President of the Red Cross of Montenegro (CKCG) Mitar Vuckovic He said that it was time to legally regulate the status of the Red Cross, as an organization of special social importance.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as announced, today marked a significant anniversary - "a century and a half of humanity, not only in Montenegro, but also beyond."
The ceremonial academy of the first national Red Cross society in the Balkans, and the 22nd in the world, was organized at the Government House in Cetinje.
"Today, 150 years later, the Red Cross of Montenegro remains a pillar of humanity, a symbol of trust and the voice of conscience of our society. However, it is time to say clearly - the attitude towards the Red Cross must change. It must no longer depend on someone's good will or the current mood of an individual. It is time to legally regulate the status of the Red Cross, as an organization of special social importance - sui generis, in a way that reflects its essential role: an ally of the state and society, a guardian of humanity and the first to arrive where it is most difficult and most needed. We must also care about humanitarian workers, about their position, status and dignity, because their contribution has not yet been recognized and valued in the way that these noble people deserve," said Vučković.
Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in a video address highlighted the importance and influence, as reported, of a small national Red Cross society on the global Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement..
“Through close partnership with the International Federation, you have strengthened key technical areas, from fundraising, to community engagement and accountability to the people you serve. You have also taken on responsibility in addressing contemporary challenges, from promoting climate change preparedness, to supporting those who are often forgotten: migrants, the elderly and all those who lack basic support.”
Mirjana Spoljarić, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said that the Red Cross of Montenegro, in times of new crises and uncertainty, remains a stable, reliable and indispensable voice of humanity.
"Your history is a testament to extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity and difficult times. And that spirit endures today."
Mayor of Cetinje Nikola Đurašković On behalf of the Royal Capital, he emphasized the importance of providing support to the Red Cross organization.
"I would like to highlight one important step that, in anticipation of marking this anniversary, has additionally confirmed our commitment and responsible attitude towards the humanitarian work of this organization - the Royal Capital of Cetinje is the first city administration in Montenegro to initiate the adoption of a Decision on financing the Red Cross with funds that will increase in line with the growth of the Royal Capital's budget, thereby confirming that respect, support and care for citizens represent a permanent obligation and the foundation of our relationship towards the Red Cross and its values."
President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic presented the Order of the Montenegrin Flag, 1st Order, to the Red Cross, an award given for its contribution to the affirmation of Montenegro and its national and cultural identity and the highest values of Montenegrin society. He emphasized that the award "is not only a symbol of the state's gratitude, but also a recognition of the organization that was a moral support for our society in the most difficult moments," saying that the strength of a state is measured by caring for those who need help the most.
He recalled that for a century and a half, the Red Cross has been where it is most difficult – in epidemics, floods, fires and earthquakes, "and that humanity does not know the size of the territory, but the size of the spirit."
"In moments when politics divided people, the Red Cross brought them together around what is the only thing that matters, which is human life. And when institutions cannot respond quickly, it is your presence on the ground that restores the trust of citizens that the system has not forgotten about them. If we want a modern, successful and European Montenegro, we must protect and support those who quietly and without big words live humanity in practice every day. May the Red Cross of Montenegro continue to be a beacon of kindness and compassion in the centuries to come. The Red Cross is the best face of our community," said Milatović.
At the ceremonial academy, a medal and a gold sign were awarded - the highest recognition of the Red Cross of Montenegro for an exceptional contribution to the development of the organization. The Red Cross medals were awarded to: Milorad Drekalović and Miodrag Nikolić from Nikšić, Slobodan Kalezić from Danilovgrad, Zoran Rudić from Bijelo Polje and Duško Božović from Tivat. The following received the Golden Badge: Jevrosima Vukmirovic from Cetinje, Mira Solovic from Nikšić, Snezana Boskovic, Nikola Vukotic and Radovan Dragnic from Nikšić, Snezana Prlja and Jelena Šofranac from Podgorica and posthumously Nedjeljka-Cica Pavlović from Bar.
Jevrosima Vukmirović, on behalf of the awardees, emphasized that they share the recognition with volunteers, colleagues, generations that built the Red Cross, and with everyone who has ever extended a hand to a person in need.
"Today we are proud, but also deeply grateful. Each of us has earned this recognition through years of dedication, humble work and faith in humanity. For me personally, at almost eighty years old, the Red Cross has been and remains a source of strength. Even when my health was failing, belonging to the Red Cross gave me will, pride and a sense of meaning."
A short documentary film by the Red Cross of Montenegro was also presented at the academy, in which those present had the opportunity to recall the organization's activities over the past 150 years.
The ceremonial academy was attended by representatives of the Government, the diplomatic corps, religious communities, national Red Cross societies from the region, the non-governmental sector, partners and friends of the Montenegrin Red Cross, which is a member of the largest humanitarian network in the world - the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, the statement says.
Bonus video:
