Maldivian Red Crescent Celebrates 15 Years of Humanitarian Service

The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) is celebrating its 15th anniversary today, marking fifteen years since the first-ever MRC General Assembly was conducted in 2009, following the ratification of the MRC Act [07/2009].

As the leading humanitarian organisation in the Maldives, MRC has played a pivotal role in serving the nation, responding to emergencies, and supporting vulnerable communities.

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Over the past decade and a half, the organisation has built a solid reputation, fostering trust and collaboration with key public authorities and agencies. MRC has become a vital part of the community through its auxiliary role, consistently providing impartial, neutral, and independent humanitarian services.

MRC has earned recognition for its critical services, including emergency response programmes and addressing natural disasters such as flooding events.

A Glimpse into their Humanitarian Service in Action

In 2023 alone, MRC mobilised over 250 volunteers, who collectively dedicated more than 7,000 hours to serving communities nationwide. These volunteers responded to 16 emergencies, including 10 fire incidents, four flooding events, and two instances of political unrest.

Throughout its fifteen years of operation, MRC has successfully launched and executed numerous programmes, including epidemic preparedness and response, first aid, mental health and psychosocial support, patient transport services, social care and inclusion, promoting healthy living, and youth empowerment.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, MRC fulfilled a crucial need within the community by providing mental health and psychosocial support through dedicated hotlines.

Upcoming events in celebration of its 15-year anniversary

To commemorate its 15-year anniversary, MRC has planned a series of activities aimed at enhancing its visibility and reinforcing its commitment to humanitarian objectives.

As part of this celebration, MRC has organised run events in Hulhumalé, Kulhudhuffushi, Fuvahmulah, and Addu. Initially scheduled for this weekend, the runs have now been postponed due to heavy rain and severe weather conditions across the country.

These events are intended not only to celebrate MRC’s achievements but also to engage the community and inspire further participation in humanitarian efforts.

As MRC looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission “to volunteer, participate, and partner in delivering humanitarian services to the vulnerable,” with a vision “to be a model National Society contributing to overcoming humanitarian challenges.”