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.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026: United in Humanity. No Matter Where, No Matter When

Message on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

Every day, in communities around the world, the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff choose to stand on the side of humanity. On this 8 May, we pay tribute to their unwavering dedication – to the communities they serve, the principles they uphold, and the people they assist and protect.This year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day comes at a time of profound change and increasing complexity in the humanitarian landscape. Around the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are working in environments where access is limited, needs are rising, and the rules designed to protect civilians and humanitarian workers are too often ignored. From armed conflicts to disasters and health emergencies, the challenges are immense. Polarization and mistrust are deepening in many places, making our principled humanitarian action more important than ever.In a divided world, our Movement brings people together in the name of humanity. Even in the most challenging conditions, our Movement continues to act. Humanity is our collective compass. Our independence, neutrality, and impartiality remain essential to ensure we can stand with those in need.To stand on the side of humanity also means standing with those who make humanitarian action possible. Volunteers and staff, often from the very communities affected, are at the heart of our Movement’s reach and impact. It is through their daily presence, perseverance, and compassion that we can respond swiftly, build trust, and remain alongside people in crisis. Despite the uncertainty, despite the obstacles, they continue to show up – donning their vests, offering care, and upholding our shared humanitarian mission.We also pause to remember and honour the 10 colleagues we have lost already this year, following the loss of 38 colleagues from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement who were killed in the line of duty in 2024. Many of them were deliberately targeted – a tragic reminder that even our emblems, protected under the Geneva Conventions, are too often disregarded. Their loss is felt deeply by their loved ones, communities, and teams they leave behind. We honour their memory not only with words, but with continued action. Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to protect humanitarian workers and to call on parties to conflict to respect international humanitarian law.Across the world, in the face of conflicts, disasters, and crises, our Movement is able to reach people because of who we are: the world’s largest humanitarian network anchored in local action. Our volunteers and staff come from the very communities they serve. They bring knowledge, trust, and presence – and a deep commitment to humanitarian values that transcend borders. It is this solidarity and shared purpose that enables our Movement to respond, to remain, and to stand alongside people in their most difficult moments. Humanity. Impartiality. Neutrality. Independence. Voluntary Service. Unity. Universality. As we look toward the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, we recommit to them – not as abstract ideals, but as the foundation of everything we do, grounded in compassion, dignity, and hope.And to the volunteers and staff who bring these principles to life each day – who carry forward our mission with courage, empathy, and resolve – we offer our deepest gratitude.On this World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we raise our voices together as one global family to say: we remain, always, on the side of humanity.Kate ForbesIFRC PresidentMercedes BabéStanding Commission ChairMirjana SpoljaricICRC President

Joint Statement from ICRC President and IFRC President to mark World Red Cross Red Crescent Day: "Every attack on a humanitarian is an attack on the community they served"

Geneva, 7 May 2025 – This World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (8 May), we mourn our colleagues who were appallingly killed while trying to save lives. Their deaths demand far more than empty words of outrage—they demand action.The international community cannot continue to look away as the rules of war are ignored, and humanitarian workers are deliberately targeted. Every attack on a humanitarian is an attack on the community they served, and a betrayal to the laws designed to protect civilians and alleviate suffering in conflict. The brutal killing of our colleagues at the Palestine Red Crescent Society in March sparked a global outcry. But their story is not isolated. From Gaza to Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond, our colleagues are coming under fire while driving ambulances, distributing aid, and reaching frontline communities in need. Already this year, we have lost 10 colleagues. This follows the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement alone losing 38 staff and volunteers in 2024. If this horrifying pattern continues, 2025 may be even worse.States and parties to conflict bear direct responsibility for reversing this disturbing and dangerous trend by protecting humanitarian workers, upholding international humanitarian law, and standing up for our shared humanity. The time to act is now.

In the hills along the border, Lupita brings water, first-aid and a big dose of humanity

In the city of Nogales, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, just about everyone knows Rosa Guadalupe Gonzalez Bucio.Health personnel, local authorities, consular representatives, social organizations, local merchants – everyone knows this smart, determined, red-clad woman who drives an all-terrain vehicle through the streets and remote dirt paths in and around Nogales.“Lupita,” as she is affectionately known, is an emergency medical technician, the focal point of the Mexican Red Cross's humanitarian aid for vulnerable migrants on the Mexican side of Nogales, a city that straddles the United States and Mexican border.Every day, Lupita is out there, on her little Red Cross buggy, looking for people who are lost, dehydrated or who have been injured after trying to climb the wall that divides the two countries.For many migrants, Mexico is the last step in the journey that people from all over the world undertake to reach the United States. In 2023 alone, there were more than 2.4 million attempts to cross the border between the two countries, which the United Nations called the world's deadliest land migration route.In 2023, at least 686 migrants lost their lives on this route and almost half of them did so trying to cross arid landscapes such as the Sonoran Desert, the one Lupita drives through every day.Tragic stories on an unforgiving journey“Every day of the year we go out in the racer to look for migrants who need help,” Lupita says. “Although there are even more arid areas, here in Nogales during the summer, the temperatures are extreme. Heat stroke, dehydration and animal bites are common. But in the winter, the desert is also a deadly threat”.It was precisely one freezing night 15 years ago when Lupita experienced a story that marked her forever. A woman walking with her young daughter in the desert fell and was immobilized. The group she was walking with called 911 for help and continued on their way. By the time U.S. and Mexican rescue groups reached her, it was too late. She had died.The girl survived, protected by her mother's embrace. But since there were no shelters in the area intended for this type of case, the girl remained in the custody of the Red Cross until the authorities found her family.Today, in Nogales, there are dozens of centers that each year receive thousands of migrants and asylum seekers from countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia, as well as from Mexico itself.“We have been providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable people in transit for some 20 years and their stories and needs continue to move me as they did on the first day,” says Lupita.“No matter where they come from, most are fleeing a difficult life and face an uncertain, dangerous path with no access to essential services. That's why, even if it seems little, we go out in the racer to look for them. That's why, even if it seems little, we leave water for them at the altars they build in the desert.”And that is why, although sometimes the needs of the vulnerable migrant population seem unmanageable, the Mexican Red Cross offers them basic medical attention, pre-hospital care, psychosocial support and services that help them reestablish contact with their families.The Red Cross offers these services throughout the country, from border to border, thanks to its network of humanitarian service points and thousands of volunteers who, with their commitment, keep humanity alive.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: How a vigilant volunteer helped thwart an emerging cholera outbreak

The city of Tog Wajaale, perched on the Somaliland-Ethiopia border, serves as a crucial crossing point for people and goods, particularly those coming and going from the port of Berbera, located about 300 kilometers away on the Gulf of Aden.It is also a place where an outbreak of any infectious disease could travel quickly — and far — because of the high levels of commerce and people passing through.That’s one reason the swift action of a Red Crescent community health volunteer Nimao Abdi Bade was so critical during the first days of a cholera outbreak in January 2024.Spotting a family with severe symptoms, Nimao recognized the signs and reported their case via a platform managed by the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), which then triggered a swift official response from health authorities and the rapid activation of resources from IFRC's Disaster Resonse Emergency Fund.It turned to be the first reported case ofacute watery diarrhoea (AWD) and cholera in Somaliland and it led to a combined and coordinated response that greatly reduced the impact of the outbreak.A vigilant volunteerNimao's vigilance didn't stop at the first case. Tracing the family's contacts, she uncovered more potential cases involving people who had recently crossed the border. This led to confirmation of several cholera cases and a Ministry of Health intervention.Trained by SRCS to identify and reportcases ofacute watery diarrhoea (AWD) and cholera and inspired by her success, she urged others to report illnesses promptly."AWD/Cholera was new to us," Nimao says. "But SRCS training equipped us to respond. I am so proud of myself and being a volunteer of SRCS."The outbreak prompted SRCS to deploy more volunteers for house-to-house visits and hygiene promotion.Nimao's commitment went beyond initial reporting. During her house-to-house visits, she identified five additional cross-border cases, promptly reporting them. These reports, verified by SRCS Community Health Officer Roda Mohamoud Mohamed, led to further investigations. The following day, six more suspected cases were reported and escalated to the Ministry of Health.Empowered by her success, Nimao has become a champion for timely reporting and community-based surveillance. Her diligence exemplifies the vital role volunteers play in strengthening public health responses.SRCS also responded by mobilizing volunteers in Wajaale, another town on the Ethiopian-Somaliland border, and the surrounding areas, as well as the nearby Marodijeh region. The focus shifted to house-to-house visits, hygiene promotion, and raising community awareness about AWD/Cholera risks and prevention.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: Lebanese Red Cross offers relief and a ray of hope for migrant shipwreck survivors

Every year, hundreds of people of Lebanese, Syrian and other nationalities set off from the shores of Lebanon on extremely perilous sea journeys in desperate search for a better life.These journeys often end up in tragedy: In September 2022, a boat carrying over 140 migrants leaving Lebanon sank off the coast of Tartus, Syria; many people drowned, while others went missing.In other cases, boats leaving Lebanon have been pushed back by authorities in countries of destination.Since 2019, Lebanon has been facing anevolving complex humanitarian crisis, with severe inflation, unemployment and deteriorating living conditions pushing people to leave the country.“People who usually take the decision to leave often tell us that they have nothing to lose, so they are willing to risk their lives in order to have a chance at a better life in another country,” says Alaa Ammar, Migration Lead and Protection Coordinator at the Lebanese Red Cross.Migrants who survive drowning incidents return to the shore suffering from exhaustion and in need of medical assistance. They often have a place to go to, or a relative to stay with, but they don’t have any money for transportation or to simply get by.Bringing services where needed mostRecognizing the needs of migrants who suffer the consequences of pushbacks from other countries and shipwrecks, the Lebanese Red Cross established mobile Humanitarian Service Points (HSPs) covering different locations along the Lebanese coast.These HSPs are safe, welcoming and strategically located spaces where migrants and displaced people can access reliable support from Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.“The Lebanese Red Cross’ mobile HSPs offer a variety of services based on the need and urgency of the situation,” says Alaa, who also oversees a program called Restoring Family Links that helps migrants reconnect with family members. Other services include emergency medical assistance, shelter, water, hygiene and sanitation services, relief items, food, psychosocial support, and transportation.Since their establishment, mobile HSPs have been deployed on more than eight occasions in Lebanon; this includes responses in Beirut, Tripoli and at the Syrian border.The most recent shipwreck incident occurred in December 2023, off the coast of the northern city of Tripoli, with Lebanese authorities rescuing 51 people, all of whom received emergency medical assistance from a Lebanese Red Cross mobile HSP.The critical factor: trustBut to deliver its life-saving assistance, the Lebanese Red Cross HSPs often rely on people’s trust, which is an essential component that allows the Red Cross Red Crescent movement to operate in local contexts around the world.“The trust that the Lebanese Red Cross has built with people in Lebanon over the years is very evident and is shown by survivors, who often say that they feel relieved when they see our emblem,” Alaa adds.The Lebanese Red Cross’ migration program, including HSPs, has been supported by the Middle East & North Africa Migration Network, a regional network that consists of 15 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, led by the IFRC regional office in collaboration with the ICRC and Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from other regions.“The MENA Migration network was established to strengthen and share expertise and experiences to work with and for migrants, including refugees, their families, and host communities,” says Yasmin Hakim, Migration and Displacement Officer at the IFRC Middle East and North Africa Regional Office.“This year, the network plans to equip National Societies with the skills and leading training initiatives for their staff and volunteers on migration and HSPs to enhance their readiness and preparedness to assist migrants and displaced people.”--Click here to learn more about Migration and Displacement. For an overview of IFRC’s migration programs,click here.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: 8 May is a chance to celebrate and commemorate

This Wednesday, 8 May, is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day. Sixteen million volunteers and staff across our network will reflect on 12 months of activity with a mix of appreciation, admiration and sadness.The year since 8 May 2023 has seen incredible efforts across all 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The five short stories below give a flavour of what volunteers have done.But the last 12 months have also been ones of profound sadness. Our network has lost 30 people who died on duty since last 8 May. Since the beginning of the Israel/Palestine conflict, 22 people have been killed (18 from the Palestine Red Crescent Society, 4 from Magen David Adom in Israel). That’s the highest total from a single ‘cause’ since IFRC record-keeping began. The other 8 deaths were of volunteers in Libya, Sudan, Ethiopia and Iran. The IFRC put together a short tribute video in mid-April honouring those killed up to then. This year, the theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’. We’re using it to call for greater protection for humanitarian workers and to highlight the positive work those in our network do.The IFRC X account will host, here, a special live ‘Spaces’ audio programme at 9.30am CET, featuring a panel of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff from around the world.For interviews with any of the volunteers highlighted below, or members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent leadership team about work over the last 12 months, please contact us.For interview requests, send an email to [email protected], by phone:Andrew Thomas +41 763676587Mrinalini Santhanam +41 763815006Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367Red Cross/Red Crescent Network – stories of four volunteers.Syria – Muhammad GhazawiyaMuhammad Ghazawiya, a volunteer with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, was part of the response team addressing the fires in the Latakia countryside in 2023. During their operations, the team came across a house of an elderly couple, their children, and grandchildren. There were 15 people in it in total. As the fire neared the house, Ghazawiya and his team moved fast to evacuate the family. Despite initial reluctance from the father of the family, they successfully persuaded him to leave, ensuring the safe evacuation of all family members without any injuries. The overall response efforts spanned a week, involving the evacuation of families from hazardous areas, support for firefighters, and the distribution of water and food to affected individuals.Japan - Makoto MoriokaMakoto Morioka, a staff member of the Ishikawa Chapter of the Japanese Red Cross, fled his home alongside neighbours when they were hit by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on 1 January 2024. Arriving at the pre-designated evacuation centre with his family, he found it had been damaged and was not safe to stay in. He immediately led a relocation, loading supplies into a cart and heading for a school on higher ground. Thanks to the disaster simulation drills he had done at the Red Cross disaster preparedness seminar, he was able to act without hesitation, giving his community a safe place to shelter until buildings in his town were safe to return to.Mexico - Lupita DuránOver the last year, Lupita Durán, a volunteer with the Mexican Red Cross has been driving ‘the Racer’, a motorised humanitarian service point. With it, she travels through the desert of Nogales, Sonora, on the US-Mexico border, looking for migrants in need of first aid. Every afternoon, she also leaves water along their migration route, one that runs parallel to the wall that separates the two countries. There is video footage of Lupita, free to download from here.Türkiye - Hafize Naz ErgüneyIn the aftermath of 2023’s earthquake, Hafize decided she needed to help. Going to the ’tent city’ in the main park of the town of Kilavuzlu, she was surprised to bump into two of her best friends, Tuana and Rümeysa. Unbeknown to her, they had made the same decision. The three friends helped prepare, package and provide food, particularly for the elderly. Together, says Haifze, they became like a family, one sharing an immense sense of achievement. ”There is strength in unity” says Hafize ”we gave meaning to that.”Zambia: Emmanuel ChilufyaEmmanuel began volunteering with the Zambia Red Cross when he was just 12 years old and has now, at 23, accumulated over a decade of experience. As a medical student and the chairperson of national youth programs at the Zambia Red Cross, he isleading efforts in the response to the cholera outbreak in Zambia. His roles are varied and crucial, including reconnecting patients with their families, educating recovered patients on health, and distributing chlorine. Emmanuel believes deeply in the power of community and service. “The Red Cross and Red Crescent has no boundaries—it's universal, available everywhere, for everyone.”

A message for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

On 8 May, we commemorate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, and celebrate local to global humanitarian action. It is a day when we honour the legacy of Henry Dunant, the pioneering volunteer who founded the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement more than 160 years ago. Above all, today is a day that we pay tribute to the millions of volunteers and staff working alongside people in need of protection, assistance, healthcare, social aid and solidarity.Amid armed conflicts and violence,disasters, climate-related crises, epidemics, food insecurityandmass displacements in some of the world’s most vulnerable situations, our commitment to helping others remains strong. In these challenging times, the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems we wear are powerful symbols promising protection to people in need. Their universal recognition is crucial to help protect volunteers and staff worldwide as they carry out their life-saving work. Upholding neutral and impartial humanitarian action is paramount and allows our teams to access the most remote, at-risk communities in crisis.With so many global challenges competing for attention and resources, we are committed to shining a light on and addressing the forgotten crises around the world.In a time of polarization and the dehumanization of various groups, including migrants, neighbouring communities, and even first aid workers, our Movement reinforces the basic principle of humanity, especially in the places where it is most essential to keeping Humanity alive.Respect for international humanitarian law not only preserves the humanity of people affected by crises, it preserves our own humanity – both today and in the future. Upholding international humanitarian law reflects the Movement’s core values and is essential for ensuring the well-being and dignity of all people in need.Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff are often the first to respond to to a crisis or disaster. From the most remote corners of the globe and the most challenging contexts, our volunteers and staff are pillars of hope. Every day, they keep humanity alive, providing comfort to people in desperate need – sometimes paying the highest price in the process. This WorldRed Cross and Red Crescent Day, we honour their service, bravery and sacrifice.Beyond borders and amidst our diverse backgrounds, the unity of our Movement lies in our shared commitment to humanitarian action. Our work is rooted in the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Even in the darkest moments, every act of kindness is a beacon of hope, promising a brighter tomorrow.On this day, we fondly remember our colleagues who have died while supporting our humanitarian mission and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones. We also have immense gratitude to all Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff for their unwavering dedication. Let us continue to work together to keep Humanity alive.Kate ForbesIFRC PresidentMercedes BabéStanding Commission ChairMirjana SpoljaricICRC President

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: How humanitarian principles help keep humanity alive during times of division in Myanmar

Dr. Chaw Khin was only in fifth grade when she took part in first aid training sponsored by the Myanmar Red Cross Society, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.Later, during her university years, she began actively engaging in Red Cross activities within her community.Now, aged 66, Dr. Chaw serves as the chair of the Magway Region Red Cross Supervisory Committee. Her transparent approach and emphasis on the Fundamental Principles haspaved the way for effective response in a time of uncertainty and recurring crises.In February 2021, the political and humanitarian landscape drastically changed in Myanmar. Already dealing with the continued impact of COVID-19 and harsh economic conditions, the Magway Region was then affected by clashes between various factions, leading to the displacement of thousands of people.Undeterred, Dr. Chaw navigated the complex environment, conducting dissemination sessions on humanitarianprinciples in order to build trust with people affectedby these crises, as well as all other groups, organizations and agencies involved.A critical foundation, says Dr. Chaw, has been the principle of Independence, which means the Red Cross only focuses on its mandate to help people in need and is not part of any particular group’s agenda.“It’s important to continuously promote and emphasize the independence of the Myanmar Red Cross in all and any form of engagement with all partners, whether formal or informal,” Dr. Chaw says.This is particularly important when various sectors of the community do not trust each other. “Advocacy to local authorities and community has led to increased acceptance in most of the Magway region, but some areas still experience hatred between different sides in the conflict,” she says.That distrust and division is one reason thatACAPS, an organization that seeks to help humanitarians make informed decisions, has categorizedMyanmar as one of five countries globally in “extremely severe constraints" in terms of humanitarian access.Those difficulties also affectthe Myanmar Red Cross, and this is why Dr. Chaw’s transparent and persistent negotiations and dialoguewith numerous groups and communitiesare so important.Supporting the volunteersAsMyanmar Red Cross volunteers are part of the communities they serve, this unrest and upheaval affected them too. Many were displaced from their townships.Dr. Khin made it a priority to keep in touch with her volunteers and ensure they were given as much support as possible.The maintenance of volunteer registration cards, a process she diligently oversaw as a leader, ensured continued support for the volunteers, even in new and challenging circumstances.From pandemic to stormsThe true impact of Dr. Chaw 's leadership unfolded during relief distributions to vulnerable communities. During the pandemic, she served as chair of the COVID-19 Response Committee in Magway Region. In that role, she helped establish strong community relationships and gained the trust of local authorities.In May 2023, Cyclone Mocha – tied with 2019’s Cyclone Fani as the strongest ever recorded in the north Indian Ocean - wreaked havoc in the western and northwestern parts of Myanmar, bringing new misery to struggling communities.During all these challenges, Dr. Chaw played a crucial role in ensuring equitable community access to health, water, sanitation, and education services.Humbled by her experiences, she is full of praise for the Myanmar Red Cross Society and thevolunteers of the Magway Red Cross branch, for everything they do to keep humanity alive.By Swe Zin Myo WinPhotos: Khaing Wai Aung and Htun Kyaw, Myanmar Red Cross Society

Keeping humanity alive by helping communities stay safe from infectious diseases

In the outskirts of Bongor, a town on the western border of Chad, volunteers from the local Red Cross and the French Red Cross are hard at work.In a residential area teeming with children and animals — and under daily scorching heat — the volunteers are organising activities with the community aimed at helping prevent and control the spread of infectious disease.The community here lacks the infrastructure needed to deliver safe water or discharge their wastewater. And because public fountains used for gathering water are not maintained rigorously, the risk of infection here is high.Lack of sanitation systems means that other risky practices, such as open defecation, pose significant hygienic and epidemiological risks.For this reason, the volunteers are raising public awareness about ways people can protect themselves from infection, such as proper cleaning and sanitation of water sources as well as practices to avoid.“The activities raised real awareness among community members,” says Catherine, a 26-year-old volunteer for the Chad Red Cross and local resident. “We notice in particular that the vaccination centre is much busier.”A pharmacy technician, Catherine has been volunteering with the Chad Red Cross for more than a year. She is responsible for raising awareness of the dangers of open defecation.Red Cross volunteers and community members are mobilised three times a week to clean areas most at risk and raise awareness of good practices.“The project will continue to live on its own on the principle of the community transmitting [this information] to the community,” Catherine adds.Catherine is passionate about her work to build knowledge and resilience in her community, and stop diseases from spreading. “The objective,” she explains, “is to fight measles, yellow fever, poliomyelitis, Guinea worm and COVID-19”.The Red Cross volunteers use community disease surveillance methods to keep people safe – recording health-related data about specific issues or incidence of illness affecting the community, and encouraging people to report suspected cases.For Marie-Claire, a state-certified nurse and resident of Bongor who manages a women-led health centre in the city, the Red Cross efforts are effective because they have built trust with people in the community."The Red Cross serves as a trusted intermediary between residents and the health centre,” she says. “The Red Crossconducts disease surveillance and sends pregnant women or those suspected of illnesses for consultations [with the health centre]."The volunteers’ disease-prevention work in various neighbourhoods of Bongor is supported by the Programmatic Partnership between the IFRC network and the European Union. The partnership provides strategic, flexible, long-term and predictable funding, so that National Societies can act before a crisis or health emergency occurs. It is being implemented in 24 countries around the world.

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.