22 June 2023 – Darasula, Gariuai, Baucau – As the JUPRO Youth Camp of CVTL is coming to an end – it is done on a very important day – CVTL Day!
Red Cross has had a long history in Timor-Leste. Portugal Red Cross started here decades ago – followed by Palang Merah Indonesia (Indonesia Red Cross), and the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).
Around the time Timor-Leste gained independence, a small group of dedicated people decided it was time for Timor-Leste to have their own Red Cross National Society. Each of these 16 men and women, had their own story about Red Cross – some, literally had their lives saved by Red Cross. They decided the time was right – Timor-Leste had become independent and now we should have our own Timor-Leste Red Cross.
23 years ago – Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste was born on this day.
“We have grown into a vital, respected and trusted organisation that is auxiliary to the Government of Timor-Leste,” said Mr Luis Pedro Pinto, Secretary General of CVTL.
With our 13 Branches in all municipalities, as well as one in the making for Atauro Island, we have 100’s and 100’s of dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers and staff are trained and ready for disasters, first aid, health and nutrition livelihoods, mobilise blood donors, teaching and training our youth on issues like reproductive health and leadership.
We provide support and relief to disaster survivors; we educate the public about how to prevent the spread of disease; we help communities prepare for emergencies, including providing first aid training; we have a youth program in schools; we reconnect families separated by disasters and conflict in coordination with the ICRC; we promote international humanitarian law and much more. The women and men of CVTL, our staff and volunteers (both past and present), have dedicated their lives in supporting the community.
This week we celebrate CVTL Day with our theme, “CVTL – Keeps Spreading Kindness”. We celebrate our volunteers, our communities and our country.
Everything we do at CVTL is based on its seven fundamental strategies that follow all the 192 Red Cross and Red Cross National Societies around the world: Humanity, Impartiality, Independence, Neutrality, Unity, Universality, and Voluntary Service.
“We are all proud to be part of such an important organisation of CVTL. Today is a day to celebrate life and to thank everyone throughout the decades who have helped and supported CVTL including the Red Cross movement who has supported us since we began”, concluded Mr Pinto Pedro.
CVTL is Timor-Leste’s leading humanitarian organization and works as an auxiliary to Government in emergency response and for vulnerable communities within Timor-Leste It was formally recognized by the Timor-Leste Government in a Decree Law in 2005 and was recognized as the 183rd member of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
