Red Cross is an international organization formally established by the Geneva Convention of 1864 as humanitarian movement to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering. It was first founded in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland following four years untiring effort by Swiss businessman Jean Henri Dunant to protect the life and dignity of the victims of armed conflicts. The ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on three occasions (in 1917, 1944 and 1963). National Red Cross Societies are intimately linked to the respective national health care system.
The Indian Red Cross Society is a voluntary humanitarian organization having a network of over 700 branches throughout the country, providing relief in times of disasters/emergencies and promotes health & care of the vulnerable people and communities. It is a leading member of the largest independent humanitarian organization in the world, the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement. The movement has three main components, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), 187 National Societies and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Our Mission
The Mission of the Indian Red Cross is to inspire, encourage and initiate at all times all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimized and even prevented and thus contribute to create more congenial climate for peace.
About Society
- Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) was established in 1920 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act and incorporated under Parliament Act XV of 1920. The acts were last amended in 1992 and of rules were formed in 1994.
- The IRCS has 35 State / Union Territory Branches with more than 700 district and sub-district branches.
- Honourable President of India is the President of the Society.
- The Honourable Governor is the President of the State Branch.
- The Honourable Deputy Commissioner if the President of District Branches.
- The Managing Committee is responsible for governance and supervision of the functions of the society.
- The Secretary is the Chief Executive of the District Branch.
History & Origin
- The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is made up of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the National Societies.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the movement in situations of conflict. It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies works on the basis of the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to inspire facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people. Founded in 1919, the Federation directs and coordinates international health emergencies. It acts as the official representative of its member Societies in the international field. It promotes cooperation between National Societies in the international field. It Promotes cooperation between National Societies, and works to strengthen their capacity to carry out effective disaster preparedness, health and social programs.
- National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies embody the work and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in more than 178 countries. National Societies act as auxiliaries to the public authorities of their own countries in the humanitarian field and provide a range of services including disaster relief, health and social programs. During wartime, national societies assist the affected civilian population and support the army medical services where appropriate.
- Together, all the above components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the “Movement”) are guided by the same seven Fundamental Principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary services, unity and universality. In the same manner, all Red Cross and Red Crescent Activities have one Central purpose to help without discrimination those who suffer and thus contribute to peace in the World.
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Constitution of Red Cross.
- The Indian Red Cross Society Act, 1920.
- Rules for State/UT/District Branches.