As the conflict continues in Ukraine, some reports include the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in other countries, as well as the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Here is an explanation of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the work each group does, and how the three distinct parts work independently and in support of one another.
The three parts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are:
National Societies Nearly every independent country in the world has a Red Cross or Red Crescent society -- 192 to be exact. The American Red Cross is one of these societies.
All Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination. Each National Society carries out its mission in different ways -- from responding to home fires and hurricanes to conflict, traffic accidents and loneliness. These organizations are chartered by their respective governments and, together, they assist one in 65 people in the world each year.
Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are helping in the region impacted by the conflict in Ukraine and are rolling up their sleeves to assist with the dire humanitarian crisis as it unfolds. In Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Belarus, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Red Cross volunteers are supporting people fleeing from their homes.
ICRC The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusive humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance.
Regarding Ukraine, the ICRC has called on authorities to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilians and infrastructure delivering essential services, including power and water facilities, schools and hospitals. Peter Maurer, president of the ICRC, requested protection for humanitarian action so that aid agencies can maintain access to civilians. ICRC has also called for parties to agree to terms so safe passage of civilians is possible.
Established in 1863, the ICRC works all over the world, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence. During situations of conflict, the ICRC responds quickly to help and also responds to disasters in regions affected by armed conflict. It also promotes the importance of international humanitarian law and draws attention to universal humanitarian principles.
As the custodian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a permanent mandate under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations, reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during armed conflicts. The ICRC also works to meet the needs of internally displaced persons, raise public awareness of the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war and trace people who have gone missing during conflicts.
IFRC The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. It supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 192 countries, bringing together almost 14 million volunteers for the good of humanity. The IFRC was founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War I.
The IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Through its work and that of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Red Cross is present in virtually every community on earth and reaches 160 million people every year through long-term services, development programs and disaster response.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
