- IFRC
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The IFRC is one of the three bodies of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The other two are the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the 190+ national societies (NS). The IFRC National Societies Directory[1] provides an updated list of all the member societies.
The IFRC was founded in 1919, just after the First World War, in order "to strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies and to promote the creation of new Societies".[2]
The IFRC is today a worldwide humanitarian aid organisation that acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. It does so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. The IFRC's strength lies in its volunteer network, community-based expertise and independence and neutrality. 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, and works to enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and foster a culture of peace around the world.[3]
Quoting the IFRC website:[4]
Who we are
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network that reaches 150 million people in 190 National Societies through the work of over 13,7 million volunteers.
Together, we act before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. We do so without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Guided by Strategy 2020 – our collective plan of action to tackle the major humanitarian and development challenges of this decade – we are committed, in this fast-changing world, to ‘saving lives and changing minds’.
Our strength is in our volunteer network, our community-based expertise and our ability to give a global voice to vulnerable people. By improving humanitarian standards, working as partners in development, responding to disasters, supporting healthier and safer communities, we help reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and foster a culture of peace around the world.