Prof. Thuong, who is also VNRC Secretary General, said at a meeting in Hanoi on May 8 to mark International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day that the above-mentioned principle is in line with this year's goal of providing global assistance through the volunteer network set by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

He said volunteers have made great contributions to charitable activities ranging from social welfare to public healthcare, especially for war victims and people with disabilities, as well as to HIV/AIDS control efforts.

Dutch Red Cross representative Melanie Miltenburg recognised Vietnamese volunteers' great contributions to the VNRC's programmes, from wetland afforestation to campaigning for bird flu control, natural disaster preparedness, traffic safety and disabled people's interests.

Volunteers have worked effectively in charitable programmes in Vietnam for their close relationship with the community, Melanie said on behalf of the IFRC.

The VNRC took this occasion to award 12 organisations and individuals for their great contributions to humanitarian work.