Speaking at the third plenary session of the MENA Regional Conference, titled “Volunteer Safety in the Middle East and North Africa,” Pir Hossein Kolivand, who co-chaired the session, stressed the need for National Societies to move from experience to practical action to enhance the safety, security, and protection of volunteers and humanitarian staff.

Paying tribute to the aid workers and volunteers who lost their lives while carrying out humanitarian missions, he said: “Volunteers are not merely an operational workforce; they are a human asset and a living link between National Societies and communities. In many crises, they are the first to arrive on the scene to help people.”

Referring to Iran’s recent experience of war, the president of the Iranian Red Crescent said that nine aid workers had been martyred, while three helicopters, three relief vehicles, and 43 ambulances had been damaged during U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Furthermore, a footage was shown during the session highlighting the sacrifices and services of Iranian Red Crescent volunteers and aid workers.