On May 8th, we commemorate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, celebrating international humanitarian action. Why this date? It coincides with the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.
During the bloody Battle of Solferino (Italy, 1859), Swiss businessman Dunant was shocked by the number of wounded left without medical care. He then organized volunteers to help soldiers, regardless of their side. He later wrote the book "A Memory of Solferino," in which he proposed:
- The creation of voluntary relief societies.
- The recognition of a neutral symbol (a red cross on a white background).
In 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was founded in Geneva, and a year later, the First Geneva Convention was signed, establishing protection for the wounded and medical personnel in times of war, and the symbol of the Red Cross was officially adopted.
The genius of the philanthropist Dunant lay not only in his vision of the future, but also in his belief in our shared humanity. He understood that suffering knows no boundaries, and that our compassion should know none either.
Above all, it is a day to pay tribute to the millions of volunteers and staff who work alongside people in need of protection, assistance, health services, social aid, and solidarity.
Red Cross members are present in armed conflicts and other situations of violence, disasters, climate crises, epidemics, food insecurity, and mass displacement in various ways, such as:
- Providing first aid and emergency support
- Participating in health and prevention campaigns
- Assisting in care centers and shelters
- Collaborating in caring for migrants or displaced persons
- Organizing education and awareness-raising activities
- Supporting work in natural disasters
- Accompanying elderly or lonely people
- Providing psychological support in crises
- Promoting humanitarian principles
- Participating in training and constantly updating their knowledge
The flag of neutrality allows them to protect and assist vulnerable people at all times, as well as reaching hard-to-reach places where there are urgent and diverse needs. Helping people without distinctions—by race, culture, religion, political ideology, sexual orientation, etc.—is an exercise in empathy that allows us to respond to their general and specific needs, regardless of their origin.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has a well-known motto that reflects its humanitarian mission: "Protect human life and dignity." A broader and more meaningful version is also frequently used: "Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality." These are the 7 Fundamental Principles that guide all the Movement's actions.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent are part of the same international humanitarian movement. Still, they use different symbols depending on the cultural and religious context of the country in which they operate:
Origin of the symbol
- Red Cross: Adopted in 1864 in honor of Switzerland (the red cross is the reverse of its flag). It was created as a neutral symbol to protect medical personnel and the wounded in conflicts.
- Red Crescent: It was adopted later, in the late 19th century, when the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) felt that the cross might not be culturally accepted by its Muslim population.
- A third symbol: Since 2005, a third, neutral emblem called the Red Crystal has been used in cases where neither the cross nor the crescent are accepted.
Behind this enormous humanitarian work is a vast structure requiring resources. Where does this support come from?
The Red Cross, present in more than 190 countries, is supported primarily by voluntary donations. This includes contributions from:
- Individuals: Individual donations, both one-time and monthly, are one of the main funding sources. Millions of people worldwide contribute whatever they can to support this humanitarian network.
- Supportive companies: Many companies donate money, supplies, or services as part of their social responsibility policies, supporting specific campaigns or international emergencies.
- Governments and public agencies: Some states provide financial or material support through agreements and joint humanitarian projects.
- International organizations: Institutions such as the UN, the European Union, and the World Bank also fund specific missions in crisis contexts.
- Foundations and philanthropic organizations: Entities such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other large organizations provide resources for health, safe water, and medical care programs.
- Own services: In several countries, the Red Cross offers paid services (such as first aid courses or insurance), whose income is reinvested in humanitarian activities.
What is the staff?
- Volunteers: They represent the heart of the movement. They are people who selflessly offer their time and knowledge to help in emergencies, provide medical assistance, support health campaigns, accompany vulnerable communities, among many other tasks. There are millions of volunteers worldwide.
- Professional staff (paid): This includes doctors, nurses, technicians, logisticians, specialists in humanitarian law, risk management, administration, communications, etc. They often work on complex projects or in contexts requiering continuity and technical expertise.
Both roles are complementary and fundamental to the functioning of the movement.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement comprises several entities, each with its leadership structure. The current presidents of the member organizations are listed below:
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- President: Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
- Nationality: Switzerland
- Term of office: October 2022
- Term duration: No fixed term is stipulated by statute; however, terms are typically renewed every four years.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
- President: Kate Forbes
- Nationality: United States
- Term of office: December 2023
- Term duration: Four years, with the possibility of re-election for a second consecutive term.
Each of these leaders plays a crucial role in coordinating and implementing humanitarian activities worldwide. These efforts are sustained by a global network of solidarity that allows their work to reach the most needy corners of the planet.
Its independence and neutrality depend on the trust millions of people place in its mission each year. Its emblem, the red cross, the red crescent, and the red crystal, are symbols of hope, support, and guidance for those seeking answers.
