World Red Cross Day 2010

PRESS RELEASE: The Red Cross/Red Crescent is marking World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day on May 8th and will focus attention on both the challenges and opportunities presented by urbanization.

Violence, poverty, food shortages, insufficient health care, inadequate access to water and sanitation and escalating human vulnerability are among the many challenges facing people in cities and other densely populated areas around the globe. Yet the urban way of life also presents enormous opportunities and can serve as an engine of social inclusion, cultural expression, diversity and economic growth.

For the first time, more than 50% of the world’s population is living in urban areas, a figure that is forecast to rise to more than 60% in 2030. Cities in the developing world are expected to account for 95% of urban growth over the next two decades.

“The recent devastation in Haiti reminds us of the impact disasters can have on densely populated urban areas and our commitment is to work with the communities, local government and other local partners to improve health care, to put effective early warning and early action systems in place and to deliver disaster risk reduction training that will enable safer, more resilient communities,” said Kathleen Pinard-Byrne, Director General of the Dominica Red Cross (DRC).

“Many cities not experiencing war are directly affected by situations of violence and severe human suffering.  In fact, violence has reached unprecedented proportions in some countries and I would not be surprised if our humanitarian work will increasingly happen in cities affected by various types of violence other than armed conflict,” Mrs. Pinard-Byrne added.

Around the world, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are working with city leaders and civil society to address urban challenges by aiming at their root causes. They focus on promoting diversity, opposing discrimination, and joining in efforts to provide decent social services and to ensure that adequate protection, preventive health-care, education and disaster risk reduction measures are taken. Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteers are at the heart of the Movement’s endeavours to strengthen urban communities.

The International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement is reiterating its global call to action launched on May 8th 2009:  Our world. Your move. This effort reminds all of us that we have a role to play to make the world around us better. Each and every one of us can make a difference by engaging in positive action in our communities. People around the world are invited to share their stories of change on www.ourworld-yourmove.org.

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