The Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) and the Swedish Red Cross have trained their staff, volunteers, and board members in Anti-Corruption and Humanitarian Diplomacy aimed at equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to promote transparency, accountability and advocacy in humanitarian work. The workshop is a part of LNRCS’s ongoing commitment to ensure integrity in its humanitarian operations, and to also influence critical decision-making processes at local and national levels through humanitarian diplomacy, a Red Cross release noted. According to the release, the workshop which was held over the weekend in Nimba County from October 10 to 11 trained Red Cross representatives from all 15 counties in Liberia including the regional office in Fish Town, River Gee County and key officials from LNRCS headquarters in Monrovia. In his opening remarks, the release pointed out that LNRCS Secretary General Gregory Blamoh emphasized the importance of integrity and diplomacy in achieving successful humanitarian outcomes. He explained that the workshop was a vital step in ensuring that LNRCS remains accountable to the communities they serve. He encouraged his team to work collaboratively with partners to build trust, save lives and improve the quality of their humanitarian assistance across the country. “We cannot afford to be complacent in our humanitarian mission. As the challenges grow, so must our commitment to integrity, transparency and diplomacy,” Blamoh said. LNRCS Secretary General further underscored the role of partnerships in fulfilling Red Cross objectives, highlighting integrity and transparency as crucial in securing humanitarian access to influencing policy and decisions during crises. “Our ability to influence policy, foster collaboration, and secure humanitarian access during a crisis is directly linked to the integrity and transparency of our operations and this training provides that foundation for stronger partnerships that will benefit the People of Liberia,” he added. He then stressed that the workshop would not only strengthen the capacity of participants but will also ensure that the Red Cross continues to deliver impartial and transparent humanitarian services. Moreover, Blamoh stressed that it would enhance the LNRCS’s ability to engage in stronger humanitarian diplomacy in advocating for policies and laws that support humanitarian goals, protect affected communities and build partnerships with government, private sector and other humanitarian organizations. Source: LINA