The protocol was signed on 13 October, World Disaster Reduction Day. The signing ceremony, which took place at the ministry building, was attended by IHH board member Ömer Kars, Syrian civil defence director general Münir el-Mustafa, and officials from the foundation and the ministry.
The protocol states: 'The parties shall cooperate in the design and implementation of training programmes for search-and-rescue and first-aid teams that comply with internationally recognised standards.'
In addition to training search-and-rescue personnel, the protocol also plans joint public education programmes on pre-disaster preparedness, first aid and safe behaviour in schools and local communities.
13 October is the “International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction”
The United Nations General Assembly designated 13 October as the “International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction” in 1989. Since then, activities held annually on 13 October have aimed to raise awareness of identifying and reducing disaster risks.
