International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Role / Field:

Global humanitarian aid network coordinating disaster relief and health initiatives.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a worldwide humanitarian aid organization that reaches 160 million people each year through its 191 member National Societies. It acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so independently and with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 191 National Societies. The IFRC's strength lies in its volunteer network, community-based expertise and independence and neutrality.

Career & Major Achievements

It works to improve humanitarian standards, as partners in development and in response to disasters. It persuades decision makers to act in the interests of vulnerable people. It works to enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and foster a culture of peace around the world. On 5 May 1919, following the First World War, representatives from the National Red Cross Societies of the Allied Powers (United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, and United States) came together in Paris to establish the League of Red Cross Societies (LORCS) whose stated goal was "to strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies and to promote the creation of new Societies". The initiative was taken by Henry P. Davison, then chairman of the American Red Cross' "War Committee", with the support of Woodrow Wilson, the president of the United States.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Davison was assisted by the British general Sir David Henderson, who became the first Director-General. This newly created federation of National Societies expanded the international mandate of the Red Cross Movement beyond the strict mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to include relief assistance in response to emergencies which were not caused by armed conflict. In addition to the coordination of relief operations caused by natural disasters and health emergencies, the league's mission was to assist National Societies in their founding and development, especially in peacetime. In addition to providing assistance to victims of epidemics, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods and hurricanes) and famines, two other activities were developed during the first years of the league. One main activity was to promote health by preventing illnesses and developing the training of nurses and volunteers.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1919: 1919 Milestone — On 5 May 1919, following the First World War, representatives from the National Red Cross Societies of the Allied Powers (United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, and United States) came together in Paris to establish the League of Red Cross Societies (LORCS) whose stated goal was "to strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies and to promote the creation of new Societies".

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

True or False: “The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was established in Paris immediately after the end of World War I.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was founded following WWI, its establishment involved representatives from Allied Powers coming together to form the League of Red Cross Societies.

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Frequently Asked Questions about International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies