1. Red Cross/Red Crescent
Ideals in
Action

2. Red Cross/Red Crescent
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

3. Red Cross/Red Crescent
“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

4. Structure International Federation of Societies International
Committee
International
Conference
National
Societies

5. International Conference
Meet every 4 years
Attended by representatives of governments that have signed up to the Geneva Conventions(“the rules of war”)

6. International Federation
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

7. International Committee
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.

8. National Societies 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

9. Irish Red Cross Society
Established in 1939
President of Ireland is the President of the Society
Irish Red Cross 16 Merrion Square, Dublin2, Ireland.

10. Fundamental Principles
“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

11. Fundamental Principles
Humanity
Impartiality
Neutrality
Independence
Voluntary Service
Unity
Universality

12. The Emblem
The red cross on a white background was formally adopted in the first Geneva Convention of 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.)

13. Humanity
Impartiality
Neutrality
Independence
Voluntary Service
Unity
Universality