May 8 is here

Distinguished representatives of the National Society in South Sudan, dear friends!

My name is Gunnar Ström, I am currently representing Federation Secretariat with the National Society in South Sudan. My mission here is above all to support the society in its commitment to form a new National Society, a Red Cross of South Sudan only 60 days from now. It is a challenge, considering the present difficulties facing the South Secretariat and its branches as well as the nation itself. However, Red Cross is a worldwide family and there are many friends to South Sudan who would like to work with you to assist vulnerable people in your country. Together we try hard to develop and renew contacts with partners inside and outside the Red Cross movement.

May 8 is here, a day for our Movement to remember, reflect and look to the future. It all started 152 years ago, with one man who happened to witness ghastly scenes on a battlefield in Italy. 1859, imagine the battlefield of Solferino in Italy, after 15 hours of fierce fighting, wounded and dying soldiers lying unattended. 300,000 soldiers took part in the battle. On the morning of June the 25th, at least 9,000 were gathered in a small village, with no water, no food and almost no health service. Or rather - with no one to help distribute what after all was available. That day, one man happened to witness all this. He said ”Would it not be possible (...) to form relief societies…”

40 years later, more than 100 years ago, that man, Henry Dunant, was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize as the founder of the Red Cross movement. 

Is 100 years a long time? Yes, of course. What can be achieved within 100 years? Well, one dedicated man can get 100 million followers. One humanitarian idea can transform into a worldwide network of 186 soon 187 National Societies. One act of concern can grow into a power of humanity.

In 1859, Dunant organized aid to the wounded at Solferino. Today, National Societies individually and the International Federation at large contributes to improving the health of vulnerable people through three strategic pillars:

*Advocacy‚ since as much can be achieved through mobilizing people and influencing decision-makers - whether through private face-to-face advocacy or public campaigns - as through delivering services.

*Building capacity‚ to bridge the gap. With a network of volunteers that work inside vulnerable communities, Red Cross/Red Crescent will put knowledge and tools in the hands of the people to overcome the gap between vulnerable individuals and households and the formal health and welfare system. 
 
*Thirdly, Broadening interventions in crises. During natural disasters, drought and floods, National Societies will assume, on a temporary basis, a more comprehensive approach to health care than they do during non-crisis periods. Same with ICRC in times of war and conflict to meet the needs of victims.

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will scale up its work in these three areas. And it is all about volunteers.

Volunteer service has been part of virtually every civilization and society. Many of you are also to the fore in providing assistance to the growing numbers of disaster victims worldwide, in many cases despite your own and your families' suffering as a result of such events. It is at such moments of catastrophe that your spirit of self-sacrifice shines brightest. On the occasion of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we wish to express recognition and admiration for your constant, generous commitment.

At the opening of the International Year of Volunteers some years back, the then UN Secretary General had the following well-turned introduction of the volunteer: “Their motivation can be summed up in one word: sharing. They share their time. They share their skills and talents. Above all, they share a human experience. They know that the true measure of success in life is not what we gain but what we give back to our fellow men and women. And they have the courage to believe that what they do will make a real difference.”

I think the UN Secretary General did not say this only to recognize the untiring work by volunteers but also because the need for increased volunteer effort is greater today than ever. You know what is on the agenda: the adverse impact of global problems such as environmental degradation, drug abuse or HIV/AIDS.  And in developing countries the need to focus on humanitarian assistance, promotion of human rights, democracy and peace.

100 years, a long time. But 100 years is also shockingly short for man to learn and to change. Looking around the world today, many major wars and conflicts are ongoing; millions of people are forced to live a refugee or an IDP life. They didn’t leave their homes voluntarily. They didn’t give up their peaceful lives to look for something better. They left to survive. They left to get protection, food and shelter. When you see the misery and the needs of these people and when you listen to the often fruitless want for peace, you think: 100 years in not long enough.

100 years ago. The world of today. And then, 100 years from now. What kind of world is there 100 years from now? What kind of South Sudan would we like to see? None of us will be around to find out, but what we do today, the direction we choose, also as individuals will have influence and significance.

In times of dejection, when I tend to loose hope, I try to look at those who carry the candles, to think of those who give to others of what they have and what they can. I assure you, the voluntary work by thousands and thousands of unselfish men and women, young and old, in the Red Cross movement, helps me to overcome moments of disillusionment

Dear volunteers, you form a part of what South Sudan will be like, 100 years from now. Your dreams, your visions, the candles that you carry and above all your deeds of today will send an important message to the next generation.

Please dear volunteers of the Red Cross in South Sudan, keep it up and try harder - for a brighter future for all of us.

Thank you.