Al-Maadheed: QRCS succeeded in achieving its humanitarian mission

QRCS was able to reach those in need in all areas and provide the required support as part of its vision, humanitarian role and noble values emanating from the Qatari culture and the authentic customs of the Qatari people, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) President, Dr Mohamed bin Ghanem al-Ali al-Maadheed said.

Dr al-Maadheed said QRCS has provided humanitarian aid and services in the form of development, relief, service, medi

cal and other projects to those in need around the world in the last three years alone. These services cost more than QR1bn and benefiting nearly 30mn people inside and outside Qatar, 13mn of them received help the last year.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the QRCS founding in 1978, he said QRCS has been witnessing a great development in quantity and quality since its establishment, especially with the keen desire of its employees and volunteers to do good, which enabled it to serve the vulnerable, reach them and stand by their side everywhere.

Dr al-Maadheed said QRCS faces, in the light of the current world conflicts, natural disasters and crises, many challenges related to its ability as an humanitarian institution to prepare and equip qualified personnel, in addition to setting institutional systems in order to deal with the existing international situation and other challenges. He stressed that overcoming such challenges is done with sincere intention, knowledge and hard work.

He highlighted the great humanitarian role played by Qatar at all levels, which has received international praise and welcome. He said this this role is part of the soft power of the state and represents an extension of the culture of the Qatari people and their commitment to the work of good and their keenness to support people wherever they are and alleviate their suffering. He said QRCS is the mediator between those able to support and those in need.

On whether there is an intention to expand QRCS’ external missions, Dr al-Maadheed said QRCS currently has 22 foreign missions and plans to open a regional representation office in Mali, based in Bamako, in cooperation with the concerned authorities, to oversee the launching and implementation of humanitarian projects and programmes in Mali, Mauritania, Chad and Central Africa.

He added that any expansion should be on solid ground so that it does not lack the capacity to perform well, and it must be gradual in order to ensure that the assistance reaches its beneficiaries on a sound foundation.

Dr al-Maadheed stated that QRCS is the largest humanitarian institution operating in Qatar and provides many services and assistance to the community, especially the workers.

Established in March 1978 as Qatar’s first volunteering charitable organisation, QRCS works to help and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination. QRCS is an active member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which comprises the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and a network of National Societies in 190 countries.

QRCS, based on its legal status, has access to conflict and disaster areas. It supports Qatar in its humanitarian efforts, a role that distinguishes it from other local charities.

QRCS operates both locally and internationally and oversees ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.

It provides support with disaster preparedness, response, recovery and risk reduction. It also works to mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the lives of those affected by providing medical services, healthcare and community social development, in addition to its humanitarian advocacy activities.