By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their efforts to equip volunteers on the fundamental Principles, Acts and the Emblem of the society, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society has on Saturday 28th August, 2021 concluded a one day orientation workshop for volunteers in both the Western Area and Rural district on the fundamental principles, Acts and the Emblem of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society. The event took place at the SLRCS Headquarters on Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
On his presentation on the fundamental principles of the society, the Secretary General of Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Kpawuru Sandy noted that humanity is one of the seven fundamental principles (along with independence, impartiality, neutrality, voluntary service, universality and unity) of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, of which the ICRC and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society are members.
Dilating on Humanity, one of the seven principles of the society, he noted that the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was borne out of a desire to bring assistances without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, adding that the purposes are to protect life and health and to ensure respect for human beings.
Kpawuru Sandy added that Impartiality is another principle of the society of which he said the society makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions, stating that it endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
The Secretary General noted that in order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
He also maintained that the movement is independent and that national societies serve as auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their Governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries and they must respect their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the movement.
Commenting on voluntary service, the Secretary General maintained that it is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
The Secretary General also used the opportunity to shed light on the use of the Emblem and the Acts of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society which he said in most cases there has been misuse of the Emblem of which he stated that the society deemed it fit to also educate volunteers on the use of the Emblem.
He continued that the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Act, 2012 being an Act to continue in existence the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and to provide for other related matters which was enacted by the President and Members of Parliament and that they also included the Acts in order for volunteers to understand what is embedded.
Speaking to this medium one of the volunteers of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Western Area Branch, Victoria V. Bangura expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society for organizing such a training which she described as not only important to them as volunteers but is also timely.
She revealed that having learnt about the principles of the society it has motivated her passion towards serving humanity and that she will ensure at all times to adhere to the fundamental principles of the society.
Victoria V. Bangura assured the society that all what they have learnt about the fundamental principles, the use of the emblem and the Acts of the society will be used in the interest of the society.
