90 years of dedication: Saving lives, serving humanity

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is one of the 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world. Founded on July 8, 1935, by government edict, in response to the second Italian invasion of Ethiopia, the Society has been delivering humanitarian services for nine decades. Guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and universality, the Society has been providing services to all people affected by natural and manmade disasters, regardless of discrimination.

In its nine decade journey, ERCS has remained committed to providing humanitarian services targeting at alleviating human suffering, promoting community wellbeing, and fostering peace by establishing partnership within Ethiopia and globally, through the provision of appropriate and timely humanitarian and development interventions.

Earlier this week, on July 8, 2025, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society commemorated its 90th anniversary at the Addis Convention Center at headquarter level under the theme; “90 Years Legacy of Humanitarian Service”, in the presence of the Society’s Patron, President Taye Atske Selassie, former patrons Sahle-Work Zewde, and Mulatu Teshome (PhD), and senior government officials as well as ambassadors.

Likewise, the day was marked in all regional branch offices of the Society across the country with various humanitarian activities, including blood donation.

Speaking at the event held in Addis Ababa, President Taye Atske Selassie said that the Society is a beacon of compassion and generosity, born out of Ethiopia’s challenges, mentioning the heroic sacrifices made by members of the Society in defending the nation’s sovereignty in times of crisis.

According to him, the ERCS, in its long-standing dedication, has made meaningful contribution in responding to both natural and manmade calamities. Furthermore, beyond emergency relief, the ERCS has taken on expanding its responsibilities, including job creation, youth engagement, environmental rehabilitation, and education initiatives. These efforts reflect a strategic shift toward integrated humanitarian action rooted in long-term resilience.

However, the President emphasized the importance of building institutional capacity and expediting efforts toward self-reliance in order to effectively carry out its activities of preventing and alleviating human suffering through timely and appropriate humanitarian and development initiatives.

As to him, these days, international humanitarian support is in decline. Thus, building internal capacity and mobilizing local resources have become a critical priority that cannot be ignored to sustain activities at the desired level and ensure long-term humanitarian services. He cited the Filweha income-generating project as a promising example of sustainable, community-rooted support.

As we strive to become self-sufficient in food and empower ourselves through innovation at the national level, we must consider it a matter of sovereignty to avoid dependency and support our vulnerable people with our resources. The ERCS must put maximum effort into becoming self-reliant so it can continue its humanitarian support sustainably,” the President reiterated.

The President also commended the Society on the behalf of the Ethiopian government and the people for its humanitarian activities in the past nine decades.

Taye also said that when the Society marks its centennial anniversary after 10 years, it should evolve into as a prestigious institutions that symbolizes the principles of humanity not only in Ethiopia but also throughout the region and across Africa by broadening its public support, attaining independence in thought, financial resources and knowledge, and establishishing a contemporary legal framework.

ERCS President Abera Tola also reaffirmed the Society’s core commitment to humanitarian values. “We are not only saving lives through the provision of medicine and food during times of conflict, but we are also nurturing future generations through compassion and dignity,” he said.

The ERCS has also been advancing environmental initiatives, such as tree planting and land restoration, recognizing the link between ecological stability and human well-being. He also valued the government’s significant support to the Society to enhance its capacity.

He also revealed Society’s plan to increase its membership to 20 million over the next ten years and cover its expenses.

By 2035 ERCS would sustain its operation and humanitarian work, becoming a regional leader in humanitarian assistance capable of providing support for other societies in Africa, the President said.

Secretary General Abera Lulessa noted that the organization currently supports more than 3 million people affected by disasters across Ethiopia. He highlighted improvements in logistics and crisis response capacity, as well as strengthened coordination with national and international partners.

International Committee of the Red Cross Delegation for Ethiopia Head Simone Casabianca-Aeschlimann also highlighted ERCS’s nine decades of compassion, courage, and resilience, supporting those affected by conflict, violence, and natural disasters across Ethiopia, ENA reported.

“The ERCS has stood firm through times of peace and peril, achieving remarkable progress, often under extreme pressure,” she said, adding that “these milestones are carved not only into the legacy of ERCS, but into the lives of millions whose suffering was alleviated by your presence.”

Simone further stated that “the ICRC has walked this challenging yet rewarding journey over all these years. Our cooperation is grounded in a deep and enduring relationship, dating back to 1935.”

The Head appreciated the dedication of its leadership, staff, and thousands of volunteers.

“We are confident that this milestone will inspire renewed purpose and amplify your strength.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, ERCS recognized individuals and partner organizations that have significantly contributed to its mission over the decades.

Founded by volunteers in response to the Italo-Ethiopian conflict, the ERCS has grown into one of the country’s most trusted humanitarian institutions. Over nine decades, it has consistently provided emergency aid, health services, and development support to drought-affected, displaced, and vulnerable communities.

With growing humanitarian demands in Ethiopia and across the region, ERCS leaders say the next phase of their journey will focus on deeper community engagement, innovation, and building lasting self-reliant systems.

Currently, ERCS is deploying 1,000 ambulances across the country to strengthen its emergency response capabilities. In addition, efforts have been made to improve transportation logistics to ensure the timely delivery of food and emergency supplies to affected areas. Now, the Society owns capital assets valued at 12 billion Birr, which include buildings and agricultural land.

Further, it has entered into strategic partnerships with various sectors to jointly develop these properties and transform the resources into productive investments that support and enhance the humanitarian mission, it was learnt.

BY STAFF REPORTER

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

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