World Red Cross Day 2025: Theme, History, Key Facts And Principles Of Red Cross
World Red Cross Day 2025: World Red Cross Day, also known as Red Crescent Day, is an annual event held on May 8 to honour the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman and the founder of the Red Cross, the world's largest humanitarian aid organisation. He founded the (ICRC) International Committee of the Red Cross and received the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
The day provides an opportunity to promote the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's important humanitarian beliefs and activities. These organisations are essential in providing aid and assistance to individuals affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies.
World Red Cross Day 2025: Theme
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The theme for this year's World Red Cross Day is 'Keeping Humanity Alive', which aims to honour individuals who dedicate their time and often their lives to ease the suffering of others and safeguard their intrinsic human dignity. In a time of unprecedented crisis and loss, it serves as a tragic reminder of the everyday hazards that humanitarian workers face, as well as our collective responsibility to ensure that their life-saving work is fully respected and safeguarded.
World Red Cross Day 2025: History
The history of World Cross Day traces back to the aftermath of World War I when the Red Cross made enormous efforts to promote peace. The Red Cross Truce report, published at the 15th International Conference in Tokyo in 1934, outlined the principles required to safeguard wounded soldiers during the war.
The proposal was later implemented during World War II in 1946. In 1948, the Board of Governors of the League of Red Cross Societies suggested commemorating Henry Dunant's birth anniversary as the founder of the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Since then, World Red Cross Day has been observed annually on May 8.
World Red Cross Day 2025: Significance
World Red Cross Day is highly significant in the field of human rights. Its motto, 'Per Humanitatem ad Pacem,' translates to 'With humanity, towards peace,' and symbolises its message of fostering global peace.
The Red Cross plays an important role in conflict zones and disaster-affected areas and the day provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the organisation's ideals, mission and actions. It highlights the significance of humanity, compassion and solidarity during times of crisis.
World Red Cross Day 2025: 7 Principles of Red Cross Society
Humanity: The primary goal is to safeguard life and health while also ensuring respect for all individuals. It encourages mutual understanding, friendliness, and cooperation among all people.
Neutrality: The organisation does not take sides in armed conflicts or engage in political, racial, religious, or ideological controversies.
Impartiality: It also does not discriminate based on nationality, colour, religious convictions, or political views.
Independence: The movement must be free of political, economic, and other external forces to function independently and effectively.
Unity: There can only be one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any given country.
Voluntary Service: It is a voluntary relief movement that is not driven by personal gain.
Universality: All members of the society have equal status and responsibilities.
World Red Cross Day 2025: Key Facts
The movement is present in almost every country.
It boasts a massive network of volunteers, totalling more than 16 million globally.
The movement operates through 197,000 local branches, ensuring that help reaches even the most remote communities.
The movement is involved in a variety of activities, such as disaster relief, blood services, health and care programs, first aid training, and refugee assistance.
By observing World Red Cross Day, people can express their support for the Red Cross' essential work in providing humanitarian aid and promoting humanitarian principles globally.
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First Published:
May 08, 2025, 07:10 IST
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