Red Cross

Red Cross

          Red Cross is now the largest and probably the most active international humanitarian organization of the world. It known as Red Crescent in Muslim countries and Red Star Israel. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Societies (IFRCS) has more than 250 million member worldwide. Nepal is among the 176 countries which now have  their national Red Cross or Red Crescent societies. Internatio1 Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) made up of up to 25 S% citizens is the core organization.

            Red Cross was founded by a Swiss banker, Jean He1 ‘Dunant in 1863. But his idea of founding such organization ca in 1859 when, during his holiday in Italy, he witnessed an law battle at Solferino. Appalled by the scene of thousands soldiers killed or wounded in a single day in a complete lack of care, Dunant published a book and called for groups volunteers in every country. Responding to his call, 16 countries  for a conference at Geneva and formed the organization After a year in 1864, under the leadership of Red Cross, countries signed the Geneva Convention which is now a cod conduct for war for protecting wounded soldiers, Red Cr volunteers, prisoners of wars and civilian population. The same meeting adopted the white flag with a red cross. It is reversion of the Swiss flag which has white cross on background. Muslim countries have their modified white with crescent moon and Israel that with red star.

            Now Red Cross provides humanitarian service for victims of war as well as natural disasters. During wartime is offers aid to alleviate the sufferings of the victims such as wounded soldiers, non-army people and prisoners of war. It also provides emergency aid to the victims of natural disasters such as earthquake and flood. During peacetime, it renders service to improve the health of the general public. Blood bank management, ambulance service, mobile health camps, health training, tree plantation and sanitation are among the main functions of the Red Cross volunteers.

            Red Cross services have been proved exclusively, important both in wartime and in peacetime. It has played vital role in rescuing, treating and rehabilitating the victims of all major wars and disasters. Its recognizable emblem is worn by the volunteers administering emergency aids as in battlefield. It has got fervent recognition from the world community. The founder was awarded the first Nobel Prize for Peace in 1901. In addition, the ICRC has been awarded the prize three times so far.

Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) was established in 1953. Each district has its District Chapters (DCs). There are Nepal Junior Red Cross and Youth Red Cross for students and youths to be linked with the NRCS. It runs wide ranging projects in the management of the war and disaster victims as well as in raising the status of public health. It works together with many NGO’s, governmental departments and local people dedicated in health sector.