Red Crescent concerned over situation in Iraq

ABU DHABI-The extent of humanitarian damage, particularly for children, women and the handicapped, is likely to be astronomical, in the event of a US attack on Iraq and the UAE Red Crescent (UAE RC) has appealed to the UN Security Council to ensure that the welfare of these people is kept in mind, a senior official said yesterday.

By Anupama V. Chand

Published: Wed 19 Mar 2003, 8:55 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 10:55 PM

Briefing newsmen on the sidelines of a Press conference yesterday to announce the fourth UAE RC Competition to benefit people with special needs, Khalifa Nasser Al Suweidi, chairman of the board of directors, said that the humanitarian organisation would continue its assistance to Iraq, even in the event of war.

"We have a representative based there and have strategic stores, which we have kept stocked with all emergency material needed. So far, we have spent approximately Dh1 million in Iraq, and will do more, we can at least keep these stores fully stocked so the needy can benefit from them," Mr Suweidi said.

He added that the UAE RC would continue to work with the International Red Cross, the UAE Embassy in Iraq and other organisations.

He announced the results of the fourth annual 'Al Hilal Innovation Competition', held by the UAE RC to enable people with special needs under the theme "Together we prevent and overcome disability", which this year focused upon the importance of the traffic safety strategy and steps taken to alleviate problems of special needs people in this area.

He pointed out that winners, organisations and individuals, who provided solutions to prevent and overcome disabilities caused by traffic accidents, would be felicitated at a special ceremony on March 25 at the Abu Dhabi Inter-Continental Hotel.

The competition has been held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Honorary Chairwoman of the UAE RC.

Mr Suweidi noted that under the guidance of Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and President of the UAE RC, the organisation had established many projects and programmes, targeted to train those with special needs.