Volunteers: Time to take stock
28 November 2000

The world's largest humanitarian network is to modernize its support systems for volunteers and called today on Governments to improve the legal, fiscal and political base for volunteering during the UN International Year of Volunteers.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies recalled that States Party to the Geneva Conventions had committed themselves to "review, and where necessary, introduce or update legislation so as to facilitate the efficient work of relevant voluntary organisations" in the Plan of Action from the 27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent held twelve months ago in Geneva.

The President of the International Federation, Dr. Astrid Heiberg, speaking at the UN in New York today at the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Volunteers 2001, reminded her audience that States had also recognized "the growing importance of volunteers as providers of practical and emotional support to vulnerable people in the community, thus complementing the coverage of needs not met by the formal service delivery system."

In preparation for the International Year of Volunteers, the Federation is working with the United Nations Volunteers organization to ensure better recognition of the essential role that volunteers play in helping others. Dr. Heiberg recognised that the Red Cross/Red Crescent should not only call on States: "We must acknowledge that there is much we need to do better ourselves. We can no longer take volunteers for granted. It is time to take stock and face up to the realities of the modern world."

The International Federation is to implement a five-year programme to improve training and recruitment of volunteers world-wide. The Federation has a global network of some 100 million members and volunteers, including 20 million who are active in day-to-day programmes. Volunteers are recruited to do a specific job, while members support the organization in general, sometimes paying fees. But they have often not been counted separately.

Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are engaged in a wide variety of activities to help the injured, the ill, the frail and the destitute, including first aid, ambulance services, health education, mountain rescue, psychological support, youth programmes and relief operations in response to major disasters. Each year, they serve more than 200 million vulnerable people.

Dr. Heiberg reminded her audience that the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, Henry Dunant, was a volunteer and the founder of the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. His inspiration came from his experiences organising local villagers to provide care for the dying and wounded at the Battle of Solferino in 1859.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer Mobile phone : (41) 79 217 3345

Media Service, Geneva Mobile phone : (41) 79 416 3881

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 176 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

© 2000 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Related links:
Volunteering in Red Cross Red Crescent
UN International Year of Volunteers 2001