The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network that operates in almost every country on the planet, providing aid and support to those in need during emergencies, disasters, conflicts, and other crises. The movement strives to alleviate human suffering, safeguard human dignity, and promote peace, health, and well-being.
Every year on May 8, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, also known as World Red Cross Day, is observed. It honours Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
On this day, national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organise a variety of events and activities. These activities could include blood drives, first aid training sessions, fundraising campaigns, public awareness campaigns, and the recognition of exceptional volunteers and humanitarian achievements.
WORLD RED CROSS DAY THEME 2023:
According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is a time to honour those who make a difference in their communities and to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism. “This year, our theme is: Everything we do comes #fromtheheart,” it said. “We want to recognise the people in our communities, “the person next door,” who are often the first to step forward and help those in need around them. They could be someone at work; a neighbourhood business-owner; a Red Cross or Red Crescent community volunteer; someone at the gym, shop, or market we go to; or someone living close by who has always been by our side. However they support us, they do it with love and #fromtheheart,” IFRC said.
SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD RED CROSS DAY:
The goal of World Red Cross Day is to recognise the humanitarian work done by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement around the world. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the organization’s principles, mission, and activities, as well as to recognise the hard work and bravery of its volunteers and staff.
In times of crisis, World Red Cross Day serves as a reminder of the value of humanity, compassion, and solidarity. It emphasises the critical role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in providing humanitarian aid and promoting humanitarian values around the world.
HISTORY OF WORLD RED CROSS DAY:
World Red Cross Day was founded by Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The origins of World Red Cross Day can be traced back to the founding of the Red Cross movement.
During the Second Italian War of Independence, Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering of wounded soldiers on the battlefield of Solferino, Italy. Shocked by the lack of medical care and support, he organised local civilians to help the injured, regardless of nationality.
This experience inspired Dunant to write the book “A Memory of Solferino,” which advocated for the formation of volunteer groups to care for the wounded during wartime. His efforts resulted in the establishment of the International Committee for Relief of the Wounded, later known as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863.
During armed conflicts, the ICRC sought to provide neutral and impartial humanitarian assistance. The concept of World Red Cross Day was proposed in the 1920s and gained traction in the following years. It was formally established in 1933 at the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in Tokyo, Japan.
The conference chose May 8 to commemorate Henry Dunant’s birth and to recognise the humanitarian work of the Red Cross movement. Since then, May 8 has been designated as World Red Cross Day.