The global Red Cross is the world's largest humanitarian network. It exists in more than 192 countries, bringing together almost 14 million volunteers for the good of humanity.
As the world’s largest humanitarian network, there is sometimes confusion about how the Red Cross global network is structured – and about our work around the globe. Here is a breakdown of 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 as follows:
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, global weather events and health support after a disaster. These organizations are chartered by their respective governments and together, they assist one in 65 people in the world each year.
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.
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.
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, 军队和他们的家庭成员. 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 rebecakuropatwa.com or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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