International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is celebrated every year to pay tribute to the volunteers for their unprecedented contribution to the people in need. 

On May 8th, we celebrate World Red Cross Day every year across the globe. This day is an annual event that celebrates the principles of the "International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement”. It is celebrated every year to pay tribute to the volunteers for their unprecedented contribution to the people in need.

Why it is celebrated

The day is celebrated to appreciate the work put in by the Red Cross to help civilians, women, children, detainees, internally displaced peoples, migrants, refugees, the differently-abled, and those seeking asylum.

8 May is the birth anniversary of Red Cross founder Henry Dunant. The Swiss humanitarian won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

The Red Cross Society has won the Nobel Prize thrice: in 1917, 1944 and 1963. No other organisation has won the Peace Prize more than the Red Cross.

How it is celebrated

ICRC New Delhi has praised the staff and volunteers on the occasion of Red Cross Day for working relentlessly to “safeguard communities from the dangerous consequences” of COVID-19.

The Indian Red Cross Society, which was founded in 1920, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

With the coronavirus pandemic affecting lives worldwide, the situation of people who have been victims of war or conflict has become even trickier.

ICRC has been drawing attention to the people living in camps or those who do not have access to clean water through their social media handles.

Seven Principles of Red Cross Society:

Humanity: -The main purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation amongst all peoples.

Impartiality: It makes no discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. The main motive is to help individuals solely on the basis of their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality: In order to enjoy the confidence of all, the movement does not engage in controversies of political, racial, religious, or ideological nature.

Independence: The movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the movement.

Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity: The Red Cross society must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide

 

Dr. Anshul Mahajan