Part of the delegation’s visit was to meet with several government officials to discuss Palau Red Cross’ legal base, the national society’s program priorities, as well as the government’s commitment towards international humanitarian law.
“This is the first time that we are hosting a joint visit of this kind by international representatives from the different components of the Red Cross Crescent Movement,” said Miriam Chin, Executive Director of Palau Red Cross Society. She said added that Palau Red Cross is part of a large global network and they intend to draw from the experience, knowledge and resources of the network in moving forward.
“We would like to improve our engagement with local communities, with the aim of contributing to more resilient communities,” Chin said.
Senator Regina Mesebeluu, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Education, and Delegate Kalistus Ngirturong, Chairman of the Health and Education Committee, have pledged their support to Palau Red Cross and its programs.
“Government support is critical for facilitating the Movement’s initiatives in meeting the needs of vulnerable people in Palau,” said Jean-Luc Metzker, Intenational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific.
Delegate Ngirturong said, “The programs and initiative carried out by the Palau Red Cross Society are very important and the Red Cross has the support and commitment of the National Congress.”
Aurelia Balpe, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Crescent Society (IFRC) Head of Regional Office in the Pacific, shared that IFRC is committed to supporting Palau Red Cross to scale up its work with vulnerable people in ways that are adaptable and relevant to local needs.
Kathleen Walsh, Manager for Pacific Programmes from the Australian Red Cross, and Reeni Amin Chua, IFRC Asia Pacific Zone Communications Officer, were also part of the international delegates.
