2020 has been an extraordinary year unlike no other in recent memory. COVID-19 has affected every aspect of people’s lives and placed colossal strain on physical and mental health, health systems, economies, livelihoods and social fabrics around the world. As volunteers have experienced first-hand, other disasters have not stopped for the pandemic, and they have worked tirelessly to support vulnerable communities during complex and overlapping crises.

They have done so with immense compassion and courage, all the while contending with the impacts of the virus on their own lives and families. We mourn those who are sadly no longer with us and stand in solidarity and empathy with those who have lost loved ones.

In a world that can feel increasingly divided, every individual action of solidarity, of peace, of lending a hand and supporting your community counts – no matter how big or small it may seem. As the world’s largest humanitarian network, we know this collective local action has a massive global impact.

In Iran as well, the volunteers of the Iranian Red Crescent Society have been involved in helping the people to be safe by being part of the national response since the outbreak COVID-19 in the country.

On International Volunteers Day, as with every day, we are deeply proud of the nearly 14 million of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers around the world in 192 national societies, saving lives and striving for our shared humanity. We thank each and every one of them.

Happy International Volunteers Day!