International Services
American Red Cross International Services helps vulnerable people and communities around the world prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and health emergencies, through mobilizing the power of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 186 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies and more than 97 million volunteers. In all our work, we abide by the seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
American Red Cross International Services focuses on:
For each of these priority areas, we promote cost-effective, community-based programs, which target the most vulnerable people with humanitarian aid that is rapid, effective, and self–sustaining.
Our international programs include:
Working with our Movement partners around the globe, the American Red Cross helps to build the local capacities of our partner Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, collaborates with those national societies to train and organize volunteers and educate communities, and establishes partnerships with other public and private organizations to strengthen and complement our core international services and initiatives.
 FAQS about American Red Cross International Services
 The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
 The International Committee of the Red Cross
 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
 The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world with a presence and activities in almost every country. It is unified and guided by seven Fundamental Principles. All Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination whether during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or to alleviate the suffering brought by conditions of chronic poverty.
The International Committee of the Red Cross
Established in 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The ICRC 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.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Founded in 1919, the International Federation is a coalition of individual Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies that coordinates relief efforts throughout the world caused by natural disaster. Currently, the Federation comprises 185 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies, a Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland and regional delegations strategically located to support activities around the world.
The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Together, the National Societies have 97 million members and volunteers and assist some 233 million beneficiaries each year. The promotion of humanitarian values is an intrinsic part of all Red Cross and Red Crescent activities. They also promote awareness of international humanitarian law and advocate internationally through the International Federation and with the International Committee of the Red Cross. Each country is allowed to charter only one Red Cross or Red Crescent society within its territory.
|
