1I.R.C. Member Induction Course

Red Cross/Red Crescent

Ideals

in

Action

2I.R.C. Member Induction Course

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

• explain the structure and role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

• describe the Fundamental Principles of the RC/RC movement and their obligation to those principles

• analysis their role as a volunteer within the movement

• explain the significance of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems

Red Cross/Red Crescent

3I.R.C. Member Induction Course

“Would there not be some means, during a period of peace and calm, of forming Relief Societies whose object would be to have the wounded cared for in time of war by enthusiastic, devoted volunteers, fully qualified for the task?”

Henry Dunant

“A Memory of Solferino” 1862

Red Cross/Red Crescent

4I.R.C. Member Induction Course

Structure

International Conference

National Societies

International Federation of

Societies

International Committee

5I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• Meet every 4 years

• Attended by representatives of governments that have signed up to the Geneva Conventions(“the rules of war”)

International Conference

6I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• Created in 1919 after Word War 1

• World's largest humanitarian organization

• 176 member Red Cross and Red Crescent societies

• Carries out relief operations to assist victims of disasters, and combines this with development work

International Federation

7I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• Known as ICRC• Private, independent Swiss organisation• 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.

International Committee

8I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• Meets the needs of the local population

• Prepare for role in armed conflict

• Support the work of the Federation, ICRC and other societies

• 97 million volunteers worldwide

National Societies

9I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• Established in 1939

• President of Ireland is the President of the Society

• Irish Red Cross16 Merrion Square, Dublin2, Ireland.

Irish Red Cross Society

10I.R.C. Member Induction Course

“Seven fundamental principles embody the work of all Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers worldwide. Adopted in 1965, these principles define the scope of their humanitarian work, and provide a basis for promoting the ideals and humanitarian values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”

International Federation

Fundamental Principles

11I.R.C. Member Induction Course

HumanityHumanity

ImpartialityImpartiality

NeutralityNeutrality

IndependenceIndependence

Voluntary ServiceVoluntary Service

UnityUnity

UniversalityUniversality

Fundamental Principles

12I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• The red cross on a white background was formally adopted in the first Geneva Convention of 1864. The red crescent was adopted in 1876

• Protected by International Humanitarian Law• "indicative" (logo or identification when

undertaking their normal day to day activities) • "protective" (a protective device when volunteers,

and the medical services of their country's armed forces, are involved in conflict.)

The Emblem

13I.R.C. Member Induction Course

• Humanity• Impartiality• Neutrality• Independence• Voluntary Service• Unity• Universality