The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at 60. Photo courtesy
On May 8, 2025, the world’s largest humanitarian network commemorated the 60th anniversary of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
The date, observed annually since 1965, honours the founding principles and far-reaching work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
It also marks the birth of Henry Dunant, the Swiss humanitarian whose vision laid the groundwork for the Movement’s creation.
Origins Rooted in the Battlefield
Henry Dunant was born on May 8, 1828, in Geneva. In 1859, while travelling in northern Italy, he witnessed the horrific aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, where thousands of wounded soldiers lay without aid.
He mobilised local volunteers to help and later published A Memory of Solferino, urging the creation of neutral, voluntary relief organisations.
His call to action led to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863 and the adoption of the first Geneva Convention a year later.
These milestones shaped the foundation of modern international humanitarian law.
Dunant’s ideas not only inspired governments and volunteers alike, but also earned him the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
Over time, what began as a response to the brutality of war evolved into a global humanitarian force committed to serving people in crisis.
A Movement Built on Three Pillars
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement consists of three distinct but interlinked components:
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), founded in 1863, provides protection and assistance in armed conflicts and promotes adherence to international humanitarian law. It operates independently in war zones, visiting detainees, tracing missing persons, and supporting civilians affected by violence.
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was created in 1919 to coordinate relief efforts during natural disasters and health emergencies. It works with National Societies to strengthen local preparedness, disaster response, and community health systems.
- National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies operate in 192 countries. These societies tailor humanitarian services to local needs, from first aid and ambulance services to refugee support, blood donation drives, and community resilience programs.
Each branch plays a unique role, but all operate under shared principles and cooperate in times of emergency.
This decentralised yet unified structure allows the Movement to deliver assistance quickly and consistently across borders.
Guided by Fundamental Principles
All three arms of the Movement adhere to seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
These values ensure that aid is delivered based solely on need, without discrimination, and that the Movement remains apolitical and impartial—even in polarised or conflict-ridden settings.
This ethical framework has allowed the Movement to build trust in regions often inaccessible to other actors, including warring territories, disaster zones, and politically unstable environments.
Growth in Reach and Scale
Since the 20th century, the Movement has witnessed exponential growth. In its early decades, there were fewer than 100 National Societies.
Today, there are 192—one in nearly every recognised country. The IFRC, ICRC, and National Societies together engage over 14 million volunteers and more than 500,000 staff members worldwide.
This growth is also evident in impact. In 2023, the Movement provided humanitarian assistance to more than 100 million people across 90 countries.
From delivering food and shelter during natural disasters to offering health services during disease outbreaks, the Movement’s reach continues to expand alongside global needs.
In war-torn regions, the ICRC remains a critical actor, conducting confidential visits to detainees and helping reconnect families torn apart by violence.
In disaster-prone areas, National Societies deliver rapid relief while also investing in community-level resilience and preparedness to reduce future vulnerabilities.
Adapting to New Humanitarian Frontiers
In recent years, the Movement has adapted to a shifting humanitarian landscape.
Climate-related disasters, complex migration patterns, urban emergencies, and public health threats such as COVID-19 have forced a recalibration of how aid is delivered.
In response, the IFRC’s Strategy 2030 focuses on local action, digital transformation, and addressing the root causes of vulnerability.
The Movement has also increased its focus on youth engagement, inclusion of marginalised communities, and the use of local knowledge to design effective, culturally relevant interventions.
These shifts reflect a commitment to not just responding to crises, but also building long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote human dignity.
A Legacy of Service and Solidarity
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is not merely a ceremonial occasion. It is a day to reflect on a legacy built over more than 160 years.
