Results of his work today
The emblem
The red cross and red crescent on a white background are among the 20th century's most enduring images. In war and peace, and in the midst of suffering and tragedy caused by man-made or natural disasters, they are internationally recognised symbols of help and compassion.An idea forged in the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859 through the vision of its founders has grown to become the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The movement
The movement is guided by seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Likewise, all Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have a central purpose -- to help those who suffer without discrimination and thus contribute to peace in the world.
The organisation
The movement is a term covering a huge organisation:
| 1) | The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) | |
| 2) | International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the International Federation). | |
The ICRC, the Federation and the National Societies are independent bodies. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority over the others.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Movement in situations of conflict. It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies works on the basis of the Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people. Founded in 1919, the Federation directs and coordinates international assistance of the Movement to victims of natural and technological disasters, to refugees and in health emergencies. It acts as the official representative of its member Societies in the international field. It promotes cooperation between National Societies, and works to strengthen their capacity to carry out effective disaster preparedness, health and social programmes.
NATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES
A large number of National Red Cross Societies were founded immediately after 1863-1864, and others later, as different conflicts broke out. The movement spread well beyond the frontiers of Europe, as is apparent from the fact that besides Red Cross Societies, Red Crescent and Red Lion and Sun Societies, with corresponding emblems, were founded. At present, the Red Cross movement comprises 137 National Societies with about 250 million members. Moreover, there are 50 million young people between the ages of 10 and 18 in the Red Cross Youth Sections.
The National Societies' field of activity now extends far beyond the tasks laid down by Henry Dunant and the 1863 conference. Medical aid on behalf of wounded and sick soldiers has developed into assistance to all war victims1 covering prisoners, civilian wounded and sick, internees and deported persons, evacuees , refugees, homeless persons and populations of occupied territories.
The development of Red Cross work in time of war has led to the expansion of its peacetime activities: volunteers who have done valuable work for the Red Cross in times of adversity do not want to-and indeed should not-remain inactive in less difficult periods. On the contrary, it is only right that they should be allowed to make their contribution to the day-to-day humanitarian work which needs to be done in the industrialized countries and the Third World alike. This is how National Societies' peacetime activities took shape, and action started being taken on behalf of the sick, wounded and disabled, the aged and young children, the victims of disasters within national borders or abroad. To these peacetime medical and social activities was added, at the end of World War I, the work of Red Cross Youth, which teaches young people the ideals of help and service, and aims to promote friendship and understanding among the youth of all nations.
| Table of contents | continue |