South Sudan commemorates Red Cross Day, emphasizing the importance of peace and protecting volunteers

The South Sudan Red Cross joined the international community in commemorating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in Juba under the global theme “United in Humanity,” bringing together government officials, diplomats, humanitarian organizations, donors, volunteers, media representatives, corporate institutions, and international partners .The celebration honored the commitment and sacrifices of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who continue to support vulnerable communities affected by conflict, displacement, floods, disease outbreaks, and humanitarian crises across South Sudan.

Observed annually on May 8, the day marks the birthday of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, whose vision laid the foundation for one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks.

During the event, speakers reflected on the humanitarian journey of the South Sudan Red Cross since its establishment in 2011. From a small number of volunteers and staff, the organization has grown into a nationwide humanitarian network with 51 branches and more than 100 local units operating across the country.

The South Sudan Red Cross said its programs continue to focus on health services, water and sanitation, hygiene promotion, disaster risk management, protection activities, emergency response services, and support for communities affected by disasters and conflict. The Speakers emphasized that volunteers remain the backbone of humanitarian service delivery because they understand local communities, speak local languages, and are trusted by the people they serve.

“The commitment shown by volunteers reflects the true spirit of humanitarianism. They are the first responders and the bridge between institutions and communities,” one speaker noted. South Sudan Red Cross President Joseph Dhuor Makuei called for greater protection of humanitarian workers and volunteers operating in conflict-affected areas. “Our volunteers are not targets. Our staff are not targets. All humanitarian actors are one family working to provide assistance to people affected by crises,” Makuei said. He urged authorities and all parties involved in conflict to respect humanitarian principles and ensure the safety of volunteers and aid workers.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also reaffirmed its support for humanitarian activities in South Sudan. ICRC Representative Daniel Bunnskog expressed concern over continued violence, displacement, and humanitarian suffering affecting civilians.
“Civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian workers, and all Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers must be protected by all parties involved in armed conflict,” Bunnskog said.

The Egyptian Ambassador to South Sudan, Hissam Mohammed Krar, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of humanitarian principles, peace, and unity. “These are among the fundamental principles that guide humanitarian action and contribute to peace and prosperity,” Ambassador Krar stated while encouraging South Sudanese communities to overcome differences and work toward lasting peace.

Central Equatoria State Minister of Health, Hon. Joyce Bakwa Agole, praised the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for its continued support to vulnerable communities. “The Red Cross has always been there, often the first on the ground during a crisis and the last to leave after the emergency,” she said. She encouraged citizens, especially youth and women, to join the humanitarian movement and support volunteerism. The Guest of Honour, Lawrence Akola, Director General for Planning at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, who represented the Minister, also delivered a message emphasizing the importance of unity and humanitarian action.

Akola said the theme “United in Humanity” serves as a reminder that humanitarian service goes beyond organizational work and reflects a shared responsibility to support one another during difficult times. “Today, we gather not just to mark a day on the calendar, but to honor the spirit that forces us to work together and put aside our differences,” Akola said.

He described the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a symbol of hope in South Sudan, especially for communities affected by conflict and disasters. “From Juba to the most remote areas, the emblem of the Red Cross has come to mean one thing: you are not alone,” he stated.

Akola praised volunteers and humanitarian workers who continue to cross difficult terrain, spend days reaching isolated communities, reunite separated families, provide clean water during cholera outbreaks, and deliver life-saving support to vulnerable populations.

“You do this not for recognition, but because humanity demands it,” he said while thanking volunteers and humanitarian workers for “keeping humanity alive in South Sudan. ”The Director General reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence that allow humanitarian organizations to operate effectively.

He said the government would continue facilitating humanitarian access, protecting medical and humanitarian workers under international humanitarian law, and strengthening partnerships with the South Sudan Red Cross. Akola further encouraged South Sudanese citizens to actively support humanitarian work and volunteerism.

“The Red Cross is not just an organization. It is a movement powered by people,” he said. also stressed the importance of peace and solidarity in rebuilding South Sudan. “South Sudan will prosper if we support one another and work together for peace and humanity,” he added.

Throughout the celebration, speakers acknowledged the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), partner National Societies, donors, corporate institutions, media houses, and humanitarian organizations supporting humanitarian activities in South Sudan. Special recognition was also given to volunteers and humanitarian workers who lost their lives while serving communities during times of crisis.

As humanitarian needs continue to rise amid conflict, displacement, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and funding shortages, participants called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, humanitarian organizations, donors, communities, and international partners.

The gathering concluded with renewed commitments from humanitarian actors and partners to continue supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening community resilience across South Sudan . Throughout the event, one message remained central: United in Humanity.

The celebration honored the commitment and sacrifices of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who continue to support vulnerable communities affected by conflict, displacement, floods, disease outbreaks, and humanitarian crises across South Sudan.

Observed annually on May 8, the day marks the birthday of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, whose vision laid the foundation for one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. During the event, speakers reflected on the humanitarian journey of the South Sudan Red Cross since its establishment in 2011. From a small number of volunteers and staff, the organization has grown into a nationwide humanitarian network with 51 branches and more than 100 local units operating across the country.

The South Sudan Red Cross said its programs continue to focus on health services, water and sanitation, hygiene promotion, disaster risk management, protection activities, emergency response services, and support for communities affected by disasters and conflict.

Speakers emphasized that volunteers remain the backbone of humanitarian service delivery because they understand local communities, speak local languages, and are trusted by the people they serve. “The commitment shown by volunteers reflects the true spirit of humanitarianism. They are the first responders and the bridge between institutions and communities,” one speaker noted.

South Sudan Red Cross President Joseph Dhuor Makuei called for greater protection of humanitarian workers and volunteers operating in conflict-affected areas. “Our volunteers are not targets. Our staff are not targets. All humanitarian actors are one family working to provide assistance to people affected by crises,” Makuei said.

He urged authorities and all parties involved in conflict to respect humanitarian principles and ensure the safety of volunteers and aid workers.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also reaffirmed its support for humanitarian activities in South Sudan. ICRC Representative Daniel Bunnskog expressed concern over continued violence, displacement, and humanitarian suffering affecting civilians. “Civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian workers, and all Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers must be protected by all parties involved in armed conflict,” Bunnskog said. The Egyptian Ambassador to South Sudan, Hissam Mohammed Krar, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of humanitarian principles, peace, and unity.

“These are among the fundamental principles that guide humanitarian action and contribute to peace and prosperity,” Ambassador Krar stated while encouraging South Sudanese communities to overcome differences and work toward lasting peace. Central Equatoria State Minister of Health, Hon. Joyce Bakwa Agole, praised the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for its continued support to vulnerable communities. “The Red Cross has always been there, often the first on the ground during a crisis and the last to leave after the emergency,” she said.

She encouraged citizens, especially youth and women, to join the humanitarian movement and support volunteerism. The Guest of Honor, Lawrence Akola, Director General for Planning at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, who represented the Minister, also delivered a message emphasizing the importance of unity and humanitarian action.
Akola said the theme “United in Humanity” serves as a reminder that humanitarian service goes beyond organizational work and reflects a shared responsibility to support one another during difficult times.

“Today, we gather not just to mark a day on the calendar, but to honor the spirit that forces us to work together and put aside our differences,” Akola said. He described the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a symbol of hope in South Sudan, especially for communities affected by conflict and disasters.

“From Juba to the most remote areas, the emblem of the Red Cross has come to mean one thing: you are not alone,” he stated. Akola praised volunteers and humanitarian workers who continue to cross difficult terrain, spend days reaching isolated communities, reunite separated families, provide clean water during cholera outbreaks, and deliver life-saving support to vulnerable populations. “You do this not for recognition, but because humanity demands it,” he said while thanking volunteers and humanitarian workers for “keeping humanity alive in South Sudan.” The Director General reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence that allow humanitarian organizations to operate effectively.

He said the government would continue facilitating humanitarian access, protecting medical and humanitarian workers under international humanitarian law, and strengthening partnerships with the South Sudan Red Cross.

Akola further encouraged South Sudanese citizens to actively support humanitarian work and volunteerism.

“The Red Cross is not just an organization. It is a movement powered by people,” he said. He also stressed the importance of peace and solidarity in rebuilding South Sudan.

“South Sudan will prosper if we support one another and work together for peace and humanity,” he added . Throughout the celebration, speakers acknowledged the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), partner National Societies, donors, corporate institutions, media houses, and humanitarian organizations supporting humanitarian activities in South Sudan.

Special recognition was also given to volunteers and humanitarian workers who lost their lives while serving communities during times of crisis. humanitarian needs continue to rise amid conflict, displacement, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and funding shortages, participants called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, humanitarian organizations, donors, communities, and international partners.

The gathering concluded with renewed commitments from humanitarian actors and partners to continue supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening community resilience across South Sudan. Throughout the event, one message remained central: United in Humanity.