The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's

largest humanitarian organization, providing assistance without discrimination as to

nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Founded in 1919, the IFRC comprises 189 member Red Cross and Red Crescent National
Societies, a secretariat in Geneva and more than 60 delegations strategically located to
support activities around the world. There are more societies in formation. The Red Crescent
is used in place of the Red Cross in many Islamic countries.
The IFRC vision: To inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of
humanitarian activities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating
human suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human
dignity and peace in the world.

The role of the IFRC

The IFRC carries out relief operations to assist victims of disasters, and combines this with
development work to strengthen the capacities of its member National Societies. The IFRC's
work focuses on four core areas: promoting humanitarian values, disaster response, disaster
preparedness, and health and community care. Further details of this work can be found in
the What we do section.
The unique network of National Societies - which cover almost every country in the world is the IFRC's principal strength. Cooperation between National Societies gives the IFRC
greater potential to develop capacities and assist those most in need. At a local level, the
network enables the IFRC to reach individual communities.
The role of the secretariat in Geneva is to coordinate and mobilize relief assistance for
international emergencies, promote cooperation between National Societies and represent
these National Societies in the international field.
The role of the field delegations is to assist and advise National Societies with relief
operations and development programmes, and encourage regional cooperation.
The IFRC, together with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red
Cross, make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Related documents
Strategy 2020

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is
the world's largest humanitarian network that reaches 150 million people in 189
National Societies through the work of over 17 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.
The Formation of the IFRC
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was
founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War I. The war had shown a
need for close cooperation between Red Cross Societies, which, through their
humanitarian activities on behalf of prisoners of war and combatants, had
attracted millions of volunteers and built a large body of expertise. A devastated
Europe could not afford to lose such a resource.
It was Henry Davison, president of the American Red Cross War Committee, who
proposed forming a federation of these National Societies. An international
medical conference initiated by Davison resulted in the birth of the League of
Red Cross Societies, which was renamed in October 1983 to the League of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and then in November 1991 to become the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The first objective of the IFRC was to improve the health of people in countries
that had suffered greatly during the four years of war. Its goals were "to
strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies
and to promote the creation of new Societies"
There were five founding member Societies: Britain, France, Italy, Japan and the
United States. This number has grown over the years and there are now 189
recognized National Societies - one in almost every country in the world.

Governance
While the secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day running of the IFRC, the decisions on its
direction and policy are made by the governing bodies. These bodies define a framework of
purpose, policies, goals and programmes, and provide a mechanism for accountability and
compliance
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the IFRC. It meets every two years
and comprises representatives from all member National Societies. The assembly last came
together in Sydney, 2013 as part of the Movement's Statutory Meetings.
The Governing Board acts between general assemblies, meeting twice a year with the authority to
make certain decisions. The board comprises the IFRC's President and Vice Presidents,

representatives from elected member Societies, the Chair of the Finance Commission and the
Chair of the Youth Commission. The IFRC has four constitutional commissions/committees: Finance
Commission, Youth Commission, Compliance & Mediation Committee and Election Committee.

View the Governing Board members

View the commission/committee members
The Governing Board is responsible for appointing the secretary general, who is the chief executive
officer of the IFRC, directing the secretariat and its delegations.
The 21st session of the Governing Board in May 2010 established the advisory bodies according to
the terms of reference adopted by the 17th session of the General Assembly, November 2009 in
Nairobi. The Governing Board might in addition set up working groups according to specific needs
of the IFRC.

The Governing Board

The Governing Board comprises the following members:
President
Mr Tadateru Kono (Japan)
Secretary General*
Mr Elhadj As Sy
Chair of the Finance Commission
Mr Chrystold Chetty (Seychelles)
Chair of the Youth Commission
Ms Ashanta Osborne (Guyana)
Vice presidents
Mrs Annemarie Huber-Hotz (Switzerland) (ex-officio)
Mr. Osvaldo Manuel Ferrero (Argentina)
Mr. Abbas Gullet (Kenya)
Mr. Francesco Rocca (Italy)
Dr. Baige Zhao (China)
National Society members

Belgium
Bolivia
Botswana
Congo
Denmark
Dominican Rep.
Fiji
Guatemala
Islamic Rep. of Iran
Philippines
Saudi Arabia

Senegal
Spain
Syrian Arab Rep.
Tanzania
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey

National Societies
There are 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world, with more
currently being formed. This unique network forms the backbone of the International Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement.
Each National Society is made up of volunteers and staff, who provide a wide variety of services,
ranging from disaster relief and assistance for the victims of war, to first aid training and restoring
family links.
National Societies support the public authorities in their own countries as independent auxiliaries
to the government in the humanitarian field. Their local knowledge and expertise, access to
communities, and infrastructure enable the Movement to get the right kind of help where it's
needed, fast.
National Society volunteers are often the first on the scene when a disaster strikes and remain
active within affected communities long after everyone else has come and gone.
This unparalleled network of community-based volunteers and staff also plays a vital role in
ensuring that care, prevention and preparedness programmes are carried out on a day-to-day
basis from visiting chronically-ill HIV patients in Africa to organizing early warning drills in
hurricane-prone areas of the Americas. This local presence and community-based approach,
coupled with the Movement's global outreach, resources and know-how, give the Red Cross and
Red Crescent a distinct advantage when it comes to dealing with today's complex humanitarian
challenges.
The promotion of humanitarian values is an intrinsic part of all Red Cross and Red Crescent
activities. The National Societies conduct campaigns and speak on behalf of vulnerable people in
their own countries. They also promote awareness of international humanitarian law and advocate
internationally through the Federation and with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
A list of all National Societies, their contact people and addresses, and their emails and web sites
(where available) can be found in the Directory section of this web site.

National Society key facts

From 2004 to 2011, 160 million people were supported by 600,000 Red Cross and Red
Crescent volunteers in disaster response operations.
The Movement's 189 National Societies represent over 13 million active volunteers. About
half are youth volunteers. Additionally, approximately 50 per cent of the Movement's volunteers
are women.
Worldwide, National Societies employ around 300,000 people.
National Society programmes and services address both immediate and long-term needs
and include:
emergency response
disaster preparedness
community-based health and care
first aid training and activities
restoring family contact for disaster victims
youth and volunteer activities

Activities and responsibilities[edit]

The IFRC coordinates between National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies throughout the
world. The IFRC along with ICRC supports the foundation of new National Societies in countries
where no official society exists. A National Society is admitted as a member to the IFRC only
after it is recognized by the ICRC. The IFRC cooperates with the National Societies of the
affected countries - called the Host National Society (HNS) - as well as the National Societies of
other countries willing to offer assistance - calledPartner National Societies (PNS). Among the
187 National Societies admitted to the General Assembly of the IFRC as full members or
observers, about 25-30 regularly work as PNS in other countries. The most active are
the American Red Cross, the British Red Cross, the German Red Cross, and the Red Cross
Societies of Sweden and Norway. Another major mission of the IFRC which has gained attention
in recent years is its commitment to work towards a codified, worldwide ban on the use of land
mines and to bring medical, psychological, and social support for people injured by land mines.
The stated tasks of the IFRC can be summarized as follows:

to promote humanitarian principles and values.

to support National Societies.

to support projects where funds are available.

The Red Cross Red Crescent is the worlds largest humanitarian network with:

Nearly 15.5 million volunteers

More than 415,000 paid staff

More than 160,000 local Red Cross and Red Crescent units/ branches

33.9 million people having donated blood to National Society blood services worldwide

More than 115.4 million people reached by Red Cross Red Crescent disaster
preparedness programming

More than 77 million reached in 2012 by disaster response and early recovering
programming

More than 77.2 million people reached in 2012 by long-term development programming

That is more than 154.2 million people reached in 2012 alone, with more than half being
supported by Red Cross Red Crescent development work.

A total income of more than 31.4 billion Swiss francs in 2012, with total expenditures
being just over 31.1 billion Swiss francs.

Organization[edit]
The IFRC has its secretariat in Geneva. It also runs five zone offices and has a number of
delegations around the world. The Secretary General is Elhadj As Sy.[5] The IFRC is governed by
a Governing Board consisting of a president, four vice-presidents, the chairman of the finance
commission and 20 National Society representatives.[6] The highest body of the IFRC is the
General Assembly which convenes every two years with delegates from all National Societies.
Among other tasks, the General Assembly elects the President.The current president of the IFRC
is Tadateru Konoe, who also fulfills the role of president of the Japanese Red Cross).

Presidents of the Federation[edit]

As of 2013, the president of the IFRC is Tadateru Konoe (Japanese Red Cross). The vice
presidents are Paul Bierch (Kenya), Jaslin Uriah Salmon (Jamaica), Mohamed El Maadid (Qatar)
and Bengt Westerberg (Sweden).
Former presidents (until 1977 titled "Chairman") have been:

19191922: Henry Davison (USA)

19651977: Jos Barroso Chv

19221935: John Barton Payne (USA)

19771981: Adetunji Adefarasin

19351938: Cary Travers Grayson (USA)

19811987: Enrique de la Mata

19381944: Norman Davis (USA)

19871997: Mario Enrique Villa

19441945: Jean de Muralt (Switzerland)

19972001: Astrid Nklebye He

19451950: Basil O'Connor (USA)

20012009: Don Juan Manuel

19501959: Emil Sandstrm (Sweden)

2009present: Tadateru Konoe

19591965: John MacAulay (Canada)

Funding and financial matters[edit]

The IFRC is funded by statutory contributions from National Societies, the delivery of field
services to programme partners, and voluntary contributions from donors such as governments,
corporations and individuals. The criteria for the statutory contributions of each National Society
are established by the Finance Commission and approved by the General Assembly. Additional
funding, especially for unforeseen relief assistance missions, is raised by emergency appeals. As
of 2005, the Chairman of the Finance Commission is Mr. Chrystold Chetty (Seychelles) and the
Vice- Chair is Ms Kathryn Forbes (United States).

1. International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Jessica H. Ports International
Humanitarian Law Instructor, American Red CrossPhD Student, Payson Center for
International Development, Tulane University
2. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement National ICRC Societies
Federation
3. The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement
4. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement National ICRC Societies
Federation
5. ICRC ActivitiesThe ICRC works on a neutral and impartial basis to protect and assist
peopleaffected by conflict by: Visiting prisoners of war and security detainees
Searching for missing persons Transmitting messages between separated family
members Reuniting dispersed families Providing safe water, food and medical
assistance to those in need Disseminating International Humanitarian Law (IHL):
promotes respect, monitors compliance and contributes to development
6. Current ICRC Activities in Libya (Regional Delegation in Tunis) Supporting local
medical teams and working closely with the Libyan Red Crescent to alleviate the plight of
civilians affected by the conflict. Visiting detainees in Benghazi and seeking access to
other regions of Libya, in particular the western part of the country Issued a statement
on 19 March calling upon all parties the international forces, the Libyan government
forces, and the armed opposition to abide strictly by the rules and principles of
international humanitarian law. Launched appeal for 24 million CHF to provide basic
supplies and services for around 110,000 people inside Libya and 100,000 crossing over
the border into Tunisia.

7. Current ICRC Activities in Cte dIvoire (Regional Delegation in Abidjan) First-aid

workers have attended to nearly 200 wounded & evacuated 70 serious cases to medical
facilities. Provided medicines for the hospitals in the western cities of Blolquin and
Toulepleu. Refugees in border communities have made over 350 free phone calls and
send Red Cross messages to their loved ones in Cte dIvoire. This brings the total of
restored contacts to over 750 since mid-December 2010. Made 6 visits to places of
detention to monitor the conditions & treatment of detainees. Provided food aid for 1,020
detainees in 10 prisons. 1,370 wells were disinfected and chlorinated, and over 1,000
people received training in basic hygiene.
8. International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies Programs on behalf of
victims of natural disasters, socio-economic crises and health emergencies; refugees,
and member national societies includePromoting humanitarian valuesDisaster
responseDisaster preparednessHealth and community careCapacity building
9. Examples of Current Federation Activities Central African Republic (Floods, August
2010) 145,252 CHF allocated from the DREF to support the CARCS in delivering
assistance to some 330 families (1,650 beneficiaries). Essential non-food items were
distributed to the targeted families, including cooking utensils, mats and blankets to assist
with day to day living. Distribution of bed nets reduced risks of malaria infections.
Improved sanitation conditions through construction and rehabilitation of almost 500
latrines, coupled with hygiene promotion to 6,144 helped protect against an outbreak of
water born diseases. Japan (Earthquake & tsunami, March 2011) Supporting the
JRCS in deployments of 85 medical teams operating out of hospitals & mobile clinics,
Each team includes a trained psychosocial nurse, who allows survivors to voice their grief
and anxieties, & discuss practical concerns. JRC has 2,400 trained psychosocial nurses
and an eight-member specialist psychosocial team. 439,337 people are being housed
in 2,457 evacuation centers, mostly schools and other public buildings. 31 out of 47
JRCS branches have special equipment to deal with the nuclear biological chemical
disaster. JRCS and IFRC have set up a family link website.
10. National Society Activities Serve as independent national relieforganizations
Support public authorities and mitigate humansuffering through prevention, disaster
relief,education, and health/social welfare programs Assist victims of armed conflicts and
naturaldisasters through the Red Cross/Red CrescentMovement Disseminate and assist
their governments indisseminating IHL Work with governments to ensure respect forIHL
and to protect the emblem(s) Support the ICRC and the InternationalFederation
11. Movement Timeline 1959: Solferino, Italy Henri Dunant witnesses the aftermath of
the Battle of Solferino 1863: Geneva, Switzerland Dunant forms what will become the
ICRC, the red cross is selected as a protective emblem. 1864: Twelve states sign the 1st
Geneva Convention - protection of wounded enemy soldiers and those caring for them.
12. Movement Timeline 1881: Clara Barton establishes the American Red Cross, begins
to include disaster relief in Red Cross activities. (first activity: flooding in Johnstown,
Ohio) 1896 & 1898 Clara Barton & ARC assist Armenian victims of Turkish oppression,
provides supplies to Cuban victims of the Spanish-American War. 1905: American Red
Cross receives Congressional Charter 1914-1918: World War I ICRC expands
activities to include prisoners of war.
13. Movement Timeline 1919 League of Red Cross Societies is formed (precursor to
the Federation) 1928 Recognition of respective mandates for ICRC, National Societies,

and League (birth of the Standing Commission). 1941: American Red Cross begins
National Blood Donor Service 1949: Geneva Conventions The wounded and sick in
armed forces in the field Wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of armed forces at
sea Prisoners of war Civilian persons
14. Movement Timeline 1965: Proclamation of the Fundamental Principles 1977:
Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions Protection of victims of
international and non- international armed conflicts 1991: Dissemination of IHL becomes
a priority for the Movement. 1997: The Seville Agreement is signed. 2005: Third
Protocol relating to the adoption of an additional emblem
15. The Movement Today There are 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies. Network of approximately 97 million members and volunteers worldwide. Paid
to Volunteer Staff Ratio of 1:20 Provides assistance to some 233 million beneficiaries
each year.
16. Red Cross Employment ICRC Skills always in demand: hospital administration,
water & sanitation engineers, nurses, mechanics, interpreters/translators. Recruitment
of delegates is temporarily restricted to Arabic, Russian, and Spanish speakers.
Federation Food security, shelter, and logistics specialists in demand. Specialists in
one of the 4 key areas: promotion of fundamental principles and humanitarian values,
disaster response, disaster preparedness, health and care in the community.
Multilingual preferred (IFRC official languages are Arabic, English, French, and Spanish
17. Additional Resources International Committee of the Red Cross: www.icrc.org
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: www.ifrc.org
1. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF REDCROSS AND RED CRESECENT
SOCIETIES Presented By: Zarah Faraz
2. HISTORY OF IFRC IFRC is a non-profit organization aimed at providing different
forms of services to a number of deserving people. The movement branches out into 3
major organizational, all united under the same flag with the main aim of providing
humanitarian services to the people.
3. PRODUCT Health and Social Services Migration Humanitarian Logistics. Disaster
Management Disaster law Visiting detainees Protecting civilians Reuniting families
4. PLACE AND TIME Evolution of IFRC Established in May 1919, in Paris as the
because of the consequences of world war 1. It all started of with 5 nations and the
number has grown to 186 over the years, including an operating centre in all the 186
nations. The head quarter is in Geneva ,Switzerland
5. PRICE IFRC being a non-profit organization has no price tags attached to the
services it provides . The finance is raised mainly through the donations European
Union is one example of organizations that generously and voluntarily donate to IFRC
6. PROMOTION The promotional campaigns for IFRC are carried out through different
source that includes: Electronic Media Internet Television Print Media Newspapers
Magazines
7. PEOPLE VOLUNTEERS STAFF MEMBERS THE PEOPLE SEEKING IFRC
SERVICES There are around 97 million people that perform their duties towards
humanity ,making red cross a global organization .
8. PROCESSFor all the services that the organization provides, it has adifferent kind of
process in the form of a question answer sessionwith the person in question, just for the
purpose of obtainingrelevant information necessary for IFRC to provide the services .

9. PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY RED CROSS has come forward as a brand, an NGO
with an aim of a non-profit organization. Now when associated as a brand, it obviously
provides good quality services to all, regardless of the religion, color, nationalities etc
Productivity is also of good standards in terms of the staff of IFRC .
10. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE/EXISTENCE The physical building of the headquarterspicture The camps held on the war side-picture Newspaper clips-picture