Humanitarian Month launched nationwide for first time

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (front, fifth from right) joins officials and local residents in a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi on May 11 to popularise the Humanitarian Mont

The 2019 Month for Humanitarian Activities was launched in Hanoi on May 11, and this is also the first time this programme has been held at the national scale.

The launching ceremony was attended by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, along with members and volunteers of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC), and local residents.

The month is held to mark the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8) and promote humanitarian activities to assist vulnerable groups in society.

Addressing the event, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam affirmed that the Party and State always respect and support the principles and goals of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. They have also continually created the best possible conditions for the VRC’s activities.

He appreciated the VRC’s contributions as well as the cooperation and assistance of the movement, millions of Red Cross members and volunteers, and philanthropists who have spread humanitarian activities to support hundreds of thousands of families to overcome difficulties and escape from poverty.

VRC President Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu said in 2018, the Humanitarian Month was piloted in Hanoi and many other localities, gaining positive results. During the month, the VRC raised more than 243 billion VND (10.4 million USD) and supported 626,000 people with disadvantages.

In the programme throughout May, the peak period is from May 8 (the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day) to May 19 (the birthday of late President Ho Chi Minh – the founder and first honorary president of the VRC).

Thu noted the Humanitarian Month is organised nationwide with a view to further improving all-level authorities’ awareness of humanitarian activities and step up this movement in the community.

A number of activities are scheduled to be held during the programme, including fundraising, blood donation and a texting campaign.