5th December is celebrated as International Volunteer Day, an opportunity to celebrate the work of volunteers around the world. This year, the Saint Lucia Red Cross will join the International Red Cross Movement to observe this day under the theme #protecthumanity. This theme is critical as it provides an important opportunity to reflect on and remember the Red Cross Red Crescent staff and volunteers who have lost their lives this year while performing their humanitarian duties.
Last year saw unprecedented attacks on humanitarian personnel. But 2024 has become the deadliest year on record. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, 31 of volunteers and staff have died or been killed while performing their humanitarian duties. 28 died in violent attacks while wearing internationally protected emblems and three died in accidents. What we have experienced this year is among the highest levels of global violence against National Society teams. As the world’s largest humanitarian network, our message is clear: violence against humanitarian workers must stop.
But these statistics do not tell the full story. We have also lost colleagues who were not on duty but simply going about their daily lives – at home, on their way to work, or in their communities. Their killing is a tragedy for their families and friends, and it damages the ability of their National Societies to deliver critical humanitarian assistance. It is also a stark reminder of the lack of protection for civilians.
This is a crucial moment for the IFRC network including the Saint Lucia Red Cross to unite and sound the alarm. We must raise awareness on the urgent need to protect people in crises – but especially humanitarian volunteers and staff who risk their lives daily to help and save others – and stand in solidarity with the families and colleagues of those who have died on duty.
On December 4th, 2024, we will honour the 31 IFRC network volunteers and staff who lost their lives this year in service to others. In solidarity, members and volunteers of the Saint Lucia Red Cross will gather at the Derek Walcott Square from 4:00pm for a moment of silence, raising awareness of the urgent need to protect humanitarian volunteers and workers worldwide.
Join us to share your solidarity in protecting humanity!