During its November 1987 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the Council of Delegates adopted a programme (Resolution No. 7) to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For one event it was decided that all States would be asked to make an exceptional “Humanitarian Gesture” on 8 May 1989, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This gesture was intended to restore a sense of hope and dignity to people or groups of people who are destitute, in despair or forgotten.