World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is annually observed across the globe on May 8 to honor the principles and humanitarian efforts of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- The movement operates under seven core principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
2025 Theme:
The theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025 is “Keeping Humanity Alive”.
- It underscores the urgent need to uphold humanitarian values amid rising global challenges like inequality, conflicts, and health emergencies.
Why May 8?
The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant (8 May 1828 – 30 October 1910), who was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
Background:
i.The history of this day traces back to 1859, when Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering of wounded soldiers at the Battle of Solferino in Italy.
- This idea led to the formation of ICRC in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland.
ii.During the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross (1938) in London, England, delegates proposed 8 May as International Red Cross Day.
iii.In 1946, the League of Red Cross Societies (LORCS) advocated for uniform global observance.
iv.The first International Red Cross Day was celebrated on 8 May 1948.
- The day was renamed World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984 to reflect the inclusion of Red Crescent Societies.
What is the Red Cross?
The Red Cross is a non-governmental humanitarian organization that provides assistance to individuals affected by wars, disasters, famines, pandemics, and emergencies. It offers help without discrimination of race, religion, color, or nationality.
Key Organizations under the Red Cross Movement:
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement comprises three main components:
i.International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva (Switzerland)
ii.International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Geneva (Switzerland)
iii.192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (e.g., Indian Red Cross Society)
About International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
i.The IFRC was founded in 1919 in Paris, France, as LORCS.
ii.It was initiated by Henry Davison, then President of the American Red Cross War Committee.
iii.In 1983, it was renamed as the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
iv.In 1991, it officially became the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
v.Today, IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, supporting 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
- The IFRC secretariat coordinates actions in over 191 countries, bringing together over 16 million volunteers globally.
Red Cross in India:
i.The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) was established in 1920 and headquartered in New Delhi (Delhi).
ii.It operates across India in disaster relief, healthcare services, blood donation campaigns, and social welfare programs.
iii.The President of India serves as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society.
About International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
President – Kate Forbes
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Founded – 1919
