International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Through much of the world, a red cross on a white background signals help and compassion. Many people associate a cross with Christianity. So in Muslim nations, movement workers use a red crescent. In 2006 the movement added a third symbol. It is the red crystal. Workers use it to signal aid in countries where Christian and Muslim symbols may be inappropriate.

History

In 1859 a Swiss traveler arrived in the town of Solferino, Italy. His name was Henri Dunant. It was the day after a fierce battle. Thousands of Austrian, French, and Italian soldiers lay dead or wounded. Dunant helped local volunteers set up hospitals. They cared for all wounded, regardless of nationality.

Dunant returned to his native city of Geneva. But he did not forget the soldiers he found on the battlefield. He wanted to create an aid organization to help all the war wounded. The organization would train volunteers. The volunteers would stand ready to help. Importantly, these volunteers would never take sides. They would give help regardless of nationality or religion.

Dunant’s idea led to the creation of the Committee of Five. It explored ways to achieve Dunant’s dream. The result was the founding of the Red Cross in 1863.

Over time, the movement’s work expanded to include peacetime relief. Today it has over 115 million volunteers. It helps some 233 million people each year.

Organization

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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies coordinates global aid. It assists disaster victims, refugees, and others. It helps national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. It sends specialists to help them enhance their services.

Sometimes, emergencies become too big for one national society to handle. The federation calls on other societies to help.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has a related mission. It protects and assists victims of war and local violence. It promotes international humanitarian law. This body of law establishes human rights for people in wartime. Such “rules of war” uphold the right to life and dignity regardless of race, nationality, or political beliefs. They protect prisoners of war, the wounded, and civilians. These laws extend safety to aid workers, vehicles, and buildings bearing the red cross, crystal, or crescent.

National Societies

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Individual Red Cross and Red Crescent societies work with their national governments. They provide disaster relief and health services. Many societies have blood-donation programs. They collect blood from volunteers, process it, and distribute it to hospitals.

Many national societies also have disaster-preparation and relief programs. They provide direct medical and material aid to disaster victims.

During wartime, the national societies assist civilians and support military medical services. They help bring together families separated by wars or other disasters.

Over 180 countries have Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. In Europe, some operate their own hospitals and clinics. They train nurses. African and Asian societies work to prevent the spread of AIDS. The Canadian society sponsors programs for water safety and first aid.

In 2006 the international federation admitted two new members. One was the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The other was the Israeli National Society, or Magen David Adom (”Red Star of David”).

American Red Cross

Clara Barton helped establish the American Red Cross in 1881. Barton was one of many women caring for Civil War wounded. Public contributions supply most of the group’s funding. In addition, Congress chartered the American Red Cross in 1900 and 1905. This charter provided federal money. In return, the American Red Cross must serve American soldiers and their families. It also helps communities prepare for disasters and aid disaster victims.

Like other national societies, the American Red Cross trains volunteers. They serve in Red Cross hospitals, clinics, and other agencies. They operate blood drives.

The American Red Cross also organizes volunteer nurses who serve during emergencies. In many communities, the group provides classes in first aid, swimming, and other water skills.

Role of Young People

The Junior Red Cross movement began during World War I (1914-18). It gave young people a safe way to help those wounded in war. The Youth Services of the American Red Cross includes elementary and secondary students. They help with blood drives and disaster relief.