DUSHANBE, November 19, 2012, Asia-Plus — Mr. Abulhasan Faghih, Head of the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Ms. Fatima Gilani, Secretary General of the Afghan Red Cross Society (ARCS), arrived in Dushanbe on November 17 on an official visit.
An official source at the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) says that during their stay in Tajikistan, Abulhasan Faghih and Fatima Gilani are scheduled to hold talks with representatives of the Tajik Government, employees and volunteers of RCST and representatives of the Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to Tajikistan.
“They will also get acquainted with the process of training of employees of RCST’s branch in Qurghon Teppa (Khatlon province) and attend official ceremonies of opening of international center of the RCSs of Tajikistan and Iran in the Varzob district and joint hospital in Dushanbe,” the source said.
Heads of RCSs of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran will also discuss issues related to implementation of joint humanitarian projects, the source added.
The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST) is the oldest and biggest humanitarian organization in Tajikistan providing assistance to people in need since 1927. RCST strictly promoting Fundamental Principles of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement within the framework of implementing programs on health issues, disaster preparedness and disaster response, branch development closely cooperates with governmental structures, non-governmental and international organizations with the aim of protection and relieving condition of vulnerable strata of population. The RCST has branches in all 69 districts and counts more than 15.000 of volunteers throughout the country.
The Afghan Red Cross Society (ARCS) is the Afghan affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Society has existed for over 70 years although with limited structure due to the prevailing conditions which have affected the country at large for over 20 years. The ARCS was founded in April 1934. It traces its origins to the Naderia Orphanage, with the purpose of helping orphans and those in need. Although limited in terms of organizational capacity in recent years, the organization and activities of the ARCS covers territory throughout the country, with active branches in 31 of 32 provinces.
Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran was formed in 1923 as the name of Red Lion and Sun Society of Iran. It was changed to the Red Crescent society after the Islamic Revolution and has its headquarters in Tehran.
