Launch of Oman Red Crescent consolidates Oman’s humanitarian role regionally, internationally

Muscat: The recent launch of Oman Red Crescent constitutes a significant step forward in consolidating the Sultanate of Oman’s humanitarian role at regional and international levels. It highlights the country’s efforts in providing relief and medical assistance during disasters and crises. It also reflects a trend towards building a national humanitarian entity that operates in accordance with international standards.

Badr Mohammed Al Zaabi, Acting CEO of Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO), told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the launch of Oman Red Crescent helps develop an efficient system of humanitarian action to be undertaken by a specialised national entity that operates under the auspices of Oman Charitable Organisation.

Al Zaabi pointed out that Oman Red Crescent will contribute to raising the efficiency of coordination among the departments concerned, in a manner that would positively contribute to the speed of response and the quality of services to be rendered to beneficiaries during emergencies and disasters.

Al Zaabi explained that Oman Red Crescent’s strategic vision focuses on establishing an efficient Omani humanitarian entity that operates in accordance with the best international practices in the field of relief and humanitarian action.He added that this includes developing and expanding the scope of relief and medical programmes and building partnerships with local and international organizations in a manner that enhances the Sultanate of Oman’s proficiency in providing relief aid.

Oman Red Crescent will benefit from the experience and capabilities of global humanitarian organisations in the field of facilitating the delivery of relief aid to impacted parties in a prompt and efficient manner, said Al Zaabi. He noted that such action would also convey Oman’s humanitarian message and highlight the country's innate values of solidarity with the global community.

The Sultanate of Oman boasts a deep-rooted humanitarian experience in responding to disasters and crises abroad, said Al Zaabi. He explained that the OCO has been implementing many relief programmes and initiatives in stricken countries for many years. He noted that the establishment of Oman Red Crescent was in pursuance of this well-established humanitarian approach.