Red Cross or International Red Cross is the usual name given to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a worldwide humanitarian organization founded on February 17, 1863 by the Swiss Henry Dunant.
The movement is made up of an International Committee, an International Federation and 187 National Societies that work together and have established various agreements with national States and international organizations.
The Red Cross emblem is, of course, a red cross, which represents the colors of the Swiss flag in reverse. It is a tribute to the creators of the movement and their neutral position.
The Red Cross is an international institution.
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Red Cross Mission
The mission of the Red Cross is to work for the prevention and mitigation of human suffering. That is why it is in charge of preserving the health and life of all individuals, especially in war and emergency situations. The prevention of diseases, the promotion of social welfare and the promotion of voluntary work are other objectives.
The actions of the Red Cross are based on certain fundamental precepts, such as neutrality (does not take sides in conflicts), impartiality (does not make differences of race, nationality, religious beliefs, social class or political ideology), unity (only there may be one Red Cross Society per country) and independence (it collaborates with public authorities, but remains autonomous).
The development of campaigns for the well-being of society, the search for and assistance to victims in emergencies, the temporary accommodation of individuals who need help and the collection of clothing, food and medicine to donate are part of the movement’s usual activities.
Members of the Red Cross provide assistance in disasters and emergency situations.
History and importance
The idea for this organization arose when Dunat, who was on a business trip in the place where a violent conflict had developed, saw some 40,000 people killed and injured in a field full of blood. Dunat witnessed how at the end of the war, the wounded were left defenseless and unattended and died because there were poor health services for similar situations.
From then on, Dunat began to move in order to create a group that was willing to care for those who were injured on the battlefield; He wanted this movement not to respond to any flag, that is, its objective was to help any human being, regardless of the side to which he belonged.
Thus, the Genevan Society of Public Utility was formed, which later, in 1863, was named the International Committee of the Red Cross. Which, with the support of the Swiss government, began to organize events to spread the ideas of the movement. Shortly after, the organization was accepted by the rest of the world, promising neutralization in conflicts and a presence in military hospitals around the world.
Role of the Red Cross
The fundamental tasks of the Red Cross in the regions where armed conflicts take place are: to mediate for peace, trying to make governments aware of the importance of preserving life above all else, witnessing conflicts and being attentive to help any human who unprotected, injured or hungry. They also give refuge to those who are persecuted so that the enemy side does not take them prisoner.
In our days, the work of this body is essential to preserve order in our societies; there are many countries that are currently at war and many others that live in situations of famine or poverty ; in these spaces, the presence of the Red Cross is very important. Thanks to the collaboration of its volunteers and the contribution that is collected around the world for various problems, the Red Cross manages to save the lives of many people and teaches us all the importance of looking to our side and helping those who most you need it, regardless of your ideas or nationality.
