H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of the Emirates Red Crescent, has stressed that the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, attained high levels of human civilisation and laid solid foundations for volunteer work, a priority in the country's strategies.

In a statement on the occasion of International Volunteer Day, observed worldwide on 5th December, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the sacrifices being made by Emirati volunteers in areas struck by crises and disasters where they help civilian victims.

Volunteers of the Emirates Red Crescent performing a glorious duty for their Yemeni brothers are working in the most difficult situations to provide them with help and care, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed added.

The volunteers, he said, embody the sublime principles and goals of the humanitarian agency seeking to help the underprivileged in the UAE and abroad.

"The UAE has long upheld the values of and goals of volunteer work, embraced the spirit of volunteering producing cohesion and solidarity and promoting unselfishness to help the disadvantaged," H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said.

He noted that volunteer work today faces challenges as volunteers are being targeted in conflicts while they try to save innocents and provide aid for victims.

"This flagrant violation of international law and conventions is an unforgivable crime against humanity. The UAE looks with great concern to the humanitarian situation in a number of Arab countries due to escalating violence," Sheikh Hamdan added.

Sheikh Hamdan stressed that targeting civilian aid workers and volunteers and blocking entry of humanitarian aid to victims and besieged people have exacerbated the humanitarian situation to unprecedented levels.
Source: WAM