General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department and Data Protection Office

Lucie Laplante has 25 years of cross-sector experience in accountability, risk management, compliance and innovative legal strategies in global humanitarian contexts, championing strong governance and ethical stewardship. As General Counsel, she oversees the Legal Department and Data Protection Office, advising on complex and multijurisdictional legal matters, strategic risks, key partnerships, policy frameworks, multi-million-dollar transactions, and innovative financing instruments. She represents the organization before relevant authorities on matters relating to legal status, administrative law and safeguarding. She also leads governance compliance and integrity efforts, and spearheads digital transformation, with the work of the Data Protection Office and modernization of IFRC governance. Previously, Lucie served as Justice Advisor for the German Government in Sierra Leone, coordinated Rule of Law initiatives with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Côte d’Ivoire, and supported legal reforms in Chile and Bolivia with the Canadian Development Agency. In private practice, she advised multinationals on corporate and investment law in Mexico City and other clients in Canada. A lawyer by training (Quebec and New York State Bars), Lucie excels at leading diverse teams and navigating complex governance and legal environments. She mentors emerging lawyers, champions female leadership, and speaks at global events.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

The theme of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026, United in Humanity, celebrates the volunteers and staff who stand alongside communities in times of crisis, not as outsiders, but as part of them. In an increasingly complex and divided world, they turn compassion into action, offering hope,dignityand support when it matters most. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is both a tribute to their unwavering commitment and a moment to remember those who have lost their lives in service of others. It is also a call to uphold and protect humanitarian action, ensuring that neutral,independentand impartialsupportcontinues to reach those most in need, wherever they are.

Global Leadership Team

The IFRC's Global Leadership Team is made up of our Secretary General, four Under Secretaries General, five Regional Directors and the Director of the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations. Discover them below.

The old and the (Re)new

By Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General and CEOOn 5 May 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War, a small group of National Red Cross Societies came together in France with a bold idea. They believed the compassion, solidarity and voluntary service shown during wartime should not disappear in peace. Instead, it should be organised, extended and made available wherever suffering occurred. That moment marked the birth of what would become the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.More than a century later, we mark that founding not only as a historical milestone, but as a reminder of why this network exists.The world we are operating in today is not the one imagined in 1919, nor even the one we knew a decade ago. Humanitarian needs continue to rise, while solidarity and funding are shrinking. Long‑standing assumptions about how international aid works are being tested, and in many cases overturned. Thingswill not go back to the way they were.This is the reality driving the IFRC’s Renewal, our strategic reorientation to double down on what we do best. Renewal is about becoming even more locally led, more focused, more accountable, and even better equipped to serve communities in environments often tougher today than they have ever been.But Renewal will only succeed if it is firmly anchored in ourFundamental Principles.In a world where humanitarian action is increasingly politicised, principles are sometimes treated as outdated or irrelevant. What matters, say some, is what works; not what lies behind, not the philosophy behind decisions. I disagree. Staying true to core principles, however contexts change, is what means organizations like ours maintain guardrails around our decisions. Even as we operate in a very different world to ones of decades past, we’re recognizable, and our work is extensive and impactful, because our principles remain consistent.Take neutrality. It allows our network to reach people others cannot. It allows us to stay when access narrows and pressure intensifies. It keeps our focus where it belongs – on the consequences of crises, not on assigning blame.Impartiality and independence are just as essential. They are what allow communities to see the Red Cross and Red Crescent as their own, rather than as an extension of any government, donor or agenda. Without that trust, access erodes. Without access, response becomes impossible.This is why Renewal is not a departure from who we are. It is a continuation of the founding vision of 5 May 1919 – a belief that a strong humanitarian network must be anchored in local action, global solidarity and shared principles. Renewal is about deepening localization. It is about focusing our efforts where our impact is greatest. It is about being more agile, more accountable, and more transparent in how we use resources entrusted to us. It is about using technology unimaginable in the past to enhance the very things our founders believed most essential.Renewal is also about shifting even further away from notions of community-dependency towards local ownership – supporting National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to lead, not follow, and ensuring that international support strengthens, rather than replaces, local capacity. Renewal means doing things differently, but always doing them with the same integrity our network has always held central.Choices ahead will not be easy. Which country gets support and which doesn’t? Who gets prioritized and who doesn’t? How do we apply our principles of impartiality when the fundings get even more earmarked? While we grapple with these questions, we must be absolutely clear about what does not change.Efficiency and principles as well as speed and trust must go hand in hand. A humanitarian system that modernises but loses credibility with communities is not stronger – it is weaker.More than a century after our founding, our relevance will be measured by whether people still trust the Red Cross and Red Crescent on their doorstep. Renewal is how we protect that trust for the future – by becoming more local, more focused and more accountable, while remaining true to the values that have sustained our network for generations.

Joint statement from ICRC President and IFRC President to mark World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

This World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day comes at a moment of profound alarm. Across conflicts and crises, we are witnessing a dangerous erosion of the very values and safeguards designed to preserve human life and dignity.Too many of our colleagues have been killed - some while driving ambulances, working in hospitals and responding to emergencies; others while helping people in their own communities. We honour them and mourn alongside their families, loved ones and colleagues.These deaths are not isolated tragedies. They are part of a broader pattern of disregard for international humanitarian law, for the protection owed to medical and humanitarian personnel, and for the rules that help preserve human dignity in some of the darkest times. When those who care for the wounded, evacuate the injured or keep health services running are attacked, the loss goes far beyond individual lives. Communities lose a lifeline. Trust is shaken. Our shared humanity is diminished.And yet, in armed conflicts, disasters and other crises worldwide, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff continue to stand with people in need - often in the same places where they live, raise their families and face the same dangers as those around them. Their presence is a powerful expression of humanity in action.On this 8 May, we call on all those with influence and responsibility to uphold the protections that civilians, medical personnel, humanitarian workers and communities depend on. Respect for the emblems, for humanitarian rules and principles, is therefore essential.Today, we also say to colleagues across our Movement: we see you, we thank you and we stand with you. At a time when division, violence and disregard for human suffering are testing the limits, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remains united in humanity.See the menu bar above right to read the message in Arabic, French and Spanish. Click the links below to read the message in Chinese, Portuguese and Russian. Chinese | 中文红十字国际委员会主席与红十字会与红新月会国际联合会主席关于世界红十字与红新月日的联合声明值此世界红十字与红新月日之际，我们为全球局势深感担忧。在各类冲突与危机中，我们目睹着一种危险的趋势：旨在维护人类生命与尊严的基本价值观与保障，正在遭到侵蚀。我们众多同事不幸殉职——有些人在驾驶救护车、在医院工作或开展应急救援时牺牲；有些人在自己的社区救助民众时惨遭不幸。我们向他们致敬，并与他们的家人、亲人和同事一同沉痛哀悼。他们的牺牲绝非孤立事件，而是反映出一种普遍现象：国际人道法遭到践踏、医护人员和人道工作者应享有的保护受到漠视、那些在至暗时刻维护人类尊严的规则遭到破坏。当救治伤员、撤离伤者或维持医疗服务运转的人员遭到攻击时，损失远不止于个体生命的消逝。社区失去了生命线，信任崩塌瓦解，我们共同守护的人道亦随之减损。然而，即便如此，在世界各地的武装冲突、灾害和其他危机中，红十字与红新月志愿者和工作人员始终坚守在需要帮助的民众身边——他们往往就生活在这些地方，养育着自己的家人，与其他民众面临同样的危险。他们的存在，正是人道行动最有力的体现。值此5月8日之际，我们呼吁所有具有影响力、肩负责任的各方，共同维护平民、医务人员、人道工作者以及社区赖以生存的各项保护。对红十字与红新月标志的尊重，对人道规则与原则的尊重，因而至关重要。今天，我们也要向整个运动全体同仁致以心声：你们的付出，我们时刻铭记；你们的坚守，我们心怀感激；我们与你们并肩同行。在这个分裂加剧、暴力横行、人类苦难遭到漠视的时代，人类的底线不断经受考验，但红十字与红新月运动始终凝心聚力，矢志人道，携手同行。 Portuguese | PortuguêsDeclaração conjunta da presidente do CICV e da presidente da FICV para marcar o Dia Mundial da Cruz Vermelha e do Crescente VermelhoEste Dia Mundial da Cruz Vermelha e do Crescente Vermelho chega nem um momento de profunda preocupação. Em meio a conflitos e crises, testemunhamos uma perigosa erosão dos próprios valores e salvaguardas concebidos para preservar a vida e a dignidade humanas.Muitos dos nossos colegas foram mortos – alguns enquanto dirigiam ambulâncias, trabalhavam em hospitais e respondiam a emergências; outros enquanto ajudavam pessoas nas suas próprias comunidades. Hoje lhes prestamos uma homenagem e lamentamos junto com as suas famílias, entes queridos e colegas.Estas mortes não são tragédias isoladas. Fazem parte de um padrão mais amplo de desrespeito pelo Direito Internacional Humanitário (DIH), pela proteção devida ao pessoal médico e humanitário e pelas normas que ajudam a preservar a dignidade humana em alguns dos momentos mais sombrios. Quando as pessoas que cuidam dos feridos, evacuam os lesionados ou mantêm os serviços de saúde em funcionamento são atacadas, a perda vai muito além das vidas individuais. As comunidades perdem um recurso vital. A confiança é abalada. A nossa humanidade compartilhada é diminuída.No entanto, em conflitos armados, desastres e outras crises no mundo todo, o voluntariado e as equipes da Cruz Vermelha e do Crescente Vermelho continuam ao lado de quem mais precisa – muitas vezes nos mesmos lugares onde vivem, criam as suas famílias e enfrentam os mesmos perigos que as pessoas ao seu redor. A presença deles é uma poderosa expressão de humanidade em ação.Neste 8 de maio, fazemos um apelo a todos com influência e responsabilidade para que defendam as proteções das quais civis, comunidades, equipes saúde e humanitárias dependem. Respeitar os emblemas, as normas e os princípios humanitários é, portanto, fundamental.Hoje, também queremos dizer aos colegas de todo o nosso Movimento: nós vemos vocês, agradecemos a vocês e estamos com vocês. Em um momento em que a divisão, a violência e o desprezo pelo sofrimento humano testam os limites, no Movimento da Cruz Vermelha e do Crescente Vermelho humanidade ainda nos une. Russian | русский Совместное заявление президента МККК и президента МФОККиКП по случаю Международного дня Красного Креста и Красного ПолумесяцаВ этом году Международный день Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца отмечается в атмосфере сильнейшей тревоги. В самых разных конфликтах и кризисных ситуациях мы становимся свидетелями ослабления защитных механизмов и опасного размывания именно тех ценностей, которые призваны сохранять человеческую жизнь и достоинство.Слишком много наших коллег погибло: водителей скорой помощи, врачей и медсестер в больницах, спасателей, разбиравших завалы, и тех, кто раздавал гуманитарную помощь. Мы чтим их память и скорбим вместе с их родными, близкими и товарищами по работе.И это не какие-то отдельные трагические происшествия. Это часть одного сценария, для которого характерно пренебрежение международным гуманитарным правом, защитой, на которую имеют право медицинские и гуманитарные работники, и правовыми нормами, помогающими сохранить достоинство человека даже в самые мрачные времена. Когда те, кто заботится о раненых, эвакуирует пострадавших или обеспечивает работу системы здравоохранения, подвергаются нападениям, ущерб не ограничивается гибелью отдельных людей. Целые сообщества остаются без помощи. Подрывается доверие. Объединяющая всех нас гуманность ослабевает.И тем не менее повсюду в мире во время вооруженных конфликтов, стихийных бедствий, технологических катастроф и других кризисных ситуаций добровольцы и сотрудники Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца не оставляют без поддержки тех, кто в ней нуждается, — нередко там же, где они живут, растят детей и подвергаются таким же опасностям, что и все окружающие. Их работа представляет собой яркое проявление гуманности в действии.В этот день 8 мая мы призываем всех, кто обладает влиянием и на кого возложена ответственность, соблюдать нормы, предоставляющие защиту гражданскому населению, медицинскому персоналу, гуманитарным работникам и другим категориям лиц. Уважение к эмблемам и соблюдение гуманитарных норм и принципов имеет поистине жизненно важное значение.Сегодня мы также обращаемся ко всем нашим коллегам по Движению: мы рядом с вами, мы ценим все, что вы делаете, и благодарны вам. Сейчас, когда разногласия, насилие и пренебрежение к страданиям людей размывают границы допустимого, Красный Крест и Красный Полумесяц остаются едиными в своей гуманности.

Humanitarian work should never be a death sentence - yet for many it increasingly is

Geneva, 5 May 2026 - As the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) marks the 107th anniversary of its founding on 5 May and prepares for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May, we must confront a stark reality. Humanitarian work has become increasingly deadly, and it is local humanitarian personnel who are paying the heaviest price.Most recently, the conflict in the Middle East has taken an enormous toll on our colleagues. Six volunteers, including four from the Iranian Red Crescent and two from the Lebanese Red Cross, were killed and many more injured while trying to help others.It is the latest example of a deadly trend that is increasingly putting humanitarian personnel – and particularly local humanitarians - in harm’s way.The numbers tell a clear story (IFRC network figures):Thirteen volunteers and staff from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have lost their lives in the first four months of 2026 while carrying out their humanitarian work. Nine of them were killed in violent attacks and four died in accidents while on duty, while many others have faced attacks, injuries and threats.Four members of the Iranian Red Crescent and two volunteers from the Lebanese Red Cross were killed while carrying out their humanitarian duties since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East in 2026.From 2023 to today, almost 100 volunteers and staff from the IFRC network have died or been killed while serving their communities. This is part of a broader global trend, with 2024 marking the deadliest year on record for humanitarians worldwide.For context, during the previous five years (2018-2022 inclusive), over 30 volunteers and staff from the IFRC network died in the line of duty - around half of them in violent attacks.Prior to 2018, only one other year was comparable - 2017 – which saw one of the single most deadly attacks against our staff and volunteers, when 10 members of the Central African Republic Red Cross were killed on duty. That same year, a total of 32 volunteers and staff were killed by violence and 5 died in accidents.Since 2023, three National Red Crescent Societies have been particularly hard hit, accounting for more than 70 per cent of deaths in the IFRC network. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society has lost 23 volunteers and staff, the Palestine Red Crescent Society 32, and the Iranian Red Crescent Society 15.Figures for deaths of humanitarian personnel killed while on duty from the IFRC network also show that the proportion of those killed in violent versus non-violent incidents has also increased.In 2023, 65% of volunteers and staff from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies killed in the line of duty, were killed in violent incidents.In 2024, this figure jumped to 92%.In 2025, the figure was 88%So far in 2026, 69% of the IFRC network’s humanitarian personnel killed in the line of duty have died in violent incidents.Lastly, it is overwhelmingly local humanitarian personnel who are paying the heaviest price. Global data from the Aid Worker Security Database (which tracks the violent deaths of all humanitarian personnel globally), shows that in 2025, of the 332 humanitarians who were killed in violent incidents worldwide, 99 percent were local personnel.The data is clear. This is not a one-off spike caused by a single incident or context, but a dangerous trend that threatens the security of humanitarian workers. It also points to a changing risk environment, with an increasingly complex range of actors involved in violence against humanitarian personnel.Each of these numbers tells a story of acceleration; inequality; consequences for humanitarian operations; lack of accountability.International humanitarian law is clear. Humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets must be respected and protected. The emblems of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal are symbols of protection. Attacks on humanitarian personnel are unacceptable, and they must not be allowed to become normalised.The international community must take concrete steps to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and ensure their safe and unimpeded access. States must use their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.At the same time, more must be done to support the safety and wellbeing of humanitarian workers, particularly local staff and volunteers. This includes investment in training, protective equipment, insurance, and support for them and their families.We call for concrete steps to support measures such as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, together with our 191 National Societies and 17 million volunteers, stands ready to work with governments, the United Nations, and all partners to turn this Declaration into concrete action for real and lasting protection.It is time this message was heard and acted on. It is time to stop the cycle of violence.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Japanese Red Cross Society

Myanmar Red Cross Society

President

At the IFRC, Forbes most recently served as chairman of the organization's Audit and Risk Commission. Under her leadership, the commission has increased transparency and accountability to deliver life-saving assistance more efficiently around the world. Kate’s Red Cross journey began in 1981 at her local American Red Cross Chapter in Phoenix, Arizona. She worked to combat a surge of home fires impacting Indigenous communities, prevent drownings across the region and provide access to health services through special transportation programs. At local and regional levels, she improved safety and well-being through effective community engagement. Kate then served as the chairman of the local board of directors, regional chapter services board chair and then national chair of chapter services. In 2000, Kate assumed the role of Vice-Chairman of the American Red Cross Board of Governors and then the National Chairman of Volunteers. In these roles, she mobilized more than a million volunteers to deliver assistance, connect with local communities and provide training in their local communities. In her professional life, Kate was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of Electric Applications Incorporated. With more than four decades of experience as a CFO, auditor and controller, she has held executive positions providing vision and inspiration to diverse groups. She specializes in managing complex, rapidly changing financial, utility and green technology businesses with geographically diverse multimillion-dollar operations, under strict financial compliance regulations. In a volunteer capacity, Kate’s served as Chairman of the American Lung Association, a member of the Arizona State University Foundation Board of Directors, Chairman of the PSI Audit Committee, and on a variety of local and national boards. Kate is the recipient of numerous awards, including the following: theHarriman Award, the American Red Cross premier award for outstanding volunteer service; Deborah Karr King Award Central Arizona Chapter, Red Cross Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Service; the Athena Award, the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Award for Outstanding Business Woman; Public Service Award American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award for Public Service; and the Arizona State Society of Certified Public Accountants Award for Service to the Society.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026: United in Humanity. Volunteers at the heart of communities in Cameroon, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe.

Chief of Staff and Under Secretary General for People and Strategy

Christopher Rassi, based in Geneva, Switzerland, serves as IFRC Chief of Staff and Under Secretary General, People and Strategy. He ensures the Secretary General can effectively discharge his statutory duties and key responsibilities at all times, supporting the Secretary General in the management of the organization. He also leads the organization’s areas of work related to People and Strategy, including overseeing the Executive Office, Ethical Practices, Human Resources Management, Strategic Planning and Global Security. He is the IFRC’s designated Safeguarding Champion. Christopher serves on the Senior Leadership Team and Global Leadership Team.Christopher has worked in various roles with the IFRC in different locations, most recently in Southeast Asia as Head of Delegation based in Bangkok, Thailand and as the IFRC’s Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific. He led major operational responses in the region, including during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his time with the IFRC, Christopher has focused on transforming National Societies to be strong local actors and promoting localization and accountability in the humanitarian system.Before joining the IFRC, Christopher practiced as a lawyer within the United Nations and in private practice, including at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and with the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda in The Hague, Netherlands and Arusha, Tanzania. He was also a foreign law clerk at the Constitutional Court of South Africa in Johannesburg.Christopher is a frequent speaker and lecturer at global events and universities around the world. He serves on several boards, including the Board of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Board of the Jean-Pictet Competition in International Humanitarian Law, and the Dean’s Cabinet for Global Legal Studies at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization

Nena Stoiljkovic leads a division in IFRC that focuses on Humanitarian Diplomacy and Communications, Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, Digital Transformation, and Global Humanitarian Services and Supply Chain Management.Collectively, this division works to build and maintain strong, accountable and respectful partnerships, ensuring that IFRC and its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have the resources, influence, profile and fit for purpose systems needed to remain trusted partners of choice for communities that they serve.Prior to joining the IFRC, Nena worked in the World Bank Group on global development issues such as climate change, gender, and fragile and conflict-affected situations for more than 25 years. This includes roles as Vice President for the World Bank’s Global Practices, Vice President of International Finance Corporation’s Operations and Partnerships and Blended Finance.At the World Bank Group Nena promoted blended finance innovations, including efforts to build a new development finance architecture by working closely with other financial institutions, governments and the private sector. She helped shape the World Bank Group strategy, working with the International Development Association (IDA) on a pioneering 2 billion US dollar private sector window in IDA18 to catalyze greater private investment in low-income and conflict-affected countries.

Secretary General

Jagan has extensive experience in leading effective and principled humanitarian response around the world and has dedicated his life to helping empower local communities. He brings decades of experience in building and leading inclusive teams and forging trustful partnerships to address global challenges, ranging from climate to health, and from migration to protection, gender, and inclusion. He has also championed policies and programmes that promote youth engagement and volunteering, and that strengthen localization and accountability in humanitarian action. He began his humanitarian journey as a youth volunteer with the Nepal Red Cross and has extensive experience in, and broad knowledge of, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Prior to being appointed Secretary General, he served as Under Secretary General for Programmes and Operations at the IFRC. He was also previously Chief of Staff and Regional Director for Asia Pacific, where he provided leadership during large-scale humanitarian crises and built resilient communities alongside National Societies and other partners. An engineer by training, Jagan holds certificates in Leadership and Turnaround Management,Emerging Social Sector Leadership, and High Performance Boards. A national of Nepal, he is fluent in Nepalese, English and Hindi and has basic knowledge of Urdu and Russian.

Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Coordination

Xavier Castellanos Mosquera has more than three decades experience in National Society development, resilience building and emergency humanitarian operations at national, regional and global levels. He has served the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in various capacities since 1981, when he started as a volunteer with the National Society of Ecuador. He joined the IFRC in 1998 after Hurricane Mitch in Central America. Prior to his appointment as Under Secretary General, Xavier served as Regional Director for Asia Pacific. In this role, he provided strategic and operational leadership on disaster preparedness and response to COVID-19, tsunamis and earthquakes and other health and disaster-related emergencies. He has also previously served as Regional Director for the Americas, along with various other leadership positions across the Movement.

Director of the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations

Kris Wallace was appointed Director of the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations in May 2021, having previously worked as the IFRC’s Head of Internal Audit. Before joining the IFRC, Kris spent the past decade working in audit and investigation leadership roles within the UK Government—including serving as Deputy Head of Audit and Investigations for the former UK Department for International Development (DFID). During his career, Kris has led audits and investigations in more than 50 countries around the world, including in conflict-affected countries such as Sudan and Somalia. He has extensive experience in leading high-profile and media-sensitive investigations and led the development and implementation of DFID’s Safeguarding Investigation Team. Kris is a longstanding member of the UK’s Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CMIIA). He has a postgraduate Diploma in Audit and Consultancy as well as a master’s degree in Counter Fraud and Corruption Studies.