In April, six members of the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and two ICRC colleagues flew to Beirut for a Safer Access learning exchange visit with the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC). The aim of the visit was for these two National Societies, which operate in similar contexts and face similar challenges in terms of acceptance, security and access, to exchange experiences and learning. During a busy four-day programme, which involved visits to various locations around the country, the MRCS representatives were able to learn from the LRC’s Safer Access practices and how it managed to build a solid reputation as a neutral, impartial and independent organization and develop good relations with 18 stakeholders of influence regarding its access, acceptance and security. Both National Societies discussed their guidelines, training sessions and volunteer management, among many other subjects.
The MRCS representatives learned about the country-wide emergency medical services (EMS) run by the LRC, which are well known to the population. They also heard how the LRC’s disaster management unit carries out its duties in such a way that it is accepted and has access all over the country.
The LRC, for its part, discovered how the MRCS manages coordination and cooperation with other Movement partners. LRC secretary-general Georges Kettaneh commented: “The visit of the MRCS to the Lebanese RC highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer learning and improved synergy within the Movement and among National Societies. Being able to share mutual experience on responding to humanitarian needs within the SAF framework was insightful and beneficial for both Societies. We hope that the MRCS benefited from the LRC’s history and knowledge of EMS operations and services, which were of particular interest to Dr Aung Kyaw Htut and his team.”
Dr Aung Kyaw Htut, deputy secretary-general of the MRCS, observed: “Successful delivery of humanitarian services is made possible by the dedication of individuals and their commitment to team work. The volunteer screening system and training development programme were the most memorable lessons we learnt from the Lebanese Red Cross”.
