Riyadh: A delegation from the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), headed by the Secretary-General Mubarak Al Hadi, participated in the forty-ninth General Assembly meeting of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation (ARCO) held in Saudi Arabia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting gathered presidents and representatives of Arab National Societies alongside several international partners. The participants deliberated on strategies to enhance humanitarian and voluntary work across the Arab region and unify efforts in addressing mutual humanitarian challenges.
The General Assembly culminated in the adoption of the "Riyadh Humanitarian Declaration". This declaration highlighted the importance of maintaining the neutrality of humanitarian work, ensuring it remains free from politicisation, and providing a safe environment for National Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies to operate without obstruction. It also stressed the need to support their capacity-building initiatives and improve their overall readiness.
Al Hadi emphasized that the declaration reinforced the imperative to safeguard the neutrality of humanitarian action and the significance of creating an environment that allows societies to carry out their missions effectively. It also underscored the importance of strengthening capacity-building efforts and enhancing overall preparedness.
The Riyadh Declaration reaffirmed the core principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, including humanity, impartiality, independence, and universality. It called for the upholding of international humanitarian law, its integration into national laws, and the protection of civilians and aid workers. The declaration also advocated for maintaining the neutrality of humanitarian work, preventing its misuse, and enhancing regional and international coordination in responding to disasters and crises.
The Secretary-General of the Bahrain Red Crescent Society highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation between National Societies to build humanitarian capacity and better serve Arab communities. He commended Saudi Arabia for its leadership and for hosting the event marking the 50th anniversary of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation, noting that such initiatives strengthen solidarity and promote greater unity in the region.