By Titilayo Kupoliyi
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is Celebrated annually on May 8th.
The day is to celebrate the birth of the founder of Red Cross Society, Henry Dunant and honour the efforts of volunteers.
Henry Dunant (1828–1910)
Henry Dunant from Geneva, Switzerland, born into a Calvinist family in Geneva, was a Swiss businessman and social activist , founded the Red Cross (formally the International Committee of the Red Cross) in 1863 to provide neutral, impartial care to wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
He was motivated by the horrifying neglect of thousands of soldiers he witnessed after the 1859 Battle of Solferino in Italy.
Key reasons for his initiative included The Horrors of Solferino, Need for Voluntary Relief and International Protection.
The seven principles of the Red Cross include Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.
Theme for 2026 is “United for Humanity”
It emphasizes the power of collective action, service, and compassion by volunteers worldwide to support vulnerable communities, marking 163 years of impact.
Speaking on the theme, Branch Secretary, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oyo State Branch, Mr Christopher Ojo said the theme is echoing the need for everyone to remain united to support the human race.
“It is aiming at calling the general public to understand the importance of being united in the human race in the midst of wars happening in the world”.”The red cross is calling on everyone to come together and make sure the principle of humanity is upheld”.
Mr. Ojo condemned the act of people recording videos and taking pictures at accident scenes and during emergencies, said instead people at the scene should be involved in rescue mission of the victims.
“It is a common scenario to see people pick up their phones to make videos when emergency occurs and that’s a big error”.
“During wars, red cross workers are often attacked, brutalised despite the international humanitarian law guiding every war”.
The law stipulates that whenever aid workers are offering relief and support to war victims, they should not be attacked”.
“We are looking forward to all countries to uphold the law and from the red cross angle, we will try our best to propagate this law for people to be more enlightened about the law”, that no aid workers should be attacked in conflicts.
Mr Ojo noted that people from all works of life are still joining the organization to save the human race.
