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The Mission
The Mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is to relieve human suffering, wherever it may be found; to protect life and health; to ensure respect for the human being, particularly in times of armed conflict and natural disaster; to help prevent disease; to promote health and social welfare; and to encourage voluntary service.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, as part of the International Red Cross Movement, is one of more than 180 National Societies. More than 250 million paid and volunteer staffs are involved in Red Cross programs in virtually every country in the world. American Red Cross International Services supports humanitarian relief around the world. Activities include:
- International Tracing
- Holocaust & War Victims Tracing
- Making International Disaster Relief Inquiries
- Making Health & Welfare Inquiries
- Securing International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Documents
- Dissemination of information on International Humanitarian Law
- Information & Referral Services
To request assistance with any of the above services please call the Chapter at (805) 543-0696.
Services provided by the American Red Cross worldwide have a strong impact on our own American communities. Many people in this country have origins in other countries and keep close ties to friends and family in often-distant places. When crisis occurs in another country, they turn to the Red Cross not only for information about their loved ones but also to contribute time and money. What most Americans enjoy everyday- food shelter, being with family, the prospects for earning a living- the Red Cross restores to devastated populations.
The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross:
- Humanity: Our purpose is to prevent and alleviate suffering, protect life and health, and ensure respect for the human being.
- Impartiality: We do not discriminate as to nationality, race, religion, class, or political opinions.
- Neutrality: We do not take sides in hostilities or political, racial, religious, or ideological controversies.
- Independence: We must always maintain our autonomy.
- Voluntary Service: We are not prompted by a desire for gain.
- Unity: There is only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent society in any one country.
- Universality: The movement is worldwide.
The American Red Cross is Helping People in Many Ways:
Working with Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the world, the American Red Cross provides monetary support, food, supplies and logistical support to aid people around the world. On-going activities include:
- Humanitarian relief to people displaced by armed conflict, lawlessness, flood, drought, storms and other natural disasters.
- Construction of infrastructure to provide safe water supplies and sanitation.
- Long term recovery support for major disasters such as the 2004 tsunami.
- The Measles Initiate—a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally, led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
Humanitarian Law:
The Geneva Conventions are international treaties designed for protection of victims of war, including wounded and sick military personnel, prisoners of war, and the civilian population in areas of conflict. Henry Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross was instrumental in the development of the Geneva Convention.
What You Can Do:
Red Cross donors in the U.S. are touched by the plight of the vulnerable — women, children, the elderly — and give generously. Our donors recognize a unique attribute of the Red Cross — that the Red Cross truly has a global reach, with counterparts in almost all countries of the world helping their communities build self-sufficiency. Further, donors feel assured knowing that Red Cross humanitarian contributions never leave Red Cross hands from one country to another.
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