World Red Cross Day 8th of May.

Unstoppable

This 8th of May is the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, who was born on 8 this day in 1828. He was the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

The 2021 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day theme is ‘Unstoppable’. 

The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on May 8, 1948. The official title of the day changed over time, and became World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984. Here are some key points to know about the World Red Cross Day.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War One.

There were five founding members – Britain, France, Italy, Japan and the United States. Over the years, the number of countries grew and now there are 190 recognised National Societies, which means one in almost every country.

The initiative, to celebrate the annual day, was introduced just after World War One. It was known as the Red Cross Truce.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Its mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies.

In War The Red Cross carry no weapons. Their only shield is the red cross emblem. The emblem is a symbol of protection that international law gives to the wounded and sick, and those caring for them, in armed conflict. They convey to those fighting that they must not attack anyone or anything that displays these emblems’

The British Red Cross

The fundamental principles of the British Red Cross mean that people they help can trust that they are neutral, independent and impartial. Their supporters know that they help those most in need both in the UK and internationally, and their staff and volunteers are part of something unique.

The seven fundamental principles of the British Red Cross