The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement provide a wide range of programs to the world’s most vulnerable people in a variety of ways, from disaster and conflict response to providing aid in urban centers and hard-to-reach regions and campaigning on their behalf. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an annual commemoration of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s founding principles. Every year, the Red Cross or Red Crescent assists one out of every 65 people in the world. Often putting their lives at risk, teams deliver aid in line with seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is celebrated on 8 May each year. Every year, World Red Cross Day is commemorated with a specific theme to ensure that the effort is carried out successfully all over the world. Henry Dunant, who was born on May 8, 1828, celebrates his birthday on this day. He was the first Nobel Peace Prize winner and the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). An international commission at the 14th International Conference of the Red Cross adopted the Red Cross as a significant contribution to peace after World War I. The Red Cross Truce principles were proposed and accepted at the 15th International Conference in Tokyo in 1934, and they became applicable all over the world in various regions. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a multinational and autonomous network of around 11.7 million active volunteers and 450,000 workers who work in communities in over 190 countries.
The International Federation of Red Cross Societies (IFRC) General Assembly asked the “League of the Red Cross Societies (LORCS)” about the prospect of an annual commemoration. Just two years later, the plan to commemorate this day on an annual basis was approved, and the Red Cross Day was first observed on May 8, 1948. In 1984, it was officially designated as “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.” Together, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams not only respond to disasters like earthquakes, wars, refugee crises, and disease outbreaks but also help communities plan for future disasters and ensure that children receive the vaccinations they need to stay safe. People around the world commemorate World Red Cross Day to relieve misery, enhance dignity, and protect people’s lives from crises and natural disasters such as epidemic diseases, floods, and earthquakes. Both parts of the Red Cross organizations celebrate it by assisting citizens while maintaining its basic values of humanity, democracy, impartiality, neutrality, universality, voluntarism, and solidarity. Today’s world is in constant turmoil and crisis, but regardless of the issue of natural disasters, climate change, war, or migration Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are visible advocates for peace and unity, as well as active participants in shaping the future of our societies and nations. In these hard times, their devotion and dedication to alleviating human suffering as first responders and local actors remain strong and powerful. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its affiliates (National Societies) host a variety of services and events to inspire volunteers and facilitate and promote their humanitarian work. Members of the international Red Cross movement support those who have been affected by a variety of issues. People are empowered to safeguard their own lives while still respecting the integrity of other victims. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is dedicated to providing appropriate and timely humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people now and in the future, drawing on more than 150 years of humanitarian action.
