Government introduces new British medal to honour humanitarian efforts
T
he Government has launched a brand new medal to honour individuals who present help throughout main humanitarian crises, reminiscent of floods and earthquakes.
The Humanitarian Medal, which has been authorised by King Charles, will likely be awarded to employees in public service organisations and charities who reply in assist of human welfare, both throughout or within the instant aftermath of a major occasion.
Recipients of the medal will likely be individuals who have responded to main humanitarian disasters, each at residence and overseas.
Crises might vary from pure and conflict-related disasters to vital industrial accidents and organic emergencies, reminiscent of an epidemic.
This new medal is a becoming tribute to our humanitarian heroes who put the wants of others earlier than their very own, usually in probably the most difficult or harmful environments
The Cabinet Office highlights the civilian and navy response to the outbreak of Ebola throughout West Africa in 2015 for instance of the form of service the medal will recognise.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden mentioned: “Britain has a long and proud tradition of being first in line to help those in need, wherever they may be in the world.
“This new medal is a fitting tribute to our humanitarian heroes who put the needs of others before their own, often in the most challenging or dangerous environments.”
The Cabinet Office mentioned the brand new medal will likely be much like a navy operational medal, through which it should “seek to acknowledge service given in response to a specific event”.
Eligibility for the Humanitarian Medal isn’t restricted to British nationals, and contains civil servants and charity employees, in addition to navy and emergency providers personnel, who’re working on behalf of the UK Government.
International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell mentioned the medal will shine a highlight on “unsung humanitarian heroes”.
He mentioned: “At a time when the world faces increasing crises, this new Humanitarian Medal recognises the unsung humanitarian heroes who go above and beyond to provide aid when disasters hit.
“I applaud the efforts of those who show such courage and serve as inspiration in a range of desperate situations.
“Our work around the world depends on these extraordinary people, and this award honours their outstanding contribution in responding to a major crisis.”
The medal’s design options a picture of the King on one facet and the phrases “for humanitarian service” on the opposite.
It is adorned with a multi-coloured ribbon which goals to mirror “the different paths for humanitarian service and the variety of services involved in such responses”, in line with the Cabinet Office.