QRCS, ICRC boost capacityof GCC’s volunteer leaders

Tribune News NetworkDohaQatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has concluded a training workshop for rehabilitation and integration of volunteer leaders at Red Crescent Societies/Authorities of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.The three-day event was organised in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was hosted by Golden Tulip Hotel, Doha.The workshop was attended by 52 participants, including the volunteers and staff members of QRCS, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA), Bahrain Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), and Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO), in addition to ICRC representatives.In her remarks, Muna Fadel Al-Sulaiti, director of Volunteering and Local Development Division at QRCS, said, "This is part of a series of joint events and training courses held regularly by GCC Red Crescent Societies/Authorities, in pursuit of the decisions and recommendations of competent committees under the GCC Secretariat-General, in terms of senior officials, volunteering specialists, and media experts. We all realize the importance of partnership, cooperation and coordination among us as National Societies on various fields of humanitarian, social, voluntary and administrative work.”She welcomed the participation of ICRC trainers in delivering this important training for the volunteers, pointing to the constant and close cooperation with ICRC’s GCC regional delegation and its representation office in Qatar. Late in 2021, QRCS and ICRC co-organised a three-week contemporary art exhibition under the theme "Humanitarian Principles: Here and Now”, hosted by several organisations, in cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar.Cherine Pollini, head of ICRC Mission in Qatar, expressed her deep admiration to the numerous volunteers and staff members of the National Societies present in the training, who have devoted time and energy to the humanitarian and social issues.Pollini stressed QRCS’ "important and active part of this world-wide humanitarian movement, which includes 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. She added, "All components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are united under its Seven Fundamental Principles and the firm commitment to providing assistance and protection for the most vulnerable members of society under all possible circumstances,” she added.The event’s agenda featured a number of crucial topics for the preparation and qualification of volunteer leaders who can direct, develop and plan for volunteerism, such as: Introduction to the Movement, International Humanitarian Law, Migration, Humanitarian Negotiation, Code of Conduct, Field Security, Building Volunteer Teams, Practical Framework for Safer Access, Restoring Family Links, Presentation Skills, and Leadership Basics.