KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — In commemoration of International Volunteer Day, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) organised a Memorial Tribute to honour the courageous humanitarian colleagues of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement who tragically lost their lives while serving others this year.
The tribute reflects our profound respect and gratitude for the selfless volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global humanitarian network that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education to vulnerable communities worldwide.
The gathering brings together MRC leadership, staff, volunteers and partners from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This tribute is part of a nationwide campaign with MRC Chapters and their Branches across the country joining in, underscoring the collective unity and unwavering commitment of the MRC community in honouring these heroic individuals.
From January to September 2024, 31 volunteers and staff members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent network lost their lives while serving others. Tragically, 28 of these deaths resulted from violent attacks despite the victims wearing internationally protected emblems, and three occurred due to accidents.
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A Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement member lays a flower in honour of fallen humanitarians on International Volunteer Day, organised by the Malaysian Red Crescent, in Kuala Lumpur on December 5, 2024. — Picture by MALAYSIAN RED CRESCENT[/caption]
MRC deputy secretary-general Dato’ Danial Iskandar said: “Humanitarians are the lifeline of communities in crisis. Yet, in 2024, we witnessed the deadliest year on record for local humanitarian staff and volunteers. These tragedies underline the urgent need for stronger protections for humanitarians worldwide.
“Through our commitment to humanitarian work, the Malaysian Red Crescent remains dedicated to our mission of providing aid, safeguarding the vulnerable and protecting those who dedicate their lives to helping others, no matter the challenges we face.”
As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 16 million volunteers across 191 countries, the MRC joins the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in emphasising the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers.
On this International Volunteer Day, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement unites to call for:
- States: To prioritise the safety and protection of civilians and humanitarian workers including volunteers and to uphold their commitment to international humanitarian law.
- Donors and partners: To prioritise investment in the safety and well-being of local humanitarians as a fundamental obligation, recognising that local actors often face the greatest risks in any humanitarian response.
- The public: To help us share the urgent message that we need to protect the people who risk so much to help others in need.
As we reflect on the courage of those who gave their all, the MRC reaffirms its commitment to its mission to serve humanity, no matter the challenges.
This International Volunteer Day, we stand in solidarity to honour their sacrifices and protect those who continue their vital work. Together, we must #ProtectHumanity.
