Red Cross society urged to uphold fundamental principles

The President of the Cameroon Red Cross, William Aurélien Eteki Mboumoua has urged members to uphold fundamental principles of the movement.

He made the declaration at the 68th edition of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day that was celebrated in Cameroon on Saturday May 9, 2015 under the theme, “Our Principles in Action”.

Helping individuals who are sufferings and providing them their most urgent needs in times of distress is one of their key missions of the International Red cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Speaking at the occasion, William Aurélien Eteki Mboumoua said the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement does not make any distinction based on nationality, race, religion, social condition and political adherence.

He called on his collaborators to remain faithful to the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the country.

Adopted in Austria in 1965, the seven fundamental principles are the expression of the practices and values of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, volunteerism, unity and universality.

A series of activities were organised nationwide during the week to mark the day. These include conferences; clean up campaigns, sensitisation on the fundamental principles, visits to orphanages and athletic walk, among others.

This year, apart from the traditional march past in some parts of the capital city, a conference on the fundamental principles took place at the headquarters of the Cameroon Red Cross on May 6, 2015 and two sensitisation caravans went through major roads in Yaounde on May 7 and 8, 2015.

Since 1947, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day has been celebrated every May 8.

This date matches with the birthday of the founder of the movement, Henry Dunant. It is an occasion for societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to organise various activities in order to bring into the limelight the role of the Movement in their respective countries.