The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has called for strengthening interregional interaction between Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. In particular, the importance of expanding joint training and exercises, experience exchange, and building common operational capabilities was emphasized.
The head of IRCS, Pirhossein Kolivan, stated that no national society should remain isolated during crises. These remarks were made while participating in the XII Regional Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, held in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 24 and 25.
Summarizing IRCS's achievements over the past two years and analyzing lessons learned from recent crises, Kolivan highlighted the need to enhance regional preparedness. He also noted the importance of ensuring the safety of both humanitarian workers and civilian populations, removing obstacles to aid delivery, and carefully studying the consequences of using artificial intelligence and automated systems in armed conflicts.
Speaking about IRCS's changing approach, the official representative noted that the society has managed to transform the concept of 'preparedness' from an organizational concept into a real, intellectual, and actionable capacity on the ground. Over the past years, more than six million young volunteers have been trained, and about 120,000 search and rescue specialists have been organized into operational and rapid response teams.
Furthermore, IRCS has developed a comprehensive risk map, an atlas of hazard-prone areas, and an emergency response map. These tools have formed the basis for decision-making and guiding operations based on a more precise understanding of the needs, capacities, and risks of each territory.
Kolivan also commented on the country's reaction to recent crises, noting that regional problems are no longer isolated, short-term, or single-factor. He stressed that one crisis can simultaneously affect civilians, hospitals, pharmaceutical supply chains, critical infrastructure, mental health, as well as the financial and logistical capabilities of humanitarian organizations. Therefore, he insisted that preparation and response to humanitarian needs must begin before a crisis occurs, not just after it starts.
The official representative particularly highlighted the necessity of protecting civilian populations and humanitarian personnel amid the growing use of artificial intelligence, automated systems, and new technologies in military actions. He added that the application of these technologies should not lead to a reduction in human and legal responsibility, nor should it undermine the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution or the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
In July, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain, highly praised IRCS's efforts during the 40-day US-Israel war against Iran in a letter to Kolivan. Emphasizing the significance of immense operational, logistical, and humanitarian challenges, Chapagain stated that 'the Iranian Red Crescent Society demonstrated decisive and effective leadership, acting as the country's primary humanitarian player.'
The coordination of emergency medical services, round-the-clock assistance operations, psychosocial support, and community work, along with bold and highly professional search and rescue operations, reflect not only technical excellence but also deep trust within local communities. Such trust is the foundation of effective humanitarian action and underscores the unique auxiliary role of IRCS and its presence across the vast territory of Iran. IFRC reaffirms its full commitment to supporting IRCS in its current activities and in addressing evolving humanitarian needs.
