Collaboration

Mwai Kibaki has urged the Red Cross Movement to continue collaborating with Governments in countries of operation in addressing internal and international conflicts and other humanitarian factors that threaten peace.

President Kibaki was officially opening the 17th Session of the General Assembly and Council of delegates of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent at UN Headquarters at Gigiri, Nairobi.

The Head of State noted with regret that drought, floods, mudslides, and other disasters occurring in Africa coupled with the global economic meltdown has slowed down economic growth across the continent leaving most people vulnerable to disease and disasters.

President Kibaki commended the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for their continued efforts in coordinating and directing international assistance following natural and man-made disasters in non-conflict situations.

"Your organization has tirelessly sought to alleviate human suffering and has given hope to millions of people in difficult circumstances all over the world. Indeed, your movement remains the largest humanitarian organization with a visible, dedicated and committed workforce. I applaud you for the noble work you undertake for humanity", the President said.

President Kibaki encouraged the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to take advantage of the movement's human, material and other resources to create an even bigger impact in alleviating human suffering.

The Head of State lauded the movement for choosing Africa as the venue for the conference, which came at a time when the continent is grappling with challenges associated with poverty, climate change and diseases such as malaria, measles, polio and HIV/AIDS.

He expressed hope that the General Assembly and Council of Delegates meeting being held in Africa for the first time will highlight the urgent steps that need to be taken to address some of the challenges.

While commending the movement for continued provision of humanitarian assistance to refugees, President Kibaki said countries hosting them still felt challenged.

"Kenya for instance, has been a safe haven for refugees for many years and is currently hosting more than 400,000 refugees from neighbouring countries", President Kibaki said.

He lauded the strategic partnership the Kenya Government has forged with the Kenya Red Cross, noting that it has enabled the Country to undertake various critical programmes.

The President said through the collaborative efforts, the Government has managed to develop a massive program to improve the nation's forest cover to 10% as recommended by the United Nations, irrigate 1 million hectares of the arid and semi-arid lands, and developed of a National Climate Change Response strategy and budgeted investment programme.

"I wish to express my appreciation to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for the material, financial and technical support extended to us in times of crisis", added the Head of State who is the Patron Kenya Red Cross.

The President pointed out that the Kenya Red Cross Society has skillfully complemented the Government's response to disasters such as collapsed buildings, floods, drought, famine, and fires.

On economic hardships and past natural and man-made disasters in the Country, the Head of State affirmed that the Government has put in place policies and structures towards disaster risk reduction to minimize the effects of these challenges.

In this regard, the President said, the Government was giving priority to the Grand National Goals contained in the country's development blueprint the Vision 2030 intended to enhance the preparedness of the Nation to tackle disasters.

"Kenya is a signatory to the Hyogo Framework for Action. We have also given priority to the Grand National Goals contained in our VISION TWENTY THIRTY intended to enhance the preparedness of the Nation to tackle disasters", added the President.

President Kibaki extended an invitation to the delegates to spare time to visit Kenya's exciting and unique tourist attractions to sample the diverse cultures and hospitality of Kenyans.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga challenged the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to come up with humanitarian responses that encourage people to be self-reliant and not permanent dependants of relief rations and cash hand-outs.

Mr Raila said people need to be educated on climate change to seek permanent solutions to environment degradation and other man-made disasters instead of waiting to be victims.

The Prime Minister said the government was doing everything possible to reclaim Mau forest and other water towers in the Country threatened by human settlement.

The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Mr. Juan Suarez Del Toro in his address affirmed the movement's commitment and dedication to continued coordination and provision of the necessary humanitarian assistance to the needy.

In attendance were the Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Special Programmes Ministers Naomi Shaban, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Mr Abbas Gullet among others

The conference being held in Kenya for the first time will address among other issues food security, violence and discrimination, IDPs and immigration.