-Baranjska branch, they gathered more than 150 messages of support and decided to put them together by making a flag shaped as a parchment. "We wanted them to know that we know their story and that we feel their pain". 8

9 Newsletter nº 18 1 st quarter 2014 Croatian RC volunteers of the Osječko-Baranjska branch showing the flag Croatian Red Cross In 2013, the 9 th edition of Atlantis was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kristina took the occasion to bring the flag to the Camp, where she explained the story of the idea. She gave the flag to the CCM in order to make it reach Syria, and to let SARC volunteers know that they are not alone. While holding the flag in her hands and seeing the messages of support, Julia -one of the SARC volunteerssaid that it is beautiful to see that we have friends, brothers and sisters that think of us and support us". Thanks to the precious help of the Lebanese Red Cross and of Ibrahim Malla, audio-visual delegate of the IFRC MENA Zone, the wish of Kristina and the Croatian Red Cross volunteers, endorsed by all Mediterranean Youth, come true. On March 13 th 2014 the flag was delivered to SARC. According to the words of Ibrahim Malla "the Vice- President Rocca expressed his joy stating that he was proud to serve as a bridge between the volunteers of the Croatian Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, to bring the message of young Europeans that appreciate and value their humanitarian work". Atlantis IX Awareness session. Jose Ramón García Delivery of the flag of solidarity to the SARC volunteers in Sahnaya by IFRC Vice President, Francesco Rocca. Ibrahim Malla_ IFRC MENA Zone 9

10 Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean 9 th European Regional Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference Humanitarian Consequences of the Economic Crisis is the main theme around which the 9 th European Regional Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference will be celebrated. The Conference will be hosted by the Italian Red Cross in the city of Florence, from the 4 th to the 6 th of June. Amongst them was the New aspects of Migration workshop in which the CCM contributed, together with PERCO; the Anti-trafficking Network, the Russian Speaking Migration Network; the Psychosocial Support Network; the IFRC and the ICRC. Following the regional priorities affecting a wider Europe - covering 53 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as underlined in the IFRC Think Differently. Act Differently Report - the structure and methodology of the 9 th Regional Conference will allow tackling how the current crisis is affecting the needs of the most vulnerable, and how National Societies across Europe are responding to the worsening scenario in the constant search for innovative solutions. Six main workshops will be developed under the themes: How is Europe changing? and Crisis as an opportunity. The Spanish Red Cross was called among various National Societies to collaborate in the content drafting of the background papers of a number workshops. Date: June Venue: Congress Palace, Florence For further information: Red Cross/Red Crescent Mediterranean Platform on Migration Aiming to support the coordination, cooperation and partnership within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the Mediterranean with regards to migration, the CCM, together with the IFRC and the ICRC will convene a meeting in Tunisia in September. The technical meeting, which will count on the participation of regional focal points on migration, will be hosted by the Tunisian Red Crescent and it will aim to tackle the progress made by the platform's members in the domains of protection, assistance and advocacy, and how to coordinate joint actions to have a stronger impact in the Mediterranean to better respond to increasing needs of migrants and communities in times of crisis. The next meeting will also be an opportunity to present the implementation of one of the Platform's action points: the exchange on migration programmes which will be implemented at the end of 2014 and will engage Mediterranean Red Cross/ Red Crescent National Societies in 'in person' exchanges which, starting from a previous analysis made by National Societies, will aim to foster the exchange of expertise among focal points and coordinators of migration programmes to build and reinforce capacities in the domains mentioned above. Date: September 2014 Venue: Tunis For further information : 10

11 Newsletter nº 18 1 st quarter 2014 PERCO Meeting PERCO (the Platform for European Red Cross Cooperation on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants) met for its first annual meeting in Luxembourg from the 2 nd to the 4 th of April. The agenda included updates from the Platform, the IFRC, the RC/EU Office and the ICRC, as well as a number of working groups and a specific workshop on Implementing safeguards at borders: the role of Red Cross National Societies, attended by among others - the Spanish and the Italian Red Cross. In the session Update on the situation in the Mediterranean, following the presentation of the Red Bell Campaign on anti-trafficking by the Red Cross of Serbia, and the updates of the Spanish and the Italian Red Cross, the Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean was given the opportunity to present the initiative regarding the Red Cross/Red Crescent Mediterranean Platform on Migration and its first main action point: the in-person exchange of migration programmes to be implemented at the end of The PERCO meeting set the floor for further cooperation and engagement of Mediterranean National Societies and northern European National Societies support in the Platform, proving networking to be the best way to optimize resources and guarantee the exchange of information with regards to migration initiatives hence contributing to National Societies capacity building, in benefit of vulnerable migrants. Plus Europe Association and CCM PARTNERSHIP The CCM and the PLUS EUROPE Association have signed a collaboration agreement. The PLUS EUROPE Association, is a civil entity that represents a contact point between citizens and European institutions. Its aim is that of promoting a new model of governance based on mutual respect and on an increased and more proactive civil participation of European citizens. Through the creation of strong networks of citizens, civil entities and professional and business organizations, it aims at creating a European Civic Alliance that may help build a more inclusive and democratic Europe. Both organizations have signed the collaboration agreement with the aim of sharing the know-how and information that they have in their specific fields of action, and in order to join their efforts in the search for synergies that may help them reach common objectives. For further information: CCM collaboration in the IFRC Youth Engagement Strategy (Y.E.S.) Collaboration is the ability of working together towards a common aim, building a relation that is based on trust and mutual understanding. These conditions are the basis on which the CCM and the Youth Action and Volunteering Development Department have been working together in the last year and a half, and that have not only brought great results, but also increased synergies and team spirit. Starting with the support in the translation of several documents, which also counted on the support of the Spanish Red Cross Youth, the collaboration has brought the CCM to participate in the workshop on the global consultation of the IFRC YES in June 2013, and has now moved one step further, with the development of a colourful and reader-friendly poster that gives a quick glimpse on Youth Engagement in the Red Cross and Red Crescent. This document, which could be considered as a summary/introduction guide to the main Youth related documents of the IFRC (Youth Policy, Youth Engagement Strategy, Guidelines for RCRC Youth networking), is a poster that gives readers an insight on the global situation of Youth Engagement as they gradually unfold it. The graphical design of the poster has been developed by Daniele Ficociello, a young Italian Red Cross volunteer and graphic designer that closely collaborates with the CCM. We are confident that the collaboration between the Youth Action and Volunteering Development Department will continue to grow in the future and we thank our colleagues at the IFRC for their proactive approach and for wanting the CCM on board on yet another occasion. For more information on the poster, and to download the file please visit the following Fednet link: curl=z2fpagefilesz2f127529z2fyes_12_02_14_print.pdf&rea son=0&formdir=2 11

12 Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean Youth Engagement in North Africa After the Sydney Global Youth Conference, youth have kept on moving forward. A positive example of their engagement and desire to do more and better is the meeting of the young leaders of Red Crescent Societies in North Africa who met in Tunis in February to discuss the implementation of Y.E.S 'Youth Engagement Strategy' in their respective countries and in the region. Many young representatives of the Mediterranean region represented their National Society during the meeting, therefore we would like to share the testimony of Fatima Zahra Hadri, the Moroccan Red Crescent delegate, for a closer glimpse on the meeting and the positive message that youth have brought with them on their return home. through the words of Fatima Zahra Hadri - Moroccan Red Crescent. Working as National Youth Volunteer in the Moroccan Red Crescent, I have been able to apply the fundamental principles of the Movement and adopt the Humanitarian values on which the principles are based. IFRC Youth from the National Societies of Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia gathered to discuss on a number of issues and challenges that await them. The meeting, hosted by the Tunisian Red Crescent, underlined the importance of having an active network that may support and reinforce the work carried out by youth in the region, as well as committed and empowered youth as a means for working effectively. IFRC My participation with the CCM and Mediterranean youth volunteers in the workshop on the promotion of a culture of non violence and peace has positively impacted and changed my personal life with my friend and family, it helped me get closer to the people in need and put myself in other people s shoes, so I can feel what they feel and express myself honestly. Peace, love, empathy, active listening, non violent communication, cooperation, respect for diversity, skills and values learnt in my peace journey, and applied in my daily life. The North Africa Youth Volunteers Meeting was an opportunity to represent Moroccan Youth Volunteers, and to exchange, share experiences, achievements, challenges, and mapping the common priorities for 2014/2015 of the North Africa Region: protection of volunteers, motivation, recognition, innovation, dissemination of a culture of non violence and peace, humanitarian education, engaging youth leaders in decision making are the main priorities of the NA Youth Meeting. My participation in North Africa Youth volunteers meeting gives me the energy to sustain and to contribute in advocating for the most vulnerable, promoting youth engagement, IFRC disseminating a culture of peace and being part of the change, and be inspired by learnt experiences. I am proud of being Moroccan Red Crescent I am proud of being peace Ambassador in my National society. Fatima Zahra Hadri, Moroccan Red Crescent volunteer 12

13 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.

14 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